Master of Language Technologies
 Student Handbook
 2023 - 2024
 Revised: July 26th, 2023
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 1Contents
 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 6
 1.1 Welcome ........................................................................................................................ 6
 1.2 The MLT Degree ............................................................................................................. 6
 1.3 MLT Contact Information ............................................................................................... 7
 1.4 University Policies and Expectations .............................................................................. 8
 1.5 Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance ..................................................... 8
 1.6 The Carnegie Mellon Code ............................................................................................. 9
 1.7 Vision .............................................................................................................................. 9
 1.8 Mission ......................................................................................................................... 10
 1.9 Consensual Intimate Relationship Policy Regarding Undergraduate Students ............. 10
 2 The Language Technologies Institute .................................................................................. 10
 2.1 Mailboxes & Office Supplies ......................................................................................... 10
 2.2 Photocopies and Printers ............................................................................................. 10
 2.3 Office Space for MS Students ....................................................................................... 11
 2.4 Computers for MS Students ......................................................................................... 11
 3 Master’s Degree Completion and Certification ................................................................... 11
 3.1 Standard Degree Requirements and Degree Certification ........................................... 11
 3.1.1 Graduate Students ................................................................................................ 11
 3.1.2 Early Completion ................................................................................................... 11
 3.1.3 Extended or Longer-than-Standard Completion (Statute of Limitations) .............. 12
 3.1.4 Additional Guidance for Students ......................................................................... 12
 4 MLT Degree Attainment ...................................................................................................... 13
 4.1 Course Requirements ................................................................................................... 13
 4.1.1 Grade Requirements ............................................................................................. 14
 4.1.2 Research Speaking Requirement .......................................................................... 14
 4.1.3 Withdrawal of a Degree ........................................................................................ 14
 4.2 Advising ........................................................................................................................ 14
 4.3 Optional Masters’ Thesis .............................................................................................. 15
 4.4 Definitions of LTI Terminology ...................................................................................... 17
 4.5 Recommended Electives outside of SCS ....................................................................... 17
 4.6 LTI Orientation ............................................................................................................. 18
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 24.7 End of Semester Evaluation .......................................................................................... 18
 4.8 Enrollment Verification ................................................................................................ 18
 4.9 University Policies on Grades and Grading ................................................................... 19
 4.9.1 University Policy on Grades .................................................................................. 19
 4.9.2 University Policy on Grades for Transfer Courses ................................................. 19
 4.10 Academic Integrity ....................................................................................................... 19
 5 Academic Policies ................................................................................................................ 20
 5.1 MLT Academic Policies ................................................................................................. 20
 5.1.1 Duration of Study .................................................................................................. 20
 5.1.2 Double-Dipping ..................................................................................................... 20
 5.1.3 Pass/Fail Grades .................................................................................................... 21
 5.1.4 Independent Study................................................................................................ 21
 5.1.5 Transfer Credit ...................................................................................................... 21
 5.1.6 External Internships .............................................................................................. 21
 5.1.7 Transferring Into the MLT Program ....................................................................... 22
 5.1.8 Transferring Out of the MLT Program ................................................................... 22
 5.1.9 Drop/Add/Withdraw Procedures .......................................................................... 22
 5.1.10 Statute of Limitations ............................................................................................ 22
 5.1.11 Teaching Requirements ........................................................................................ 23
 5.2 LTI Academic Policies.................................................................................................... 23
 5.2.1 “Grandfather” policy ............................................................................................. 23
 5.2.2 Definition of transfer credit versus course exemption .......................................... 23
 5.2.3 External Employment/Consulting ......................................................................... 24
 5.2.4 Leave of Absence .................................................................................................. 24
 5.2.5 Satisfactory Progress ............................................................................................. 24
 5.2.6 Winter and Summer Breaks .................................................................................. 24
 5.3 CMU Academic Policies ................................................................................................ 24
 5.3.1 Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities ............................................................ 24
 5.3.2 Summary of Graduate Student Appeal and Grievance Procedures ....................... 25
 5.3.3 Process for Appealing Final Grades ....................................................................... 25
 5.3.4 Safeguarding Educational Equity: Sexual Misconduct Policy ................................. 26
 5.3.5 Gestational and Parental Accommodation ........................................................... 26
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 36 Financial Issues .................................................................................................................... 27
 6.1 Graduate Student Funding ........................................................................................... 27
 6.2 University Financial Aid ................................................................................................ 28
 6.3 Conference Travel Funding ........................................................................................... 28
 6.4 Office of the Dean of Students Emergency Support Funding ....................................... 28
 6.5 Health Insurance .......................................................................................................... 28
 6.6 Emergency Loans .......................................................................................................... 29
 6.7 Employment Eligibility Verification .............................................................................. 29
 7 Additional University Resources .......................................................................................... 29
 7.1 The HUB Student Services Center ................................................................................ 29
 7.2 Student Information Online (SIO) ................................................................................. 30
 7.3 ID Cards ........................................................................................................................ 30
 7.4 Transcripts .................................................................................................................... 30
 7.5 Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) and Cross-registration ....................... 31
 7.6 Student Privacy Rights and FERPA ................................................................................ 31
 7.7 Academic Calendar ....................................................................................................... 31
 7.8 Professional Development ........................................................................................... 32
 7.9 University Libraries ....................................................................................................... 32
 7.10 Computing Services ...................................................................................................... 33
 7.11 Family and Dependents Resources ............................................................................... 33
 7.12 Domestic Partner Registration ..................................................................................... 33
 7.13 Housing ........................................................................................................................ 34
 7.14 Dining ........................................................................................................................... 34
 7.15 Parking and Transportation .......................................................................................... 34
 7.16 Copying, Printing and Mailing Services ......................................................................... 35
 7.17 University Center .......................................................................................................... 35
 7.18 Athletic/Fitness Facilities .............................................................................................. 35
 7.19 CMU Alert ..................................................................................................................... 36
 A Appendix: Highlighted University Resources for Graduate Students and The WORD, Student
 Handbook .................................................................................................................................... 36
 A.1 Key Offices for Graduate Student Support ................................................................... 36
 A.1.1 Graduate Education Office .................................................................................... 36
 A.1.2 Office of the Dean of Students .............................................................................. 37
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 4A.1.3 Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion ............................................................... 37
 A.1.4 Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation ......................... 38
 A.1.5 Carnegie Mellon Ethics Hotline ............................................................................. 38
 A.1.6 Policy Against Retaliation ...................................................................................... 39
 A.1.7 Graduate Student Assembly ................................................................................. 39
 A.1.8 Language and Cross-Cultural Support ................................................................... 40
 A.1.9 Office of International Education (OIE) ................................................................. 40
 A.1.10 Veterans and Military Community ........................................................................ 41
 A.2 Key Offices for Academic & Research Support ............................................................. 41
 A.2.1 Computing and Information Resources ................................................................ 41
 A.2.2 Research at CMU .................................................................................................. 41
 A.2.3 Office of Research Integrity & Compliance ........................................................... 41
 A.2.4 Student Academic Success Center ........................................................................ 42
 A.2.5 Office of Research Integrity & Compliance ........................................................... 44
 A.3 Key Offices for Health, Wellness & Safety .................................................................... 44
 A.3.1 Counseling & Psychological Services ..................................................................... 44
 A.3.2 Health Services ...................................................................................................... 44
 A.3.3 Campus Wellness .................................................................................................. 45
 A.3.4 Religious & Spiritual Life Initiatives (RSLI) ............................................................. 45
 A.3.5 University Police ................................................................................................... 45
 A.3.6 Shuttle & Escort Services ...................................................................................... 46
 A.4 The WORD .................................................................................................................... 46
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 51 Introduction
 1.1 Welcome
 Welcome to the Language Technologies Institute. While this handbook (and your college
 graduate student handbook) is specific to your academic experience in the LTI, there are several
 other resources and offices that graduate students are encouraged to consult during their
 tenure at Carnegie Mellon University. Information about The Word, the student handbook, the
 Office of Graduate and Postdoc Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and others,
 are included in Appendix A of this handbook.
 1.2 The MLT Degree
 The Master of Language Technologies (MLT) is a research-oriented Master of Science degree
 offered by the Language Technologies Institute (LTI), a graduate department in the School of
 Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. The MLT program is a 24-month program
 consisting of courses, directed research, and an optional Masters' Thesis. Typical research
 areas include speech processing, information retrieval, machine translation, natural language
 processing, machine learning, and computational biology. Many MLT graduates continue on to
 PhD programs in the LTI or other leading universities. Other graduates go on to work in the
 computer industry, many at major corporate research laboratories.
 There are significant differences between CMU's different departments and degree programs in
 philosophical approach, procedures, policies, and regulations. Each department issues a
 handbook that informs graduate students of their program requirements and procedures and
 ensures that students have written access to the standard information outlined below. This
 handbook describes the policies, procedures, and requirements for the Master of Language
 Technologies (MLT) degree.
 While this handbook is specific to your academic experience in the department, there are
 several other resources and offices graduate students are encouraged to consult during their
 tenure at Carnegie Mellon University. Information about The Word, Carnegie Mellon University
 Student Handbook, the Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Education, the Office
 of the Dean of Student Affairs and others are included in Appendix A of this handbook.
 All policies not explicitly described in this document conform to School of Computer Science
 (SCS) policies and university policies described in The Word, Carnegie Mellon University Student
 Handbook and at the University Policies website.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 61.3 MLT Contact Information
 The people responsible for administering the MLT degree are:
 Kate Schaich Robert Frederking
 Program Manager, MLT Program Director, MLT
 Graduate Program Manager, LTI Principal Systems Scientist
 GHC 6415 GHC 6515
 412-268-4788 412-268-6656
 kschaich@cs.cmu.edu ref@cs.cmu.edu
 Robert Frederking Mona Diab
 Chair of Graduate Programs, LTI Director, LTI
 Principal Systems Scientist GHC 5415
 GHC 6515 412-268-6656
 mdiab@andrew.cmu.edu
 In addition, students may confer with the Graduate Education Office
 (graded@andrew.cmu.edu) regarding issues of process or other concerns as they navigate
 conflicts.
 The Language Technologies Institute is located primarily on the 5th and 6th floors of the Gates
 Hillman Complex (GHC) on Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh campus. The address and contact
 information of the LTI are:
 Language Technologies Institute
 Carnegie Mellon University
 5000 Forbes Avenue
 Gates Hillman Complex 5402, LTI
 Pittsburgh, PA 15241-3891
 412-268-6591 (phone)
 412-268-6298 (fax)
 http://www.lti.cs.cmu.edu/
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 71.4 University Policies and Expectations
 It is the responsibility of each member of the Carnegie Mellon community to be familiar with
 university policies and guidelines. In addition to this departmental graduate student handbook,
 the following resources are available to assist you in understanding community expectations:
 • The Word/Student Handbook: www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword//index.html
 • Academic Integrity Policy: www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-
 life/academic-integrity.html
 • University Policies Website: www.cmu.edu/policies/
 • Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs:
 www.cmu.edu/graduate/policies/index.html
 Due to the changing nature of conditions and expectations surrounding public health and safety
 requirements, please visit www.cmu.edu/coronavirus for the most up to date information.
