An ORCiD ID is a unique, persistent identifier that differentiates researchers and scholars throughout their academic careers. Carnegie Mellon, along with other universities, integrates ORCiD IDs into its systems and workflows. If you don't already have an ORCiD ID, or if you have one that hasn't been linked to your Andrew ID, you can create of link your ORCiD ID below.
Incoming Domestic Graduate Student Checklist
Explore this page to find the required and recommended tasks to complete over the summer as you prepare for your Carnegie Mellon experience.
This checklist is intended for graduate students attending in-person classes on the Pittsburgh campus. Some items may also apply to graduate students at the Silicon Valley campus. Graduate students enrolled in online certificate programs are not required to complete these tasks.
Required
July 1 - Submit ID Card Photo
Please submit a photograph for your official CMU ID Card and/or Student Information Online (SIO) account by Tuesday, July 1. Your photo is loaded into your personal SIO portal, which is viewable by your advisors and professors so they can recognize you once your coursework begins. Your photo will also be printed on your ID Card to be used for building access, checking out books from the library, using your dining plan, athletic facilities, the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system and more. You can also add Plaid Cash to your ID Card, so you can use it like a debit card for on-campus services and purchases.
Aug. 1 - Submit Immunizations Records
All new students must submit their immunization history and upload the Immunization Record Form, signed by a healthcare provider, to HealthConnect by Friday, Aug. 1.
Aug. 15 - Pay Fall Semester Invoice Balance
The payment due date for your fall semester invoice is Friday, Aug. 15. You can view your invoice in SIO. If you provided someone with My Plaid Student (MPS) invoice access, they can view your invoice there. Federal loan borrowers should note that loan funds will not be displayed on your student account until they are distributed to and processed by CMU. Departmentally or externally sponsored students should note that you are responsible for paying any charges/fees appearing on your invoice that are not supported by your sponsoring department or outside party. Questions about your invoice may be submitted to The HUB at thehub@andrew.cmu.edu.
Aug. 22 - Waive or Enroll in Student Health Insurance (opens July 1)
All full-time students must have medical insurance that meets the university's requirements. The university offers the Carnegie Mellon University Student Health Insurance Plan (CMU SHIP), as well as vision and dental insurance plans, through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. You must enroll in CMU SHIP or apply for a waiver by Friday, Aug. 22 (and each year you're enrolled at CMU). By default, a SHIP placeholder fee is posted to your student account until you complete this process. If you do not take action to enroll in or waive SHIP, you will be auto-enrolled when the open enrollment period ends. Once your health insurance enrollment or waiver is complete, you will receive email confirmation from HUB International (this is not the same as The HUB at CMU). Questions about enrollment or waiver status may be directed to CMUSHIP@hubinternational.com.
Any Time - Set Up Email & Personal Technology
Before you arrive on campus, you should set up your Andrew account and add a secondary device in DUO for security; your Andrew account is the key to access many of the university’s computing services such as online enrollment applications, including SIO, computing clusters and email. You'll also want to check out any tech requirements for your program, ensuring you install necessary software and secure your devices. Visit Computing Service's website and review their Tech Guides for helpful how-tos, and prepare your tech for life on campus.
At Any Time - Contact Information in SIO
Before the start of the semester, you should log into SIO and submit your most recent contact information and emergency contact information. Within SIO, you can designate an emergency contact, update both your permanent and off-campus addresses, and update your cell phone number. Updating your mobile phone number will automatically register you for CMU Alerts, CMU's emergency notification service. In the event of an emergency, the system will send text, voice and email messages to members of the CMU community.
Recommended
ASAP - Visit The HUB’s Enrollment & Finances Webpage
The HUB’s Enrollment and Finance Resources page contains important information and resources for new graduate students, including course planning and registration, financial resource information, sponsored student information and more.
July 1 - Manage Student Identity
Through SIO, you have the ability to manage your personal identity. This includes designating a preferred first name that differs from your legal name, selecting a @cmu.edu email alias, and recording your name pronunciation and phonetic spelling using NameCoach. You can also indicate your pronouns for use by faculty, staff and teaching assistants. Your identity preferences can be updated at any time through SIO, allowing you to choose how you are identified and addressed across campus systems and offices.
July 20 - Provide Invoice Authorization
If others, such as parents or family members, plan to pay or contribute toward your tuition, be sure to provide authorization in SIO so they will receive an emailed PDF copy of your monthly invoice.
July 20 - Enroll in Online Banking
The most convenient way to make tuition payments is through online banking, which links a U.S. savings or checking account to SIO for fast payments and refunds.
July 20 - Enroll in a Monthly Payment Plan
CMU partners with Nelnet Campus Commerce to offer a tuition payment plan, which allows students and families to pay amounts due to the university in monthly installments. Deadlines to enroll vary depending on the type of plan selected, so be sure to review your options soon if you are interested in setting up a payment plan.
Aug. 1 - Explore Your Degree in Stellic (as available)
Log in to Stellic Degree Audit to familiarize yourself with the requirements needed to graduate on time. Throughout your degree, you will use Stellic to plan your course schedules and track your progress toward earning your degree. Please note that although you may plan your degree using Stellic, registration takes place through SIO.
Sept. 1 - Open a Local Bank Account
A local bank account allows you to conveniently manage your finances. While students may use any bank they wish, CMU partners with PNC Bank and a number of locations can be found both on campus and in the city.
As Applicable
At Any Time - Complete Voluntary Disclosure of Disability
If you have a sensory, physical, emotional or cognitive disability and require academic or other accommodations, submit an application for accommodations. For additional information regarding accommodations at CMU, review the Office of Disability Resources’ list of FAQs.
Varies - Complete Form I-9, Section I (If On Stipend) by First Day of Appointment
Federal law requires Carnegie Mellon to verify the employment eligibility and identity of all employees, including faculty, staff and student workers hired to work in the United States. If you are on stipend, complete Form 1-9 by the first day of your appointment to meet these requirements. Additional methods of verification may be required, depending on the type of work or project to which you are assigned.
At Any Time - Link Your ORCiD ID
Important Offices
The HUB
The HUB, Carnegie Mellon's one-stop-shop for enrollment services, provides assistance and counsel to students for financial aid, billing and payments, registration activities and academic records. Based on your college and program, you are assigned a HUB liaison who will serve as your single point of contact throughout your graduate experience. If you prefer to visit The HUB, located in the lower level of Warner Hall, view our office hours.
Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs
Graduate Student Orientation is planned by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs each semester for new graduate students. This orientation provides an introduction to university services, programs and resources. In addition, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website provides information regarding student life, professional development, research opportunities and more.