Enrolling Student Checklist

• Login to your online portal account.
• Click on "Update Profile" to view the email address on file.

If you would like to change this email address because this is a school or work account you will no longer have access to, please type your new email address and then click "Update." The system will confirm the email address change, and will send an email confirmation to the new email address. If this email address is correct, click "Close Window." You do not need to take any action.

You will receive an email entitled “Action Required: Your Andrew userID Has Been Created” from it-help@cmu.edu. The email will provide instructions on how to receive your Andrew userID, set a password, and enroll in two-factor authentication (2fa) with DUO, Carnegie Mellon’s multi-factor authentication service provider.  Please be sure to check your spam folder, in the event the email does not appear in your inbox.

Expect this email two to four weeks after you accept the offer of admission. You must accept the offer through your online admission letter. 

Your "Andrew ID" is REQUIRED in order to login to university services such as SIO, Canvas, and HealthConnect.

If you misplaced or did not receive this email, please email it-help@cmu.edu and request an "Andrew ID Activation Replacement Email."

Please note: your activated Andrew userID will be required to successfully complete all of the subsequent steps on this checklist. 

All Orientation and onboarding information is emailed to your University email account (@andrew.cmu.edu). We encourage you to begin checking your CMU email account as soon as it is created and no later than the dates listed below. Accessing your University Email.

All students: May 1, 2026

Communications regarding QSSP, Python, and admission related emails will still be sent to your "application for admission email address". If you would like to change your "application for admission email address" because it is a school or work account that you will no longer have access to, please type your new email address and then click "Update." The system will confirm the email address change, and will send an email confirmation to the new email address. If this email address is correct, click "Close Window." You do not need to take any action.

• Login to your online portal account.
• Click on "Update Profile" to view the email address on file.

FULL-TIME, DEGREE-SEEKING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Full-Time, degree-seeking international students who are required to attain an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit their “New Student Initial Document Request” E-form through the online MyOIE portal.

Click here to find Full-Time, Degree-seeking International Student instructions for applying for the DS-2019 or I-20 Document.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE STUDENTS

International Exchange Students who are required to attain an F-1 or J-1 visa need to submit additional documentation to the Office of Admission.

Visit our Exchange Students web page to find Exchange Student instructions for applying for the DS-2019 or I-20 Document.

Full-time Heinz students will have the opportunity to take placement and exemption exams prior to the start of the fall semester, which offer you the opportunity to place into a higher section of a course or fully exempt a required course. 

This is your only opportunity to sit for these exams. For courses that offer exemption exams, you must sit for the exam to earn an exemption. There are no options to exempt those courses after your program begins. For the exam schedule and details regarding available exams for your degree program, please visit: Placement Exam Information.

For required courses that do not offer an exemption or placement exam during the summer, students may petition to request an exemption. Exemption petitions for incoming students will be available during the month prior to the start of the fall semester. More information can be found here.

An information session on the exemption exam process will be held on May 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT. An invitation will be sent to the email address you used for your application.

Virtual Computer Labs

Heinz College is leading the way in the implementation of Virtual Computer Labs. This means, in part, that we do not have student computer labs in the building. We require all incoming Heinz students to have a laptop computer (that meets the minimum requirements) at the start of class.

Ensure your Laptop meets Heinz Requirements

Your laptop choice may greatly impact your school experience. Please do not purchase a new laptop prior to reviewing these minimum requirements. Also, do not assume that your current laptop will meet the needed requirements. Review the Laptop Requirement Guidelines.

Review Computing Services Documentation

Please review the Heinz Computing documentation. The laptop requirements (mentioned above) are especially important. 

Ensure you understand where to get assistance: it-help@andrew.cmu.edu is your first point of contact, we are here to help you.

Visit Carnegie Mellon’s Information Security Office (ISO) website: https://www.cmu.edu/iso/ and review the resources.

Have questions? Contact Heinz Computing at heinz-computing@andrew.cmu.edu

Deadlines:

Fall 2026 start students: August 14

QSSP students: May 26

Python students: June 22

University Health services requires students to complete an online Health History Form and report the date of receiving required immunizations. If you should become ill during your tenure here, the health history information you enter assists us in providing you with appropriate care.

