This year's Orientation Week, themed "A Carnegie Constellation," marked the first step in the academic journeys of nearly 1,900 first-year Tartans.

Excitement and hope seemed written in the stars as enrollees and loved ones took some of their first steps onto CMU's Oakland campus. And though the event marks their journey into a universe of academic opportunities, it also gave students the chance to meet the volunteers, staff, faculty and peers who will help guide them on a lifetime of stellar endeavors.

First Day

Carnegie Cup

The Carnegie Cup is one of CMU’s lightest, brightest Orientation traditions — a burst of puzzles, cheer‑offs and field games that sweeps every residence hall into the fun. Students show up in full house colors, from Mudge purple to Stever green, and dive into challenges meant to spark creativity, teamwork and a little playful rivalry.

By the end, the Cup feels less like a competition and more like a shared beginning. Friendships click into place, communities take root and the memories made outshine any trophy. It’s the moment Orientation turns into belonging.

Convocation

During Convocation, Provost and Chief Academic Officer James H. Garrett Jr(opens in new window). reflected on his long-standing connection to Carnegie Mellon. A three-time alumnus of the university, Garrett went on to join the faculty, later serving as head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and dean of the College of Engineering before being appointed provost in 2019.

“Today, you join our community, and we are a better university because you are here,” he said. “As you start your journey, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the culture and activities CMU has to offer.”

Garrett also encouraged the students to take advantage of the resources available to them on campus, which are designed to help them learn at their highest capacity.

“Reach out to your professors. Tap into the knowledge of your academic advisers. We have a hands-on approach to learning, and your active participation will lead you to success both in and out of the classroom,” he said.

Garrett noted the class hails from 46 states plus Washington, D.C., Guam and Puerto Rico, and 36 countries across the globe.

“You are now part of a global community steeped in a tradition of excellence in education, research, creativity and scholarship,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you on campus and in the classroom as we get this year started.”

Community Collage

On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Class of 2030+ enjoyed performances at this year’s Community Collage, a dynamic campus celebration of the diversity, cultures and identities that comprise the Carnegie Mellon community.

A variety of campus leaders and student groups took the stage to welcome the incoming class with live, culturally significant performances, highlighting the performers' talents while also embracing different cultures and the students who are a part of them.

Community Day

As part of the "Community Day Welcome" event at First-Year Orientation, we asked members of the CMU community the question, "what does 'community' mean to you?"

Well-Being Day

Well-Being Day helped students explore what it means to take care of yourself at CMU, and what it looks like to be a part of a community that takes care of each other. Housefellows and other professional staff facilitators offer a glimpse of resources and support networks that students can lean into during their time at CMU. Samplers and activities offered in the afternoon showcased ways students can engage with the activities and resources supporting their health and well-being.

Playfair and Speedfriending

On Monday, new CMU students had the chance to break the ice with their new Tartan family through Speedfriending and Playfair community activities, consisting of large group activities and one-on-one interactions.

House Day

The first day of orientation brought CMU students together to meet as a housing community and reflect on shared values. Led by their Housefellow and Head Orientation Counselors, the activities set up throughout the day introduced them to the Tartan family and helped develop a sense of belonging.

President's Welcome

Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian welcomed the next generation of learners and leaders to campus on Sunday morning during the President’s Welcome event. The day’s speakers and event contributors included head orientation counselor, event emcee and fifth-year student Nathan Cottrell; Alumni Association Board President Andrés Vélez; and CMU students and musicians Johnny Gallick and Victoria Ng, who performed Jack Johnson’s “Better Together.”

In line with the day’s theme of “A Carnegie Constellation,” Jahanian reflected on how the incoming class serves as a shining example of what CMU students can bring to the world.

“You are among the brightest and most exceptionally gifted stars of your generation,” he said. “You've spent years preparing for this moment with focus and hard work. Now, your time has come to spread your wings.”

Of the 33,084 applications the university received, the incoming class brings 1,891 enrollees to campus. He ushered this newest group into their first week with words of gratitude for the families, faculty and orientation counselors who made the day possible as well as a message of hope and encouragement.

“If you come here to ask bold questions, perform at the highest level or otherwise make an impact, you've come to the right place,” Jahanian said. “You are starting this journey at a pivotal moment for humanity.”

He gave students three pieces of advice: “Don’t be afraid to venture outside your academic boundaries,” “Listen and connect with respect, especially when you disagree,” and “take care of yourself and others around you.”

Gina Casalegno, dean of students and vice president of student affairs, then spoke on their extraordinary journeys, both ahead of the day’s events and to follow in the coming semesters.

“As lucky as you might be feeling to have chosen Carnegie Mellon, we are feeling just as fortunate that you chose to join this special community,” she said. “You are here because we see in you the talent, the intellect, the passion necessary to thrive in your chosen field. We also see in you that you have the leadership capacity and the commitment to your community. To be the change-makers you need to make a real impact in society.”

Move In

First-year students and their families arrived on CMU’s campus for move-in day on August 15 to begin the first step in their years-long journeys. While some tasks involved suitcases, stepladders or heavy lifting, other parts of the day moved students to form new connections across the campus community.