Admissions

Login to Blackboard around June 2026 to complete mandatory modules including Academic Honesty training. Take some time to review the rest of the other important information on ways to get connected with campus resources and the greater Rochester community.

When you login to Blackboard around June 2026 look for “SAS/Hajim Graduate Student Orientation Fall 2026” on the left side under the “organizations” section.

In order to access Blackboard you first need to activate your NetID and access 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.

We invite you to attend the following in-person interactive events below once you arrive to campus as part of Graduate Student Spring Welcome. Keep in mind that your academic department may also have orientation-related programming planned in addition to what’s listed below. It is expected that all new graduate students attend these events.

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Training

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (In-person by invite only, various locations, River Campus)
GTA Orientation

Learn about the role and responsibilities of a graduate teaching assistant. If your department requires you to attend this training, you will receive more information via email.

Graduate Resource Fair

Thursday, August 27, 2026
4-5:15 p.m. (Rettner Hall, River Campus)

Meet with representatives from a variety of crucial on and off-campus resources to ask questions, learn about their services and ways to get connected. This includes offices like University Health Services, the Graduate Writing Project, Career Services, International Services Office, Housing, Library, Parking, Dining and many more! While you’re there, meet other graduate students, and pick up a FREE University of Rochester T-SHIRT (while supplies last)! Check in first at the ground floor of Rettner Hall. 

Dean's Welcome Graduate Student Social and ID Pickup

Saturday, August 29, 2026
4-5:30 p.m. (Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons, River Campus)

Join the SAS/Hajim Graduate Dean and Assistant Dean for a welcome greeting and learn some important info and tips from current graduate students to help you get started on your journey here at UR! After the greeting, there will be an informal social hour to meet other graduate students with FREE appetizers, drinks, and some UR swag giveaways/raffles. While you’re there, pickup your student ID card if you uploaded your photo by the deadline.

Graduate Student River Campus Tours

In-person - Various dates and times TBD - please check back soon!

Join current graduate students and the GEPA staff for an informal tour of the University campus. Get to know building locations of important campus resources, the best study spaces, dining locations, how to navigate the tunnels, and more! To join the tour, please meet at the front entrance of Lattimore Hall (on the Eastman Quad) promptly at the start time. Printed River campus maps will be available for pickup at the tours or download a map.

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.

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.