Carnegie Mellon is not very strict when it comes to people using its facilities, as those who don't go to CMU are free to use the library, academic buildings, student center, and workout facilities (although there is a fee) within normal daytime hours. CMU is very strict, however, when it comes to cheating, plagiarism, and illegal downloads. Teachers and teaching assistants are usually responsible for dealing with suspected cheating and plagiarism, although the higher-up deans can get involved. If a student is even suspected of cheating, teachers have been known to assign R's (an F, basically) and extra assignments to punish the student. This doesn't happen often because of how strictly enforced the academic policies are.
CMU makes up for its iron-fist academic strictness with a looser, more accommodating campus police. While CMU students might make fun of campus police from time to time, they really have some of the most flexible policies that still offer students safety from both themselves and others. Campus police really only intervene if a student is caught participating in illegal activity, but they won't go looking for it. For example, students who decide to congregate in dorm rooms with a 30 pack of Natty Light and a cheap bottle of vodka won't be disturbed unless it is extremely obvious that they are drinking, where the RA is required to call the campus police. Usually, if the RA knocks on the door and this is happening, or if people are stupid enough to walk the halls holding alcohol, the RA will simply make them pour it out. On campus, things are pretty lax, but you should start to use caution when going to off-campus parties, as then the Pittsburgh police are the first to respond, and they usually aren't so accommodating.
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Campus Strictness at Carnegie Mellon University
Kd93k5
Information Technology '15
3.5
B
For Your Own Good
There is no drinking allowed in freshman dorms, and you can get into a lot of trouble if you're caught. However, most RAs are pretty lenient about it. We have a really great amnesty program where your friend can call EMS for you if you're in danger of alcohol poisoning, and neither of you will get in trouble.
Apr 03, 2012
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Campus Strictness at Carnegie Mellon University
B
Not an Issue
I have not yet found myself in a situation regarding any school policies or the enforcement of such policies, but several of my friends have. From their experiences, they say the university is fair and very understanding, especially if it is your first offense.
Apr 03, 2012
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Campus Strictness at Carnegie Mellon University
C
Somewhat Strict
Campus police are few but do tend to be fairly strict and if you aren't smart about where you decide to party on the weekends, you might catch yourself in a tough spot. Usually there are plenty of off-campus opportunities to have fun, and the city police have more important things to do than worry about citing 100 students at a party.
Apr 02, 2012
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User rating for Carnegie Mellon University - Campus Strictness is
3.5 out of 5
based on 42 user reviews.
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