Graduate Orientation

At Graduate Orientation (GradO) you'll discover resources and meet the people that will help you succeed at the University of Calgary.

Grad Students at Graduate Orientation

Registration for our 2025 Fall GradO on August 27 opens soon!

GradO is your introduction to life as a UCalgary graduate student - past graduate students have found it essential for starting their programs on the right foot. Join us for a day designed to support your transition into graduate school, whether you attend in person or virtually. Take part in welcome sessions, explore helpful workshops, meet fellow graduate students and connect with the people and services here to support you. 

A sensory-friendly space will be available, and in-person attendees can also enjoy a community BBQ.

Getting started

Welcome Centre
International Student Services (ISS)
Newly admited guide
Contact your Graduate Program
Tuition and fees
Review the Academic Calendar
Explore scholarships and awards

Fall 2025 GradO Schedule

  1. Course-based students

    • Registration: 8:45-9:15 a.m. MT
    • Orientation Session: 9:30-10:30 a.m. MT

  2. Thesis-based students

    • Registration: 10:15-10:45 a.m. MT
    • Orientation Session: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. MT

  1. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT

    • Service fair for graduate students (Breakout rooms)
    • BBQ lunch in the Green Space tent (Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available)
    • Student clubs showcase in the Green Space tent
  • Navigating UCalgary Systems (MyUCalgary, D2L, Elevate): 1-1:30 p.m. MT
  • Graduate Wellness: 1:45-2:15 p.m. MT
  • Life as a Graduate Student: Personal Reflections: 2:30-3 p.m. MT
  • Supporting Your Graduate Journey and Beyond: 3:15-3:45 p.m. MT

Unwind, celebrate and connect with your new graduate community in the LDL!

Campus map

Illustrative map of the UCalgary campus

Fall 2025 GradO is located in the MacEwan Student Centre.

Graduate onboarding modules

The START STRONG series is a collection of four D2L modules designed to help acclimate new graduate students to UCalgary culture, including policies, procedures, key supports and resources available. All incoming graduate students are automatically enrolled in these modules. If you have any questions on graduate programming, please email the Graduate Experience Team. 

Module topics

Graduate Orientation

Mirroring our in-person GradO programming, this module offers a quick refresher on everything covered, including key resources, welcome videos and slides from workshop sessions to help you feel prepared and supported as you begin your program.

Academic Integrity

Learn how to uphold UCalgary’s academic values as a graduate student through this module, which covers definitions of integrity, examples of academic misconduct and practical guidance on the responsible use of generative AI tools.

Sexual and/or Gender-Based Dynamics

Designed to help you build healthy relationships, this module explores self-awareness, power dynamics in grad school, rejection, harm, intervention, support and repair - supporting you through your academic journey and beyond.

Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics

Covering consent, data management and Indigenous Research Principles, this module provides essential guidance for graduate students conducting ethical research through the CFREB. Find which ethics board you're affiliated with on the website.

Fall 2025 GradO livestream

Livestream to be available closer to GradO (August 27, 2025).