Events

The Story of Bones: Chinese Oracle Bones, 3D Digitization and Game Design

Monday, Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m., Carnegie Museum of Natural History Art Theater and online via Zoom

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s R.W. Moriarty Science Seminar welcomes Carnegie Mellon University scholars Jonathan Walton and Gang Liu for a multidisciplinary talk exploring ancient Chinese oracle bones through cutting-edge technology.

The Story of the Bones: Chinese Oracle Bones, 3D Digitization and Game Design brings together humanities, technology and interactive design to reimagine how ancient artifacts are studied and shared. Gang Liu, teaching professor of Chinese studies and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics, and Jonathan Walton, assistant teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center, and will present their collaborative project focused on the 3D scanning of ancient Chinese oracle bones.

Oracle bones — among the earliest known examples of Chinese writing — offer invaluable insight into early history, language and ritual practice. By creating high-resolution 3D digital models of these artifacts, the project enables researchers, students and the public to study them virtually, regardless of physical location. The speakers will also discuss how principles of game design are being integrated to build a unified digital platform that is not only scholarly, but also interactive and engaging for modern users, including educators and game audiences.

This seminar highlights how emerging technologies can bridge disciplines and make global cultural heritage collections more accessible than ever before.

Registration is required for all R.W. Moriarty Science Seminars. Sign up to attend in person or join the seminar online via Zoom.

Fifth Year Scholars Information Session

Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 to 2 p.m., virtual

Want to learn more about the Fifth Year Scholars program? Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the program and application process.

MLK Day 2026: The Power of Us - "A Shared Storytelling Experience"

Monday, Jan. 19, 4:30 to 6 p.m., CUC Connan

Community is built one story at a time. In honor of Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community,” the Center invites you to an afternoon dedicated to the art of personal storytelling and deep human connection.

We will be guided by the practice of Conocimiento—the pursuit of communal wisdom and mutual understanding. This isn’t just a networking event; it is an opportunity to move past the surface. By sharing our unique journeys and listening with intention, we foster a culture where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.

Join us for this conversation dinner to help strengthen the fabric of our campus. Space is limited. RSVP for this experience.

Participatory Design for Researchers

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m., Sorrells Library Den, Wean Hall

In this workshop, we will introduce participants to the basic principles and practices of the participatory design research methodology.

Participatory design is a collaborative design approach that involves end-users in the design process in order to leverage their knowledge and experiences to create a product or service that best meets their needs. Developing research projects with community members can be a humbling and rewarding experience; let’s talk about how we can make it easier at CMU.

Moderator: Dr. Erin Higgins, University Libraries

AI for Accessibility: Dream or Hallucination

Wednesday, Jan. 21, noon, virtual

People with disabilities have always been drivers of innovation and early adopters of new technology. With generative AI as a partner, use cases that go beyond automated testing and accessible code creation are within reach. This webinar will explore visionary future uses of AI as a creative partner in inclusion: tools for presenting information in multiple ways, interpreting data through conversation, and translating ideas across sensory boundaries. Together, we’ll imagine a human-centered future, fueled by technology, and full of accessible possibilities.

Register for AI for Accessibility

Study Abroad Student Panel: Insights & Advice

Wednesday, Jan. 21, noon to 1 p.m., CUC Connan

A student panel on study-abroad experiences, offering personal stories, Q&A and opportunities to connect with others interested in international learning and cultural exchange, in collaboration with the Office of Student Involvement and Traditions.

Join us for a conversation with students who’ve studied abroad and returned with new perspectives, challenges, and growth. This panel offers a space to hear their stories, ask questions, and connect with others interested in international learning and cultural exchange.

Register for the panel

Poets Aloud: Jim Daniels

Thursday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Lecture Hall and virtual

Professor Emeritus Jim Daniels reads from his body of work at the Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Poets Aloud series. In poems selected from his long career, Jim Daniels often focuses on Rust Belt cities, where issues of class and race and justice play out in the streets and kitchens and backyards and garages of the Americans trying to live and make a living there.

This event is free and open to the public, in person and livestreamed.

Learn more and register.

MLK Interfaith Breakfast

Friday, Jan. 23, 9 to 10 a.m., Rangos Ballroom, CUC

Every year, members of the Carnegie Mellon community are invited to an informal breakfast with campus and community interfaith leaders, centering on fellowship and conversation about Dr. King’s legacy.

This year, the breakfast will feature Dr. Angela Reynolds, CEO of the YWCA of Pittsburgh and alumna of Heinz College. Participants will be invited to consider how their personal values and spirituality serve as a foundation for interfaith community engagement, following the example of Dr. King.

Register for the breakfast.

CMU Data Privacy Day

Sunday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St.

CMU is once again celebrating International Data Privacy Day by bringing practical advice on protecting your digital privacy to the general public. This event is open to the public, and no registration is required.

The CMU Privacy Day event activities include:

• Privacy tips from CMU students
• Privacy stories and talks by CMU faculty
• Readings of the new children’s book “Privacy, Please!” authored by Professor Lorrie Cranor

Data Privacy Day is an international effort to empower and educate people to protect their privacy and control their digital footprint. For more information, visit StaySafeOnline.org.

