Tuesday August 24 marked the first day of orientation and the arrival of first-year students to Carnegie Mellon. The day began as anxious students and their families caravanned to their new residence halls, some arriving as early as 7 a.m. First-year students were greeted at their cars by orientation counselors, resident assistants, and student affairs staff members, as well as volunteers from the Greek community and other campus organizations. Whether carrying suitcases up several flights of stairs or giving directions to the University Center, members of the Carnegie Mellon community tried to make first-year students' transition as smooth as possible.

One parent expressed her satisfaction with move-in day.

“I thought the move-in was fantastic because when we moved our daughter [to another university], we were lugging everything in up four floors and to a room half the size, and just to have the help was, to me, fantastic. Everybody has been so nice, directing us where to go; everything here’s been positive,” said Linda Baxendale, mother of E-tower resident and CIT student Jeff Baxendale.

This year’s orientation theme is “Cruise into College.” The orientation team is led by Orientation Director and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Anne Witchner, Head Orientation Counselors (HOC) Misty Muscatel, TSB, Jessica Newman, TSB, Theresa Sobczak, HSS, Matt Van Winkle, MCS, Erin Weber, Humanities and Arts, and a host of orientation leaders (OL) as well as orientation counselors (OC). Olivia Benson, an OC and CIT student, said this about her experience:

“I loved it as a freshman, so I wanted to come back and help other freshmen; plus, you get to move in early and get free food.”

Resident assistants also participated in orientation preparation and the move-in process. Rachel Svinkelstin, an RA in Woodlawn and HSS senior, said, “I’m very excited about move-in; we got the lounge ready…. We’re trying really hard to make it a communal space; we painted all the windows. We wrote welcome in 10 different languages.”

Several incoming students shared their thoughts on orientation and becoming a part of the Carnegie Mellon community.

Donner resident Bryan Arsham, HSS, said, “I’m a little nervous about leaving home. I’m pretty excited too. It’s a new life, basically. I’m expecting it to be a lot harder than high school was.”

Jeff Baxendale said, “I’m looking forward to Casino Night!”

For some residents, the first day brought some unexpected bumps. Hyung Ju “Justin” Kim, a first-year CFA student, stated, “I got in yesterday (Monday), and I couldn’t get in my room, so I couldn’t get my key, so I slept at my friend's house…. The campus is really huge, so I was lost many times.”

When asked to describe her first day on campus, first-year CFA student and Veronica (formerly Marybelle Apartments) resident Joanna Breese said, “a building excitement throughout the summer turns into a day of hysteria. Nothing goes quite as planned. There are always surprises, unanticipated curves in the road.”

First-years aren't the only ones facing changes. Parents moving their children to college also require readjustment.

“As a mom, you try to have everything as comfortable as possible; but then you come here, and you know that they’re on their own. I’ve always done it for the whole family, but can’t do this for her. She’s on her own. It’s not my place … in two senses of the word: it’s not my place to do it; I’ve gotta stay out of it,” stated Susan Breese, Joanna’s mother.

International Carnegie Mellon graduate students had their own perspective on orientation. They had to adjust not only to Carnegie Mellon, but also to Pittsburgh and the entire United States as well.

“For computer guys like us, [our program] is the top we could have hoped for; so far, it’s been pretty good…. I like Pittsburgh and the campus. Basically, I’m familiar, there’s lots of Indian guys here, it feels like home almost,” said Shishir Moudgal, first-year Information Networking Institute graduate student.

Sanath Kalidas, first-year graduate student in the School of Architecture, said, “This is my first visit to the U.S., and it’s been pretty interesting; the place is great; it brings back memory [sic] of my place back home…finding a new place [to live] has been hard; I didn’t expect that; all the interactions I’ve had with my faculty [have been] totally different from my experience back home; I’m looking forward to the commencement of the program and learning.”

Michael Murphy, dean of student affairs, made his annual address to students, welcomed them to the University, and addressed questions and concerns of parents and incoming students.

“It really is a wonderful and exciting opportunity. Ultimately, we want people to be about the community. When you have this talent, it comes with a certain level of responsibility; you’ve got the goods to make real impact in the world.”

Murphy emphasized the supportive nature of Carnegie Mellon.

“My hope is that we will be partners with you along the way; we are 100 percent dedicated to what you want it [your Carnegie Mellon experience] to be. It is a tough place; it’s a place where we’re also supportive. You’ll have RAs in residence halls; you’ll have advisors for all of you to facilitate the process. We want to be here for you every step of the way, not just students but also parents; this is a partnership across the board.”

Housing Director Tim Michaels, who was in attendance at Murphy’s address, gave the following response to parents' concerns over off-campus temporary housing: “We’re able to follow those students who are in [the temporary housing] process; they very much mirror the rest of the students on this campus; we actually have trouble getting them to leave [temporary housing]. For various reasons, people start to move the first few weeks, and that creates spaces.”

University departments also took part in orientation by introducing the first years to the various campus services available to students.

Barb Jensen of Computing Services commented on students’ inquiries about the computing environment on campus. “How do you get on the network is the first question everyone wants to know. They come in, move their bags, and want to know how to get on the network.”

Other departments described similar experiences. The majority of their interactions with incoming students focused on addressing specific student needs. At the Career Center, “We’ve been busy with students coming in and looking for campus jobs; that’s one of the biggest questions and just how to use Tartan Trak,” stated Martha Puzio. Gerry Marnell, campus recruiting liaison, described her interaction with incoming parents. “The parents are very appreciative, and they’re never worried about finding a job. I always tell them that there are more jobs on campus than students, and that’s always a relief to them.”

Jim Schmitt of Central Property Services commented on his experience with orientation. “I’ve been here for 16 years, [and every year, orientation] has been practice for the school year. This is when it first starts to get really hectic, [but] by the end of the summer we’re ready for everyone to come back.”

Getting students acclimated to their academic colleges also proved to be an integral part of the orientation process. Advising often ranged from answering logistical questions about class scheduling to assisting students with developing an academic plan. When discussing academic options with an incoming business administration student and her family, Dr. Milton Cofield of the Tepper School asked, “What is it that you think you really want to do? It’s not someone else telling you what you want to do or what they want you to do. We want them [students] to be confident to be able to make life-long decisions for what they want to do.”

In the afternoon, University President Jared Cohon gave his formal welcome to incoming students and their families. He welcomed the students by saying, “You are now part of a tradition of excellence and achievement.” He addressed three significant areas which he believes define Carnegie Mellon: collaboration and teamwork, hard work, and innovation and change. He cited accomplishments in each area made by past and present members of the Carnegie Mellon community.

Cohon concluded by offering advice to the incoming class: “Take charge of your education and your time at Carnegie Mellon. You’re here not only to get an education, but to contribute to this community, to make Carnegie Mellon better.... Be adventurous…. Try something new. Your time here is as much about your personal development as it is acquiring skills and learning about your field of choice. This is about you realizing who you are.”

Reflecting on the first day, orientation director Anne Witchner said, “I think it was a success. The RA, student life staff, Greek staff, they moved in smoothly as always. We made some important changes based on input from last year; parking changes had a significant impact on family members; we had a great HOC/OC staff; I give them a 110 [percent]. [They are] enthusiastic students who were excited to welcome the new students.”