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 and you will receive more information about this soon.
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 parking office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. The university has an arrangement with the Pittsburgh bus system so that you can ride free in a large region with your Carnegie Mellon ID.
Computer Accounts and Email
You will have a computer account on the “Andrew” system when you arrive. Andrew accounts are automatically created on a nightly basis. Andrew account passwords are automatically set to the first 8 digits of your student ID. Computing Services has additional information for new graduate student page for more information. 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 will be assigned a mailbox, typically shared with several other students. Please see Jack Thorpe x8-3170 as soon as possible to get a mailbox. You should plan to check your mail at least 2-3 times per week.
Mellon Institute Computer Cluster
The cluster in MI 320A provides twenty-four hour access to Macs and PCs with university ID/access card. You will probably want to use the cluster until you have a temporary desk assignment and possibly as a supplement to the machines available in your research group.
University Center
The University Center houses a large variety of facilities, including recreational areas (pool, gymnasium, weight room, aerobics); dining options; the University Shoppe (textbooks, clothing, gifts), Entropy (a convenience store), and Skibo Coffeehouse (location of regular happy hours sponsored by the Graduate Student Assembly).
Photocopiers
The department photocopier 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. Danette Stromyer handles calls for maintenance of this copier. Jack Thorpe x8-3170, runs the Mellon Institute Copy Center located on the 3rd floor in the Mailroom. Teaching assistants will typically be responsible for course-related copying and should make an effort to use the copier in the Doherty Hall undergraduate office for this purpose. The photocopier in MI 400 can also be used with a separate access code obtained from Danette Stromyer.
Fax
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.