New Student Orientation

For students starting classes in August 2026

Welcome to the Heinz College Community!

We are excited to introduce you to Carnegie Mellon University and Heinz College. As a new student, we believe that orientation is the best way to prepare you for your upcoming experience. During orientation you will have an opportunity to engage with current students, faculty, staff, and fellow incoming students.

Attendance at orientation sessions is mandatory, and we encourage active participation. The more you put in towards your onboarding, the better prepared you will be for day one and beyond. Orientation is delivered through the Digital Orientation Library, Live Virtual Sessions, and on-campus, in-person orientation.

The Digital Orientation Library is an on-demand resource library that provides you with reference materials and pre-recorded videos that will cover themes ranging from the Heinz College student experience to health insurance. Access to the virtual academic integrity session will also be available here later this summer. Please view all materials by August 16, 2026.

There are three live, virtual orientation sessions where attendance is mandatory. Finally, Orientation will wrap up with four days of mandatory in-person, on-campus sessions starting on August 17th. Additional information and updates will continue to be added, so please visit this site regularly. Details for the live, virtual and in-person sessions are below.

Don’t forget to add the scheduled sessions to your own personal calendar and register for each event (this is how you will receive reminders to join the session)!

If you haven't received your Andrew ID, please let us know ASAP! You'll need your Andrew ID to access or participate in some orientation sessions.

Virtual Orientation Sessions

Students will be notified of their Academic Advisor assignment via email, including the date, time, and location (in-person or virtual) for when their first advising session is scheduled. If you do not receive notification of this information by August 1st, please contact your Program Director.

Ahead of your advising meeting, please visit the Registration, Courses, and Advising page for important details regarding course registration, sequencing, and activity you may see occur on your first semester schedule over the summer.

Join the Reidy Career Center staff for an introduction to the Reidy Career Center. Learn about available resources and services, and get answers to some common questions that incoming students typically have during their first semester. Also, learn more about their summer onboarding program, Career Academy! 

Following the general session, students will split into breakout rooms by program to learn more about the program-specific outcomes and career paths, as well as industry-related resources and programming that are available to your program. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session.

In-Person and On-Campus Orientation

Please note that each program will have a specific program activity during the week of orientation. This will be communicated to you from the program office and is not included in the final agenda.

  • New student check-in
  • Welcome Remarks
  • Current Student Panel
  • Scavenger Hunt

  • Transitioning to Graduate School and Pittsburgh
  • Academic Success
  • Program Preparation and Policies

Resource Fair - Meet members of campus who are ready to support you along the way! Play fun games with your classmates and win some campus swag and prizes!

Campus Tours - traditional and some fun ones! (like where to get the best coffee!)

Reidy Career Center - Meet with your career advisor and learn more about how to jump start your career.