 Please see Appendix A for additional information about The Word and other university
 resources.
 1.5 Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance
 Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration
 of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or
 disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran
 status or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate
 and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive
 orders.
 Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed
 to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
 15213, telephone 412-268-1018. Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University
 by calling 412-268-2000.
 Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report
 describing the university's security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault and fire safety policies, and
 containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus, and the
 number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You
 can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The
 annual security and fire safety report also is available online at
 www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports.
 Information regarding the application of Title IX, including to admission and employment
 decisions, the sexual misconduct grievance procedures and process, including how to file a
 report or a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a report of sexual harassment, and how
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 8the university responds to such reports is available at www.cmu.edu/title-ix. The Title IX
 coordinator may be reached at 5000 Forbes Ave., 140 Cyert Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; 412-
 268-7125; or tix@cmu.edu.
 1.6 The Carnegie Mellon Code
 Students at Carnegie Mellon, because they are members of an academic community dedicated
 to the achievement of excellence, are expected to meet the highest standards of personal,
 ethical and moral conduct possible.
 These standards require personal integrity, a commitment to honesty without compromise, as
 well as truth without equivocation and a willingness to place the good of the community above
 the good of the self. Obligations once undertaken must be met, commitments kept.
 As members of the Carnegie Mellon community, individuals are expected to uphold the
 standards of the community in addition to holding others accountable for said standards. It is
 rare that the life of a student in an academic community can be so private that it will not affect
 the community as a whole or that the above standards do not apply.
 The discovery, advancement and communication of knowledge are not possible without a
 commitment to these standards. Creativity cannot exist without acknowledgment of the
 creativity of others. New knowledge cannot be developed without credit for prior knowledge.
 Without the ability to trust that these principles will be observed, an academic community
 cannot exist.
 The commitment of its faculty, staff and students to these standards contributes to the high
 respect in which the Carnegie Mellon degree is held. Students must not destroy that respect by
 their failure to meet these standards. Students who cannot meet them should voluntarily
 withdraw from the university.
 The Carnegie Mellon Code can also be found on-line at http://www.cmu.edu/student-
 affairs/theword/code.html
 1.7 Vision
 Carnegie Mellon University will have a transformative impact on society through continual
 innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 91.8 Mission
 To create a transformative educational experience for students focused on deep disciplinary
 knowledge; problem solving; leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; and personal
 health and well-being.
 To cultivate a transformative university community dedicated to a) attracting and retaining
 diverse, world-class talent; b) creating a collaborative environment open to the free exchange
 of ideas, where research, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship can flourish; and c)
 ensuring individuals can achieve their full potential.
 To impact society in a transformative way—regionally, nationally, and globally—by engaging
 with partners outside the traditional borders of the university campus.
 1.9 Consensual Intimate Relationship Policy Regarding Undergraduate
 Students
 This policy addresses the circumstances in which romantic, sexual, or amorous
 relationships/interactions with undergraduate students, even if consensual, are inappropriate
 and prohibited. The purpose of this policy is to assure healthy professional relationships. This
 policy is not intended to discourage consensual intimate relationships unless there is a
 conflicting professional relationship in which one party has authority over the other as in the
 policy.
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/consensual-relationships.html
 2 The Language Technologies Institute
 2.1 Mailboxes & Office Supplies
 Mailboxes, printers, copiers, and other departmental resources are in GHC 5404.
 2.2 Photocopies and Printers
 The use of a photocopier or printer requires you to log in with your CMU ID card. LTI’s printers
 are located in GHC 5404 and GHC 6604. The School of Computer Science provides a number of
 black-and-white and color printers for use by students. The SCS Computer Facilities publishes a
 list of printers online at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~help/printing/.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 102.3 Office Space for MS Students
 To help them create a sense of community, full time students in the LTI’s MLT program have
 access to a shared office space.
 2.4 Computers for MS Students
 Students are expected to provide their own laptop computers that can be used to access
 university resources and complete course assignments. Laptops running Windows, MacOS, and
 Linux software are all acceptable.
 MS students will be given a CS user ID. A CS user ID is required to use the LTI computer cluster,
 department printers, and other SCS services. The School of Computer Science has a Help Center
 located at 4203 GHC. They can be contacted at help@cs.cmu.edu, extension 8-4231 from a
 campus phone, or 412-268-4231 from an outside line.
 MS students will be given access to the LTI’s computer cluster on an as-needed basis, to be
 used for course assignments, directed study projects, and/or capstone projects. The LTI cluster
 provides storage and computation for projects involving large datasets and/or lengthy
 computation.
 3 Master’s Degree Completion and Certification
 3.1 Standard Degree Requirements and Degree Certification
 3.1.1 Graduate Students
 Carnegie Mellon graduate students are expected to complete their degree requirements within
 the standard length of time for their program of study as outlined in the relevant Graduate
 Student Handbook. Standard program lengths for graduate students vary significantly-- ranging
 from two semesters for some full-time master’s programs to several or more years for doctoral
 programs. Upon completion of the graduate program degree requirements, the degree will be
 certified by the student’s academic program in the semester in which the student completes
 the requirements.
 3.1.2 Early Completion
 Graduate students who consider the completion of all degree requirements in less than the
 standard length of time for their program of study may consult with their degree-granting
 program or department to determine if early degree certification is allowed and under what
 circumstances.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 113.1.3 Extended or Longer-than-Standard Completion (Statute of Limitations)
 Longer-than-standard degree completion may occur due to academic interruptions in making
 progress toward the degree as defined by the academic program, interruptions of full-time
 study or progress towards the degree due to serious, documented medical issues, or other
 unusual or unforeseen circumstances.
 Master’s students who require longer than the standard time to complete their degree
 requirements are expected to remain in close contact with their graduate program, and will be
 certified at the end of the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements.
 Students shall reference CMU Policy on Master’s Student Statute of Limitations
 (www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/masters-students-statute-of limitations.html)
 regarding guidelines and restrictions which place an upper limit on the maximum length of time
 allowable for master’s degree completion and certification.
 3.1.4 Additional Guidance for Students
 • Program of Study: Students seeking guidance about their program of study and degree
 requirements should consult with their academic advisor and/or appropriate associate
 dean.
 • Financial Aid and Student Account: Students are expected to make normal progress
 toward their degree to graduate within the standard timeframe for their program of
 study. Under U.S. Federal Title IV regulations, student eligibility for federal financial aid
 is contingent upon enrollment in and successful completion of courses that are counted
 as credit toward their current degree program. To receive the maximum amount of
 federal financial aid for which they may be eligible, students must enroll each semester
 in at least 36 units that count toward their current degree level. (See separate guidance
 regarding integrated degree completion.) Students should consult with their designated
 college liaison in The HUB regarding billing and financial aid, particularly for early
 completion, longer-than standard completion, or integrated undergraduate and
 master’s degree programs.
 • International Students: Immigration status for students in F-1 and J-1 non-immigrant
 status is tied to making normal progress toward completing degree requirements.
 Therefore, F-1 and J-1 students who are considering completing their degree
 requirements early, anticipating longer-than-standard completion, or moving from an
 undergraduate to a graduate student classification (integrated undergraduate-graduate
 study) should consult with their designated advisor in the Office of International
 Education (OIE) to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 124 MLT Degree Attainment
 4.1 Course Requirements
 In order to complete the Master of Language Technologies degree, the student must pass 120
 or more course units of senior-to-graduate courses, and meet the following criteria:
 • within those 120 units, at least 72 units of “LTI” courses and 24 units of “SCS” courses,
 • within those 72 units, 11-711, 11-791 (or an equivalent, see below), and one ``Task
 Orientation Focus'' class, and
 • within those 72 units, at least one of the following:
 an LTI lab course,
 o
 11-792, or
 o
 project-oriented Masters’ thesis;
 o
 • Of the remaining 24 units, 12 must be 11-910 Directed Research;
 • The final 12 units are an Open Elective.
 The student must also complete two summers of full-time directed research, attend the LTI
 Colloquium (11-700) each semester, and satisfy the Research Speaking Requirement described
 elsewhere.
 Since 11-791 is not being offered currently, the faculty have defined a list of acceptable
 substitute courses:
 • 11-727: Computational Semantics for NLP (only if the course project was done as a
 group project)
 • 11-731: Machine Translation
 • 11-747: Neural Networks for NLP
 • 11-751: Speech Recognition
 • 11-775: Large-Scale Multimedia
 • 11-776: Multimodal Affective Computing
 • 11-777: Multimodal Machine Learning
 • 11-785: Deep Learning
 • 11-797: Question Answering
 Students may request to have other LTI courses with a group engineering project component to
 be added to this list.
 For definitions of quoted terms, see the section on “Definitions of LTI Terminology.”
 Unless approved by the Program Director in advance, the course requirements must be
 satisfied by actual classroom courses, not credit given for research or independent study.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 13Note that a Masters’ Thesis is not required in general, although a thesis project may be used to
 satisfy the “lab” requirement.
 4.1.1 Grade Requirements
 Students must demonstrate their mastery of material taught in courses and their success in
 applying their skills in directed study by satisfying the following grade requirements:
 1. Minimum grade: Only courses with a grade of C (2.0) or higher are counted as satisfying
 a degree requirement.
 2. Pass/fail: Pass/fail grades are not permitted for courses and projects used to satisfy a
 degree requirement.
 4.1.2 Research Speaking Requirement
 To emphasize student research, improve public speaking skills, and increase internal awareness
 of LTI work, all MLT students must complete an oral presentation in their second year (by the
 end of May). The presentation should consist of a 20-minute talk plus time for discussion. It
 must be advertised to the LTI mailing lists at least one week before your presentation, and the
 public will be invited.
 At least two CMU faculty members will attend the presentation, including the research advisor.
 After the presentation, these faculty members will convene and provide written feedback to
 both the student and the chair of graduate programs (the form for this is available on the LTI
 website). This feedback will help the student refine speaking skills with respect to talk structure,
 content, and delivery.
 4.1.3 Withdrawal of a Degree
 The University reserves the right to withdraw a degree even though it has been granted should
 there be discovery that the work upon which it was based or the academic records in support of
 it had been falsified. In such a case, withdrawal of the degree will occur promptly upon
 discovery of the falsification. The complete reference to this University policy is available at
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/withdrawal-of-a-degree.html.
