History and Traditions

In 2001, a visionary partnership between Carnegie Mellon University and Qatar Foundation began to take shape. This collaboration would soon take the form of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a pioneering institution that has left an indelible mark on education in the region.

CMU-Q Timeline

Early Years

2001

The initial proposal for a Qatar campus is presented to the CMU Board of Trustees.

2003

The Board of Trustees approves the establishment of CMU-Q. Dr. Charles Thorpe was appointed founding dean.

2004

CMU-Q opens its doors with just 41 students enrolled in either Business Administration or Computer Science.

2007

CMU-Q launches a major in Information Systems.

2008

The first graduation ceremony celebrates the Class of 2008.

2009

The state-of-the-art CMU-Q building opens.

Building Momentum

2011

CMU-Q introduces the major in Biological Sciences.

2011

Dr. Ilker Baybars is appointed dean of CMU-Q, taking over the reins from the interim dean, Dr. Richard Tucker.

2014

CMU-Q celebrates its 10th anniversary.

2017

Dr. Michael Trick is appointed dean, leading the campus into a new era of innovation and growth.

2020

In three days, CMU-Q successfully transitioned to online learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evolving Landscapes

2021

The number of CMU-Q graduates surpassed 1,000.

2022

In a three-night extravaganza, CMU-Q celebrated the graduates of the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022.

2023

CMU-Q launched innovative AI+X certificates.

2024

The community celebrated two milestones: the largest-ever graduating class, and the 20th anniversary of the Qatar campus.

2025

CMU-Q introduces the first undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program in Qatar.

Traditions

CMU-Q has developed its own traditions that recognize our connection to CMU, as well as the unique character of the Qatar campus.

Graduation

At the graduation ceremony, students wear a tartan stole with the traditional cap and gown, and graduates who have earned academic awards wear additional regalia.

Convocation

Convocation is a university tradition that formally welcomes new students to Carnegie Mellon.

Class Tile

At convocation, the incoming class is presented with a tile engraved with the graduation year. When the class graduates, the tile is returned and installed in the front walkway.

Qatari Arts and Culture

CMU-Q gatherings are infused with Qatari arts and culture, with traditional food, history, music and games a part of events throughout the year.

International Night

There are more than 60 nationalities represented in the CMU-Q student body, and International Day is a student-run event that celebrates this cultural diversity.

Tarnival

The students, faculty, staff and alumni of CMU-Q celebrate the Tartan carnival each fall to play games, have fun and enjoy the cooler weather.

Tartan Weave

As a nod to Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon’s Scottish heritage, we use imagery like the Scottish tartan throughout campus.

Bagpipes

The distinctive sound of bagpipes marks the convocation and graduation ceremonies, as well as the Commencement Ceremony in Pittsburgh when all undergraduate degrees are conferred.

Scotty

The Scottish terrier is a breed that is known for its intelligent, confident and dignified character. Affectionately called Scotty, the CMU-Q mascot is beloved by the community.

Thistle

The purple thistle is Scotland’s national flower, and reflects pride and resilience. The thistle is featured on the official seal of Carnegie Mellon University.