PITTSBURGH SEASONS

Autumn is here! You may feel a sense of change and anticipation these days in Pittsburgh, as fallen leaves crackle on campus and the air turns crisp and cold. But autumn is all too short in southwestern Pennsylvania, which means winter is just around the corner.

Winter in Pittsburgh is unpredictable. Rain, snow, wind, and low temperatures trade places with sunny skies and mild afternoons--it's not uncommon for the weather to change in the space of a day. Plan to dress in layers, and get your sweaters, coats, and boots ready.


Need cold-weather gear? The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs has created a cold-weather shopping guide! Find it here.



CAMPUS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

University Libraries


The University Libraries is a hub for learning, sharing, and the discovery of new ideas. The Graduate Student News thanks Business & Economics Librarian Ryan Splenda for sharing information and updates about the Libraries!



Make sure you reach out to your liaison / departmental librarian.

They are dedicated librarians for your academic department / college,

and are a great initial resource!



Quick Facts:





What services or resources do you offer for graduate students?


CMU Libraries contains many resources, services, and people that can help you with your class and research needs! In addition to research databases, print and electronic books, and journals that will help with your class projects and personal research, we also house specialists who can help with Data & Code Support, Data Visualization, Evidence Synthesis, GIS Services, Open Science & Data Collaborations, Research Data Management, and so much more! Check out our complete Services Directory for details. And please feel free to contact us if you ever have questions or need help!       



What events are happening at the Libraries, especially in November? 


CMU Libraries offers many workshops throughout the academic year on a semester-by-semester basis. These workshops are designed to help you learn a new skill, deepen your understanding of a specific topic, or introduce you to an unfamiliar tool, technology, or technique. Explore our Workshop Calendar to find a workshop of interest. Some interesting workshops in November include Introduction to R Part 1 & Part 2 (11/7 and 11/14) and Data Visualization in R (11/7). Registration is required for each workshop, so sign up fast!



What’s new with the Libraries?


The Libraries are constantly adding new resources and developing new events and/or services. To stay on top of what we are doing, make sure to check out our Events & News page. Here you will find info about new databases and resources, unique collaborations, and fun FYI articles (i.e., “Horror Filmed in Pittsburgh”). Also consider signing up for our Newsletters to stay in the loop!



What message would you like to deliver to graduate students? 


CMU Libraries is a welcoming and collaborative environment for ALL people, including graduate students! Please visit our Libraries in-person to study, collaborate, meet with experts, grab a coffee, and explore our collections. Our friendly librarians and staff are happy to help you in any way we can with your educational and research endeavors! Make sure to also reach out to your respective liaison/departmental librarian for help/guidance. They are dedicated librarians for your academic department/college, and are a great initial resource to start with.


NEWS & EVENTS

Conference Funding and GuSH Research Grants


The application periods for fall Conference Funding and Graduate Small Project Help (GuSH) Research Grants have closed. Those students receiving conference funding have been notified, and GuSH research grant awardees will be announced soon.


The next Conference Funding application period, covering conferences

that will take place January 1 - March 31, 2024,

will be open from November 6 - 27.


Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website for information on how to apply!

Calling All Student Artists!


CMU’s Undergraduate Student Senate and Graduate Student Assembly have passed proposals to fund student-made art in public spaces, creating an initiative to permanently showcase and celebrate student art in public spaces on campus.

 

Detailed descriptions of each site location can be found here with a map of locations available here. Any student or team of students at CMU who pay an activities fee for the Pittsburgh campus is allowed to submit a proposal. The student or team must have a faculty advisor who has agreed to work with them to refine and execute their proposal (if selected).


Please submit your proposals in this form by November 17. By submitting a proposal, you are agreeing to complete the proposed project within the Spring 2024 semester if selected.


For each project, up to $4000 will be provided to cover material costs and $2500 for installation costs, per project. Additionally, an honorarium of $1500 will be provided to the artist(s) per each selected project. 


Please see the GSA proposal for more information. We look forward to your creative additions to campus!


New English-Department Mini Courses Open to All Students!


Build your scholarly communication skills with other graduate students! All disciplines and programs are welcome. Each mini course is 4.5 units:


Mini 3 (76-748): Genre and Rhetorical Conventions


Mini 4 (76-745): Multilingual Writing and Speaking Skills


For more information, contact Dr. Keely Austin.

Mark Your Calendars!


Take a look at these calendars to stay up to date on upcoming and ongoing events on campus!



