Grad students: your fall 2017 orientation preview
While starting the next stage of your academic journey is exciting, it can also be a lot to manage. One great way to prepare is by connecting with your new Concordia graduate student community during orientation.
Emily Fjeldsted is manager of services for new students at the Student Success Centre. “Orientation activities not only provide new students with important information, but also give them the opportunity to meet key staff and connect with other students,” she says.
“This is essential to an enjoyable university experience.”
From getting acquainted with your grad school professors and classmates to tips on how to achieve academic success, Orientation 2017 has the information you need to start on the right foot.
Here’s a look at what’s happening:
1. Graduate student address
Your Orientation kicks off Monday, August 28 with a morning welcome from Paula Wood-Adams, dean of Graduate Studies.
This is your chance to meet key people from the School of Graduate Studies while getting the lowdown on academic regulations, faculty resources and support services available to you throughout your graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's program or PhD.
2. Information fair
After the morning address, head to the atrium of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV). There you will discover a wide array of student services, associations, and campus resources at the information fair.
Come armed with questions. There will also be mini crash courses that cover the gamut of university topics, such as how to find a job on campus, apps to make university life easier, and an introduction to Montreal.
As an added perk, you'll also get to network with other new graduate students while enjoying Montreal-inspired cuisine. Think mini poutines, pogos and maple snacks!
3. Graduate School Base Camp
Don’t miss your chance to get a leg up on your studies by attending Graduate School Base Camp, which provides condensed versions of key GradProSkills workshops. GradProSkills is a program that offers professional development resources designed specifically for Concordia graduate students.
Gain the fundamental skills needed to succeed as a graduate student and beyond, from career building, leadership and management, to wellness and more.
The camp will be held on Friday, September 1 and Thursday, September 21.
Registration opens August 15.
4. Campus tours
Whether you’re looking to explore faculty-specific facilities, locate key student services, or just find the perfect study spot, student-led tours are the way to go.
“Taking the time to visit the campus before your program starts is one of the best ways to ease yourself into your graduate studies at Concordia. You’ll feel more confident come the first day of class,” Fjeldsted says.
Campus tours are offered weekly starting in July. Find out more.
5. Icebreakers
The International Students Office (ISO) as well as the Graduate Students Association (GSA) will be hosting a bunch of fun social activities throughout the beginning of the school year.
The ISO’s orientation takes place on Wednesday, August 30 in the Grey Nuns Building. The event is an opportunity to mingle with other newly arrived Concordians while learning about the city and university services specific to international students, such as housing assistance and financial aid.
The GSA caters to all grad students. Keep an eye out over the summer for their back-to-school activities. Expect many movie and trivia nights!
Find out more about services and resources available for new graduate students at Concordia.
