Carnegie Mellon News: Carnegie Honored Amid Controversy, Tuition-Free Pathway Launch, AI Leadership, Schoolhouse Partnership, Staff Cuts & Events

The Carnegie Mellon University Podcast

Good afternoon, Tartans! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and welcome back to campus. Let's dive into the latest news and events happening at Carnegie Mellon University. First up, the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame is honoring Andrew Carnegie with a star, sparking debate over how to reconcile his philanthropic legacy with his controversial past. Alongside figures like Fred Rogers, August Wilson, Rachel Carson, and Jonas Salk, Carnegie will receive a bronze star in the city’s Strip District. However, critics point to his involvement in the violent Homestead Strike, support for eugenics research, and link to the Johnstown Flood as reasons his legacy should be scrutinized. Social media users and local residents are divided, with some labeling him a "robber baron" who exploited workers. Despite this, the Walk of Fame’s organizers, including founder Nancy Polinsky Johnson, defend his inclusion, emphasizing the importance and impact of his philanthropy—such as funding over 2,000 libraries and the establishment of Carnegie Mellon University. The discussion reflects a broader conversation about how historical figures are remembered, balancing their achievements against their moral failings. The induction ceremony is set for October 20 at the Strip District Terminal. In other news, Carnegie Mellon University has announced the launch of the CMU Pathway Program, a pivotal student affordability initiative beginning at the start of the 2025-26 academic year. In the CMU Pathway Program, all new and returning undergraduate CMU students at the Pittsburgh campus whose families earn less than $75,000 annually will be able to attend CMU tuition-free, while undergraduates whose families earn less than $100,000 annually will be able to attend CMU without borrowing any federal student loans. To be eligible for the CMU Pathway Program, a student must have typical family assets and an annual family income that falls below the income thresholds for a tuition-free ($75,000) and federal loan-free ($100,000) CMU education, be a new or returning undergraduate enrolled at our Pittsburgh campus, and be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States. "The CMU Pathway Program is a powerful investment in our students and the latest milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand access and affordability across our university community," said President Jahanian. "We believe that family finances should never prevent the brightest students from chasing their dreams and pursuing a world-class education at Carnegie Mellon University. And now, thanks to the CMU Pathway Program, we are one extraordinary step closer to achieving this goal." On the academic front, Carnegie Mellon University is training a next generation of data and AI leaders. The CMU Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) program, which began its seventh semester last month, has seen enrollment grow commensurate with the demand for data and AI leadership roles. The most recent fall 2024 class comprised 67 participants, and the new semester, which launched this month, will host 102 class participants. The CDAIO program draws on world-renowned faculty from CMU’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, in addition to current and former CDOs, CAIOs, and CIOs from Fortune 500s, government agencies, and nonprofits. "Their role isn’t just to teach; it’s to mentor, challenge, and empower our students," explained program director Ulicne. "This fusion of theory and practice ensures that every session is not only insightful but directly actionable for leaders navigating today's complex environments." In partnership news, Carnegie Mellon University has announced a collaboration with Sal Khan’s Schoolhouse.world, a digital platform that offers free educational services worldwide with a focus on high school-level curricula. This partnership will allow CMU students to have both expanded access to the platform and gain experience as tutors. "Carnegie Mellon University is deeply committed to fostering access and opportunity, and we also applaud Sal Khan’s record of creating innovative and high-quality educational experiences that are broadly available to learners around the world," said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. "Our new collaboration seeks to unite our institutions around our shared commitment and further democratize learning, benefiting Carnegie Mellon students, high school students around the world, and society at large." In administrative news, Carnegie Mellon University laid off several staff members in its School of Computer Science this week. No faculty positions were affected. CMU cut 18 employees in administrative and academic support roles, according to a statement. Staff were offered severance packages based on years of service. Spokesperson Cassia Crogan said it was a unit-level decision from the computer sciences school and not part of any university-wide restructuring. "The decisions within SCS reflect the routine and localized process of evaluating budgets and personnel needs within individual schools and colleges," Crogan said. In total, 295 people work in the School of Computer Science, which CMU touts as "one of the first and best computer science programs in the world." The university said the layoffs were made "to reduce costs and streamline resources to more efficiently operate in an evolving higher education landscape." Finally, looking ahead, the College of Engineering is hosting First-Year Orientation today, August 18, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM ET on the Pittsburgh campus. This event marks the beginning of the academic journey for our new engineering students. Additionally, the first day of classes for the Pittsburgh campus is scheduled for August 26, 2025, at 8:00 AM ET. Welcome back, everyone! That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus.