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CMU Staff Benefits Survey


Staff Council and the Benefits Committee want to hear from you! Stay tuned for a short survey coming your way on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to weigh in on the future of our staff benefits offerings.

31st Annual Food Drive

Staff Council is excited to launch the 31st Annual Food Drive, continuing a proud tradition of giving back to the Greater Pittsburgh area. Over the past three decades, the CMU community has shown unwavering support for neighbors in need, raising almost $517,000 and collecting nearly 80 tons of food for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.


This year’s food drive aims to raise $100,000 - as well as collect nonperishables, especially peanut butter - for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant impact—just $1 can provide up to three meals! In addition, we are asking members of the campus community to come together to provide 350 can openers for the CMU Food Pantry. These can openers are essential to our students who rely on canned goods provided by the pantry.


Provost Jim Garrett, honorary chair of the food drive, highlights the importance of community engagement: 

"Carnegie Mellon has always embraced a commitment to social responsibility in our community. Coming together to support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is not only a chance to provide meals and resources but also to strengthen a bond between our campus and the community that sustains us. Each year, it is a delight to see our students, faculty and staff unite to make a meaningful difference in addressing food insecurity in our region."


For more information, visit pittsburghfoodbank.org/cmu31. Together, we can make a difference!

Join Us


Get involved by donating at our events below!


Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Cohon University Center, Second Floor

Benefits & Fitness Fair


Thursday, Oct. 31., 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Tepper Garage

Drive & Drop Event


Thursday, Nov. 7, noon–2 p.m., Merson Courtyard

Food Drive Fall Fest


Monday, Nov. 11, 1–3 p.m., East Campus Garage

Drive & Drop Event

Read More

Spotlight Series

Employee Resource Group Spotlight

The Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group


This week, learn more about the Neurodiverse Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Carnegie Mellon University! This group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for cognitively diverse employees and their allies. The group creates intentional spaces for community and support across all CMU campuses. Through workshops, discussion groups and social events, the Neurodiverse ERG enhances awareness of neurodiversity and promotes collaborative perspectives that prioritize inclusivity.

Professional Development Spotlight

Administrative Professionals Program


The Office of Human Resources is excited to announce a partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County, offering an energizing program for administrative professionals! Participants will dive into 12 weekly virtual training sessions to boost skills in effective communication, time management, Google Suite and more. With the flexibility to choose sessions that match their responsibilities, everyone can enjoy a customized learning experience. HR is now seeking nominations from supervisors, and staff can self-nominate with approval. Don’t forget to check out the Spring 2025 schedule!

Staff Council General Body Meeting

October Highlights


  • The 31st Annual Food Drive runs Oct. 28-Nov. 11.
  • Carnegie Mellon is partnering with Giant Eagle to offer flu shots this year, both at Giant Eagle locations and on campus clinics.
  • Open Enrollment runs Oct. 28-Nov. 18.
  • The Health Savings Account deductible has increased.
  • Child life insurance policies of $15 thousand and $20 thousand have been added.
  • CMU Africa will gain representation in Staff Council.
Meeting Dates & Minutes

Upcoming Events

Annual Winter Necessity Drive


The annual Winter Necessity Drive is from Oct. 12–27 and benefits Proud Haven who help LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 18-25) experiencing homelessness in Pittsburgh. There is an online Walmart registry curated of the most needed items. In addition, in-person donation drop-offs are being held from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the CUC, Oct. 23 in Kirr Commons and Oct. 24 in Wean Commons. Hosted by the LGBTQIA+ ERG

Benefits & Fitness Fair


The Benefits & Fitness Fair, on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in Rangos Ballroom, offers faculty, staff and students the chance to explore 2025 benefits options; meet with HR representatives; and enjoy fitness info, raffles and giveaways. Free flu vaccinations will be provided for faculty and staff. Hosted by the Office of Human Resources

Homecoming Weekend


Homecoming Weekend 2024, on Nov. 1–2, features Spirit Day activities, a Mini Carnival, the Alumni Awards and Tartan Athletics vs. Westminster Titans. The celebration includes games, inflatables, tailgate events and performances like the AB Homecoming Concert. Events are for the entire CMU community, including families and alumni. Hosted by University Advancement

Democracy Day


Democracy Day on Nov. 5, at CMU promotes civic engagement and well-being. Classes are canceled before 5 p.m., allowing faculty, staff and students to participate in campus and community events. The day also serves as a resource hub for election-related activities, encouraging eligible voters to vote in person. Hosted by CMU Leadership

CMU Day at the Irish Design Center


Tom Petrone, owner of the Irish Design Center located at 303 South Craig St., is planning a CMU Day at his shop on Saturday, Nov. 16. As part of this day, three CMU student musicians will play a one-hour concert featuring a selection of Irish music from noon–1 p.m., and members of the CMU community presenting their Andrew IDs can draw from the "Pot of Gold" to receive discounts on store purchases from 5–20%.

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Want to Use Your Voice?


Contact the Staff Council Communications Committee to share feedback or content suggestions that you think would benefit future issues!

Connecting with Staff Council


Have an idea or concern? Please don't hesitate to reach out to your Staff Council Divisional Representative or an At-Large Representative. You can also send an email to staff-council@andrew.cmu.edu.

The Staff Voice is a monthly newsletter distributed by the Staff Council Communications Committee. You are receiving this email because of your status as a staff member of the university.