Graduate Student Assembly Family Space (Pilot Program)

Provided by the Graduate Student Assembly in partnership with Student Affairs, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of Human Resources

The GSA Family Space provides a dedicated location on campus for currently enrolled graduate students, their children (age 12 and under), and their partners to:

• navigate transitional time between classes
• interact with other graduate student families
• complete work in a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment

The space features some play equipment, a private bathroom, and secured swipe card access. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8. p.m., Monday through Friday, and follow the academic calendar [pdf] for room closures.

How to Access

• Graduate students and their spouses/partners who wish to access the space must complete the access request form. Once the form is received, HR Family Care team members will reach out to ensure the following steps are completed:
  1. Child Protection Clearances are on file with the Office of Human Resources.
     1. Child Protection Clearances are required by PA State Law and CMU Policy. The PA Child Protective Services Law mandates that individuals in contact with non-matriculated minors obtain the three Child Protection Clearances prior to interactions. In compliance with state law, CMU requires the clearances to be on file with the Office of Human Resources.
     2. For those who do not already have clearances on file, please note that the clearance process can take up to six weeks.
     3. Clearances must be renewed every five years.
     4. Contact Child Protection Operations if you have questions about clearances.
  2. The release form [pdf] is signed and submitted.
• Spouses or domestic partners must have a Sponsored ID Card. Those who do not have a Sponsored ID card can request one from the HUB; documentation is required. Anyone who does not meet the criteria needed to obtain a Sponsored ID card is not eligible to access this space.

If you have questions about the access process, please contact HR Family Care.

Swipe card access will be granted for up to one year and can be revoked if the conditions of the release form are not met or if the Office of Human Resources deems it necessary.

The GSA Family Space pilot program will be evaluated at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year. Pending evaluation, access can be renewed after one year if the graduate student wishes to continue using the room and is still enrolled. A new access request form and release form will be required for each renewal. Child Protection Clearances are valid for five years and will not need to be renewed until the five-year mark.

Maintenance Concerns

For non-urgent and general maintenance requests, please contact the GSA Partner & Family Advocates. For maintenance emergencies and urgent cleaning requests, please call FMS at 412-268-2910.