Rooted in Passion: At Orientation, New Tartans Dig In
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The energy surged on Carnegie Mellon University's campus as the Class of 2029+ arrived for Orientation Week(opens in new window), a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of their academic journey. With suitcases in tow and excitement in the air, students and families were greeted by staff, volunteers and a full slate of events designed to ease the transition into college life.
Carnegie Cup
-Aug. 22, 2025
The Carnegie Cup served as both an icebreaker and a bonding experience, igniting friendly rivalries among students while fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Participants donned their house color — purple for Mudge House, green for Stever and so on — and competed in a variety of challenges designed to test the students’ creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm, from cheer-offs to puzzles and field games.
As the final event of Orientation Week, the quest for the Carnegie Cup laid the groundwork for lasting friendships and helped students begin to plant their roots in the university community.
And while a winning team did emerge, the real victory was in the connections made and the memories forged. For many students, it marked the beginning of their journey at Carnegie Mellon — one filled with discovery, creativity and shared purpose.
Convocation
-Aug, 21, 2025
Watch President Farnam Jahanian and others welcome the Class of 2029+ during the full Convocation ceremony.
At Convocation, James H. Garrett Jr(opens in new window)., provost and chief academic officer, shared his own experience at CMU, having earned three degrees then becoming a faculty member in 1990.
“Today, you join our community, and we are a better university because you are here,” he said. “We are committed to your success, and we will work hard to make sure you have an inclusive, supportive and excellent experience while here.”
He encouraged first-year students to immerse themselves in the culture of Carnegie Mellon and take advantage of all the resources available to them on campus.
“We have a hands-on approach to learning, and your active participation will lead you to success both in and out of the classroom,” he said.
Garrett urged them to reach out to their professors, academic advisers and the Student Academic Success Center(opens in new window).
“They are here to help you learn at your highest capacity,” he said before he cheered them on for the start of classes. “I wish you all an amazing first year here at Carnegie Mellon University.”
Community Collage
-Aug. 19, 2025
Community Collage welcomed Carnegie Mellon’s newest Tartans with a vibrant celebration of their unique identities and shared values. Anchored around the theme “Rooted in Passion,” student groups took turns performing on stage, transforming the welcome tent into a living mosaic of student expression that highlighted their rich cultural backgrounds and bold ambitions.
These performances offered powerful glimpses into the CMU experience, inspiring the new students to imagine how their own identities might evolve during their time on campus.
Quoting the university’s founder, Andrew Carnegie, who proclaimed, “My heart is in the work,” head orientation counselors reminded the incoming class they are united by their individual passions and invited them to “plant their roots” in the year ahead thereby building a strong foundation for both personal and academic development.
Community Day
-Aug. 19, 2025
On Tuesday, parents Chin-Lan Niu and Chin-Chan Hu were crossing campus on their last visit before traveling back to Taiwan.
Over the weekend their son, Richard Hu, moved in to Donner House, and all the volunteers were so helpful, Niu said.
“They were so enthusiastic, welcoming all the new students, and Richard didn’t have to carry any of his luggage — big or small — I’m so thankful for all the volunteer students,” she said. “All the activities are organized and impressive, it’s good for kids to get involved and into the environment quickly.”
After getting him his ID and a new phone number, Niu said she was comforted by President Farnam Jahanian and Vice President for Student Affairs Gina Casalegno’s messages at the President’s Welcome.
“I felt very touched because they talked about their own experience sending their kids to college,” she said, adding that she appreciated the weekly emails and brochures sent this summer for parents. “It was all the information I needed for my son to go to CMU, I feel he’s very safe here.”
Hemish Dubey, Taylor Chang and Aiden Goto, first-year students in Mudge House, talked outside the Orientation Tent about needing purple to wear for the Carnegie Cup.
Dubey said he already appreciates campus and the Move-In volunteers, and the others agreed.
“They had a lot of enthusiasm, and even though it was really hot, they were dancing and jumping around,” he said.
Goto said he was impressed with how quickly they helped unpack his things.
Dubey said he’s already enjoyed playing basketball at the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics(opens in new window).
“There’s a lot of really nice facilities on campus,” he said. “There’s always people outside and everyone’s really friendly, there’s always lots of people to talk to.”
First-year student Marlie Reno met Manya Bachheti and Taryn Oltyan at lunch earlier in the week. Reno said she was looking forward to the upcoming Pittsburgh Connections Trips, including kayaking, and that she appreciated the new connections on campus.
“Everybody is open to everything,” she said.
Playfair and Speedfriending
-Aug. 18, 2025
Playfair, one of the most anticipated events of Carnegie Mellon University's Orientation Week, was held on the evening of Monday, Aug. 18. Strategically scheduled after House Day activities and dinner with housing communities, the event gave students a chance to feel grounded in their residential groups before branching out to meet others across campus. The thoughtful timing helped set the stage for a night of relating, engaging and fun.
Billed as the week’s biggest icebreaker, Playfair brought together the entire incoming Class of 2029+ for a high-energy, interactive experience designed to foster immediate connections among students. Paired with Speedfriending, the event created a dynamic environment where students could meet dozens of peers in a short amount of time, sparking conversations and camaraderie that often extend well beyond Orientation Week.
Whether it serves to ignite friendly rivalries in the quest for the Carnegie Cup or to uncover deeper connections among those with shared interests, Playfair lays the groundwork for the social fabric of CMU life. The event emphasized inclusivity, spontaneity and light-hearted engagement, encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones and participate in games and conversations that build community. For many, it marked the beginning of lasting friendships and a deeper sense of belonging within the CMU community.
President's Welcome
-Aug. 17, 2025
As students began a week’s worth of activities during First-Year Orientation, building new connections, Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window) welcomed them on Sunday morning.
He encouraged students to venture widely, build bridges of understanding and take care of themselves and each other.
“When you step outside of your comfort zone, you step into a world of heightened discovery and creativity and you uncover opportunities that never existed before,” Jahanian said. “This is the heart of the CMU experience.”
And, he reminded them, they are in great company.
“We’re here for you, with you, and right beside you,” Jahanian said. “This is a community, and you are our newest members.”
Gina Casalegno(opens in new window), dean of students and vice president of student affairs, told the new students that just as they are excited to be joining the community, CMU is eager to welcome them.
“By every measure, the Class of 2029, is extraordinary, and we don't look at that just by measuring numbers like SATs or GPAs,” she said. “You are here because we see in you the talent, the intellect, the passion necessary to thrive in your chosen field and communities, we also see in you that you have the leadership capacity and the commitment to your community to be the change makers that we need to make a real impact in society.”
Move-In
-Aug. 16, 2025
Orientation officially began on Saturday, August 16, with Move-In Day. Students reserved timeslots to unload and settle into their new homes, while CMU volunteers helped make the process smooth and welcoming. For those seeking a quieter experience, a sensory-friendly move-in option provided a calm environment. The Welcome Plaza and Tartan Welcome Expo offered a first glimpse into campus life, with representatives from student organizations and university services on hand to greet the newest Tartans.
