WELCOME NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS!

University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation

University-Wide New Graduate Student Orientation took place August 14, 15 and 16 and was a wonderful kickoff to the academic year! Carnegie Mellon leadership offered words of welcome and advice, including Dr. Amy Burkert, Vice Provost for Education, who displayed her own doctoral hood to inspire incoming doctoral students to "begin with the end in mind." Partners from across campus discussed critical student resources, including transportation; dining; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging; wellness; support for families; and more. Existing master's and doctoral students shared their experiences and answered questions in packed panel events. The Office of International Education also welcomed international students with programming specific to their needs.

There were plenty of fun events, too! A Campus Resource Fair (pictured above) gave new graduate students the chance to meet campus partners and snag fun giveaways, and the Welcome BBQ and Ice Cream Social hosted by the Graduate Student Assembly relieved some of the information overload.

Each day generated excitement and camaraderie to launch new graduate students’ Carnegie Mellon journeys! Welcome to all.

This photo gallery represents just a few of the moments that made Orientation so memorable.

You can watch the University Welcome event here.

MEET THE CORE TEAM

We're Here for You!

We in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs are committed to providing holistic support to all graduate students and postdocs. Our goal is to partner with colleagues across campus who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the graduate student experience. Check out our Campus Partner Spotlight in each issue of The Graduate Student News to learn more about the resources available to you!

The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs edits and publishes The Graduate Student News, and our goal is to keep you apprised of resources, events, and news that will contribute to your academic success.

Please reach out to us to say hello, ask questions, or share concerns by emailing graded@andrew.cmu.edu. We're here for you!

Dr. Maggie Sikora, Director (she/her)

Margo Littell, Program & Operations Coordinator (she/her)

CAMPUS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Student Academic Success Center (SASC)

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) provides academic coaching, subject-specific tutoring, effective communication strategies, accommodations for students with disabilities, and language support for multilingual learners. The Graduate Student News thanks Executive Director Renée Camerlengo for sharing information and updates about the SASC!

"Graduate school is a team sport! Ask questions,

seek support and guidance, and enjoy the challenge."

--Renée Camerlengo, Executive Director

Quick Facts:

Office location: Posner 148 and 150 suite
Contact: (412) 268-6823 and success@andrew.cmu.edu
Hours and information here

What services or resources do you offer for graduate students?

We are here to support you as a scholar, learner, and communicator!

The SASC offers Communication, Language, and Cross-Cultural Support. We have trained consultants ready to help you with any kind of written, verbal, or visual projects. We host workshops and have an array of online resources to support your academic journey.

Many graduate students wish to hone their language and cross-cultural skills for academic and professional success, and we offer workshops and individual coaching in these areas. We are also responsible for International Teaching Assistant (ITA) certification.

Did you know?

The Office of Disability Resources is also located in the Student Academic Success Center, and we encourage you to connect with our team if you have any questions about academic accommodations.

What’s happening at SASC this fall?

Improving the Flow of Your Writing: October 11, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Effective Presentations: October 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

These are in-person events, and registration is required! Check out the full list of SASC events here.

What’s new with SASC?

Conversation groups are underway for those interested in developing their fluency and confidence! Contact SASC for more information.

NEWS & EVENTS

Fall Conference Funding and GuSH Research Grants

The application periods for Conference Funding and Graduate Small Project Help (GuSH) Research Grants have closed. Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website for information about upcoming application cycles, as well as information on Conference Funding, GuSH Research Grants, what is eligible for funding, and how to apply!

Join the Women's Defense Club

The student-run Women's Self-Defense Club offers a supportive environment where you can learn effective techniques for self-protection.

Practical Skills: Our experienced instructors will teach you real-world self-defense techniques that are practical and effective.
Empowerment: Boost your confidence and mental resilience as you learn to handle various situations.
Inclusive Community: Connect with a diverse group of people who share your goals and aspirations.

Interested in learning more? Fill out this form or sign up through TartanConnect. Open to people of all genders, backgrounds, and fitness levels.

Mark Your Calendars!

Take a look at these calendars to stay up to date on upcoming and ongoing events on campus!

For a full list of student organizations and events of all kinds, be sure to explore TartanConnect, CMU's official campus engagement platform.

CONNECTS Seminar Series

The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship offers seminars throughout the fall for students, faculty, and staff across campus. Check out the lineup and register here! Click on the image above to see the schedule at a glance.

Scotty's Market Grand Opening!

September brought about the Grand Opening of Scotty's Market, CMU's first campus grocery store. Swing by to check out the grocery store and grill, operated by local partners, Salem's!

RESOURCES

Are You a New Graduate Student Looking for Resources?

Resources in Canvas:

New graduate students can discover and connect with key resources across campus in the Orientation Canvas courses, available here:

Master's Student Orientation

Doctoral Student Orientation

If you have not received a Canvas invitation, please reach out to OGPA.

Resources through OGPA:

Visit the website for the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs to learn more about the CMU Pantry, family care resources, housing, and other important resources for graduate students.

Handbooks

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about your program's policies, procedures, and resources, be sure to read your departmental handbook! The latest versions are being released by all departments for the new academic year.

You can also find information about Carnegie Mellon's academic and community policies, standards, and procedures in The Word student handbook.

Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)

The GSA is the branch of CMU's student government that represents graduate students. The GSA organizes social events, advocates for issues important to graduate students, and provides funding for graduate organizations and professional development. To find your department rep, the GSA events calendar, the executive committee, and more, check out their website. You can also follow the GSA on Instagram.

GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Our first Graduate Student Spotlight column features a member of the Graduate Orientation team--Nimeesha Vellara! Read on to see her answers to OGPA's Four Questions.

Nimeesha Vellara (she/her)

CIT: Civil and Environmental Engineering

Second-Year MS Student

Hometown: Bangalore, India

1.What are you excited about reading, watching, or creating right now?

With the fall around the corner, I’m super excited to get into the thrillers and mysteries this season!

2.Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?

I was pleasantly surprised to stumble into Bao (on Craig Street) recently with my sister (fun fact: she’s my twin) who was visiting me. We love Asian cuisine and spent a great afternoon catching up over Pork Soup Dumplings and stir-fried Udon.

3.What’s at the top of your must-do list?

Something that has been on my must-do list for a while is to go on a solo trip to a country that I haven’t been to before. I love traveling with friends and family but I’ve always wanted to experience solo traveling.

4.What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?

I love the laid-back charm of Pittsburgh! Compared to the other cities I’ve visited in the US, Pittsburgh is truly such a friendly place to be in which makes everything feel so much safer. Getting around the city (although troublesome at times) is fairly easy and makes exploring the city a fun time!

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