Student Affairs Support Throughout Winter Break 2025-2026
Dear Students,
As we transition from fall semester to winter break, I’m writing to share information and resources available to all students throughout the coming weeks. While university offices will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, until Monday, Jan. 5, at 8:30 a.m., Student Affairs staff members are always available to provide support should you need assistance. Below you will find information on how to reach us while the university is closed, along with various opportunities for engagement and connection between now and the start of the spring semester.
Sending warm wishes for a restorative and meaningful break.
Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
General Support From Student Affairs
During normal business hours, the Office of the Dean of Students can connect you with a staff member to provide assistance. After hours, you can be connected with the on-call Student Affairs staff by calling the CMU Police Department at 412-268-2323.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CaPS is available by phone at 412-268-2922, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for crisis services even when the office is closed. In-person services are available during regular business hours by appointment. In addition, TimelyCare is available throughout the winter break and includes TalkNow (24/7 emotional support), scheduled counseling, health coaching and self-guided self-care resources.
University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) services and hours of operation for the break period are updated online. For medical advice and consultation when UHS is closed, call 412-268-2157 to connect with its after-hours service.
Dining on Campus
Hours of operation during the break can be found on the Dining Services website. When the university is closed, check out some of our off-campus DineXtra partners to meet your dining needs.
Things to Do on Campus and in Pittsburgh
Residential Education will be offering several in-person events and programs throughout the break that all students are welcome to attend — graduate students and off-campus undergraduates included!
Here are some additional options:
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- Check out the CaPS Instagram for ways to nourish yourself during the break.
- Support your fellow Tartans on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. for the women’s basketball game vs. Dickinson at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics.
- Enjoy a workout at the Cohon Fitness Center, take a swim in the pool or shoot some hoops at Wiegand Gymnasium. Hours for all facilities are updated online.
- Other than during the winter break closure, the Cohon University Center is accessible 24 hours a day with your Carnegie Mellon ID. When the Information Desk is operating, Scotland Yard Game Room is open for students to play table tennis, pool and foosball. Likewise, the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics will be accessible 24 hours a day via your Carnegie Mellon ID other than during the winter break closure.
- Winter break is the perfect time to explore Pittsburgh's great museums. Through the Arts Pass program, your student ID gets you free access to eight museums, including Phipps Conservatory, the National Aviary, the Andy Warhol Museum and the Heinz History Center. You can also explore Visit Pittsburgh’s top free things to do in the city.
- Want to give back to the Pittsburgh community and learn more about the city? Sign up to volunteer at a local nonprofit through Pittsburgh Cares or Idealist.
- Headspace is available free of charge to all students, faculty and staff. Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs is holding their Sunday Heartfulness Meditation series on Sunday, Dec. 21, and again on Sunday, Jan. 11.
- Stop by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to connect with fellow students and center staff. Over winter break, the space is open for student use Monday through Friday on the days the university is open. All are invited to New Year, New Perspectives: Vision Boarding for 2026 on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 12:30 p.m., in the Center.