Carnegie Mellon University

First-Year Summer Communications

Our first priority is to support your successful transition to life in college. You and your family members will receive a series of communications throughout the summer, including a weekly summer newsletter called Talking Tartan, which will share campus resources and information, introduce you to the people who make CMU exceptional, and uncover the unique, quirky aspects of your new community. Through this newsletter and other communications, you’ll learn more about the academic transition, CMU’s ethic of care, building lasting relationships, our values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and so much more.

August 13: Orientation Kick-Off & Schedule

Let's get started, Tartans! Make sure you're ready for Move-In Day and check out the First-Year Family Orientation schedule for Sunday, August 18.

August 12: Download the Events at CMU App

To access the full Orientation schedule, please download the Events at CMU App via the App Store or Google Play (link available in mobile view only).

August 6: Orientation Meals & On-Campus Dining

Learn about meals throughout Orientation week as well as information about dining plans and locations, special dining needs, and nutrition programming and education.

July 30: First-Year Orientation

During First-Year Orientation, you’ll be introduced to Carnegie Mellon’s unique, inclusive, and caring community. Orientation will help you build the foundations for academic success, community, well-being, and pride in being a Tartan. 

July 23: Relationships & Support at CMU

Investing in meaningful relationships is especially valuable for new students. The relationships you build in your new CMU community will shape and enrich your university experience.

July 16: Getting Engaged & Involved at CMU

Many people and opportunities will help you build community, develop personal and professional skills and explore your passions during your time at CMU. Learn more about university involvement, student organizations, and activities that will help you make the most of your CMU experience.

July 9: Planning for Your Career

Explore your career options early in your academic journey with CMU’s Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC). Through early engagement programs and resources, first-year students can improve their employment outlook after graduation.

July 2: Health & Well-Being Resources at CMU

At Carnegie Mellon, individual and collective well-being is rooted in healthy connections, both to people and to campus resources. Learn more about resources related to your health at CMU.

July 1: CMU Student Health Insurance Plan & Fall Open Enrollment

The Fall 2024 Open Enrollment period for students to enroll in or waive the CMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is July 1 - August 23, 2024. Students must complete Open Enrollment each academic year; insurance enrollments and waivers do not carry over from the previous year.

June 26: The CMU Residential Experience

Our house communities value and celebrate our students’ diverse individual stories and intersectional identities, as well as build community through shared experiences and dialogue as part of the daily lived experience.

June 18: Inclusive Excellence at CMU

A diverse and inclusive community is the foundation for excellence in research, creativity, learning, and human development, and is at the core of our mission here at CMU. We cultivate diverse populations and perspectives and promote equity, inclusion and belonging. Learn about how CMU realizes its campus commitments and explore ways to get involved.

June 11: Enhancing Your Academic Experience

CMU offers many opportunities to enhance your learning and experiences beyond the classroom. Research, study abroad and service learning help students to explore new interests, engage in hands-on, experiential learning and address real world problems.

June 3: Enrollment Resources at CMU

The Office of Enrollment Services is a key contact for new students, supporting student retention and persistence through individualized attention, smart technology, and professional and welcoming staff.

May 28: Your Academic Transition at Carnegie Mellon

Learning to explore deeply as a scholar and how to meet the demands of CMU's rigorous academic environment is part of the transition to college. Learn about some of the resources available to support your academic transition.

May 22: Let's Get Started, Tartans!

Information about Talking Tartan, other summer communications and CMU's unique Scottish heritage.

May 21: President's Welcome

Welcome to the Class of 2028+ from CMU President Farnam Jahanian

Additional Transfer Student Summer Communications

August 8: Tips for CMU Transfer Students

Head Orientation Counselor Jack Laird, who transferred to CMU his sohomore year, offers tips for incoming transfer students.

July 25: CMU Orientation Highlights for Transfer Students

CMU's Orientation Week is full of experiences for transfer students. Head Orientation Counselor Mia Goins provides a sneek peak!

July 23: Welcome to CMU

All transfer students are invited and encouraged to participate in First-Year Orientation scheduled for August 17-25, 2024.