Daily Schedule Overview
The schedule on this page is an overview of the First-Year Orientation schedule. Times and locations are subject to change. The full First-Year Orientation schedule is now available in the CMU Events App. You can download from the App Store or Google Play on your mobile device.
First-Year Orientation will be offered in-person. All incoming first-year undergraduate students are expected to participate in First-Year Orientation.
Students will receive meals through First-Year Orientation from Sunday, Aug. 16, through Saturday, Aug. 22. Student meal plans begin on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026: Move-In
Move-In Day for Incoming First-Year Students is Aug. 15, 2026.
Students will use the Housing portal to sign up for a Move-In timeslot. Staff and volunteers will be present to assist with your move-in. Please visit the Housing website for more information about early or late Move-In, Move-In maps, and receiving your ID card. Meals on Aug. 15 are on your own.
First-Year Move-In
Various Timeslots
When you arrive on campus at your designated move-in timeslot, you will follow the directions available on the move-in map for your 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 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
Families Only
Families Only
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.
First Small Group Meeting
Students Only
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Attend your first small group meeting and get to know the group of first-year students and orientation staff you will be meeting with the rest of the week.
Neighborhood Welcomes
Students Only
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Students Only
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Meet housemates and get to know your house staff.
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026: House Day
House Day
Become familiar with your housing community through programs and activities led by your housefellow, community advisor, resident assistants, and orientation staff.
Small Group Meetings
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Playfair and Speedfriending
8 - 10:30 p.m.
This is the largest icebreaker ever! Get to know your peers in the Class of 2030+. You can get to know each other, start some friendly rivalries or alliances for Carnegie Cup, find common interests, or talk about whatever you want!
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026: Well-Being Day
Well-Being Day Intro & Well-Being Day Sessions.
Students will meet within their housing communities to explore ideas about well-being in college and how to take care of ourselves and each other as members of the Carnegie Mellon Community. This interactive program will explore the dimensions of well-being, healthy decision-making, the standards we set for our community, and the resources available to support you as first-year students.
Wellness Samplers
As incoming students, it is important to find a wellness practice that works for you. During the Well-Being Day Samplers, the students will have the opportunity to briefly experience the different dimensions of wellness here at CMU and in the surrounding community.
Small Group Meetings
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Class of 2030+ Photo
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Join the Class of 2030+ on the Cut with your class t-shirt for this year's class photo!
Movie Night
8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Get comfy and join your peers for a relaxing movie night with your favorite movie snacks.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026: Community Day
Community Day
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is committed to fostering an environment where all members feel welcome, valued, and positioned to thrive.
Community Collage
2:30 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy the richness of community on our campus as students demonstrate the integral role that personal reflections and cultural performances have in shaping the culture of Carnegie Mellon.
Small Group Meetings
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Pep Rally
8 - 9:30 p.m.
Express your Tartan pride with your fellow first-year students!
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026: Academic Day
Academic Day
Gather with your classmates to various welcome events hosted by your colleges and schools.
Convocation
4 - 5 p.m.
Join the class of 2030+ for the formal welcome to the Carnegie Mellon community from President Jahanian and university leaders.
Small Group Meetings
Connect with your small groups to reflect on the day's content and look ahead towards the rest of the week.
Drag Bingo
8 - 10:30 p.m.
B-I-N-G-O! Join us for a night of entertainment, games, and prizes!
Friday, Aug. 21, 2026: Choose Your Own Adventure
Community Commitment at Orientation
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Make an impact and explore the vibrant city of Pittsburgh through hands-on service projects such as: beautifying neighborhood gardens, organizing donation centers, preparing meals for families and more.
Information Sessions from Campus Resources
Learn about the various resources offered to students through a series of information sessions offered across campus.
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
First-Year Showcase
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Are you ready to see amazing talent? That's right, it's the Class of 2030+ Showcase, which illustrates the most awe-inspiring talents of the first-year class!
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026: Choose Your Own Adventure
Pittsburgh Connections Trips
8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Want to explore Pittsburgh or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or kayaking? Pittsburgh Connections adventures are offered on weekends throughout the academic year and are free for first-year students during orientation.
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
El Cookout: A Welcome Event from Black and Latinx Student Organizations
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
All are welcome to learn about the Black and Latinx organizations on campus while meeting their members. Enjoy free food and music.
Carnegie Cup & Puzzlehunt
8 - 10:30 p.m.
Join your housing community for an evening to celebrate house pride and friendly competition. Students create cheers, banners, and dress in house colors to build excitement for an evening of quirky outdoor field games or a puzzle hunt.
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026: Choose Your Own Adventure
Student Organization Events
Connect with multiple student organizations on campus through a wide variety of activities.
Fraternity & Sorority Life Bash
2 - 4 p.m.
Get ready to kick off the school year with the fraternity and sorority community! It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fraternity and sorority members, while diving into the fun and vibrancy of campus life.
Final Small Group Meeting
End First-Year Orientation with a chance to ask any final questions and reflect on the week.