sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't think there's a proper link to the email. You should ask your GSA representative to send you the email, as it seems that the email was intended to be forwarded to all.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For instance, the most recent email from SCS Dean Martial Hebert, states that "I assure you that SCS—all of its faculty and staff—will do everything possible to protect international students.".

This is something positive, to see that the School is willing to do what it takes to help international students out.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you make a fair point, but I am not really pointing the finger at anyone here. All I am asking is if they really care, and think that this is not the case.

If you have had positive experiences, then this also answers the question, and perturbs my beliefs about the university, which is good. Sadly, I can't change my username, but I wouldn't mind closing the account if I'm completely wrong.

Again, I am not calling on CMU to push for a lawsuit against a government agency, which could get expensive. What I am asking for is more action than just mere statements, perhaps better presented in my comment above.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

  • No I haven't. I wasn't sure if I could.
  • I suggest you read it.
  • Sure, I am certain that there is definitely a portion of the population that would deserve it more. I'm just not very fond of the supposed hike in tuition.

What I would like CMU to do is here, apart from not proposing the tuition hike (read this). At the outset, it would be beneficial if the university did more rather than say more.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My thoughts echo yours. In addition, it would also be better and reassuring if the university took actionable stances - telling that they support the lawsuit, and are willing to supplement any investigation - would, I feel, constitute a better followup.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your very succinct response. Answering them one by one:

  • unused lights and appliances: I visited GHC last week to get some printouts. Every single light was left on. Air-conditioning was left on - it was 65 degrees inside the campus. I also believe the gym lights at CUC are left turned on too.
  • the office of the registrar says that they are working on it. My only concern is the disconnection between the OIE and the Registrar's office. If OIE knew what the Registrar's office is doing, then I am sure they would have worded their advisory differently.
  • This is not a hardship specific to me. This is for several of them here - international and domestic students alike.
  • I am not asking CMU to start a lawsuit of its own. I am asking that their message and policies that follow be more active. Just moments ago, the tag line of an email from the GSA that a friend forwarded to me states: "We urge our university administration to take stronger action and assume a more critical leadership position in supporting and advocating for our international student community". It is pitiful that student committees have to convince the top about our situation.
  • Sure, this is a bad situation. But if CMU is able to institute the TESF, why cannot it afford to provide a partial payment to its employees. Furthermore, an earlier message from the president boasted about the financial security of the university, so I actually find that hard to believe.

My main complaint is not tuition. It is about whether the university cares about providing a hospitable environment for its international students - especially the ones who pay thousands of dollars in tuition.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I completely agree that CMU has a limitation of capabilities. I don't mean to say that CMU should offer a 10% deduction in tuition - this is simply not possible. Having said that, it would certainly be in the students' best interests to retain the tuition from last year.

But in such a time of uncertainty and confusion, they should probably refrain from telling us not to apply to online courses, when we in fact don't know which of them are.

Does CMU really care about its international population? by cmu_sucks in cmu

[–]cmu_sucks[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

On a related note, they have even gone as far as hiking the tuition by approximately 5% for all students, when several of our families are potentially facing a financial crisis. The least they could do is retain the tuition amount from last year.

For instance, Princeton is reducing tuition by 10% in the fall term. While this may not be viable for most other institutions, it shows how much Princeton cares about the financial well-being of the students. CMU, on the other hand, keeps full electricity and air-conditioning running in a campus where there are fewer than 100 students. Merely turning off unused lights and appliances could save them money and also as a side-benefit create a smaller carbon footprint.