Carnegie Mellon University

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know what my work arrangements are?
Supervisors will notify staff members of their work arrangements based on business needs. It is expected that supervisors will work with staff on any specific, reasonable flexibility needs.

If I have concerns or questions about my work arrangement, who should I talk to?
Staff should talk to their supervisor if they have questions about their work arrangement. Staff can also reach out to their HR business partner.

What resources are available for staff members who work in open spaces?
Staff members who work in open spaces may need headsets or other equipment for Zoom meetings; they should talk to their manager about reasonable equipment or other resource needs. If there are unassigned office spaces in your building that could be made available for Zoom meetings or calls, managers may advise if they can be made available for this purpose.

What options do I have when parking on campus?
CMU offers a variety of parking locations and types across campus. Faculty, staff and students can pay by the hour in parking locations open to visitors or apply for a parking permit in one of our garages or lots. In addition to the standard five-days-per-week permits, some parking locations also offer three-day and two-day options to provide additional flexibility for those whose commutes may vary throughout the week. View the parking permits webpage for additional details and current permit rates.

Why is there a waitlist for some parking locations and permit types?
The university maintains a balance of permit types by location to keep as many spaces in use as possible while also offering flexibility to the CMU community. When popular options reach capacity, waitlists are created to help hold your spot in line. Lists and leases are reviewed monthly, and when a spot opens up in a waitlisted location, it is offered to the next person on the list. There are permits currently available. Faculty, staff and students can log into their parking account to view available options.

What options do I have to get to campus if I don’t want to drive?
Carnegie Mellon has an agreement with Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) to allow our faculty, staff and students to ride PRT busses, light rail and inclines using their CMU ID card. View www.rideprt.org for transit details and schedules. Those living in Oakland, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside can also use CMU’s shuttles and evening escort service.

What if a staff member is required to come into the office on days other than set team days (e.g., for meetings, events or due to travel)?
Staff should discuss this with their supervisors, but it is likely these would be additional in-person days, rather than alternatives. It is at the manager’s discretion whether schedules can be adjusted based on business needs.

When and how might work arrangements change again?
Supervisors will communicate specifics regarding work arrangements with staff members. While we expect this guidance to be in place through at least 2024, individual work schedules are always subject to supervisor approval, consistent with job function and business needs. Work arrangements will be assessed on a regular basis and adjustments may need to be made.

These guidelines are focused on staff. What about faculty?
Faculty members should reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty regarding work arrangements.