 4.2 Advising
 Each student has a faculty advisor charged with guiding the education and monitoring the
 progress of the student through the program. The advisor also supervises the student's directed
 study projects. This personal student-advisor relationship ensures that every student receives
 the necessary faculty mentoring. The advisor also provides the student with career advice.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 14How and when the advisor is selected: the Marriage Process: Advisors are selected during the
 first month of the program. Students are expected to attend the LTI's Orientation (“Immigration
 Course,” or IC) lectures, in which faculty describe their interests and areas of expertise, and to
 be proactive about meeting individually with potential advisors. After meeting with several
 potential advisors, each student will be asked to indicate a first, second, and third choice for
 advisor. Meanwhile, the potential advisors determine how many new students they can take,
 and indicate their preferences. Finally, the entire LTI faculty meets as a “Marriage Committee”
 to determine the best set of matches.
 Some entering MLT students are prefunded, meaning they have received and accepted a
 funding letter from a faculty member before the Marriage Process. (Even students who are
 prefunded must attend the research talks, to become acquainted with the LTI’s research
 projects.) Even self-supporting MLT students are expected to perform research with a faculty
 advisor, since research experience is an important part of our graduate programs. Until a
 student finds a specific advisor, the chair of the LTI graduate programs serves as the advisor.
 How to change advisors: The initial advisor selection should be made carefully. However, it is
 possible to change advisors. To do so, the student should find another faculty member willing
 to serve as an advisor, and then make a request to the Program Director to switch advisors. The
 LTI follows the long-standing SCS policy that both the new and old advisors need to agree to the
 change; typically, this is not a problem (assuming the new advisor has agreed in advance, as
 described here). It is to the student's advantage to avoid switching advisors, especially late in
 their graduate studies, because forging a strong student-advisor relationship takes time.
 4.3 Optional Masters’ Thesis
 MLT students may optionally elect to complete a Masters’ Thesis; it is not required. Students
 who intend to apply for the PhD program should consider the MLT Thesis as one of several
 ways to demonstrate their research potential. Other possibilities include innovative research in
 a research project or class project work.
 The MLT Thesis must be completed according to the following guidelines. Note in particular the
 October 31 proposal deadline!
 • There are two course components required for students who elect to complete the M.S.
 Thesis: 11-928 – Masters’ Thesis I (with the chosen thesis advisor, typically for 12 units,
 typically in the Fall of their second year) and 11-929 – Masters’ Thesis II in the following
 Spring.
 • Each of these two courses counts towards 6 units of MLT-level LTI course credit; if the
 student goes on to an LTI PhD, the second course (11-929) counts towards one PhD lab
 requirement.
 • The MLT thesis may focus on either a significant research result or a significant
 implementation of a new technology. The student should work with their advisor to
 define an interesting but bounded thesis research project. The MLT thesis culminates in
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 15a publication-quality paper that clearly describes the work in terms of its research
 significance.
 • The MLT thesis committee will be composed of a thesis advisor and two additional
 readers, to be chosen by the student in consultation with the advisor, during the Fall
 Masters’ Thesis I course. At least 2 of the 3 committee members must be SCS faculty
 working in Language Technologies.
 • To receive a final grade for the first semester's course, the student must have prepared
 a written proposal of at least five pages, describing the scientific thesis to be
 investigated, any relevant research already completed by the student, a comparison
 with related work by others, and a detailed description of the work to be done in the
 next semester. The proposal MUST be accepted by the committee by the end of
 October, or the student will not be allowed to enroll in 11-929 – Masters’ Thesis II!
 • Sometime during the semester when the student enrolls in 11-929 – Masters’ Thesis II
 (typically, their final semester), the student will distribute a draft of the thesis to the
 committee for initial review. This should be done as early as feasible, to avoid last-
 minute surprises that could delay final approval of the thesis.
 • The thesis work culminates in submission of the final version of the thesis document,
 followed by a public presentation of the work in an LTI seminar (or other suitable public
 forum). Since the defense is public, the LTI graduate program administrator must
 receive all the information required for a public announcement at least one week before
 the defense. The Masters’ Thesis presentation is somewhat less rigorous than a PhD
 thesis defense. The presentation must communicate the research work done, similar to
 a conference paper presentation. The committee will observe the presentation, and
 then decide whether the thesis and presentation were acceptable, or whether further
 work is required. Unlike a PhD defense, only a simple majority vote of the committee is
 required for approval.
 • Although students are required to enroll in the appropriate course sequence of two
 Masters’ Thesis courses, it is not required that students finish the thesis by the end of
 that second semester. If a student requires more time to revise the thesis to the
 committee's satisfaction, and adequately present the work, an incomplete grade will be
 assessed in the Masters’ Thesis course, until such time as the work and presentation are
 accepted. The student will still be allowed to walk in Spring Commencement, if all other
 requirements for the MLT degree have been completed. Students should note that any
 financial support beyond the end of the semester will be on a case-by-case basis, and
 must be arranged in advance with the project supporting them. Students are strongly
 encouraged to finish the thesis work within one (1) year following the semester they
 enroll for the first Masters’ Thesis course.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 164.4 Definitions of LTI Terminology
 We define here some of the terms as used in this handbook:
 • An “LTI course” is any 12-unit course with a number of 11-XXX; a 6-unit course with an
 11-XXX counts as 1/2 of an LTI course. Unless otherwise specified, "course" means an
 actual classroom course, not credit given for research or independent study. Note that
 we will allow any one MLD (10-xxx) graduate-level course to count as an “LTI course.”
 • An “SCS course” is any 12-unit course with a course number indicating a unit of the
 School of Computer Science (including LTI); a 6-unit course with such a number counts
 as 1/2 of an SCS course. Unless otherwise specified, "course" means an actual classroom
 course, not credit given for research or independent study. Note: Recommended
 electives that are technically outside of the SCS now count towards this requirement; for
 example, Digital Signal Processing in ECE. Please see the Program Director for approval
 of electives as “SCS.”
 • “LTI Focus Areas” are sets of courses defined on the LTI course webpage under “Course
 Categories.” If a student believes a new course should be added to a Focus Area, they
 should notify the Chair of the LTI Graduate Programs. He will decide, with advice from
 faculty in the appropriate area, whether it should be in the Focus Area, and if approved
 it will be added to the LTI Focus Area webpage.
 A “Task-Orientation Focus Course” is simply a course belonging to that LTI Focus
 o
 Area, as listed on the “Course Categories” webpage.
 • An LTI “lab course” is simply a course in the list of lab courses defined in the LTI “Course
 Categories” webpage.
 4.5 Recommended Electives outside of SCS
 Students are free to take elective courses outside the SCS, at Carnegie Mellon or cross-
 registered at the University of Pittsburgh, as long as the student fulfills the requirements of
 their program as described above. The student should discuss any such electives in advance
 with their advisor; typical choices might include ECE courses for Speech students, Pitt Linguistics
 courses, or Statistics courses.
 Note: recommended electives outside of the SCS count towards the “SCS” course requirement.
 Please see the Program Director for approval of electives as “SCS.”
 Note also that students need advance approval for any courses not covered by their normal
 tuition (e.g., summer courses). The grading of outside courses is the responsibility of the
 department offering the course; however, the LTI's Minimum Course Grade Policy described
 above still applies (“B-” is the minimum for PhD, “C” for MLT).
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 174.6 LTI Orientation
 At the beginning of each Fall semester, the LTI provides a set of lectures and talks to help
 students learn about the work done by CMU faculty and to provide an opportunity for advisors
 to recruit new students. Students are expected to attend them and treat them seriously,
 because they provide a good introduction to the broad range of research done at the LTI.
 Students do not register for the LTI Orientation, nor do they receive a grade; however, the
 department is serious about its expectation that new students will attend these talks.
 For many years, these talks were called "the Immigration Course (IC)", which caused confusion.
 The older name has been retired; however, people who have been at CMU a long time may
 occasionally use the older name.
 4.7 End of Semester Evaluation
 Near the end of the spring and fall semesters, the student must prepare a statement that
 describes their achievements in the current semester, and plans for the next semester. At the
 end of the semester, the faculty evaluates each student's academic progress. The student's
 advisor serves as the student's advocate in this process. The result of the evaluation is a letter
 from the faculty to the student that indicates whether the student is making satisfactory
 progress towards completing the degree.
 A good letter typically indicates that the student is making satisfactory progress. If the student
 is doing exceptionally good work, a stronger adjective such as excellent might be used, but this
 is unusual.
 If a student seems to be having trouble, the faculty determines whether it believes that the
 student can finish the degree, and if so, what needs to be accomplished to get back on track.
 This type of letter should be considered a serious warning. It is not a permanent “black mark”
 on the student's record; if the student begins making satisfactory progress again, there is no
 official record of the letter in the student's transcript.
 In the most serious cases, the faculty gives the student an N-1 letter that specifies a list of
 conditions that the student must satisfy by specific deadlines. Failure to meet all of the
 specified conditions may result in the student's termination from the program.
 4.8 Enrollment Verification
 Enrollment Services is the only University office that can provide an official letter of enrollment,
 official transcript and enrollment verification. Enrollment verification can be requested online
 through The HUB at: http://www.cmu.edu/hub/transcripts/verifications/enrollment.html.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 184.9 University Policies on Grades and Grading
 4.9.1 University Policy on Grades
 ww.cmu.edu/policies/documents/Grades.html
 This policy offers details concerning university grading principles for students taking courses
 and covers the specifics of assigning and changing grades, grading options, drop/withdrawals,
 and course repeats. It also defines the undergraduate and graduate grading standards.
 4.9.2 University Policy on Grades for Transfer Courses
 www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/TransferCredit.html
 Carnegie Mellon University offers students the opportunity to take courses for credit through a
 cross-registration program (see Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) and Cross-
 registration below) and through the receipt of transfer credit from other accredited institutions.
 The Carnegie Mellon University transcript will include information on such courses as follows:
 Carnegie Mellon courses and courses taken through the university's cross-registration program
 will have grades recorded on the transcript and be factored into the QPA. All other courses will
 be recorded on this transcript indicating where the course was taken, but without grade. Such
 courses will not be taken into account for academic actions, honors, or QPA calculations. (Note:
 Suspended students may take courses elsewhere; however, they may receive transfer credit
 only if their college’s and department's policies allow this.)
 4.10 Academic Integrity
 Please review the University Policy on Academic Integrity:
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/academic-integrity.html
 The policy includes the University expectations around academic integrity and provides
 definitions of cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized assistance.
 A review of the University’s Academic Disciplinary Actions procedures is also recommended.
 These procedures outline the process for investigating, reporting, and adjudicating violations of
 the University Policy on Academic Integrity. The procedures also outline the appeals process.
