Getting Started at CMU

Overview

Carnegie Mellon provides a rich set of digital systems. This guide walks through the essential ones you’ll use from day one.

Andrew ID

Your Andrew ID is your digital identity at CMU. You’ll use it for email, Canvas, SIO, computing resources, and campus Wi-Fi.

First-time setup

1. Go to identity.andrew.cmu.edu
2. Click “Set up your Andrew account”
3. Enter your Andrew ID (provided in your admission letter)
4. Set a strong password
5. Configure two-factor authentication (Duo)
6. Set up your @andrew.cmu.edu email

Password requirements

• At least 12 characters
• Must include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character
• Cannot contain your Andrew ID
• Must be changed every 180 days

Duo Two-Factor Authentication

CMU uses Duo Security for 2FA. You’ll authenticate with Duo when logging into WebISO-protected services.

• Install Duo Mobile on your phone
• Push notifications are the fastest method
• You can generate offline passcodes in the Duo app
• Hardware tokens are available from Computing Services

SIO (Student Information Online)

SIO is CMU’s student administration portal at sio.andrew.cmu.edu.

• Course registration during assigned windows
• View grades and transcripts
• Financial aid and billing
• Degree audit (Stellic integration)

Canvas

CMU uses Canvas at canvas.cmu.edu.

• All course materials, assignments, and grades
• Integrated with CMU’s authentication (no separate login)
• Mobile app available: “Canvas Student”

Computing Resources

AFS (Andrew File System)

Your home directory lives in AFS at /afs/andrew.cmu.edu/usr/{your-andrew-id}. Access it from any cluster machine or via SFTP.

Unix Timeshares

• unix.andrew.cmu.edu — General-purpose Linux shell
• SSH access using your Andrew credentials
• Software available via module system

Cluster Computing

CMU maintains several research computing clusters. Contact your department or the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center for access.

Wi-Fi

1. CMU-SECURE · Authentication：Andrew credentials · Use：Primary network — use this
2. eduroam · Authentication：Andrew credentials · Use：For visitors from other eduroam institutions
3. CMU-GUEST · Authentication：Self-registration · Use：Visitors, bandwidth-limited

Setup

1. Select CMU-SECURE
2. Username: {andrew-id}@andrew.cmu.edu
3. Password: your Andrew password
4. Accept the certificate

Quick Reference

• Computing Services: computing.cmu.edu — Help desk, software, printing
• The HUB: cmu.edu/hub — Registration, financial aid, billing
• Library: library.cmu.edu

Next steps

Once you have your Andrew ID and Duo working, set up your email client, connect to Wi-Fi, and explore Canvas. Bookmark the Computing Services help desk — you’ll use it.