First-Year Family Orientation
When your student begins their journey at Carnegie Mellon University, the entire family experiences excitement, transition and change. We are here to support family members as well as our new students. The First-Year Family Orientation program provides the opportunity to learn more about the university experience and resources available to your first-year student.
Over the summer, Family Engagement will host the First-Year Family Summer Webinar Series. Each week will review a new topic to assist in your student's transition to CMU. First-year families are invited to campus, Aug. 15-16, 2026, to attend Move-In and Family Orientation. Programming will conclude on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 5:30 p.m. ET. Family Engagement has some resources to assist with your travel to Pittsburgh.
For family members who are unable to travel to Pittsburgh, several events will be livestreamed to the First-Year Orientation webpage. The detailed First-Year Family Orientation schedule will be available in Aug. in the Events at CMU App which you can download from the App Store or Google Play.
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026: Move-In
First-Year Move-In
Various Timeslots
Students and their family will arrive at their designated move-in timeslot. You will follow the directions available on the move-in map for your student's housing assignment building location's unloading zone. Staff and volunteers will be available to assist with moving.
Welcome Plaza
Noon - 4 p.m.
CMU is eager to welcome our newest first-year students and families! The Welcome Plaza will feature an opportunity for students and families to check-in, photo opportunities and activities to help build Tartan pride. Students can stop by to check-in and claim their class of 2030+ t-shirt (wear it on Tuesday!) Families can stop by to check-in, pick up resources and their family buttons.
Tartan Resource Expo
2 - 4:30 p.m.
Representatives from various campus resources and student services departments will be available to answer your questions and provide useful information and literature.
Dinner on Your Own
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Students and families will eat dinner on their own on Saturday. Restaurant recommendations are available in the Events at CMU App.
Evening Entertainment
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Students and families are invited to join us for exciting evening programming to conclude the night!
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026: Family Orientation
President's Welcome
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
All students and family members are invited to attend the kick-off to First-Year Orientation 2026. Join Dr. Farnam Jahanian, President of Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. James H. Garrett Jr., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and the Dean of Students for this welcome address.
College and School Welcome Sessions
Various Times
Join your college or school in a welcome session. Students and families can join faculty and staff to learn more about curriculum and resources offered at their school. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions.
Family Orientation Lunch
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Please join us for a grab and go lunch sponsored by Dining Services available to students and their families.
Family Focus Sessions
2 - 4 p.m.
A series of concurrent presentations will give families and supporters an inside look at campus life and academics. This is an overview of featured sessions:
History of Carnegie Mellon University, CMU's Community of Care, CMU 101: Parent and Family Panel, Orientation for Students with Disabilities and Family Members
Orientation for Students with Disabilities and Family Members
3 - 4:30 p.m.
The Office of Disability Resources will give an overview of the accommodations process for incoming first-years with disabilities and their families. We will review the process of setting up accommodations and answer common questions.
Family Farewell
4 p.m.
Families and students should use this time to say goodbye.
See Ya Later Scotty
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
After the Family Farewell, families are welcome to attend a send off reception. This is an opportunity to mingle with other CMU family members, have your final questions answered and create a care package for your Tartan.