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/academic-integrity.html
 In the midst of self-exploration, the high demands of a challenging academic environment can
 create situations where some students have difficulty exercising good judgment. Academic
 challenges can provide many opportunities for high standards to evolve if students actively
 reflect on these challenges and if the community supports discussions to aid in this process. It is
 the responsibility of the entire community to establish and maintain the integrity of our
 university.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 19Carnegie Mellon University educates its students to become professionals who will serve
 society with integrity. The university also creates and disseminates new knowledge and
 expressions of knowledge in ways that benefit society. Carnegie Mellon strives to serve the
 changing needs of society through the three primary goals outlined in its mission statement: to
 create and disseminate knowledge and art through research and artistic expression, teaching
 and learning and transfer to society; to serve students by teaching them leadership, problem-
 solving skills, and the values of quality, ethical behavior, responsibility to society and
 commitments to work; and to pursue the advantages provided by a diverse community, open
 to the exchange of ideas, where discovery and artistic creativity can flourish.
 In any presentation, creative, artistic or research, it is the ethical responsibility of each student
 to identify the conceptual sources of the work submitted. Failure to do so is dishonest and is
 the basis for a charge of cheating or plagiarism, which is subject to disciplinary action.
 The university has a very clear and specific protocol for responding to alleged violations of
 academic integrity. Carnegie Mellon's Academic Disciplinary Actions Overview for Graduate
 Students describes procedures for disciplinary actions against graduate students in cases of
 alleged violations of academic regulations and the appeal process. Please see
 https://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword/academic-discipline/ for more information.
 Important note: The LTI implements the above policy’s option of “conven[ing] a disciplinary
 hearing according to the procedures of the department/program.” Our procedure is as follows:
 a first violation is grounds for dismissal from the graduate program. If we decide not to
 immediately dismiss, the first violation will result in the student being on disciplinary probation.
 If a student commits a second violation while on probation, the penalty is dismissal from the
 graduate program.
 5 Academic Policies
 5.1 MLT Academic Policies
 5.1.1 Duration of Study
 MLT students enrolled for full-time study are expected to complete the degree in two calendar
 years (24 months). This includes two summers of full-time directed research.
 See also the “Statute of Limitations” policy.
 5.1.2 Double-Dipping
 A Masters student who uses courses taken as part of another degree program (at Carnegie
 Mellon or elsewhere) toward their program requirements cannot use those same courses
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 20toward any other M.S. degree offered by the School of Computer Science without prior
 approval. This is an SCS-wide policy.
 5.1.3 Pass/Fail Grades
 Pass/fail grades are not permitted for courses used to satisfy a degree requirement. Graduate
 students who are required to take additional undergraduate courses to build up the core
 foundations of computer science may not elect the pass/fail option for these courses.
 5.1.4 Independent Study
 For an Independent Study to satisfy an MLT student’s coursework requirements, it must be
 approved by the MLT Program Director in advance. In consultation with the CMU faculty
 member who will be supervising the Independent Study, the student should produce a short
 (half-page to one page) description of the goals of the Independent Study, and how the results
 will be evaluated, and submit it to the Program Director before the end of the Add period of the
 semester of the proposed study. The study should be planned so that it is finished in time for
 the supervising faculty member to give a grade at the end of the semester. Independent
 studies may be undertaken for 6 or 12 units. Normally only one Independent Study would be
 approved during a student’s MLT coursework.
 5.1.5 Transfer Credit
 An equivalent graduate course previously completed at another institution may be permitted to
 satisfy one of the MLT course requirements. The decision on whether a course may be
 transferred is made by the MLT Program Director. Typically, the student will provide the
 Program Director with the syllabus of the external course, and the Program Director will use
 that and the student’s transcript to make the decision.
 See the section on “Definition of transfer credit versus course exemption.”
 All MLT students are required to take a minimum of 96 units of coursework at CMU.
 5.1.6 External Internships
 MLT students may only engage in internships if their advisors recommend it, since the program
 is 24 months, including summers. International students are required to consult with the Office
 of International Education for eligibility before seeking an internship/co-op or signing an offer
 contract.
 We caution all students to be aware of potential intellectual property (IP) problems with
 internships, and to review any IP agreements with their advisors before signing them. It is
 possible to lose ownership of your ideas.
 Important: See also section 4.2.3, External Employment/Consulting.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 215.1.7 Transferring Into the MLT Program
 Transfers into the MLT program are not permitted during a student’s first semester at CMU.
 Students must begin their study at CMU in the program that admitted them; this is a university
 policy.
 Students may request to transfer into the MLT program after completing their first semester.
 The student must make the request in writing (or email) to the MLT/PhD Admissions Chair. The
 MLT/PhD Admissions Chair will inform the student about what application materials are
 required; for example, an explanation of why a transfer is desired, a proposed plan of study, a
 proposed advisor, and CMU transcripts. Students that are already enrolled in an LTI degree
 program are not required to retake GRE and TOEFL exams or to produce new transcripts from
 other universities. The MLT program will conduct an expedited admissions process after
 receiving such a request.
 5.1.8 Transferring Out of the MLT Program
 The MLT program does not prevent students from transferring to another degree program.
 Each degree program has its own rules about whether and when transfers into the program are
 permitted. A student that is interested in transferring out of the MLT degree program should
 consult the handbook and Program Director of the desired degree program to learn whether
 transfers are permitted, and if so, how and when to request such a transfer.
 5.1.9 Drop/Add/Withdraw Procedures
 Students taking undergraduate and Masters’ level courses must follow the procedures and
 deadlines for adding, dropping, and withdrawing from courses as identified on the academic
 calendar. Information can be found at https://www.cmu.edu/hub/registrar/course-
 changes.index. Please note that there is a separate calendar for doctoral courses that does not
 apply to Masters’ students.
 5.1.10 Statute of Limitations
 As outlined in the Master’s Students Statute of Limitations,
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/masters-students-statute-of-
 limitations.html. Students will complete all requirements for the masters’ degree within a
 maximum of seven years from original matriculation as a masters’ student, or less if required by
 a more restrictive department, school, or college policy. Once this time-to-degree limit has
 lapsed, the person may resume work towards a masters’ degree only if newly admitted to a
 currently offered masters’ degree program under criteria determined by that program.
 See also the ‘Duration of Study’ policy.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 225.1.11 Teaching Requirements
 MLT students do not normally serve as Teaching Assistants (TAs). If an MLT student wants to
 TA a course, they must get the approval of their research advisor.
 In the unusual case of an MLT student TAing, note that graduate students are required to have
 a certain level of fluency in English before they can instruct in Pennsylvania, as required by the
 English Fluency in Higher Education Act of 1990. Through this Act, all institutions of higher
 education in the state are required to evaluate and certify the English fluency of all instructional
 personnel, including teaching assistants and interns. The full University policy can be reviewed
 at https://www.cmu.edu/policies/faculty/evaluation-certification-english-fluency-
 instructors.html.
 The fluency of all instructional personnel will be rated by Language Support in the Student
 Academic Success Center to determine at what level of responsibility the student can TA. In
 addition to administering the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Test (a mandatory
 screening for all non-native speakers of English), Language Support in the Student Academic
 Success Center helps teaching assistants who are non-native English speakers develop fluency
 and cultural understanding to teach successfully at Carnegie Mellon. Visit the Student Academic
 Success Center website for additional information: https://www.cmu.edu/student-success/.
 5.2 LTI Academic Policies
 5.2.1 “Grandfather” policy
 A student can graduate under the policies in effect at the time that the student entered the
 program; or, at the student's choice, the student can graduate under policies that are adopted
 after the student entered the program. If it is not realistic to follow a particular policy exactly,
 the department may approximate the policy as closely as possible; this situation is rare and
 typically arises only when a student is enrolled in the program for an extended period of time.
 5.2.2 Definition of transfer credit versus course exemption
 The LTI may grant transfer credit or issue an exemption for equivalent graduate courses
 previously completed at another institution. This decision rests with the chair of the particular
 program. If a student is exempt from a required course due to prior courses or experience, the
 student can replace that course with an open elective. The student does not receive credit for
 the external course, but can take any course that could normally count toward the degree in its
 place. If a student receives credit for prior coursework completed at CMU or elsewhere, the
 student receives that many units of credit, and the total amount of required coursework is
 reduced by that amount.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 235.2.3 External Employment/Consulting
 Students funded by LTI research projects are normally expected to work exclusively for those
 projects. Since consulting may provide useful experience, students are generally permitted to
 consult, at most, one eight-hour day per seven-day week, only with the advisor's consent.
 International students must also have approval in advance from the Office of International
 Education (OIE); otherwise, they may be in violation of their visa status.
 Important: Any work for pay outside of the funding research project must be approved in
 advance by the advisor (and OIE, for international students). This includes paid TAing,
 consulting, online free-lancing, etc.
 5.2.4 Leave of Absence
 The LTI discourages Leaves of Absence (LOA), since students usually do not return, despite good
 intentions. However, a student in good standing may be granted a LOA of at most 1 year, upon
 written request to the Program Director and with consent of the student's advisor. It is the
 responsibility of the student on LOA to contact the LTI to initiate a return to the program.
 5.2.5 Satisfactory Progress
 If a student does not make satisfactory progress each semester toward completing the degree,
 the LTI may remove the student from the program. See section on “End of Semester
 Evaluation.”
 5.2.6 Winter and Summer Breaks
 Students supported by research projects are expected to remain on campus working during
 breaks in classes. A two-week vacation is typically allowed in the summer. The normal winter
 break policy is that the student works 40 hours per week for two weeks, and takes vacation for
 the other two weeks.
 5.3 CMU Academic Policies
 5.3.1 Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
 http://www.cmu.edu/disability-resources
 The Office of Disability Resources at Carnegie Mellon University has a continued mission to
 provide physical and programmatic campus access to all events and information within the
 Carnegie Mellon community. We work to ensure that qualified individuals receive reasonable
 accommodations as guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of
 the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students who would like to receive accommodations can begin
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 24the process through Disability Resources’ secure online portal or email
 access@andrew.cmu.edu to begin the interactive accommodation process.
 Students with physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional disabilities are encouraged to self-
 identify with the Office of Disability Resources and request needed accommodations. Any
 questions about the process can be directed to access@andrew.cmu.edu or call 412-268-6121.
 5.3.2 Summary of Graduate Student Appeal and Grievance Procedures
 https://www.cmu.edu/graduate/policies/appeal-grievance-procedures.html
 Graduate students will find the Summary of Graduate Student Appeal and Grievance
 Procedures on the Graduate Education Resource webpage. This document summarizes
 processes available to graduate students who seek review of academic and non-academic
 issues. Generally, graduate students are expected to seek informal resolution of all concerns
 within the applicable department, unit, or program before invoking formal processes. When an
 informal resolution cannot be reached, however, a graduate student who seeks further review
 of the matter is to follow the formal procedures outlined here. These appeal and grievance
 procedures shall apply to students in all graduate programs of the University. Students should
 refer to the department specific information in this handbook for department and college
 information about the administration and academic policies of the program.
