The Graduate School’s “New Student Orientation” is a two-week 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 new students are expected to arrive in time for the opening days of the orientation program to take care of pre-enrollment tasks and to participate in relevant Orientation information sessions and activities. For students who have attended other graduate schools, this orientation will assist in the transition to a successful program of graduate study at Yale and life in New Haven. The schedule includes sessions that provide practical information concerning the resources of the Graduate School, the University, New Haven and their academic programs, as well as social events that offer students a chance to make new friends and to build community. New Student Orientation features events for a variety of students, including specific sessions for international students, students with spouses, students with children, women and students of color.

New Student Orientation begins on August 22, 2008, at the Hall of Graduate School (HGS), the home of the Graduate School. You will start by coming to HGS for one of the two days of “Welcome Center” check-in, on Friday and on Monday. At the Welcome Center, Graduate School staff distribute student ID cards, orientation information packets, and course enrollment and registration information, as well as answer questions.. After checking in at the Graduate School, and clearing any registration holds, you can start Orienting yourself to Yale and New Haven by participating in a variety of informational and social events, help sessions, and campus and city tours. Some highlights of Orientation are listed below:

Graduate dormitory move-in begins in mid-late August, in time for GS Orientation; dorm key release and move in is administered separately by the Graduate Housing Office (not by the Graduate School)

Thursday, August 28- Dean Butler officially welcomes students to the University at the Matriculation Ceremony, followed by a reception and picnic lunch. Spouses, partners, children and parents are welcome to attend.

Friday August 29- Online course selection begins on (Yale has no pre-registration for courses before the term starts). See www.yale.edu/sis and login with your NETID.

On Friday August 29 or Tuesday September 2, many departments and degree programs have scheduled orientation days for new students

Wednesday, September 3, at 8:30 am Graduate School classes begin on.

Please see the online orientation calendar for a basic schedule of events planned to date, with additional items to be added throughout the summer months. The activities listed are for 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, but you must register in advance for some events as noted.

Registration for 2008 New Student Orientation events will open in mid-August.

For any New GS Student or Orientation questions or concerns, please contact Graduate Student Life @ the McDougal Graduate Student Center at 203.432.2583 mcdougal.center@yale.edu.