About CIM

What is CIM?

Our purpose at Kellogg is to educate, equip and inspire exceptional leaders that wisely leverage the power of markets to create lasting value. Your first step in that journey begins at CIM. Established in 1969, Culture is Made (CIM) is a uniquely Kellogg experience to introduce incoming students to Kellogg's culture, values and life as a student. We believe that it is up to all of us how we maintain, evolve, and practice the culture that we are proud of at Kellogg—and your orientation is the first step in this journey.

Our goal over these four days is to:

  • EDUCATE you on what it means to be part of the Kellogg community and what it means to be a Kellogg Leader,
  • EQUIP you with the skills, tools, and resources you need to successfully navigate the launch of your MBA journey; and
  • INSPIRE you to expand yourself and share your unique gifts with your new class

How do I prepare for CIM?

Your to-do items are contained in your Student Experience Onboarding Course in Canvas. Make sure to get started on these as soon as you can to make sure your CIM journey is a smooth one!

What can I expect at CIM?

CIM is your student orientation. It is a mandatory onboarding experience that every incoming Kellogg student must participate in. It is the first official touchpoint you have with faculty, administration, 2nd year students, and your peers.  Please view full schedule at the top menu bar.

What should I expect at Check-In on August 19?

We're looking forward to seeing you on August 19 at the Global Hub. Check-in will take place by appointment from 8:30am-1:30pm in Gies Plaza, where you'll pick up your welcome packet with your wildcard, take your professional headshot, and pick up some cool Kellogg swag. The CIM Opening Ceremony will be followed by a Kick-Off BBQ.

Please count on needing up to an hour for the photo and the registration process at CIM Check-in on August 19. Please bring business professional clothing for your professional photo from the waist up. To accommodate the International Student Orientation at 11:15am, international students will take their photos from 8:30-10:00am, and domestic students will take their photos from 10:00am-1:45pm. Please make an appointment below if you haven't already.

  • Domestic Students - Sign up here
  • International Students - Sign up here

Can my JV participate in CIM?

We are excited to welcome partners (Joint Ventures, or JVs) to the Global Hub to learn about the JV experience. View the JV schedule at the top menu bar to see what we have in store for JVs during CIM.

As a MMM, MD-MBA or JD-MBA, I already had an orientation / RSG. What parts of CIM do I need to participate in?

The sessions which you have already completed during your CIM/RSG are noted in the in-person schedule (i.e. Check-In, Intro to Academics, Academic Experience, and Case Prep Workshop). You do not have to attend these sessions during CIM. In addition, the programming we have designed at CIM is expected to be both inward and outward looking, backward and forward looking. It has been designed intentionally to help you get the most out of your year(s) at Kellogg. So, we ask you to lean in, share your thoughts with your 2Y and MBAi peers and support them as they get accustomed to Kellogg.

Who organizes CIM and who can I contact with questions?

CIM is organized by the Office of Student Life, the CIM Exec Student Leader Team and your CIM Section/Cohort Leaders. We do this in partnership with countless other Kellogg stakeholders such as Special Events, Facilities, and Kellogg Information Systems (KIS) to name a few. It takes a town (not just a village) to raise this baby!

Please meet your CIM Exec team here.  Join #cim_2023 on Slack to connect with us or email us at cim-exec@kellogg.northwestern.edu. We look forward to welcoming you in person!