Orientation
Orientation usually takes place the week before classes begin, though your department will share exact dates and details closer to the start of the semester. This program is designed to help you settle in, feel connected, and start your CMU-Silicon Valley experience with confidence.
What is orientation?
Orientation includes a mix of academic and campus-wide sessions. It is required for all graduate students in CMU-SV’s three departments:
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
- Integrated Innovation Institute (III)
- Information Networking Institute (INI)
Throughout the week, you will connect with your academic department and the Student Affairs team. The goal is to provide practical information, helpful tools, and opportunities to begin building relationships that will support your experience on campus.
What to expect
Department sessions
You’ll connect with your academic advisor and department faculty, meet your peers, and get an overview of key timelines, systems, and tips to help you succeed in your program.
Student affairs sessions
You’ll also take part in sessions led by Student Affairs and Career Services, where you’ll:
- Learn about campus and career service resources available to you as a CMU-SV student
- Set up essentials like your transportation pass and CMU ID
- Explore ways to get involved in student life and connect with others across departments
- Meet the staff who are here to support you throughout your time at CMU-SV
- Connect with CMU-SV alum on how to make the most of your time as a grad student
Throughout orientation, you will have plenty of chances to connect with your peers through shared meals and social events. Orientation is more than just a starting point — it’s a welcome into a community that’s ready to support you.
What comes next
You’ll hear more from your department about Orientation dates and details shortly after you’ve enrolled in your program.
Welcome Week
While Orientation is designed just for incoming students, Welcome Week is for everyone! Taking place during the first week of classes, Welcome Week is a chance to settle in, reconnect, and get what you need to start strong.
What to expect
Welcome Week will include a mix of:
- Social events and informal gatherings that bring together the CMU-SV community
- Career-focused workshops led by the CMU-SV Career Services team
- Student group and campus tabling, where you can explore ways to get involved, pick up your transportation pass, and learn about student perks like discounted gym memberships
More than anything, Welcome Week is here to help you feel connected, supported, and ready for what’s ahead. Grad school can be intense, but you won’t have to figure it out on your own.
What comes next
You will be provided with a Welcome Week schedule leading up to the start of the semester.
Where to go from here
Explore the following pages when you're ready. Each page is designed to help you start strong and feel more at home before you even arrive on campus.