 5.3.3 Process for Appealing Final Grades
 https://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword/academic/appeal-of-grades-and academic-
 actions.html
 Final grades will be changed only in exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of
 the instructor and the department, unit, or program. Grading is a matter of sound discretion of
 the instructor, and final grades are rarely changed without the consent of the instructor who
 assigned the grade. The following circumstances are the unusual exceptions that may warrant a
 grade appeal:
 a) The final grade assigned for a course is based on manifest error (e.g., a
 clear error such as arithmetic error in computing a grade or failure to
 grade one of the answers on an exam)
 b) The faculty or staff member who assigned the grade did so in violation of
 University policy.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 255.3.4 Safeguarding Educational Equity:
 Sexual Misconduct Policy
 The University prohibits sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/
 domestic violence, and stalking. The University also prohibits retaliation against individuals
 who bring forward such concerns or allegations in good faith. The University’s Sexual
 Misconduct Policy is available at https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-
 governance/sexual-misconduct/index.html. The University’s Policy Against Retaliation is available
 at https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/whistleblower.html. If you have
 been impacted by any of these issues, you are encouraged to make contact with any of the
 following resources:
 • Office of Title IX Initiatives, https://www.cmu.edu/title-ix/ 412-268-7125, tix@cmu.edu
 • University Police, 412-268-2323
 Additional resources and information can be found at: https://www.cmu.edu/title-ix/resources-
 and-information/resources.html.
 5.3.5 Gestational and Parental Accommodation
 https://www.cmu.edu/graduate/programs-services/maternity-accommodation protocol.html
 Providing holistic student support is a top priority at Carnegie Mellon. The protocols on this
 page are designed to support the parental needs of students and their families.
 Students seeking any of the parental accommodations described below must register with
 the Office of the Dean of Students by contacting the office for an appointment by calling 412-
 268-2075.
 Students are encouraged to register with the Office of the Dean of Students ninety (90) days in
 advance of the anticipated arrival of the child as applicable in the individual circumstances. At
 the time of registration, students will have the opportunity to consult about resources,
 procedures, funding options, and preparation for discussing academic accommodations with
 the student’s academic department. Students should also consult with their academic advisors
 either before or in conjunction with registering with the Office of the Dean of Students.
 Accommodations for Gestational Parents
 The birth of a child is a significant life event that may require time away from academic pursuits
 for delivery and recovery from delivery of a newly born child. Students whose anticipated
 delivery date is during the course of a semester may need to take time away from their
 academic responsibilities. Carnegie Mellon students seeking time away are afforded two
 options as a possible accommodation:
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 26• Short-term accommodation for gestational parents – A short-term absence
 from academic responsibilities up to a maximum of six (6) weeks. Short term
 accommodations may be extended by two (2) weeks for a total of eight (8)
 weeks, where a longer absence is medically necessary. Prior to the absence
 students must work with relevant university faculty and staff to adjust their
 course work, research, teaching and other academic responsibilities during the
 period of absence. This may include extensions of time to complete assignments,
 incomplete grades, and/or dropping courses, shifting research responsibilities
 and adjusting TA assignments. Students who take a short-term accommodation
 will remain enrolled.
 • Formal Leave of Absence - A formal leave of absence under the Student Leave
 Policy. Generally, the Student Leave Policy permits students to take a leave of
 absence for a full-semester, mini-semester, or for the time remaining in the
 semester during which the leave is taken. Students who take a Formal Leave of
 Absence (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/student-
 leave.html) drop all remaining courses for the semester and are unenrolled for
 the semester. International students must consult with the Office of
 International Education (https://www.cmu.edu/oie/) before considering this
 option due to visa implications.
 Financial Assistance for Student Parents
 Carnegie Mellon also offers the following options for financial assistance to students who
 become parents while enrolled:
 Interest-free Loan – Any student who becomes a parent is eligible to apply for an interest-free
 parental loan (https://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/dean/loans/) from the Office of the Dean
 of Students.
 6 Financial Issues
 6.1 Graduate Student Funding
 For all LTI MLT students, full funding (tuition plus stipend) is guaranteed for the first year. This
 support is normally continued for the duration of the program, subject to continuing
 satisfactory progress and availability of funding. The fellowship includes full tuition and fees,
 and a monthly MLT stipend. In addition, the LTI pays a dependency allowance of 10% of the
 student's monthly stipend to any student with a child, unless they have a spouse who earns
 more than $200 per month.
 If an MLT student receives an outside graduate fellowship (e.g., NSF, Fulbright), the student is
 expected to accept it in place of the LTI’s graduate fellowship. As an extra incentive to do so,
 the LTI will supplement the award so that the student will receive full tuition and a combined
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 27stipend 10 percent higher than that of the standard LTI graduate fellowship. Students are
 required to inform the LTI about any external funding that they receive.
 6.2 University Financial Aid
 Graduate students should consult the graduate student financial aid information found on The
 HUB website: http://www.cmu.edu/finaid/graduate/index.html.
 6.3 Conference Travel Funding
 Students funded by a research project receive travel funding according to policies set by the
 individual projects. Students who have no project funding may be provided with partial funding,
 with a larger amount available for travel to present a refereed conference paper. There is an LTI
 form that must be filled out in advance.
 6.4 Office of the Dean of Students Emergency Support Funding
 Graduate students who find themselves in need of immediate funds for emergency situations
 should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (see Appendix A), www.cmu.edu/student-
 affairs/index.html, to inquire about the types of emergency funding available to enrolled
 students.
 6.5 Health Insurance
 Carnegie Mellon has a Student Health Insurance policy requiring full-time, degree-seeking
 students to carry adequate medical insurance. Students must either purchase the plan offered
 by the University, or an application for a waiver can be made if the student is “enrolled as the
 dependent, partner/spouse or principal in an employer or government-sponsored insurance
 plan” (see the Carnegie Mellon University Student Health Insurance Policy at
 http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/StudentInsurance).
 The LTI does not cover student health insurance, regardless of the students’ funding situation.
 It is the responsibility of each student to make arrangements with Student Health Services to
 either pay for their insurance at the beginning of the semester, or elect a payment plan over
 the course of the academic year. More information is available at the Student Health Services
 Web site www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices/insurance.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 286.6 Emergency Loans
 http://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/index.html
 All students, regardless of their program, are eligible for the Emergency Student Loan, which is
 an interest-free and emergency-based loan repayable within 30 days. It is available through the
 Office of the Dean of Student Affairs; students may apply for the loan by stopping in to the
 Student Affairs Office, Warner Hall 301, or by calling (412) 268-2075 for an appointment.
 6.7 Employment Eligibility Verification
 If you are receiving a stipend, are a TA, or are planning to have a position with CMU then
 Employment Eligibility Verification is required. Form I-9 must be completed within 3 business
 days of beginning work for any type of compensation (stipend or employment). Additional
 details are highlighted below. To ensure compliance with federal law, Carnegie Mellon
 University maintains the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Policy [pdf] covering the
 university’s I-9 and E-Verify requirements:
 • Every individual receiving a stipend from CMU or employed by CMU
 must comply with the I-9 Policy by completing the Form I-9 within three business
 days following the first day of stipend start date/employment.
 • Individuals who expect to work on a federally funded project are further
 responsible for submitting an E-Verify Processing Request Form to the Office of
 Human Resources if required.
 • For more information, please see CMU’s Guidance for Completing the Form I-9
 and E-Verify Requirements at CMU [pdf], or visit the Human Resources Service
 website to learn more about Form I-9 and E-Verify and to schedule an
 appointment to complete the Form I-9.
 • Students who fail to complete the Form I-9 in a timely manner may have stipend
 payments suspended. If employed by the university, an individual who fails to
 timely complete the Form I-9 may be subject to disciplinary action up to and
 including termination of employment.
 7 Additional University Resources
 7.1 The HUB Student Services Center
 thehub@andrew.cmu.edu and http://www.cmu.edu/hub/
 The HUB is located in Warner Hall, Lower Level. The HUB staff delivers comprehensive service
 and counsel to students and families regarding financial aid, billing and payment, registration
 and academic records. The Assistant Directors in The HUB serve as contacts for specific colleges
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 29and assist enrolled students with key aspects of the enrollment process. Students can find their
 assigned HUB Assistant Director on their Student Information Online (SIO) Resource
 page. Questions that need specialized, in-depth attention can be directed to the student's
 assigned Assistant Director. For general questions and information, students may email The
 HUB or call 412-268-8186.
 7.2 Student Information Online (SIO)
 Student Information Online (SIO) is a secure site where students can find important,
 personalized information, including E-Bills and student account information, financial aid status
 and eligibility, grades and QPA, and course schedules. Students can update their contact
 information (and that of their spouse or partner); sign up for E-Check & E-Refund; authorize
 their spouses, domestic partners or other individuals to receive a copy of their E-Bill; request
 verifications; view their housing and meal plan assignments; and much more. Students can log
 on to SIO by going to www.cmu.edu/hub/sio and entering their Andrew User ID and password.
 On SIO, students will designate an emergency contact address of a relative or family friend to
 be contacted in the case of an emergency. If students do not want their name and address
 published in the campus directory, they must notify the HUB in writing.
 7.3 ID Cards
 Graduate students can obtain their ID card from their program manager, department, or
 college. These cards identify their holders as members of the campus community. Student
 cards are deactivated upon the cardholder’s separation from the university.
 Affiliate ID Cards are available for spouses and partners of graduate students, which allow them
 to access Carnegie Mellon’s campus. These cards are available through The HUB to spouses and
 partners of graduate students who are enrolled for the current academic year in a full-time
 graduate degree program. The card is valid for one year. For information about domestic
 partner registration, visit the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs webpage:
 http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/dean/domestic_partner/.
 For more information about student and affiliate ID cards (spouse, domestic partners and
 dependent children), please visit: http://www.cmu.edu/idplus/idcards/cardtypes.html.
 7.4 Transcripts
 Information about and instructions for ordering transcripts are available at:
 www.cmu.edu/hub/transcripts.html. Transcript questions may be directed to esg-
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 30transcripts@andrew.cmu.edu.
 7.5 Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) and Cross-registration
 http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/CrossRegister.html
 Cross-registration provides an opportunity for enriched educational programs by permitting
 full-time graduate students to cross-register for courses (usually no more than one per
 semester) at a Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) Institution. Full-time Carnegie
 Mellon degree students are eligible and the PCHE course may not count towards full-time
 status unless the student is enrolled in an inter-university program. Students interested in
 taking advantage of this opportunity should be familiar with the Policy on Grades for Transfer
 Courses already outlined previously in this handbook.