Sponsored by the School of Computer Science Privacy Engineering Program

Cognitive/Development Brownbag

Monday, Jan. 26, 12:30 to 1:50 p.m., Baker 336B

Although centered on cognition, cognitive neuroscience, and development, the theme will be intentionally broad, and the seminar will be open to anyone who wants to attend or present. The seminar will prioritize trainee development.

Study Abroad Drop-in Advising

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. to noon, Redhawk, Scaife Hall

Drop in for informal, no-appointment-needed advising with Study Abroad advisors who can answer your program questions, help with your SATC and support you as you plan your next international adventure.

Do you have questions about study abroad programs? Not sure how to fill out your SATC? Just need a break and want to dream up your next international adventure?

Drop by for informal advising, no appointment needed! Your Study Abroad advisors will be there to chat, answer questions and support you through the process.

Socialist Seminar: Guldana Salimjan

Thursday, Jan. 29, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Baker 246A

Guldana Salimjan, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto will present on “Class” Attack and Landscape Transformation: Kazakh Experience and the Cultural Revolution in Xinjiang.

During the Cultural Revolution, the Communist Party in Xinjiang broke its promise to the pastoral regions of “No Struggle, No Division, No Classification of Classes.” Mao’s program led to rapid landscape transformation through water conservation, permanent stalls and artificial grassland forage bases. Based on oral history interviews and Party materials, this paper examines how the transformation of land and labor undermined Kazakh political structures and degraded the grasslands of the steppe.

To learn more, contact Wendy Goldman or Alissa Klots. 

From Upheaval to Action: What Works in Changing Higher Education

Thursday, Jan. 29, 4 to 5:3 p.m., CUC Rangos

A Deeper Conversations event featuring Brandeis University President Arthur Levine

Join President Farnam Jahanian as he hosts Brandeis University President Arthur Levine for a distinguished lecture and fireside chat. Dr. Levine will reflect on his decades of higher education leadership and discuss his upcoming book, “From Upheaval to Action: What Works in Changing Higher Ed.”

Deeper Conversations is a university-wide initiative aimed at promoting the power of civil discourse. It spans a range of programming options — from scholarly lectures to cultural events — to engage members of the Carnegie Mellon community in studying and discussing some of the most complex challenges facing society today.

Register for Deeper Conversations by Jan. 27

CMU Community Blood Drive

Friday, Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Connan Room, CUC

Sponsored by Staff Council.

Visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL to schedule your appointment using blood drive code UCU040004.

Vitalant is wishing donors a prosperous 2026! To give you a head start, donors are eligible to win a special thank-you gift. Donate at our CMU drive, or any other Vitalant location, between Jan. 5 and Feb. 8, 2026, for a chance to win one of 26 $500 gift cards in the donor rewards store (opt-in required)!*

*Terms and condition apply; see vitalant.org/26giveaway

King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life of Struggle Outside the South

Saturday, Jan. 31, 12:30 to 2 p.m., virtual

Professor Jeanne Theoharis, a distinguished historian of the civil rights movement, will discuss her most recent book, a biography of Martin Luther King, focused on Dr. King’s lifelong opposition to racism in the North. This on-line event is open to everyone, and will include a short presentation by Dr. Theoharis and a conversation between Dr. Theoharis and the high school seniors in CMU’s LEAP program.

Contact Nico Slate with any questions: slate@cmu.edu 

Where: VIRTUAL ONLY

Zoom Link for Lecture

Meeting ID: 916 3325 0753

Passcode: 874506

Study Abroad Information Session

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 4:30 to 6 p.m., CUC Dowd

Learn everything you need to know about Study Abroad at CMU, including destinations, timelines, academic and internship options, funding and scholarships. As well as insights from staff and returned students.

et all the details about where and when you can go, what you can do (study, research, internships and more), how to pay for study abroad (and use your scholarships), and get your questions answered by the Study Abroad Team and returned students.

Spring Break Pre-Departure Session

Tuesday, Feb. 10, noon to 1 p.m., CCR, Wean Hall

Students studying abroad over spring break will confirm their plans with the CMU Study Abroad Office and receive essential pre-travel information, along with opportunities to ask questions and connect with fellow participants.

This Pre-Departure Session is only for students studying abroad over spring break.

Attending a CMU Pre-Departure Orientation is a requirement for all Study Abroad students. This is your way of confirming your study abroad plans with our office. In the session, we will go over important information before you go, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and connect with other CMU students studying abroad.

Register or the Pre-Departure Session

Study Abroad Drop-in Advising

Thursday, Feb. 12, 10 to 11 a.m., La Prima, Gates & Hillman Centers

Drop in for informal, no-appointment-needed advising with Study Abroad advisors who can answer your program questions, help with your SATC and support you as you plan your next international adventure.

Do you have questions about study abroad programs? Not sure how to fill out your SATC? Just need a break and want to dream up your next international adventure?

Drop by for informal advising, no appointment needed! Your Study Abroad advisors will be there to chat, answer questions and support you through the process.