Admissions

Welcome to the University of Rochester! Learn about orientation, onboarding, and how to get started as a graduate student – Q&A LIVE Session

Thursday, December 11, 2025
9-10 a.m. (Eastern)
Virtual webinar on Zoom

Join the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) staff team, to welcome you and help you get started on your path to graduate school at the University of Rochester! We’ll be providing important information on what to prepare for and expect prior to arrival, including required and optional programs, events, and onboarding tips. There will be an overview of graduate orientation and ways to begin connecting to your new campus community. Feel free to bring your questions! Register online to receive Zoom link.

Login to Blackboard around December 2025 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 December 2025 look for “A&S/Hajim Graduate Student Orientation Spring 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, your new department may also have orientation-related programming planned in addition to what’s listed below.

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Training

Thursday, January 15, 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.

1:15-4 p.m. (Location TBA, River Campus)
GTA Policy and Resource Training

Learn about the policies and resources that will be important to your experience as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA). All interested graduate students are welcome to attend. If your department requires you to attend the morning portion of this training, you will be required to attend the afternoon training as well.

Graduate Student River Campus Tour (HIGHLY encouraged for all to attend)

Friday, January 16, 2026
11 a.m.-12 p.m. (In-person - meet at the GEPA Office, 206 Lattimore Hall)

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. Please register online by January 12, 2026.

Welcome Check In and Graduate Student Lunch Social (HIGHLY encouraged for all to attend)

Friday, January 16, 2026
12-1 p.m. (In-person)

Join our dean, assistant dean, and GEPA staff for a welcome greeting and informal lunch social hour to learn some important info and tips from current graduate students from SAS and Hajim to help you get started on your journey here in Rochester! All students who attend will receive a FREE welcome gift of URochester swag gear! FREE lunch will also be provided. Please register online by January 12, 2026.

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.