Students are required to log in to HealthConnect, where you can complete health history and immunizations forms, schedule certain appointments, order prescription refills, request medical records and more. (Note: Students can access HealthConnect only after they've been assigned an Andrew ID.)

All new students must submit immunization information, including uploading a CMU Immunization Record Form signed by their healthcare provider before arriving on campus. You may receive immunizations prior to having access to the HealthConnect portal. Some immunizations may be administered on Campus.

Review the immunizations you will need prior to the start of class.

Have questions about immunizations? Review the University Health Services FAQ's or Contact Student Health Services at health@andrew.cmu.edu

Caution! Health Services will block you from registering for future classes if you fail to complete this information by the deadline. The deadlines are based on your track and start date:

Fall 2026 start students: August 1

Submit your photo for your Student ID+ Card and the Heinz Master's Student Directory. The secure directory is available to Heinz faculty, staff and students only. (You are required to have your Student ID+ Card if you are studying on-campus)

Uploading your photo

• Upload your photo here.
• Be sure to check "YES: I authorize the use of my ID+ photo for optional university departmental photo directories."
• You will receive an email when your photo submission is approved.
• If you do not receive email confirmation within 5 days, please submit your photo again.

Photo upload Deadlines, ID Pick-Up Dates, and Id pick-up Locations

Fall 2026 start students: Upload your photo no later than July 1, 2026.

CMU ID+ Card Uses and Benefits

Your ID+ Card will allow you student discounts around the city, Carnegie Mellon libraries, exercise facilities on campus and any CMU sponsored events. This card will also be required to gain access to some university buildings that are secured at night or on weekends.

Additional information regarding the uses and benefits of your CMU ID+ Card: http://www.cmu.edu/idplus/idcards/index.html

David Eber, Executive Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, will host a presentation on July 1, 2026 to help incoming students with making the neccesary arrangements for financing your graduate studies. This presentation will cover expenses, budgeting, scholarships/fellowships, education loans, student employment, and how to access the The HUB/Student Accounts.

Tuition bills (student account invoices) are sent via email to your University "Andrew" email account. You may also view your bill online. Learn more

FIRST SEMESTER INVOICE AVAILABLE

Fall 2026 start students: Invoices will be available to view on July 1

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Fall 2026 start students: payment is due by August 15*

*Students who are borrowing education loans (federal and/or private) are not required to make a separate payment to the university if their loan will cover their account balance.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

Students who are borrowing US federal loans and/or eligible for federal work study (FWS) are encouraged to follow the timeline on the CMU Student Financial Services website.

Once you have submitted your 2026-2027 FAFSA form and CMU has received any additional required financial aid application materials, CMU's Student Financial Services staff will determine your federal financial aid eligibility for the 2026 - 2027 academic year. At that time, you will receive an email from CMU’s Student Financial Services that will direct you to access Carnegie Mellon's My Student Aid (MSA) portal. 

The MSA portal provides an easy-to-navigate overview of your financial aid. Once available, your aid offer will be accessible within your MSA portal by clicking 'Display Now' within the Financial Aid Offer box. In addition to reviewing your aid offer, you can track the status of your financial aid application, submit supporting documents and forms, and review your estimated cost of attendance.

Once you have been contacted by Student Financial Services, you can log in directly to My Student Aid.

Note: If you have issues logging in to MSA, please be sure to use an updated version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Chrome is the preferred browser. Instructions for navigating and using MSA may be found on the Student Financial Services website. If you have questions about accessing MSA, feel free to reach out to The HUB at thehub@andrew.cmu.edu or call 412-268-8186.

During the summer, you will receive instructions for accepting, decreasing, or declining any loan funds through the MSA portal. Federal loans will not be disbursed unless they are accepted. In the meantime, if your offer contains federal loans, please be sure to complete the federal loan application process by visiting studentaid.gov and following the steps for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Be sure to take action on all federal aid and complete all the required federal forms (the dates listed on the site are suggested dates, not deadlines- but following the timeline puts you in the best position for on time disbursement).

