New Students
Orientation
The Graduate School’s new student orientation is a week-long period of activities and programs held at the beginning of each academic year to provide students with an opportunity to take care of important pre-enrollment tasks and to learn about Yale and New Haven. All students matriculating in a degree program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are expected to arrive on campus no later than August 20 in order to participate in the orientation program, which has been designed to assist in your transition to a successful program of graduate study.
Orientation begins in late-August at the Hall of Graduate Studies (HGS). Students must check-in during standard business hours at HGS on either Monday, August 20, or Tuesday, August 21. Graduate School staff will answer questions and distribute student ID cards and information. Please note that graduate dormitory move-in begins in mid to late August, with dorm key release and move in administered separately by the Graduate Housing Office (not by the Graduate School).
To successfully check-in and receive your Yale ID, you will need to satisfy all immunization, transcript and other pre-entrance requirements outlined on the checklist for new students. After resolving any such issues, you will be ready to participate in a variety of informational and social events, help sessions, and campus and city tours. There are specific sessions for international students, students with spouses, students with children, women and students of color. The activities listed in the orientation calendar are open to all new students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, with spouses, partners and children welcome to attend as appropriate. Events are free unless otherwise noted, and certain events require advance registration.
In addition to the checklist and timeline on the Graduate School's website, we have created an Online Orientation Guide for all new GSAS students. This guide provides a virtual orientation packet of links, information, maps, brochures, faciliated chats, and calendars. Please access the guide by logging into the classes*v2 site with your Yale netID.
The schedule includes sessions that provide practical information concerning the resources of departments and programs, the Graduate School, the University and New Haven, as well as social events that offer students a chance to make new friends and to build community. The highlight of orientation week is the ceremony at Sprague Hall at which Dean Tom Pollard officially welcomes students to the University. It is followed by a reception at the President’s House and a picnic lunch in the HGS courtyard. Spouses, partners, children and parents are welcome to attend.
Please contact the Office of Graduate Student Life at (203) 432-2583 with any questions or concerns regarding the orientation program.
