Behind the Scenes of the Cougar Crawl
This weekend, prospective ChathamU students are invited to participate in Chatham’s first ever, Cougar Crawl on Saturday, April 9th @ 9:00 am. The Cougar Crawl is an interactive tour experience led by current ChathamU students that will allow you the opportunity to explore campus, meet other prospective students, and enjoy a preview of what life at Chatham could be like for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt along the way! Below, we highlight each stop ( 🛑 🐾📍) along the Cougar Crawl and include some insider info and need-to-know resources.
🛑 🐾📍 Meet @ Buhl Science Complex, Beckwith Hall
Need-to-Know Office: If you’re a science major, which a majority of Chatham students are, this is likely where your advisor’s office will be located.
Cougar Fun Fact: Buhl is where you’ll find Chatham’s Tiffany glass window, featuring the names of famous philosophers (pictured right).
First stop, Buhl Science Complex! Buhl is home to Chatham’s undergraduate science programs, research labs, and one of our largest lecture halls, Beckwith. If you opt for a science major or minor or even have a few gen-ed requirements to fulfill, you’ll have classes and meet with professors here. And if you’re planning to take introductory chemistry or biology classes, you’ll definitely find yourself in the cozy seats of Beckwith. Buhl is a popular study spot thanks to the large sunlit windows and seating areas throughout the lounge.
🛑🐾📍STOP #1—Mellon Building, featuring Anderson Dining Hall and the Mellon Library
Need-to-Know Office: Parkhurst Dining
Cougar Fun Fact: Mellon Board Room, located on the lower level of Mellon, was once home to an indoor swimming pool that belonged to Andrew Mellon and his family. For many years, it was used as the campus pool.
The next stop on the crawl, Mellon Building, is Andrew Mellon’s former home. Presently, it is home to the office of Chatham President, David Finegold, a variety of administrative offices, our commuter lounge, and of course, Anderson Dining Hall. It’s also a common thru-way for students heading from their residence halls towards campus and a study spot thanks to Mellon Sun Porch and Library. Anderson Dining Hall is Shadyside’s fully equipped dining hall—stay tuned for an exciting renovation, coming summer 2022. Students gather at Anderson to eat, study, relax, and spend time with friends. On the crawl, you’ll learn about meal plan options and food offerings from current ChathamU students.
🛑🐾📍STOP #2—Athletic Fitness Center
Need-to-Know Office: Cougar Athletics
Cougar Fun Fact: The Art & Design Center, located behind the AFC, was formerly home to Chatham’s athletic programs. In fact, you can still see the insignia from the former basketball court.
Welcome to our Athletic Fitness Center! Whether you’re a student athlete, a fitness fanatic, a novice rock climber, or none of the above, the AFC features a TON of activities. It is home to a full gym, a yoga studio, a swimming pool, a hot tub, a rock wall, squash courts, a basketball and volleyball court, and plenty more. Student athletes spend a lot of their time training in the AFC, but the space is open to anyone who wants to use it. The AFC is also home to Chatham’s fitness classes, including step-bench aerobics, yoga, and hip-hop dance, as well as a range of intramural offerings. Stay tuned, on the crawl, you’ll learn about more ways to get involved at Chatham and throughout the city of Pittsburgh.
🛑🐾📍STOP #3—Jennie King Mellon Library
Need-to-Know Office: Academic and Accessibility Resources
Cougar Fun Fact: Each month, the library hosts a virtual and in-person library display that corresponds with a particular heritage or history month. It’s a great place to find reading and podcast recommendations.
Nothing beats the JKM Library. It is the quintessential research and study spot on campus, plus it is home to some incredibly helpful librarians, Chatham’s Office of Academic and Accessibility Resources, and spacious computer labs. At JKM you can find study and test-taking assistance, a quiet place to write a paper, and plenty of books. Despite being a quiet space, the library is always bustling with activity. Want to learn more about our library offerings? Check them out here or stay tuned for more details along your tour.
🛑🐾📍STOP #4—Carriage House
Need-to-Know Office: Student Engagement
Cougar Fun Fact: The Carriage House used to be the space where Andrew Mellon kept his horses.
The Carriage House is Chatham’s center for student life and home to our Office of Student Engagement. Along with being a popular spot to relax, unwind, and play games, many of our most popular student events are held at the Carriage House, including Marvelous Mondays which include crafts and fun treats every Monday. On the crawl, you’ll learn more about the ChathamU app and the clubs and organizations Chatham offers on campus.
🛑🐾📍STOP #5—Residence Hall Dorm Room
Need-to-Know Office: Residence Life
Cougar Fun Fact: Many of our residence halls are rumored to be haunted…🙀 You can read more about that here, if you’re interested.
At last, a real glimpse into dorm room living! Did you know that many of our residence halls are converted mansions? Your future room might include features like exposed brick, ornate woodwork, and former fireplaces. If you’re nervous about what it’s like to live with a roommate, this stop on the tour will provide greater insight into what that transition is like. You’ll also get to know more about who a Resident Assistant is and how they can help ease your first-year transition.
We hope you and your family enjoy our first-ever Cougar Crawl! Be sure to ask any questions that come to mind along the way and if you’re curious about attending another admissions event, visit our website.