• Be sure to submit loan docs (MPN) and entrance counseling (can be done as early as June 1 for the fall semester).
• Beginning July 1: accept/ reduce/ decline all financial aid listed in the portal. Make sure you respond to BOTH the loan(s) & FWS.

To expedite the processing and receipt of account refunds, students are asked to sign-up for Electronic Refunds. Students can connect a US bank account with their CMU student account to allow for immediate receipt of refunds.

All full-time students are REQUIRED to carry Health Insurance that meets the minimum insurance criteria set by the university. The charge for Student Health Insurance will appear on the invoice of the first semester of attendance in the academic cycle unless you have requested and been granted a waiver.

Please find information related to health insurance and health services on the Student Health Services website.

University Health Services (UHS) is asking all incoming Pittsburgh campus students to enable text messaging from UHS, if possible.  This will allow UHS to quickly communicate important health information.  To enable text messaging from UHS:

1. Log into HealthConnect and confirm birth date
2. Select Profile in the left menu
3. In the Text Messaging row, click Edit
4. Enter mobile number, check “I would like to receive text messages”, and select mobile carrier

These instructions are also available at https://www.cmu.edu/health-services/new-students/index.html#healthconnect.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR fall 2026 Start Students

For students starting class in August, the Health Insurance plan runs August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks.

EXCHANGE Students: Exchange students are also required to obtain required health insurance. Please contact the Health Services Office with specific questions you may have.

Additional information

Questions can be directed to:

• General or immunization information: health@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-2157
• Insurance information: shinsure@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-2157 (option 3)

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to helping students maximize their learning in all of their courses during their degree program. 

Students with physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional disabilities are encouraged to self-identify with the Office of Disability Resources and request needed accommodations.

Masters students may submit an application for accommodations as soon as they receive their Andrew ID and password (see below). For your convenience, the Office of Disability Resources' staff are happy to meet with students by phone to discuss setting up accommodations prior to your arrival on campus.

Obtain accommodations prior to the start of the program by following the steps outlined on the CMU Disability Resources site.

For more information and to begin the application process, please visit the Disability Resources website.

Please contact Victoria Huston (vhuston@andrew.cmu.edu) should you have any questions or concerns.

If you feel your disability will inhibit your ability to participate in any Heinz College Orientation activities, please contact the Heinz Admissions Office at 412-268-2164 or hnzadmit@andrew.cmu.edu. 

Recommended Deadlines listed below:

Fall 2026 start students: August 15

QSSP students: May 26

Python students: June 22

Carnegie Mellon is pleased to offer a tool in Student Information Online (SIO) that gives students the ability to record the preferred pronunciation of their name, as well as provide the phonetic spelling. Through NameCoach, the recorded name and phonetic spelling is then made available for faculty, advisors and others, removing the guessing game of how to correctly pronounce student names.

Students need to activate their Andrew ID before they can access SIO and complete this step.

Record your name here

Carnegie Mellon recognizes that addressing students by their preferred name and using accurate pronouns is critical to a sense of belonging. As such, the university offers data services that enable students to manage their identities in the following ways so they may select how they wish to be identified and addressed:

• Name & Preferred First Name
• Name Pronunciation & Phonetic Spelling
• Pronouns
• Andrew ID
• Gender Identity
• Race/Ethnicity

Students can add/edit their student identity preferences via the Student Information Online (SIO) portal.

For more details, please visit the University Registrar's Office website.

Please Note: Students need to activate their Andrew ID before they can access SIO and complete this step.

Update Your Preferred Name and Pronouns Here

Modules are released on a rolling basis. The Heinz College Career Services office will email you an invitation to participate, as well as provide you updates as they become available.

Modules will be available in late July.

Please email Career Services with any questions about the modules at cs77@andrew.cmu.edu.

