Two people overlooking a map at an Orientation session.

Orientation

Depending on your program or student status, you most likely need to attend one or more Orientation sessions. Here’s what to know.

Graduate Student Orientation

Whether you’re new or returning to KU, we encourage you to review the resources highlighted in the New Student Guide and Resource Hub hosted by the Office of Graduate Studies. In early summer, incoming students for the fall semester will also receive an invitation to the KU Graduate Student Orientation course in Canvas, which provides information on how to enroll for classes, important dates, campus support resources, living in Lawrence and more.

New students are also invited to attend the university-wide Hawk Week during the first week of fall classes. Over these weeks in August, you’ll network with other students and faculty, explore the KU and Lawrence communities, and connect with offices that support graduate students.

New students are also encouraged to watch our Paying for KU video series to learn about costs, financial aid options and next steps, as well as how to pay your bill.

KU Graduate Student Orientation
Hawk Week
Paying for KU

Orientations

International student Orientation

New international graduate students are required to complete YOU at KU, the Orientation programming hosted by International Support Services. Through a week of activities and events, students connect with other new Jayhawks, explore local culture, and enroll in first-semester courses.
ISS Orientation

Departmental Orientations

Many programs host their own new-student Orientation sessions for incoming students. These sessions offer new graduate students the opportunity to get to know their peers and the faculty they’ll be working with as they pursue their degree. For more information, contact your program or adviser.

Edwards Campus Orientation 

If you’re pursuing your graduate degree at KU’s Edwards Campus, we encourage you to attend the new-student Orientation.
Edwards Orientation

Graduate teaching assistant Orientation

Students who are newly appointed to a graduate teaching assistantship are required to attend GTA Orientation. The program is hosted by the Center for Teaching Excellence, and introduces new GTAs to teaching at KU and in their program.
GTA Orientation