Graduate Orientation
At Graduate Orientation (GradO) you'll discover the resources and meet the people that will help you succeed at the University of Calgary
87% of students feel better prepared for graduate school after attending GradO, and 96% of survey respondents said the content was helpful.
GradO 2017 Survey
What happens at GradO?
We have developed special presentations and activities that will get you acquainted with some important grad school basics. We also host a lunch where you’ll have the chance to meet other students, Deans and Program Directors.
Browse the resources below that were used at last year's orientation for an idea of the topics and issues we cover at GradO.
For research-based students
If you are enroled in a research-based program, the following resources were design with your needs and questions in mind:
For course-based students
If you are enroled in a professional program, the following resources were design with your needs and questions in mind:
When is GradO?
Fall orientation: September 3, 2019
3:30 p.m. Welcome Ceremony
All students, Jack Simpson Gymnasium
4:00 p.m. Session 1
Thesis-based students - Presentation, Jack Simpson Gymnasium
Course-based students - Picnic outdoors
5:10 p.m. Session 2
Course-based students - Presentation, Red Gym
Thesis-based students - Picnic outdoors
6:20 p.m. Session 3
Thesis-based students - Presentation, Jack Simpson Gymnasium
Winter orientation: January 2020
Welcome Ceremony
All students
Session 1
Thesis-based students
Course-based students - Early dinner
Session 2
Course-based students
Thesis-based students - Early dinner
Session 3
Thesis-based students
International Student Services (ISS) offers an orientation earlier on the same day for international students. Registration opens one month prior to its scheduled date. Learn more about International Graduate Essentials
The Graduate Calendar
Learn about the University of Calgary's Graduate Calendar - an essential and authoritative source of information for every UCalgary graduate student.
Health and Wellbeing
Learn about the University of Calgary's resources supporting the health and wellness of graduate students.
Graduate Supervisors
Learn about the importance of your graduate supervisor, along with some key practices for a successful relationship with your supervisor.
Newcomers to Calgary
Find important information for students relocating to Calgary from other cities, provinces or countries.
Student Services
Learn about the university’s graduate student services and supports including My GradSkills, a service that will help prepare you for life after graduate school.
The GSA
Learn about the Graduate Students' Association (GSA), and all of the services and supports that the GSA provides to graduate students.