Carnegie Mellon University
EN-8: Employee Orientation

CMU's New Hire Employee Orientation includes a range of topics, several of which reflect our commitment to multiple dimensions of sustainability.

The Human Resources portion provides an overview of the expectations and benefits of working at CMU. In addition a presentation articulates that Carnegie Mellon offers competitive benefits to over 5,000 faculty and staff, placing importance on fostering diversity and a spirit of inclusion, and emphasizing the power of creativity and innovation across the university—from academic and research programs in art and technology to staff positions in finance and administration. We believe a diverse campus community is essential to enriching intellectual exchanges and enhancing cultural understanding. Likewise, it is important that the diversity of our community reflects our regional, national, and global constituencies. We are committed to creating an environment where all faculty and staff feel welcome, supported, and appreciated for their individuality. See https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/diveresity-and-inclusion for a few examples of diversity and inclusion programs and resources we offer at Carnegie Mellon.

Representatives from CMU’s Fitness Recreation Staff discuss CMU’s commitment to being a healthy workplace, which includes providing resources to help employees manage personal and work-life issues. Faculty and staff members and their household members have access to CMU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by Guidance Resources. See https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/eap/index.html for more info. CMU offers free Group X-ercise classes for CMU staff, faculty and students. Additionally, campus wellness programs are offered through Student Affairs Wellness Initiatives. Although student-focused, staff are encouraged to participate. University Health Services supports the health and well-being of the CMU community, through individual clinical service, health education programs and campus initiatives.

Orientation includes an Equal Opportunity Services Overview. As an aspect of this, staff learn about the Carnegie Mellon Women's Association (CMWA). CMWA is open to all women associated with the university including staff, faculty, administrators, trustees, and wives/partners and friends of staff, faculty, administrators, and trustees. CMWA celebrates the diversity and achievements of women at Carnegie Mellon while building a greater sense of community life on campus. Programs include Networking Happy Hours, Lunch & Learns, Community Service and Speaker Series.

The Disability Resources Overview aspect of orientation discusses available resources related to disability. The Office of Disability Resources for faculty and staff values people with diverse abilities and needs. We are committed to the full inclusion of all employees and guests of the university. We assist with job accommodations for faculty and staff members with short- and long-term conditions. We support digital and physical accessibility for faculty and staff members. We provide employees with resources regarding accessibility.

Orientation include a discussion about preventing and responding to sexual misconduct and other forms of gender discrimination. CMU's Office of Title IX Initiatives is dedicated to promoting gender equity at Carnegie Mellon University, which includes coordinating the University's efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of gender discrimination (including gender identity discrimination) and sexual misconduct impacting community members, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.

The benefits and retirement overview provides information and counseling on benefit programs for faculty and staff members, retirees and eligible dependents. HR Benefits works as a liaison between the campus community and our benefit vendors and maintains compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. HR Benefits Representatives also discuss educational benefits including tuition options for staff and their dependents.

Finally, since 2013, new employee orientation has included a walking tour of campus that highlights green aspects of the university operations. Staff Council Representatives lead these tours.