Mellon College of Science › Department of Chemistry › Undergraduate › Student Life

Student Life

Where Chemistry Meets Community

Welcome to the heart of the CMU Chemistry community! Whether you’re already part of our program or exploring the Department of Chemistry as your future home, this page gives you a glimpse into the energy, curiosity and camaraderie that define student life in the Department of Chemistry.

Our students don’t just study chemistry — they build friendships, celebrate milestones, collaborate across disciplines, and take part in traditions that make CMU feel like home.

A Community That Supports You

Chemistry at CMU is built around connection. Students, faculty and staff work together to create an environment where everyone can thrive academically and socially.

If you have questions about student activities, events, or how to get involved, Umi Davis, undergraduate program academic coordinator and advisor for the Chemistry Student Advising Committee (ChemSAC), is your go‑to resource.

Signature Chemistry Events & Traditions

Throughout the year, the department hosts events that bring students together, celebrate achievements, and add a bit of fun to the academic experience.

Chemger Games

This annual, friendly competition has students use their chemistry knowledge to solve team-based puzzles across Mellon Institute. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Undergraduate Picnic

Taking place in the fall, the chemistry students are welcomed back to campus to connect with classmates and faculty.

Lab Coat Ceremony

This milestone event celebrates students once they select their majors within the department.

Murder Mystery Night

A themed social event where students work together (in character!) to solve a whodunit.

Undergraduate Awards Banquet

The event recognizes and celebrates outstanding student achievements in academics, research, and service.

Chemistry T‑Shirts & Hoodies

Show your department pride with Chem gear designed for — and often by — students.

Undergraduate Fall Seminar with Alumni

Each fall, alumni return to share their experiences, career journeys, and insights. Students hear firsthand:

Where are alumni now?
What paths can a Chemistry degree lead to?
What advice do they have for current students?

MCS–Wide Student Events

Chemistry students are part of the broader Mellon College of Science community, which hosts college‑wide events throughout the year, including:

MCS Family Feud

A fun, fast‑paced competition, the MCS Family Feud brings together students from across MCS departments.

MCS Pride - students playing tug-o-war with Erik Yttri playing his fire french horn

MCS Pride Day

MCS Pride Day is a celebration of science and community — complete with the popular tradition of dry ice, instant ice cream and rocket launches.

Welcome Event for Chemistry Majors

The Welcome Event for Chemistry Majors provides an opportunity to meet faculty, connect with peers, and learn about opportunities in the department.

Share Your Story or Event

Help us highlight the amazing work happening within the Chemistry community. Have news to celebrate or an event to promote? We want to hear from you!

Send news or achievements to:

ug-chem@andrew.cmu.edu

Chemistry Beyond the Classroom

Student life extends well past labs and lectures. Carnegie Mellon's chemistry department supports social activities, informal gatherings, and unique traditions that spark connection and community.

Our students not only come together for study groups but also for: Outreach events • Community-building gatherings • Special themed activities led by student organizations or the department.

At some of these gatherings, you may run into Skippy, a quirky, beloved element of Chemistry student culture. Skippy shows up at events, photos and sometimes in unexpected places. (If you know, you know!)

Skippy