Student Affairs Support Throughout Winter Break
Dear Students,
As the fall semester comes to a close, I’m writing to share information and resources available to all students throughout the break. Although university offices will be closed from December 23rd through January 2nd, 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 an enjoyable and restorative 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 University Police at 412-268-2323.
Counseling and Psychological Services
CaPS is available by phone at 412-268-2922 24 hours a day, 7 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. TalkNow (24/7 emotional support), scheduled counseling, health coaching and self-guided content to support self-care are available to all students.
University Health Services and Support for COVID-19 Impacts
UHS services and hours of operation for the break period are updated online. For medical advice and consultation when UHS is closed, call UHS at 421-268-2157 to connect with its after-hours service. Local COVID-19 testing options can be found on the UHS website; Tartan Testing will be available through Wednesday, December 21 and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. Home antigen tests are still available in campus vending machines throughout the break.
Guidance about isolation dates and testing is available through the automated reporting system. The Community Health and Well-Being email account will be monitored regularly when university offices are open.
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 DineXtra partners to meet your dining needs.
Things to Do on Campus and in Pittsburgh During the Break
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 other options.
- Check out the CaPs Instagram post on interesting things to do in Pittsburgh.
- 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.
- Scotland Yard is always available when the Cohon University Center is open for students to play ping pong, air hockey, billiards and other games. Other than during the winter break closure, the Cohon University Center is available 24 hours a day with your Carnegie Mellon ID.
- 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 Aviary, The Warhol and the Heinz History Center.
- 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 VolunteerMatch.
- The Mindfulness Room in West Wing is available 24/7 when the university is open. Follow the Mindfulness Room on Instagram for events. Headspace is available free of charge to all students, faculty and staff. Check out its new “holiday stress” meditation module.
- Stop by the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to connect with fellow students and center staff. The space is open for student use during the break period Monday through Friday on the days that the university is open.