CMU Welcomes Class of 2029+, Announces Tuition-Free Program, Budget Cuts, AI Breakthrough, and Honors Andrew Carnegie

Good afternoon, Tartans! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and welcome back to campus. Let's dive into the latest news and updates from Carnegie Mellon University. Last week, we welcomed the Class of 2029+ to CMU with a series of engaging events designed to help our new students transition smoothly into university life. Orientation kicked off with Move-In Day on August 16, where students settled into their new homes with the assistance of staff and volunteers. The week featured activities like Playfair and Speedfriending, fostering connections among peers. President Farnam Jahanian addressed the incoming class, encouraging them to embrace new experiences and build bridges of understanding within our diverse community. In response to financial challenges, President Jahanian announced a reduction of $33 million in expenses. Measures include pausing merit increases, reducing non-essential expenditures, and limiting new staff and faculty hiring. While some departments have seen targeted staff reductions, broad layoffs are not planned. These steps aim to maintain the university's strong financial position amid ongoing uncertainties. CMU has launched the Pathway Program, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative offers tuition-free education to undergraduates from families earning less than $75,000 annually and a loan-free education to those from families earning less than $100,000. The program underscores CMU's commitment to making education accessible to all qualified students. CMU researchers have developed an AI method that accelerates the search for treatments for rare diseases. This innovative approach aims to streamline the discovery process, bringing hope to patients and families affected by these conditions. The Pittsburgh Walk of Fame is set to honor Andrew Carnegie with a star, recognizing his philanthropic contributions, including the founding of Carnegie Mellon University. The induction ceremony is scheduled for October 20 at the Strip District Terminal. Today's weather in Pittsburgh is mostly sunny with a high of 76°F (25°C). There's a chance of showers in the late afternoon, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Have a great day, Tartans!