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 link your ORCiD ID below.
Incoming International 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 international 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
ASAP - Review OIE's Pre-Arrival and Settling In Guide
Before you arrive on campus, we encourage you to review the Office of International Education (OIE) Pre-Arrival Instructions and Settling In Guide. These resources provide information, instructions, tips and advice on preparations you'll want to make before traveling to the U.S., including requesting immigration documents, arriving to the U.S. and campus, and adjusting to life on campus and in the Pittsburgh area.
June 15 - Complete Information in MyOIE Portal
The MyOIE Portal is a secure, individualized portal for F-1 students and former students currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT). You will need to log in to submit both the "New Student Initial Document Request" e-form and "Mandatory Immigration Check-in for New/Return from Leave Students," as well as any additional information 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. Certain immunizations and blood tests for tuberculosis are required for all students and need to be completed prior to your arrival. For additional information about required immunizations and screenings for international students, visit the OIE website.
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. International students may choose to use Flywire or CIBC International Student Pay for online payments. 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. 17 - OIE Welcome Session & Mandatory Check-In
Along with the general Graduate Student Orientation, all new international students with F-1/J-1 status (on a CMU-issued Form I-20/DS-2019) are required to attend the Mandatory International Student Orientation and complete the SEVIS Registration with OIE when you arrive. This special orientation is designed to help you settle in, get to know the campus, and provide you with helpful information and resources to make your time at CMU a success!
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. For additional information about health insurance requirements as an international student, visit OIE's Health Insurance Requirement webpage.
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.
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.
Aug. 15 - Open a Local Bank Account
Once you arrive in the U.S. a local bank account will allow 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.
Aug. 15 - 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. If you choose not to open a local bank account, you will need to continue making payments through one of the accepted international online payment platforms, Flywire or CIBC International Student Pay.
Varies - 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 as soon as you set up a U.S. bank account.
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
Office of International Education
The Office of International Education serves CMU's international student and scholar community by advising individuals on immigration, personal, academic, social and acculturation issues. OIE's friendly, knowledgeable and experienced staff are passionate about their work and strive to promote a positive intercultural environment and experience. International students and scholars are encouraged to regularly check their email and OIE's website during their time at CMU for important immigration updates and reminders.
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.