Family Weekend Frequently Asked Questions
We are excited to welcome you to campus for Family Weekend to showcase the vibrancy of the campus. Below you will find answers to common questions to help you prepare for your visit. If you do not find the answer to your question here, do not hesitate to email family@andrew.cmu.edu or call us at 412-268-2142.
What is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend brings together Carnegie Mellon undergraduate and graduate students and their families and friends for a weekend of events that showcase the vibrancy of the campus experience. Family Weekend features academic welcomes, information sessions, campus tours, student performances and other events.
How do I register for Family Weekend?
Family Weekend 2026 registration will open on Monday, Aug. 24 and will close on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
What happens if my family missed the Family Weekend registration deadline?
Onsite registration will be available at Family Weekend Check-In on Friday, Oct. 2 from Noon - 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Kirr Commons, 1st Floor, Cohon University Center.
Will my student have classes during Family Weekend?
Yes, your student will still need to attend their regularly scheduled classes, labs, and practices on Friday. We highly recommend chatting with your student ahead of time to look at their schedule and plan your weekend meet-ups around their availability.
Don't worry about downtime, though! We have plenty of exciting events and programming lined up for Friday afternoon and throughout the entire weekend to keep you entertained while your student is fulfilling their campus obligations.
How do I find the Family Weekend schedule of events?
The full detailed 2026 Family Weekend schedule will be available on the CMU Events App by Friday, Sept. 25.
How do I find Family Weekend in the CMU Events App? I only see the previous CMU event (i.e. First-Year Orientation, Carnival, Homecoming).
Open your CMU Events App. Select the three lines at the bottom or the “More” tab on the app. At the bottom of this section, there will be a button entitled “Exit event.” After you exit the event, you can search for Family Weekend.
Why should I attend Family Weekend?
Family Weekend offers a meaningful opportunity to spend time with your student and learn about their university experience and the greater Pittsburgh community.
Why is Family Weekend scheduled in October?
Family Weekend is strategically scheduled to take place during the sixth week of the semester. Research indicates that the first six weeks are a critical time for student success and persistence. Connecting with loved ones during this time can provide emotional support, reinforce a sense of belonging, and positively impact your student's transition to college life.
My student is an upperclass student, should I still attend Family Weekend?
Yes! Family Weekend is open to all Carnegie Mellon families, regardless of your student’s year. It is a chance to reconnect, celebrate your student’s journey and show your support. Your presence reinforces the strong support system behind every Tartan and helps them feel seen and valued. Many families also take this opportunity to explore Pittsburgh.
How can I get Internet access while on campus for the weekend?
Free Wi-Fi is available to all guests during Family Weekend. You can find these details on the CMU Events App, or simply follow the steps below to connect:
- Select the CMU-Guest wireless network on your device.
- Open any web browser and try to visit a webpage to bring up the login screen.
- Enter a valid, no-CMU email address and the Family Weekend access code: 4EXQLKTC
- Accept the terms of use and click Log In.
Will the University Store be open over Family Weekend?
There will be additional hours at the University Store to support Family Weekend: Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the University Store for Scotty dogs, tartan, and CMU spirit. The University Store is proud to be independently owned by CMU and offer the unique services and products our community desires.
Where do I park on campus?
Should I bring younger siblings?
Yes! We welcome all family members and friends who give our students support during their time on campus.
What can I do if I need accommodations?
Disability Resources can assist with guest(s) accommodations.
How can I find out about events in the city?
From world-class museums to great restaurants and sports teams, there is no shortage of things to do and explore. Check out Visit Pittsburgh, the official tourism website for the city.
How do I purchase additional event tickets for Family Weekend?
For a family member included in your original registration:
You can purchase additional event tickets by clicking “View and manage your registration” in your confirmation email. This will take you to your My Registration page, where you can add tickets for existing guests.
For a family member not included in your original registration:
That guest will need to complete a new registration. They will be the primary registrant and should enter your student’s Andrew ID when prompted. During registration, they can RSVP and purchase tickets for events.
After registration closes (Tuesday, Sept. 22):
Additional tickets cannot be added online. However, tickets for AcaPittsburgh, Scotch’n’Soda Cabaret, and Garba Night will be available for purchase at the door. For the Double Decker Bus Tour, visit Family Weekend Check-In in Kirr Commons for ticket options. Cash is recommended for on-site purchases.
I no longer can attend a registered event (student performances, Academic Welcome, double decker bus tour) during Family Weekend. How can I cancel my event registration and receive a refund?
Free Events: If you need to cancel registration for free events, you have the ability to cancel those through your confirmation email. Please select "View and manage your registration" in your confirmation email. You will be prompted to a “My Registration” page. There you can cancel registration for the free event.
Events with Purchased Tickets: If you purchased tickets for a Family Weekend event, please email family@andrew.cmu.edu to cancel your registration and receive a refund. In the email, please include all guests’ names that need their registration cancelled. Refunds will not be administered after September 27, 2026.
Where do I pick up the tickets I paid for during Family Weekend registration?
There are no physical tickets for paid Family Weekend events. Instead, your name and the names of any guests you registered will be on a guest list at the entrance of each event.
I forgot to add a family member to my registration. How can I include them?
Unfortunately, you cannot add a new guest to an existing registration. Instead, the omitted family member will need to complete a new registration. They will be the primary registrant and should enter your student’s Andrew ID when prompted. During registration, they will provide contact information and accommodations, and RSVP or purchase tickets for all guests in their party. A confirmation email will be sent to them once registration is complete.
How can I remove my name from the public guest list and appear as anonymous?
If you prefer not to have your name displayed publicly on the guest list, please email family@andrew.cmu.edu and request to be listed as anonymous.