The Immigration Course

The Immigration Course (IC) is intended to provide a common starting point for the entering Ph.D. students. It is organized as a short, intensive two- to three-week session at the beginning of the semester. The IC's goals are

• To orient new students to the Department, through introductions to people (faculty, staff, other students) and through social activities

• To introduce students to various research and educational topics of current interest to the Faculty

• To give students an opportunity to find a suitable research advisor

• To familiarize students with the computing facilities and environment at Carnegie Mellon

These goals are fulfilled through a program of lectures, poster sessions, demonstrations, and tours of laboratories. During the IC we often offer short, special-topic courses and feature special lectures by distinguished visitors. Enough open hours are scheduled to allow students to meet with faculty individually to learn more about their research. Since all first-year graduate students are required to attend the IC, regular graduate courses for all CS Ph.D. students do not start till the intensive part of the IC is over.