 Note: Suspended students may take courses elsewhere; however, they may receive transfer
 credit only if their college and department policies allow this.
 7.6 Student Privacy Rights and FERPA
 www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/StPrivacy.html
 This university policy notifies students of their rights under the federal Family Educational
 Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). According to FERPA, students have the right to:
 • inspect and review their education records;
 • request an amendment to their education record if they believe they are inaccurate or
 misleading;
 • request a hearing if their request for an amendment is not resolved to their satisfaction;
 • consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information from their education
 records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent;
 • file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office
 if they believe their rights under FERPA have been violated.
 For questions about Student Privacy Rights, FERPA or filing a complaint, contact John
 Papinchak, University Registrar, jp7p@andrew.cmu.edu, in Enrollment Services.
 7.7 Academic Calendar
 The official academic calendar is published by Enrollment Services. It is not uncommon for
 departments and colleges to have academic requirements that differ from or are in addition to
 those presented in the academic calendar provided to the campus community by Enrollment
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 31Services. You may find the CMU academic calendar here: www.cmu.edu/hub/calendar.html.
 This provides information on deadlines including registration dates, class start dates, add/drop
 deadlines, and more.
 7.8 Professional Development
 The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
 (www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/career/index.html) at Carnegie Mellon is a centralized career
 center staffed by a team of seasoned and highly-educated professionals who orchestrate the
 career exploration, experiential learning, and career networking needs of students and alumni.
 CMU's career and professional development model is grounded in discipline-specific career
 development, experiential learning, and employer relations shaped by strong connections with
 the university's seven academic colleges. The center's success is founded upon a solid
 understanding of career and professional development theory, integration of technology, and
 an unwavering commitment to providing personalized attention towards meeting the unique
 individual needs of students, alumni, and employers. The CDPC is located on the Lower Level of
 the University Center, 412-268-2064.
 The Office of the Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Education (AVPGE) offers a robust
 schedule of professional development opportunities. Some are geared towards a specific
 population (master’s students, PhD students at the beginning of their program, graduate
 students seeking tenure track positions, etc.) and others are open to all graduate students (time
 management, balancing, staying healthy). A full schedule of programs can be found at:
 http://www.cmu.edu/graduate/.
 7.9 University Libraries
 http://library.cmu.edu
 The University Libraries offers a wide range of information resources and services supporting
 graduate students in course-work, research, teaching, and publishing. The library licenses and
 purchases books, journals, media and other needed materials in various formats. Library
 liaisons, consultants and information specialists provide in-depth and professional assistance
 and advice in all-things information - including locating and obtaining specific resources,
 providing specialized research support, advanced training in the use and management of data.
 Sign up for workshops and hands-on topic-specific sessions such as data visualization with
 Tableau, cleaning data with OpenRefine, and getting started with Zotero. Weekly drop-in hours
 for Digital Humanities and for Research Data Research Management are scheduled during the
 academic year. Start at the library home page to find the books, journals and databases you
 need; to identify and reach out to the library liaison in your field; to sign up for scheduled
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 32workshops; and to connect with consultants in scholarly publishing, research data
 management, and digital humanities.
 7.10 Computing Services
 www.cmu.edu/computing/
 Computing Services is located in Cyert Hall 285. Computing Services develops, maintains, and
 supports the computing infrastructure for Carnegie Mellon students, faculty members, and staff
 members. This includes the campus wired and wireless networks, public computer labs or
 “clusters,” cable television and telephone services, computing related documentation and
 support through the Help Center. In addition, Computing Services provides standard classroom
 technologies for over 100 lecture halls, classrooms, and seminar rooms across campus. The
 website contains addition information regarding The Help Center hours, location and contact
 information, computing cluster hours and location, the Carnegie Mellon web portal, computing
 security, and policies and guidelines. Students can email the Help Center at
 advisor@andrew.cmu.edu with questions and for assistance.
 7.11 Family and Dependents Resources
 The Graduate Student Assembly website maintains a resource page for spouses, domestic
 partners, and families of graduate students: www.cmu.edu/stugov/gsa/resources/family.html,
 including The Student Parent Association, new mother rooms, and links to resources around
 campus and the Pittsburgh area.
 Affiliate ID Cards are available for spouses and domestic partners of graduate students that
 allow them to access Carnegie Mellon’s campus. These cards are available through The HUB to
 spouses and partners of graduate students who are enrolled for the current academic year in a
 full-time graduate degree program. The card is valid for one year. For more information about
 student and affiliate ID cards, please visit: http://www.cmu.edu/idplus/idcards/cardtypes.html.
 7.12 Domestic Partner Registration
 Carnegie Mellon extends certain benefits to domestic partners of students. Eligible students
 may elect benefits for their domestic partners through the registration process orchestrated by
 the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, 3rd floor Warner Hall. Information regarding the
 benefits available for domestic partners, eligibility for domestic partner benefits, registration
 instructions, and forms can be located at:
 www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/dean/domestic_partner/index.html.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 337.13 Housing
 The university does not currently offer housing to graduate students. The Office of Housing and
 Dining Services does provide community housing information to assist graduate students who
 are seeking housing in the communities surrounding the university, including information on
 the legal aspects of renting an apartment, moving checklists, and the off-campus housing
 database. This information can be located at: www.cmu.edu/housing/community-
 housing/index.html.
 7.14 Dining
 www.cmu.edu/dining/
 Dining services and operations are offered through the Office of Housing and Dining Services.
 The office operates dining locations open around campus in academic buildings, Hunt Library,
 and the University Center. These locations offer flexible hours with options from the early
 morning through late night. The Dining Service website contains information about dining
 locations, hours of operation, graduate student dining plans forms, nutritional information, and
 weekly menus for dining locations.
 7.15 Parking and Transportation
 www.cmu.edu/parking/
 Graduate students will find information about parking and availability, parking policies,
 transportation options and Port Authority Transit usage with a valid university ID on the Parking
 and Transportation Services site. The Parking and Transportation Services office is located in
 the lower level of the East Campus Garage. There is limited parking on campus and the varying
 permit rates can be found on the website. All parking areas of campus are either by permit,
 metered, or by the hour in the garage. Parking and Transportation Services will ticket any car
 parked in a permit area without a permit or at an expired meter. The city monitors the metered
 parking along Margaret Morrison, Frew and Tech Streets and will ticket at expired meters as
 well.
 The university offers shuttle and escort services operated through University Police. The Shuttle
 Service operates several routes within Oakland, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside areas, as well as to
 University sites located outside of the main campus. The Escort Service offers vehicle routes
 within a radius of campus between 6:30 pm-6 am daily. Information regarding up-to-date
 shuttle and escort schedules, pick-up/drop-off locations, routes and usage policies can be found
 at: www.cmu.edu/police/shuttleandescort/.
 SafeWalk provides another option to campus community members walking across and around
 campus during late-night hours. SafeWalk is a student volunteer organization that provides
 campus escorts for all members of the Carnegie Mellon community. SafeWalk operates nightly
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 34during the regular academic year (except certain holidays and break periods) from 10pm until
 2am. Students, faculty, and staff may request an escort by calling 412-268-SAFE (8-7233 from a
 campus phone), by approaching an escort team, or by stopping by the SafeWalk dispatch area
 in the University Center, Lower Level near the Post Office Package Pick-Up window, between
 10pm-2am. SafeWalk will escort to locations approximately one mile from campus. Additional
 SafeWalk information can be found at: www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/safewalk.
 7.16 Copying, Printing and Mailing Services
 Carnegie Mellon offers community members easy access to FedEx, copy centers, printing and
 mailing services, and postal services. More information regarding these services, locations and
 contact information can be found in The Word at:
 www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword//campus_resources/copyprintmail.html.
 7.17 University Center
 www.cmu.edu/university-center
 The University Center is a centerpiece of the campus that provides a space for special events,
 physical fitness, student organizations and various activities, as well as accommodating retail
 and dining services. As the campus crossroads, the University Center functions as a place for
 students to interact, get involved and enjoy new experiences. Visit the University Center
 website for information about campus eateries, ATMs and PNC Bank, fitness rooms and
 schedules, retail stores, scheduling University Center space, the public prayer room, student
 organizations, and the Wright-Rogal Chapel.
 The University Center Information Desk is the location if you want to know about upcoming
 campus events or have questions about Carnegie Mellon in general. You can call the
 Information Desk at 412-268-2107. The Information Desk not only provides information about
 campus events, but also sells postage stamps, makes copies, sends faxes, distributes campus
 maps, manages a lost & found, and has informational brochures about Pittsburgh and the
 campus.
 7.18 Athletic/Fitness Facilities
 www.cmu.edu/athletics
 For the participant or the spectator, Carnegie Mellon offers intercollegiate athletics, intramural
 sports, physical education classes and club sports. The Athletics Department also offers
 aerobics classes in the University Center, as well as occasional workshops and instruction
 related to fitness and health. The Athletics Office is located in the Skibo Gymnasium.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 35The University Center’s recreational facilities include an eight-lane pool, racquetball and squash
 courts, class studios, a fully-equipped fitness center, and a gym for basketball and volleyball. All
 users must present a current Carnegie Mellon Card to use these facilities.
 7.19 CMU Alert
 www.cmu.edu/alert
 CMU Alert sends voice and/or text messages to registered phones in the event of a campus
 emergency that threatens public safety or during tests of the system in the spring and fall
 semesters. Students can register for CMU Alert through the website.
 A Appendix: Highlighted University Resources for Graduate Students and The
 WORD, Student Handbook
 A.1 Key Offices for Graduate Student Support
 A.1.1 Graduate Education Office
 www.cmu.edu/graduate; grad-ed@cmu.edu
 The Graduate Education Office serves as a hub for connecting graduate students to relevant
 campus experts and resources to support their academic success, understanding of university
 level policies and practices and to assist them in advancing their personal and professional
 development.
