Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Review the list below of Frequently Asked Questions. If you still have questions, contact the Dean's Office.

	Where can I find university policies?
	"The Word" is the undergraduate student handbook published annually by the Division of Student Affairs. It contains rules and regulations, as well as in-depth information about campus life.

	Who should I contact with questions regarding tuition billing or financial aid?
	Questions regarding billing for tuition, fees and payment information, financial aid, student loans, and scholarships should be directed to: Enrollment Services (HUB) Telephone: 412268.8186 Email: thehub@andrew.cmu.edu

	Where should my child send AP, IB, or A-level scores?
	Those should be sent directly to: Carnegie Mellon University CIT Dean's Office Atten: Kourtney Kissel/CIT 2011 5000 Forbes Avenue 110 Scaife Hall Pittsburgh, PA 15213 - OR- Fax: 412.268.6421 - OR - Scan as an attachment to the CIT Dean's Office.

	What are Carnegie Mellon’s policies on safety?
	Carnegie Mellon is committed to keeping students safe and healthy while they are at college. Get information on campus safety.

	Where can I locate information about campus scheduled holidays and breaks?
	Carnegie Mellon’s Academic Calendar located on the HUB web site has all of this information and more.

	We have questions regarding housing. Who should my child contact?
	All questions regarding housing, such as room information and roommate assignments, should be directed to: Housing Services Telephone: 412.268.2139 Email: plaid@andrew.cmu.edu

	My child is an international student, who should he/she contact with questions?
	The Office of International Education (OIE) advises international students and scholars regarding personal, immigration/visa, academic, social, and acculturation issues. Telephone: 412.268.5231 Email international students: oie@andrew.cmu.edu Email exchange students: goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu

	Where can I obtain proof that my child is enrolled as a full-time student at Carnegie Mellon for an academic scholarship or medical and/or car insurance?
	Student enrollment verification is available on the Enrollment Services (HUB) web site.

	Are there any computer requirements for CIT?
	For CIT, there are no guidelines or requirements, as CIT students are not required to have computers. All of our labs are outfitted and updated regularly with what students need for engineering coursework. Nevertheless, many students have computers for tasks such as checking email and word processing. Many students also take advantage of our wireless campus and purchase a laptop. This gives them the option to surf the web, check email, or print to networked printers from virtually anywhere on campus and the surrounding area. Get more information from the university Computing Services Department.

	When should my student buy text books?
	It is best for your son/daughter to buy books after arriving on campus and attending the first class to ensure that she/he does not wish to drop or change classes. It is also best to wait to determine what text book(s) are required for a course, for example what books are optional, and what editions are being used. Most professors will provide your student with a course syllabus, which will tell the class exactly what text book(s) is/are being used.

	When does my student register for classes?
	Upon submitting an approved proposed schedule, CIT first-year students will register on-line for Fall courses on August 1st. Spring registration occurs in the middle of November. See the Registration section for more information.

	When will my student declare his/her engineering major?
	CIT students have the opportunity to explore all seven CIT majors through the required First-Year Seminar, two Introduction to Engineering courses, and various informal major receptions. During the second semester of the first year, in April, students will be asked to declare their primary majors.

	Will I get a copy of my son/daughters grades?
	You will not be sent a copy of your son/daughters grades, due to FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This federal law governs the release of education records and access to those records for all educational institutions. Under FERPA, educational records are defined as records that are: "directly related to a student and maintained by an education agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. This includes but is not limited to: grades, mid-term reports, disciplinary proceedings, and directory information." (Learn more about FERPA.) Your son/daughter will access all of his/her mid-term and final grades via the Student Information On-line account (SIO), but access is denied to parents. Having an open line of communication with your child will allow your student to share his/her grades directly with you.