For a full list of student organizations and events of all kinds, be sure to explore TartanConnect, CMU's official campus engagement platform.

Paws to Relax!


Join volunteers from Animal Friends' Therapet program for some friendly dog companionship every Wednesday from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Mindfulness Room, West Wing, 5119 Margaret Morrison Street.


Visit the event listing for more information!

Stack'd Underground Grand Opening!


Craving burgers, tacos, grilled cheese, or Nashville-style chicken? You're in luck! On October 9, CMU's Dining Services welcomed Stack'd Underground to the lower level of Morewood Gardens. Wraps, salads, and vegetarian and Halal options will be available alongside trending favorites. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to midnight.


Violins of Hope


The Violins of Hope exhibition is going on now through November 21 at CMU's Posner Center. Admission is free, but you must reserve a time. Information and reservations available here.


From the website:


The Violins of Hope Exhibit relates remarkable stories of string instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Each surviving instrument has a unique and inspiring story that connects both young and old to the history of the Holocaust in a deeply emotional, personal, and relatable way. Paralleling lessons of the past to present day issues is key to creating a future where diversity, equality, and inclusion are valued. 

This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be housed at the Posner Center on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus.


At Carnegie Mellon, the holistic health and well-being of students is our top priority. Since 2013, the university has administered HealthyU, an online survey about students’ health and well-being and related experiences at CMU. The data from this survey has been used to inform decision-making around policies, programs, and initiatives that foster a culture of wellness, resilience, and personal growth.

 

All students who submit a completed survey will be entered into a lottery to win one of several prizes, including CMU hoodies, scarves, tote bags, Tartan athletic swag, and more. During Tartan Tuesday on November 14 at the Alumni House, take the survey and share your “thank you for completing the survey” email to earn five additional points to what you earn on the prize wheel!


Take the Pittsburgh Campus HealthyU Survey and explore the survey's frequently asked questions webpage. The deadline for survey completion is November 26.

RESOURCES

Looking for Resources?


Visit the website for the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs to learn more about the CMU Pantry, family care resources, housing, and other important resources for graduate students.

Handbooks


For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about your program's policies, procedures, and resources, be sure to read your departmental handbook! The latest versions have been released by all departments for the 2023-2024 academic year.


You can also find information about Carnegie Mellon's academic and community policies, standards, and procedures in The Word student handbook.

Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)


The GSA is the branch of CMU's student government that represents graduate students. The GSA organizes social events, advocates for issues important to graduate students, and provides funding for graduate organizations and professional development. To find your department rep, the GSA events calendar, the executive committee, and more, check out their website. You can also follow the GSA on Instagram.


Mark your calendars for the GSA Fall Formal on November 17! Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Click here to read more about the event and purchase tickets!

GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

This month's Graduate Student Spotlight column features Mahesh S, a member of the Graduate Orientation team and an Integrated Innovation Institute master's student, and Devon Renfroe, a PhD student in the Modern Languages department. Read on to see their answers to OGPA's Four Questions.

Mahesh S (he/him)


College: Integrated Innovation Institute

Year / Degree Program: 2nd Year / Master's in Integrated Innovation for Product and Services



1.What are you excited about reading, watching, or creating right now?


I like reading Indian mythological books.


2.Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?


My most memorable food would be a South Indian sweet In Trivandrum Kerala, a couple of years back. I was on a vacation with my family.


3.What’s at the top of your must-do list?


I want to climb Mount Everest once. I like taking up adventurous explorations.


4.What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?


I like the seasons of Pittsburgh.

Devon Renfroe (she/her)


College: Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Year / Degree Program: 2nd year / PhD in Modern Languages / Second Language Acquisition



1.What are you excited about reading, watching, or creating right now?


Lately I have been trying to prioritize reading for fun outside of the reading that I do for my coursework and research. I enjoy science fiction and am trying to read more sci-fi originally written in other languages and cultural contexts.


2.Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?


One of the most memorable meals that I've had recently was over the summer while I was working in South Korea. I was working with study abroad students, and we had one big meal together at the end of the semester. Of course the Korean BBQ was delicious, but it was also memorable just to see how much the students had grown and learned over the course of the summer.


3.What’s at the top of your must-do list?


One of the top things on my must-do list in the Pittsburgh area is to visit Fallingwater.


4.What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?


My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is my diverse community at CMU! I love getting to learn about where all of my classmates are from, their languages and cultures, and the important research that they do.


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