Dec. 9, 2022
Greetings, Students & Scholars!
Winter break is almost here! Congratulations on wrapping up your fall semester. We are so proud of all of the hard work you've put in this semester, and we will be cheering for you all during finals. Take a moment to decompress and relax before finals with some great events happening on campus and in the city. We hope you enjoy this issue of the OIE "Friday Greetings" email.
OIE & CMU News & Events
Travel Signature Reminder
Traveling or thinking about traveling internationally (cruises, Canada, Mexico, etc) over the winter break? Check your I-20 (pg 2) or DS-2019 (pg 1) to see if you have a valid travel signature! Requests need to be submitted to OIE no later than Dec. 16.
Pause for Gratitude
OIE is grateful for each and every member of our campus community; what are you grateful for? On Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 12:30 p.m., take a moment to pause and take stock of what is good in our lives and in the world. Sessions are casual and start with a brief centering practice, often using a prompt to spark conversation and share as participants are ready to do so. This event is virtual, and all are welcome, find out more and how to join.
ISA Yalda Night
The longest night of the year is almost here! On Sunday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m., join the Iranian Student Association (ISA) of Pittsburgh in cherishing the longest night of the year. The night starts with the "Puzzle Show," performed by Borzoo Arjmand and Ehsan Karami. Followed by a delicious Halal Iranian dinner. The entree menu is Kubideh and Chicken Kabob, along with appetizers and sides, from Shamshiri Restaurant in Washington, DC. Please arrive on time; late entry to the show is not allowed. Learn more about the event and purchase tickets in advance.
Almost Midnight Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Or night! On Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 8 to 11 p.m., fuel up for finals with an almost midnight breakfast cooked by the CMU Fraternity & Sorority Life community, staff and faculty. Grab a freshly cooked omelet, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast sticks, or fruit salad. All undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to attend! Learn more about this event.
The Mindfulness Room
Need a moment to de-stress? The Mindfulness Room is a dedicated campus space to rest, breathe, and relax with no agenda. Step in and check out the plants, listen to a soothing waterfall wall, stretch on yoga mats, and meditate on pillows and comfortable seating. Once you're there, play in the craft corner and rotating art exhibit. Browse the bookshelf for favorite books from professors and faculty. Doodle on the whiteboards. Open 24 hours a day during the fall and spring semesters, and located on the Ground Floor of the West Wing. Learn more about all of the wellness resources available to you.
Connect with us on Social Media
Join us on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest announcements and all things OIE related. You can expect the same great content, including all things OIE, news and events, our Friday Greeting round-up, and more. As always, you can reach out directly to OIE by emailing us at oie@andrew.cmu.edu. We hope to see you there!
Our Pittsburgh Picks
Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
It's not a holiday in Pittsburgh without a cookie table! And what's better than one cookie table? How about an entire neighborhood of cookie tables! Check out the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 12 to 5 p.m. Visit unique businesses along Butler Street and Penn Avenue for holiday shopping and sample cookies! Support local businesses and get a taste of the 'Burgh all at once. Learn more about this event.
Solstice Party
Spend the longest night of the year under the stars! On Friday, Dec. 16, from 6 to 10 p.m., head to the Carnegie Science Center for a night at the Buhl Planetarium. Spend the night learning all about the winter solstice with stargazing and live demonstrations. Explore the Moon and solar system with interactive experiences, or check out the newest exhibit, Mars: The Next Giant Leap, after hours! Plus, there will be a stellar drag show showcasing five of Pittsburgh's most intriguing and entertaining performers, hosted by Drag Queen Princess Jafar and Beat Box Artist Kidmental. Or sing the night away and dance during Laser Karaoke in the Planetarium. This event is restricted to people 21+ with a valid ID, and alcohol will be available for purchase with a valid ID. Learn more about this event and purchase tickets in advance.
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
The holiday season isn't complete without a visit to Phipps! From now until Jan. 8, 2023, you can see Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at Phipps. This year's theme is an arctic adventure featuring a variety of topiary creatures and amazing features. Phipps has pulled out all the stops for this year's Winter Flower Show with magnificent new displays of holiday trees, topiaries, exquisitely detailed props, signature floral delights and more than 1,600 poinsettias. Plus, the beauty isn't just indoors! Check out the Winter Light Garden, a spectacular outdoor display of lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Schenley Skating Rink
This Pittsburgh staple is back! The Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink opened in 1975 and has entertained ice skaters and hockey players ever since. Located in scenic Schenley Park, the Rink offers family fun for everyone and is a local must during the winter. Tickets are $5 for adults, and skate rentals are available. Learn more and purchase a ticket in advance to guarantee a spot on your preferred day.
Have an Event or Announcement for Friday Greetings?
If you have an event or announcement that you wish to submit for inclusion in OIE's Friday Greetings newsletter, please submit it to ES-Communications@andrew.cmu.edu. Information should be submitted by Wednesday at 5 p.m. EST for inclusion in the following Friday's newsletter.
CMU's Office of International Education distributed this email. You are receiving it because of your status as an international student or scholar.
Carnegie Mellon University
Office of International Education
5000 Forbes Ave, Cyert Hall, Suite 101
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.cmu.edu/oie