Carnegie Mellon University

Traditions & Programs

CMU's traditions and hallmark programs help create the fabric of the university. They build community, celebrate CMU and connect us to our great city. 

SLICE coordinates many annual traditions and programs where graduate and undergraduate students, as well as the entire CMU community, come together to connect, engage and celebrate their Tartan pride.

Many other CMU traditions are coordinated by students, including The Fence and so many others. Explore TartanConnect to learn more about student-organized traditions and programs.

Fall Semester

Volunteer Fair

volunteer fair

Chat with and recruit engaged individuals who are passionate about community service.

THE FAIR

THE FAIR

Explore CMU's student and fraternity and sorority organizations, as well as arts, cultural and outdoor recreation partners from the Pittsburgh community. 

Scotty Saturday

volunteer fair

Scotty Saturday celebrates Tartan spirit and pride during Family Weekend 

Rise Against Hunger

Rise Against Hunger

An international hunger relief initiative that distributes food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable.

Almost Midnight Breakfast

Almost Midnight Breakfast

CMU staff and faculty cook omelets and serve you breakfast during finals week in the fall and spring semesters.

Finals Muffins

Maggie's Muffins

Finals muffins, or “Maggie’s Muffins,” is a tradition started by Margaret Cyert to distribute muffins to students during fall and spring finals.

Spring Semester

THE Winter FAIR

The Winter Fair

Explore CMU's student and fraternity and sorority organizations, as well as arts, cultural and outdoor recreation partners from the Pittsburgh community.

Winter Welcome

Winter Welcome logo - Scotty on a sled with some snowballs

Winter Welcome offers three week of fun programs and events from January 23 - February 13, 2021.

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders

A program for first-year students that promotes leadership skills through civic engagement and service initiatives.

Greek Sing

Greek Sing

Through song, dance and acts, Greek Sing encourages philanthropy and service to support the fraternity and sorority community, Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburgh. 

Spring Carnival & Sweepstakes

Spring Carnival and Sweepstakes

Carnival is CMU’s most revered tradition, which includes Sweepstakes, or Buggy, where teams design, build and race aerodynamic pushcarts.

SLICE Awards

SLICE Awards

Honors CMU undergraduate and graduate students, and student organizations, their members and advisors.

Senior Leadership Recognition

Senior Leadership Recognition

Honors students who have made an unparalleled impact on our community as a result of their leadership, vision and initiative.

Almost Midnight Breakfast

Almost Midnight Breakfast

CMU staff and faculty cook omelets and serve you breakfast during finals week in the fall and spring semesters.

Finals Muffins

Maggie's Muffins

Finals muffins, or “Maggie’s Muffins,” is a tradition started by Margaret Cyert to distribute muffins to students during fall and spring finals.