Fall Graduate Student Orientation
Kick off the academic year with the graduate student community.
Connect with the graduate community, discover resources and opportunities, and start the academic year with a day of learning, exploration and engagement.
Join graduate students from across UCalgary for a signature start-of-year event designed to help you make the most of your graduate experience. Whether you're new to UCalgary or returning for another year, GradO offers opportunities to engage with the graduate community, discover what's happening across campus and prepare for a successful year ahead.
Fall GradO Event Schedule
| 8:15 – 9 a.m. | Check-in/Registration: MacHall A/B, 1st Floor |
| 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Welcome and Academic Integrity: MacHall A/B, 1st Floor |
| 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Break |
| 11 – 11:30 a.m. | GRAD Foundations: MacHall A/B, 1st Floor |
| 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Service Fair: MacEwan Ballroom, 3rd Floor |
| 11:30 a.m – 2 p.m. | BBQ Lunch and Student Club: QUAD |
| 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Workshops: MacHall A/B, 1st Floor |
Before you arrive at GradO
Complete these quick steps before you arrive, including registration, parking and important event information.
Afternoon workshop sessions
Our GradO Workshop sessions offer essential guidance on key systems, student well-being and real experiences of graduate life. Explore campus tools, connect with supports and gain practical insights from staff and students to start your program with clarity and confidence.
When: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. MT
This session provides an overview of the GSA Health and Dental Plan, along with a wide range of services and supports to help you maintain your health and well-being throughout your graduate journey. We will highlight key campus resources, including Student Wellness Services, Student Accessibility Services, the Faith and Spirituality Centre, and the Women’s Resource Centre. We will also introduce programs and events hosted by the GSA and other campus partners to help you stay balanced, connected, and supported.
Presenters:
- Laura Alongi: Health Promotion Coordinator, Campus Wellbeing Services
- Irene Yoo: Wellness Coordinator, Graduate Student Association
When: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. MT
Graduate school is a journey filled with growth, challenge, and transformation—academically, professionally and personally. In this reflective session, current and recent graduate students will share their lived experiences navigating the ups and downs of graduate life at UCalgary. From building community and managing time, to overcoming imposter syndrome and finding purpose in their research, each speaker will offer candid insights and lessons learned. Whether you're just starting out or looking to connect with peers on a deeper level, this session aims to inspire, validate and support you in your own graduate journey.
Presenters:
- Host: Dr. Tanille Buttler, PhD, Graduate Educational Development Specialist, FGS
Panelists: TBD
When: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT
This collaborative session, hosted by key resource folks from the UCalgary Library and from the Student Success Centre, introduces new graduate students to supports for academic success, including research strategies, writing development, and scholarly communication. We’ll also explore the rise of generative AI technologies and your responsibilities around ethical use as a graduate student. Participants will learn about library resources, writing resources, and academic skills development supports. This interactive session will help you feel empowered to navigate your graduate program with confidence and integrity.
Presenters:
- Merran Carr-Wiggin, Assistant Librarian LCR Learning
- Garrett Beattie, Manager, Academic Integrity & Success
Service Fair exhibitors
Explore the Service Fair and connect with campus partners, student services and community organizations dedicated to supporting your success. Discover resources, ask questions and learn about the programs, services and opportunities available throughout your graduate journey.
- Transformative Talent Internship: Natalie Wilkinson-Houghton, Senior Specialist, Graduate Internship
- Transformative Talent Internship: Lorelei Lachambre, Graduate WIL Specialist
- Student Team: David Gugel, Graduate Student Support and Advising Specialist
- Graduate Program Officers (GPO): TBD
- Graduate Awards: TBD
- Graham Sucha, Executive Director
- Andrew Kemle, Government and External Relations Manager
- Kim Suvan: Coordinator, Graduate College
- Jenny Godley: Associate Dean & Head, The Graduate College
- Lee Barrell: SAGE Coordinator
- Marisa Norona: Advisor, International Student Support
- David Catford: Career Development Specialist
- Imonitie Omosun: Life Design Program Assistant
- Kate Stenson: Food Hub Coordinator
- Garrett Beattie: Manager, Academic Integrity & Success
- Kendell Heydon: Writing Support Coordinator
- Nanako Furuyama: Manager, Peer Support and Outreach
- Laura Alongi: Health Promotion Coordinator
- Greshon Adela
- Nicola Johnson: Manager, External Engagement LCR Learning
- Merran Carr Wiggin: Assistant Librarian LCR Learning
- Geoff MacIntosh: Manager, Services & Operations
- Yan Zhang: Graduate Academic and International Specialist
- Isabel Fandino: Associate Student Ombuds, Student Services Administration
- Alex Titov: Manager, Facilities and Community
Start strong
Starting graduate school is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate new opportunities, expectations, and resources. GradO is designed to help you start your graduate journey with confidence.
This event is an opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students, meet faculty and staff, discover campus resources and learn about programs and services that can support your academic and professional success.
Make the most of your graduate experience from day one by building your network, exploring opportunities and becoming part of UCalgary's vibrant graduate student community.
