Carnegie Mellon University: A Place That Cares for Its Students or Just a Campus for 'Cattle'?

Feelings about whether an institution like Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) cares for its students can vary widely among individuals. Some students may feel supported through academic resources, mental health services, and community engagement, while others might perceive a lack of attention to their needs, especially in high-pressure environments like CMU.

Common Concerns Among Students at Rigorous Institutions

Common concerns among students at rigorous institutions often include:

Workload and Stress: The demanding academic environment can lead to feelings of overwhelm, making students feel that the administration may not fully understand their struggles. Support Services: Access to mental health resources, academic advising, and other support systems can impact how cared for students feel. If these services are perceived as insufficient or hard to navigate, it can lead to dissatisfaction. Community and Inclusion: The sense of belonging is crucial. If students feel isolated or that their voices are not heard in campus decisions, they may feel that the institution does not prioritize their well-being. Communication: Transparency and communication from the administration can significantly influence perceptions. Students may feel neglected if they believe their concerns are not addressed.

Ultimately, it's important for students to share their experiences and feedback with the administration to foster a better understanding of their needs and to encourage improvements. Engaging in student government or campus organizations can also be a way to advocate for changes that enhance the student experience.

Perceptions from a Former CMU Graduate

I am a CMU graduate, and I have done okay. One issue I have with the institution is the treatment of students. CMU does not appear to treat students as individuals, but rather as 'cattle' that they relentlessly harass and demean until they either drop out or keep their feelings bottled up and seek mental health help.

CMU barely has lights on—either during the day or at night—to conserve the cost of lighting the campus and doesn't have a functioning dining service or any considerable investment in offering mental health supports to students.

Personal Experiences at CMU

From my personal experience, I remember the campus being divided into 'Fruits and Nuts.' Engineers, computers, and other engineering majors were grouped together, while artists, drama, and architects were in another category. There were great parties on the weekends, and people worked like crazy during the week, no limits and no oversight.

Professionally, the best in the areas it specialized in. However, if you wanted to study Ancient Greek, go somewhere else. If you wanted to go crazy or do drugs, that was going to happen, and nobody was going to notice until your tuition check bounced, and then you were gone. Luckily, that didn't happen to me, but there was no safety net that I recall.

Just a tiny campus, a cheese steak with fries on the bun, a park, a bunch of computers, a bunch of artists. It was a place I loved, and once I left, I never looked back.

In conclusion, the perception of CMU varies greatly. While some students find it to be an engaging and supportive environment, others feel that the institution is not adequately caring for its students, particularly in aspects relating to mental health and community support.

Key Takeaways: Many students at rigorous institutions face common challenges such as workload, stress, and limited support services. Effective communication and transparent administration can significantly improve student satisfaction. Students have a role in sharing their experiences and advocating for changes that enhance the student experience.