 Examples of resources offered through the Graduate Education Office include, but are not
 limited to:
 • Website with university resources, contact information for CMU programs and services,
 calendar of events related to graduate students
 • Bi-monthly email to all graduate students with information on activities, resources and
 opportunities
 • Professional Development Seminars and Workshops
 • GSA/Provost Conference Funding Grants
 • GSA/Provost Small Research Grants (GuSH)
 • Consultations on issues related to the graduate student experience
 The Graduate Education Office also works with the colleges and departments by informing and
 assisting in developing policy and procedures relevant to graduate students and working with
 departments on issues related to graduate students. Additionally we partner with many other
 offices and organizations, such as the Graduate Student Assembly, to support the holistic
 graduate student educational experience.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 36A.1.2 Office of the Dean of Students
 http://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/dean
 The Office of the Dean of Students provides central leadership of the metacurricular experience
 at Carnegie Mellon, including the coordination of student support. Vice President of Student
 Affairs and Dean of Students Gina Casalegno leads the Division of Student Affairs, which
 includes the offices and departments listed below (not an exhaustive list):
 • Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
 • Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
 • Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
 • Cohon University Center
 • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
 • Dining Services
 • Office of Community Standards and Integrity (OCSI)
 • Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement (SLICE)
 • University Health Services (UHS)
 • Wellness Initiatives
 Graduate students will find the enrollment information for Domestic Partner Registration and
 Childbirth/Maternity Accommodations in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs and on the
 website. The Office of the Dean of Student Affairs also manages the Student Emergency
 Support Funding process. There are three forms of support funding for enrolled students:
 emergency student loans, maternity loans, and the Tartan Emergency Support Fund. These
 funds are made available through generous gifts of alumni and friends of the University, as well
 as support from student organizations, the Undergraduate Student Senate, and the Graduate
 Student Assembly. Students will be provided with additional information about the various
 types of funding during a consultation meeting with a member of the Dean of Students team.
 Tuition costs are not eligible for Student Emergency Support Funding.
 Additional resources for graduate students include College Liaisons and the Student Support
 Resources team. College Liaisons are senior members of the Division of Student Affairs who
 work with departments and colleges addressing student concerns across a wide range of issues.
 College Liaisons are identified on the student SIO page in the Important Contacts list. The
 Student Support Resources team offers an additional level of support for students who
 are navigating any of a wide range of life events. Student Support Resources staff members
 work in partnership with campus and community resources to provide coordination of care and
 support appropriate to each student’s situation.
 A.1.3 Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion
 https://www.cmu.edu/student-diversity
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 37Diversity and inclusion have a singular place among the values of Carnegie Mellon University.
 The Center for Student Diversity &amp; Inclusion actively cultivates a strong, diverse and
 inclusive community capable of living out these values and advancing research, creativity,
 learning and development that changes the world.
 The Center offers resources to enhance an inclusive and transformative student experience in
 dimensions such as access, success, campus climate and intergroup dialogue. Additionally, the
 Center supports and connects historically underrepresented students and those who are first in
 their family to attend college in a setting where students’ differences and talents are
 appreciated and reinforced, both at the graduate and undergraduate level. Initiatives
 coordinated by the Center include, but are not limited to:
 • First generation/first in family to attend college programs
 • LGBTQ+ initiatives
 • Race and ethnically-focused programs, including Inter-University Graduate Students of
 Color Series (SOC) and PhD SOC Network
 • Women’s empowerment programs, including Graduate Women’s Gatherings (GWGs)
 • Transgender and non-binary student programs
 A.1.4 Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation
 www.cmu.edu/teaching
 We offer a wide variety of confidential, consultation services and professional development
 programs to support graduate students as teaching assistants or instructors of record during
 their time at Carnegie Mellon University and as future faculty members at other institutions.
 Regardless of one’s current or future teaching context and duties, our goal is to disseminate
 evidence-based teaching strategies in ways that are accessible and actionable. Programs and
 services include campus-wide Graduate Student Instructor Orientation events and our Future
 Faculty Program, both of which are designed to help participants be effective and efficient in
 their teaching roles. The Eberly Center also assists departments in creating and conducting
 customized programs to meet the specific needs of their graduate student instructors. Specific
 information about Eberly Center support for graduate students can be found at:
 www.cmu.edu/teaching/graduatestudentsupport/index.html.
 A.1.5 Carnegie Mellon Ethics Hotline
 https://www.cmu.edu/hr/resources/ethics-hotline.html
 The health, safety, and well-being of the university community are top priorities at Carnegie
 Mellon University. CMU provides a hotline that all members of the university community
 should use to confidentially report suspected unethical activity relating to areas below:
 • Academic and Student Life
 • Bias Reporting
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 38• Discriminatory Harassment/Sexual Misconduct/Title IX
 • Employee Misconduct
 • Employment Related
 • Environmental Health and Safety/Pandemic Safety
 • Financial Matters
 • Health and Wellness
 • Information Systems and Data Privacy
 • Public Safety and Criminal Activity
 • Research and Intellectual Property
 Students, faculty, and staff can anonymously file a report by calling 1-844-587-0793 or visiting -
 cmu.ethicspoint.net. All submissions will be reported to appropriate university personnel.
 The hotline is NOT an emergency service. For emergencies, call University Police at 412-268-
 2323.
 A.1.6 Policy Against Retaliation
 It is the policy of Carnegie Mellon University to protect from retaliation any individual who
 makes a good faith report of a suspected violation of any applicable law or regulation,
 University policy or procedure, any contractual obligation of the University, and any report
 made pursuant to the Carnegie Mellon University Code of Business Ethics and Conduct.
 Additional details regarding the Policy Against Retaliation are available at
 https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/whistleblower.html
 A.1.7 Graduate Student Assembly
 www.cmu.edu/stugov/gsa/index.html
 The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is the branch of Carnegie Mellon Student Government
 that represents, and advocates for the diverse interests of all graduate students at CMU. GSA is
 composed of representatives from the different graduate programs and departments who want
 to improve the graduate student experience at the different levels of the university. GSA is
 funded by the Student Activities Fee from all graduate students. GSA passes legislation,
 allocates student activities funding, advocates for legislative action locally and in Washington
 D.C. on behalf of graduate student issues and needs, and otherwise acts on behalf of all
 graduate student interests. Our recent accomplishments are a testament to GSA making a
 difference, and steps to implementing the vision laid out by the strategic plan.
 https://www.cmu.edu/stugov/gsa/About-the-GSA/Strategic-Plan.html.
 GSA offers an expanding suite of social programming on and off-campus to bring graduate
 students from different departments together and build a sense of community. GSA is the host
 of the Graduate Student Lounge on the 3rd floor of the Cohon University Center- a great place
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 39to study or meet up with friends. GSA also maintains a website of graduate student resources
 on and off-campus. Through GSA’s continued funding for professional development and
 research conferences, the GSA/Provost Conference Funding Program and GSA/Provost GuSH
 Research Grants are able to run, as managed by the Graduate Education Office. As we move
 forward, GSA will continue to rely on your feedback to improve the graduate student
 experience at CMU. Feel free to contact us at gsa@cmu.edu to get involved, stop by our office
 in the Cohon University Center Room 304 or become a representative for your department.
 A.1.8 Language and Cross-Cultural Support
 More than 60% of graduate students at Carnegie Mellon are international students, and others
 are nonnative speakers of English who have attended high school or undergraduate programs
 in the US. Many of these students want to hone their language and cross-cultural skills for
 academic and professional success. Students can choose from sessions on:
 • how to give a strong presentation
 • writing academic emails
 • expectations and strategies for clear academic writing
 • how to talk about yourself as a professional in the U.S.
 • developing clearer pronunciation
 • using accurate grammar
 • building fluency, and more.
 Students can make an appointment with a Language Development Specialist to get
 individualized coaching on language or cross-cultural issues.
 The Student Academic Success Center is also charged with certifying the language of
 International Teaching Assistants (ITAs), ensuring that nonnative English speakers have the
 language proficiency needed to succeed as teaching assistants in the Carnegie Mellon
 classroom. Students preparing to do an ITA Certification should plan to take classes offered by
 the language support team at the SASC from the beginning of their first semester. Start by
 contacting the language support team at the SASC website or attend a Language Support
 Orientation at the SASC or in your department.
 A.1.9 Office of International Education (OIE)
 www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/
 Carnegie Mellon hosts international graduate and undergraduate students who come from
 more than 90 countries. The Office of International Education (OIE) is the liaison to the
 University for all non-immigrant students and scholars, as well the repository for study abroad
 opportunities and advisement. OIE provides many services including: advising on personal,
 immigration, study abroad, academic, and social and acculturation issues; presenting programs
 of interest such as international career workshops, tax workshops, and cross-cultural and
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 40immigration workshops; international education and statistics on international students in the
 United States; posting pertinent information to students through email and the OIE website,
 and conducting orientation and pre-departure programs.
 A.1.10 Veterans and Military Community
 http://www.cmu.edu/veterans/
 Military veterans are a vital part of the Carnegie Mellon University community. Graduate
 students can find information on applying veteran education benefits, campus services,
 veteran’s groups at CMU, non-educational resources and international military service
 information through the Veterans and Military Community website. There are also links and
 connections to veteran resource in the Pittsburgh community. The Naval ROTC and Veteran
 Affairs Offices are located at 4615 Forbes Avenue, uro-vaedbenefits@andrew.cmu.edu, 412-
 268-8747.
 A.2 Key Offices for Academic & Research Support
 A.2.1 Computing and Information Resources
 www.cmu.edu/computing
 Computing Services maintains and supports computing resources for the campus community,
 including the campus wired and wireless networks, printing, computer labs, file storage, email,
 and software catalog. As members of this community, we are all responsible for the security of
 these shared resources. Be sure to review the Safe Computing section
 (https://www.cmu.edu/computing/safe) and the University Computing Policy
 (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/information-technology/computing.html).
 A.2.2 Research at CMU
 www.cmu.edu/research/index.shtml
 The primary purpose of research at the university is the advancement of knowledge in all fields
 in which the university is active. Research is regarded as one of the university’s major
 contributions to society and as an essential element in education, particularly at the graduate
 level and in faculty development. Research activities are governed by several university policies.
 Guidance and more general information is found by visiting the Research at Carnegie Mellon
 website.
 A.2.3 Office of Research Integrity & Compliance
 www.cmu.edu/research-compliance/index.html
 The Office of Research Integrity & Compliance (ORIC) is designed to support research at
 Carnegie Mellon University. The staff work with researchers to ensure research is conducted
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 41with integrity and in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania regulation. ORIC assists
 researchers with human subject research, conflicts of interest, responsible conduct of research,
 export controls, and institutional animal care & use. ORIC also provides consultation, advice,
 and review of allegations of research misconduct.
 A.2.4 Student Academic Success Center
 https://www.cmu.edu/student-success
 Student Academic Support Programs
 A.2.4.1 Communication & Language Support
 • Communication Support: The program offers free consultations for all CMU students on
 their written, oral, and visual projects. Our trained communication consultants help
 communicators convey ideas clearly and effectively on a variety of STEM and humanities
 topics. Consultants support communication excellence on essays, technical reports, oral
 presentations, slides, data visualization, advanced English language learning, and many
 other project types. Clients can bring in a project at any stage, including brainstorming
 ideas, organizing thoughts, responding to instructor feedback, or putting finishing
 touches on the final draft. Support is offered in several modes:
 One-on-one Communication Tutoring (in-person or synchronous Zoom meeting):
 o
 Clients meet with a consultant to improve the logic, clarity, and flow of writing or
 presentation and receive expert feedback that will strengthen a project. When
 making an appointment, clients upload a draft, instructor prompts, and rubrics
 so the consultants can use specific criteria to give relevant feedback. See the
 appointment types offered here: https://www.cmu.edu/student-
 success/programs/communication-support/make-an-appointment.html
 Video Response (asynchronous): Clients upload documents in advance, then
 o
 receive a 20 to 30 minute video with a consultant’s feedback. The feedback
 video will be received within 5 days of the scheduled appointment.
