Orientation

2023 orientation logo.

AS&E Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate students, welcome to the University of Rochester! The Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) in Arts, Sciences & Engineering (AS&E) will be hosting a variety of orientation programs designed to introduce you to important policies, the resources available at University of Rochester, the greater Rochester community, and to other University of Rochester students.

Please note that the GEPA orientation does not replace your departmental orientation programming. Look for information coming from your department and contact your department graduate coordinator for more information on orientation specific to your academic program.

For questions related to the AS&E graduate student orientation, please contact Katie Ferruzza, assistant director of student services at k.ferruzza@rochester.edu.

Orientation Schedule for Spring 2023

The below orientation information is for all incoming graduate students within AS&E sponsored by GEPA office. Check your email for more information on these sessions and the “GEPA Ready” orientation newsletter throughout the summer. Your respective department may host additional orientation and onboarding programming for you to attend.

Spring 2023 GEPA orientation includes:

Virtual Orientation Webinar Programs

Join us for a virtual webinar and online orientation training modules to get to know resources on and off-campus available to you as a University of Rochester graduate student. The following webinar sessions will be or have been recorded and uploaded to Blackboard.

Spring 2023 Virtual Pre-Arrival Orientation Webinar – LIVE Session
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
8:30-10 a.m. (Eastern)
Virtual webinar on Zoom

Learn about graduate student housing options on and off-campus as well as health services, health insurance, wellness, and mental health support. Register online to receive login information. 

Financing Your Education/ Exploring Careers/ Finding Jobs and Internships On or Off Campus
Virtual webinar on Zoom
(Previously recorded, review content in Blackboard)

Hear from the Greene Center and the Student Employment Office for information on the resources available to explore career possibilities, internship options, and help with finding an on-campus job or research position. From using job and internship search tools like JobLink and Handshake to applying, networking, and updating your CV/Resume, we can support you! This webinar will also include an overview of understanding your student bill and managing your finances as a graduate student.

Academic and Research Success as a UR Graduate Student
Virtual webinar on Zoom
(Previously recorded, review content in Blackboard)

Learn about academic and research supports available to you as a University of Rochester graduate student to set yourself up for success. Hear from the River Campus Libraries, the Learning Center, and academic honesty staff for information on their resources and also advice for being successful in your coursework and research endeavors.

Mandatory and Optional Online Blackboard Modules

Login to Blackboard at the beginning of December to complete mandatory modules and complete the Academic Honesty and Title IX trainings. Take some time to review important information on ways to get connected with campus resources and the greater Rochester community.

When you login to Blackboard look for “AS&E Graduate Student Orientation Spring 2023” on the right side under the “organizations” section.

In order to access Blackboard you first need to activate your NetID and set up your University of Rochester email address. Please view the Incoming Student Checklist to view additional tasks you need to complete in preparation for joining the University of Rochester community.

AS&E Graduate Student Spring Welcome to Campus Orientation Programming

We invite you to attend the following in-person interactive events below once you arrive to campus as part of AS&E Graduate Student Spring Welcome. Keep in mind, your new department may also have orientation related programming planned in  addition to what’s listed below.

GEPA Open House and Drop in Q&A with the Deans followed by River Campus Tour (Optional)
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Drop-ins: 1-1:30 p.m.
Campus tour: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
GEPA Office, 206 Lattimore Hall

The AS&E Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) team, including the Dean and Assistant Dean would like to welcome you to campus and answer any questions you may have as you begin your graduate student journey at the University of Rochester.

Stop by to say hi and pick up a snack between 1-1:30 p.m. Then feel free to stick around for a graduate student led tour of the River Campus from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Please register online for the campus tour.

International Student Orientation

The International Services Office (ISO) will host a virtual orientation as a supplement to their online pre-arrival orientation. This programming is designed to provide essential information on maintaining your valid F-1 or J-1 nonimmigrant status while in the United States, as well as other important details about life at the University and in Rochester.

Some orientation programs are mandatory for students who are scheduled to arrive in the US/Rochester for full-time study during spring 2023 (requires full-time academic registration for the term). This includes students who will arrive prior to the start of classes and students who will arrive later within the spring 2023 term. Additionally, students who began a new program of study from abroad in fall 2022 must also attend this meeting if they intend to arrive in-person to continue their enrollment in the fall. New international students throughout all University divisions are required to attend the same meetings, including those transferring their immigration record via SEVIS from another US institution.

ISOP Immigration and Compliance Orientation
Thursday, January 5, 2023
8:30-10 a.m. (Eastern)

Presentation Recording  |  Q&A Recording  |  Presentation Slides

The ISO will be hosting a mandatory Immigration and Compliance webinar required for ALL graduate and undergraduate students.  The webinar will provide all international students and scholars with information about how to stay in compliance with F and J visa regulations while studying and working in the United States.

The session will be recorded, but you are required to attend. ISO will deliver all ISOP Orientation Meetings virtually. Register online for ISO Orientation.

Dependents: F-2 and J-2 dependents are welcome to attend the scheduled ISO Orientation meeting. Spouses are advised to review the dependent information we have online, and reach out to ISO for any clarification or advising: questions@iso.rochester.edu.

Please visit the International Student Orientation Program page for additional details as they become available.