Getting Oriented
Logistics
ID Cards
You can get your Carnegie Mellon photo ID card at the HUB. Your card will also give you access to Mellon Institute (MI) and the MI library after 5:00 PM. These ID cards have recently added features, including the ability to submit your ID photo online.
Phones
Most Carnegie Mellon phone numbers begin with 268. When you are on campus, you dial simply 8 and the last four numbers. For off campus calls, dial 9+1 and the ten-digit number. Long distance calls are billed to you individually.
Parking and Transportation
If you want to purchase a parking permit (prices vary according to location), you need to contact the Parking Office immediately (x82052) since student spaces may run out. The university has an arrangement with the Pittsburgh bus system (Port Authority Transit, or PAT) so that you can ride free in a large region with your Carnegie Mellon ID. For more information, visit the university's transportation options page.
Computer Accounts and Email
You should already have a computer account on the "Andrew" system when you arrive. Computing Services has additional information for new graduate students. You may want or need to have accounts on multiple machines but we recommend that you have your email forwarded to a single address. You should plan to check your email at least twice a day. Many important announcements and requirements will be sent to you only by email.
Mailboxes
The Mellon Institute mailroom is on the third floor near the freight elevator. You have been assigned a mailbox, typically shared with several other students. You should plan to check your physical mailbox at least 2-3 times per week. Jack Thorpe at x83170 manages the MI mailroom if you have questions.
Temporary desk and computing
You will be assigned a temporary desk in a lab where you will be able to work and get to know other students until you join a group. Until you have a temporary desk assignment (typically assigned on Friday of the first week of Orientation), your main access to computing will be through the wireless network in Mellon Institute.
University Center
The University Center houses a large variety of facilities, including recreational areas (pool, gymnasium, weight room, aerobics); dining options; the University Store (textbooks, clothing, gifts), Entropy (a convenience store), and Skibo Coffeehouse (one location of happy hours sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly).
Photocopiers and Fax
The department photocopier/scanner in MI 400 may be used with the proper access code for your research group. You can also sign out journals for very brief periods (2 hours) to make copies on the department copier. Until you join a research group, please see Valerie about making copies. Teaching assistants will typically be responsible for course-related copying and should use the copier in the Doherty Hall undergraduate office for this purpose. A fax machine (412-268-1061) is available for faculty, students, and staff with an account number located in MI 400. Please record all transmissions.