University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation
Spring Orientation: January 8, 2026
To welcome new graduate students to the Carnegie Mellon community and help support the transition to graduate study, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, in partnership with many colleagues across campus, offers University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation.
Attendance at the University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation is highly encouraged but is not mandatory. For more information on new student onboarding, please visit the Incoming Graduate Students and Postdocs page.
Communications
December 12, 2025
December 16, 2025
December 22, 2025
January 5, 2026
Reminder: Register for This Week's OrientationSchedule of Events
All Orientation programming will occur in Rangos Ballroom (Cohon University Center).
| Time | Event | Description |
| 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Arrive at Orientation Venue & Settle In | After arriving in the Rangos Ballroom, you can check in for Orientation and will then have the opportunity to mingle with University staff, faculty, and other new grad students. |
| 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. | University Welcome with Leadership | Members of university leadership will offer their words of welcome, advice, and encouragement during this official welcome to your graduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University. |
| 1:45 - 2:30 p.m. | Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) Welcome & Graduate Student Panel |
The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) is the student government body charged with representing graduate students at Carnegie Mellon. You will meet your GSA executive leadership and learn more about their important work as well as ways that you can get connected. GSA executives will also share aspects of their experiences as graduate students, and you will have an opportunity to ask them questions. |
| 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Campus Partner Introductions & Resources Overview |
A selection of campus partners will provide brief overviews of their areas, enabling you to learn about some of the various resources available to you as a Carnegie Mellon graduate student. |
| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Resource Fair with Appetizers & Desserts |
Enjoy a variety of appetizers and desserts as you build community with other new graduate students and learn about important university resources! Representatives from across the university will be available to meet you, provide information and some giveaways, and answer your questions. |
Additional Event for International Students:
International Student Check-In
Friday, January 9
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
International students will be welcomed by the Office of International Education and have the opportunity to complete the required check-in process. The location of the check-in will be posted here soon.