Good afternoon, Tartans! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at Carnegie Mellon University.
First up, let's talk about the weather. Today in Pittsburgh, we're enjoying sunny skies with a current temperature of 75°F. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 84°F by noon and peaking at 93°F around 4 PM. So, if you're planning to be outdoors, make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
In academic news, CMU has announced the launch of the CMU Pathway Program, set to begin in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative aims to make education more accessible by offering tuition-free undergraduate education to students whose families earn less than $75,000 annually. Additionally, undergraduates from families earning less than $100,000 annually will be able to attend CMU without borrowing any federal student loans. This program underscores the university's commitment to expanding access and affordability for all students.
In the realm of artificial intelligence, CMU's Heinz College has introduced a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Systems Management program. This program is designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to integrate AI into critical decision-making processes across various industries. Students will engage in hands-on projects, such as building AI-powered content-moderation systems and developing secure large-language models. Applications are now open, with classes set to begin in Fall 2025.
On the research front, CMU has partnered with Google Public Sector to significantly enhance its AI research capabilities. This collaboration involves the acquisition of a large cloud-based GPU cluster, expanding the university's high-performance computing capacity. This cutting-edge infrastructure will enable researchers to tackle complex challenges in AI, advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation.
In faculty news, three esteemed professors have been honored with the title of University Professor, the highest distinction a faculty member can receive at CMU. Kenneth Koedinger, a professor of human-computer interaction and psychology; Kristen Kurland, a professor of architecture, information systems, and public policy; and Gregory Rohrer, a professor of materials science and engineering, have all been recognized for their outstanding contributions to education and research.
In community news, the inaugural Pittsburgh Walk of Fame is set to honor Andrew Carnegie with a star. This decision has sparked debate, with some praising his philanthropic contributions, such as funding over 2,000 libraries and establishing Carnegie Mellon University, while others point to his controversial past, including his role in the Homestead Strike. The induction ceremony is scheduled for October 20 at the Strip District Terminal.
Lastly, in administrative news, CMU's School of Computer Science has laid off 18 staff members in administrative and academic support roles. The university stated that no faculty positions were affected and that the decision was made at the unit level, not as part of a university-wide restructuring. Affected staff have been offered severance packages based on their years of service.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and updates in our next episode. Until then, take care and have a great day!