 Group Appointments: Participate with your group to accomplish peer reviews or
 o
 focus on collaborative presentation strategies.
 Workshops: Workshops are available on a variety of topics and help attendees
 o
 learn research-backed communication strategies.
 https://www.cmu.edu/student-success/calendar.html
 Resources: An online collection of handouts and videos that concisely explain
 o
 specific communication strategies are available. https://www.cmu.edu/student-
 success/other-resources/index.html
 A.2.4.2 Language and Cross-Cultural Support
 More than 60% of graduate students at Carnegie Mellon are international students, and others
 are non-native speakers of English who have attended high school or undergraduate programs
 in the U.S. Many of these students want to hone their language and cross-cultural skills for
 academic and professional success. Students can make an appointment with a Language
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 42Development Specialist to get individualized coaching on language or cross-cultural issues.
 Students can choose from sessions on:
 • How to give a strong presentation
 • Writing academic emails
 • Analyzing expectations and strategies for clear academic writing
 • How to talk about yourself as a professional in the U.S.
 • Developing clearer pronunciation
 • Using accurate grammar
 • Building fluency
 and more. Students can make an appointment with a Language Development Specialist to get
 individualized coaching on language or cross-cultural issues.
 The Student Academic Success Center is also charged with certifying the language of
 International Teaching Assistants (ITAs), ensuring that nonnative English speakers have the
 language proficiency needed to succeed as teaching assistants in the Carnegie Mellon
 classroom. Students preparing to do an ITA Certification should plan to take classes offered by
 the language support team at the SASC website or attend a Language Support Orientation at
 the SASC or in your department.
 A.2.4.3 Learning Support
 • Peer Tutoring: Weekly tutoring appointments are offered one-on-one and small group
 format to students from any discipline who need assistance with a course that may not
 be supported by our other services. Weekly appointments give students the opportunity
 to interact regularly with the same tutor to facilitate deeper understanding of concepts.
 Students can register online through the Student Academic Success website.
 • Academic Coaching: Academic Coaching provides holistic one-on-one peer support and
 group workshops to help students find and implement their conditions for success. We
 assist students in improving time management, productive habits, organization, stress
 management, and study skills. Students will request support through the Academic
 Success Center website and attend in-person meetings or meet using video and audio
 conferencing technology to provide all students with support.
 • “Just in Time” Workshops: The Student Academic Success team is available to partner
 with instructors and departments to identify skills or concepts that would benefit from
 supplemental offerings (workshops, boot camps) to support students’ academic success
 and learning. We are eager to help convene and coordinate outside of the classroom
 skill-building opportunities that can be open to any student interested in building skill or
 reinforcing course concept mastery.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 43A.2.5 Office of Research Integrity & Compliance
 www.cmu.edu/research-compliance/index.html
 The Office of Research Integrity & Compliance (ORIC) is designed to support research at
 Carnegie Mellon University. The staff work with researchers to ensure research is conducted
 with integrity and in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania regulation. ORIC assists
 researchers with human subject research, conflicts of interest, responsible conduct of research,
 export controls, intellectual property rights and regulations, and institutional animal care & use.
 ORIC also consults on, advises about and handles allegations of research misconduct.
 A.3 Key Offices for Health, Wellness & Safety
 A.3.1 Counseling & Psychological Services
 https://www.cmu.edu/counseling
 Counseling & Psychological Services (CaPS) affords the opportunity for students to talk privately
 about academic and personal concerns in a safe, confidential setting. An initial consultation at
 CaPS can help clarify the nature of the concern, provide immediate support, and explore
 further options if needed. These may include a referral for counseling within CaPS, to another
 resource at Carnegie Mellon, or to another resource within the larger Pittsburgh community.
 CaPS also provides workshops and group session on mental health related topics specifically for
 graduate students on campus. CaPS services are provided at no cost. Appointments can be
 made in person or by telephone at 412-268-2922.
 A.3.2 Health Services
 www.cmu.edu/HealthServices
 University Health Services (UHS) is staffed by physicians, advanced practice clinicians, and
 registered nurses who provide general medical care, allergy injections, first aid, gynecological
 care and contraception, and on-site pharmaceuticals. The CMU Student Insurance Plan covers
 most visit fees to see the physicians and advanced practice clinicians & nurse visits. Fees for
 prescription medications, laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures and referral to the emergency
 room or specialists are the student’s responsibility and students should review the UHS website
 and their insurance plan for detailed information about the university health insurance
 requirement and fees.
 UHS also has a registered dietician and health promotion specialists on staff to assist students
 in addressing nutrition, drug and alcohol, and other healthy lifestyle issues. In addition to
 providing direct health care, UHS administers the Student Health Insurance Program. The
 Student Health Insurance plan offers a high level of coverage in a wide network of health care
 providers and hospitals. Appointments can be made by visiting UHS’s website, walk-in, or by
 telephone, 412-268-2157.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 44A.3.3 Campus Wellness
 http://www.cmu.edu/wellness/
 At Carnegie Mellon, we believe our individual and collective well-being is rooted in healthy
 connections to each other and to campus resources. The university provides a wide variety of
 wellness, mindfulness and connectedness initiatives and resources designed to help students
 thrive inside and outside the classroom. The BeWell@CMU e-newsletter seeks to be a
 comprehensive resource for CMU regarding all wellness-inspired events, announcements and
 professional and personal development opportunities. Sign up for the Be Well monthly
 newsletter via https://bit.ly/BeWellNewsletter or by contacting the Program Director for
 Student Affairs Wellness Initiatives, at alusk@andrew.cmu.edu.
 A.3.4 Religious & Spiritual Life Initiatives (RSLI)
 www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/spirituality
 Carnegie Mellon is committed to the holistic growth of our students, including creating
 opportunities for spiritual and religious practice and exploration. We have relationships with
 local houses of worship from various traditions and many of these groups are members of
 CMU’s Council of Religious Advisors. We also offer programs and initiatives that cross
 traditional religious boundaries in order to increase knowledge of and appreciation for the full
 diversity of the worldview traditions. Our RSLI staff are here to support students across the
 spectrum of religious and spiritual practice and would be more than happy to help you make a
 connection into a community of faith during your time at CMU.
 A.3.5 University Police
 http://www.cmu.edu/police/
 412-268-2323
 The University Police Department is located at 4551 Filmore Street. The department’s services
 include police patrols and call response, criminal investigations, fixed officer and foot officer
 patrols, event security, crime prevention and education programming, and bicycle and laptop
 registration. Visit the department’s website for additional information about the staff,
 emergency phone locations, crime prevention, lost and found, fingerprint services, and annual
 statistic reports.
 Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report
 describing the university’s security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and
 containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus and the
 number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years.
 Graduate students can obtain a copy by contacting the University Police Department at 412-
 268-6232. The annual security and fire safety report is also available online at
 https://www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports/.
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 45A.3.6 Shuttle & Escort Services
 Parking and Transportation coordinates the Shuttle and Escort Service provided for CMU
 students, faculty, and community. The Shuttle & Escort website has full information about
 these services, stops, routes, tracking, and schedules.
 https://www.cmu.edu/parking/shuttle/index.html
 A.4 The WORD
 http://www.cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword/
 The WORD is Carnegie Mellon University’s student handbook and serves as the foundation for
 the department (and sometimes college) handbook. The WORD contains University-wide
 academic policies and resources, community policies and resources, and describes the
 University-level procedures used to review possible violations of these standards. It is designed
 to provide all students with the tools, guidance, and insights to help you achieve your full
 potential as a member of the Carnegie Mellon community. Information about the following is
 included in The WORD (not an exhaustive list) and graduate students are encouraged to
 bookmark this site and refer to it often:
 Carnegie Mellon Vision, Mission
 Statement of Assurance
 Carnegie Mellon Code
 Academic Standards, Policies and Procedures
 Educational Goals
 Academic and Individual Freedom
 Academic Disciplinary Actions Overview
 Statement on Academic Integrity Standards for Academic & Creative Life
 Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
 Master’s Student Statute of Limitations
 Conduct of Classes
 Copyright Policy
 Cross-college & University Registration
 Doctoral Student Status Policy
 Evaluation & Certification of English Fluency for Instructors
 Final Exams for Graduate Courses
 Grading Policies
 Intellectual Property Policy
 Privacy Rights of Students
 Student’s Rights
 Research
 Human Subjects in Research
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 46Office of Research Integrity & Compliance
 Office of Sponsored Programs
 Policy for Handling Alleged Misconduct of Research
 Policy on Restricted Research
 Tax Status of Graduate Student Awards
 Campus Resources & Opportunities
 Alumni Relations
 Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities
 Athletics, Physical Fitness & Recreation
 Carnegie Mellon ID Cards and Services
 Cohon University Center
 Copying, Printing & Mailing
 Division of Student Affairs
 Domestic Partner Registration
 Emergency Student Loan Program
 Gender Programs & Resources
 Health Services
 Dining Services
 The HUB Student Services Center
 ID Card Services
 Leonard Gelfand Center
 LGBTQ Resources
 Multicultural and Diversity Initiatives
 Opportunities for Involvement
 Parking and Transportation Services
 Shuttle and Escort Services
 Spiritual Development
 University Police
 Student Activities
 University Stores
 Community Standards, Policies and Procedures
 Active Medical Assistance Protocol
 Alcohol and Drugs Policy
 AIDS Policy
 Bicycle/Wheeled Transportation Policy
 Damage to Carnegie Mellon Property
 Deadly Weapons
 Discriminatory Harassment
 Disorderly Conduct
 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 47Freedom of Expression Policy
 Health Insurance Policy
 Immunization Policy
 Missing Student Protocol
 Non-Discrimination Policy
 On-Campus Emergencies
 Pets
 Political Activities
 Recycling Policy
 Riotous and Disorderly Behavior
 Safety Hazards
 Scheduling and Use of University Facilities
 Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Policy
 Smoking Policy
 Student Accounts Receivable and Collection Policy and Procedures
 Student Activities Fee
 Student Enterprises
 Workplace Threats and Violence Policy
 University policies can also be found in full text at: http://www.cmu.edu/policies/
 MLT Graduate Student Handbook Page 48