The Student Experience and Engagement (SEE) office at Heinz College designed a demographic census to help them get to know who you are. The survey will generate data on the identities, experiences, and characteristics of current Heinz students. The information gathered through this survey will be used exclusively to plan, evaluate, and deliver SEE programs, such as cultural events, student advocacy, and policy recommendations.

The survey is expected to be sent to you via email in early August

Please contact the SEE Office for questions: HeinzSEE@cmu.edu

Deadline to Submit Survey: TBD

This step applies to you if you applied to Heinz before graduating with your bachelor's degree OR if you did not provide an official transcript when you applied.

The transcript that was submitted to our office was not your "Final Official Transcript" because it did not include your date of graduation, name of the degree you earned and/ or was not an official copy of the document. Therefore, the transcript we have on file does not provide official proof that you earned your bachelor’s degree. This is a condition of your admission and you must provide an Official Final Transcript that confirms you have received your bachelor’s degree. Please read the guidelines below very carefully before submitting your Official Final Transcript.

There are requirements that ensure your transcript is “Final” and there are requirements that ensure your transcript is “Official.” You must meet all requirements to satisfy your Final Official Transcript condition.

In order to be a "Final" Transcript the document MUST:

1. be in English
2. state the title of your conferred bachelor’s degree (i.e. Bachelor of Science in Political Science)
3. state the date your bachelor’s degree was conferred
4. include the titles of all courses taken
5. list the grades or marks received for each course

PLEASE NOTE: An official copy of your actual Diploma/Certificate should be sent along with the FINAL OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT when the name and/ or date of the degree conferred/awarded is NOT specified on your transcript. If you attended a college or university outside of the United States or Australia and already provided Heinz College Admissions with your transcript through a transcript evaluation service (such as WES or ECE), you DO NOT need to use an evaluation service when submitting your Official Final Transcript.

TIMING – Order your Final Official Transcript AFTER your degree has been conferred. Some schools actually confer degrees at a later date. Please DO NOT send Provisional Certificates. Contact your institution to be sure your degree is on your transcript.

How to Submit Official Transcripts

Submit Official Transcripts. For your documents to be considered official, they must be delivered to Heinz College in one of the following ways:

• For study completed outside of China, official electronic transcripts and degree certificates may be sent directly from your university to:
  heinz-transcripts@andrew.cmu.edu
   
• For study completed in China, please request your official electronic transcript via CSSD (formerly CHESICC) by requesting the following two (2) documents:
  
  Online Verification Report of Higher Education Qualification Certificate (Indicates the final completion date of your undergraduate degree) AND
  Verification Report of China Higher Education Student's Academic Transcript (shows academic performance for the entire duration of your studies).
  
  CSSD uses a system called Parchment to securely deliver official documents directly to our application system (Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College).
   
• Parchment, Credential Solutions/eScrip Transcript Services if your university uses one of these services for official electronic transcripts and degree certificates, please select the following recipient when placing the order:
  
  “Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College Graduate Admission”
  
  In some systems, you may select Carnegie Mellon University first and then select the specific office of admissions as a next step. Be sure to select the option for "Heinz College". We will not receive transcripts sent to any other office at CMU that you may see listed.
   
• Delivery by Mail (e-delivery not available). If you cannot have an official transcript sent via electronic delivery, official paper transcripts and degree certificates should be mailed to the following address, and must arrive in a sealed, unopened envelope, signed across the seal by the registrar's office:
  
  Heinz College Admissions
  Carnegie Mellon University
  5000 Forbes Avenue
  Hamburg Hall 1101
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  USA
  
  Paper documents that arrive in unsealed envelopes are considered unofficial and cannot be used to fulfill final transcript requirements.
  
  New, campus-based students in Pittsburgh may hand-deliver official paper transcripts to the admissions office in Hamburg Hall (Room 1101). Hand-delivered official transcripts must be in unopened, original envelopes sealed by your university registrar. Note that if electronic delivery is available for your official transcript, that is still the preferred delivery method for our office.

Deadline to submit the final official transcript is approximately one week prior to the first day of classes in your first semester of full-time study at Heinz College:

All Fall 2026 start students: August 14

Click here for detailed instructions on submitting a Final Official Transcript