Graduate Student Orientation

September 2, 2022

If you're a graduate student new to UVic or new to graduate studies, be sure to participate in our Graduate Student Orientation program. Attend workshops on academic writing, scholarship applications, managing the supervisor relationship and student success while connecting with staff, faculty and other students.

- Discuss topics critical to graduate student success
- Network with new and current graduate students
- Learn about key campus locations and resources

Program

Graduate Student Orientation will be delivered fully in-person in 2022 (see below for virtual options). The program will take place in the Engineering and Computer Science Building from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

View the full schedule (PDF, 356 KB)

Event
Opening ceremony Join the entire class of incoming graduate students to celebrate this major milestone- you're starting graduate studies at UVic!
Welcome to Graduate Studies You’ve made it through your undergraduate studies and have taken the exciting next step into graduate studies. What now? In this session, you will learn how you fit in to UVic as a graduate student, where and how to get the help you may need, and what services the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Students' Society (GSS) can provide you.
Conference-style workshops Learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a graduate student by attending workshops that interest you. Three different workshop blocks will take place; students may select the workshop they wish to attend during each conference block. View workshop descriptions
Student panel Come hear from some current UVic graduate students as they talk about their experience as a graduate student and share their best advice. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions to students who have already been through their first year! Several different student panels will be available, focused on different degree types.
Campus tours Learn how to navigate campus and about the supports and resources available to you as a graduate student. Campus tours will be led by current students, who will share their tips, tricks and experiences as a graduate student throughout the tour.
Community connections Participate in interactive games and a casual meet & greet session to get to know your fellow new graduate students.

Event

Opening ceremony

Join the entire class of incoming graduate students to celebrate this major milestone- you're starting graduate studies at UVic!

Welcome to Graduate Studies

You’ve made it through your undergraduate studies and have taken the exciting next step into graduate studies. What now? In this session, you will learn how you fit in to UVic as a graduate student, where and how to get the help you may need, and what services the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Students' Society (GSS) can provide you.

Conference-style workshops

Learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a graduate student by attending workshops that interest you. Three different workshop blocks will take place; students may select the workshop they wish to attend during each conference block.

View workshop descriptions

Student panel

Come hear from some current UVic graduate students as they talk about their experience as a graduate student and share their best advice. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions to students who have already been through their first year! Several different student panels will be available, focused on different degree types.

Campus tours

Learn how to navigate campus and about the supports and resources available to you as a graduate student. Campus tours will be led by current students, who will share their tips, tricks and experiences as a graduate student throughout the tour.

Community connections

Participate in interactive games and a casual meet & greet session to get to know your fellow new graduate students.

Virtual workshop recordings

While we hope to see everyone at our in-person program, we know that attending in-person may not be possible for everyone. For those who are unable to join us in-person, recordings of many of the workshops from Graduate Student Orientation 2021 have been made available.

View 2021 workshop recordings

Registration

Graduate Student Orientation is for all new graduate students.

Online registration is now closed. Late registration will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday in the Engineering and Compter Science Building lobby.

The Office of Student Life is committed to making our events as accessible and barrier-free as possible. Visit our accessibility page for more information on our accessibility practices and considerations. If you have any accessibility needs in order to participate in our events, please provide details when you register and/or contact us at orientation@uvic.ca.

Additional orientation programs

While Graduate Student Orientation is the main orientation program for graduate students, we also offer a number of programs for specific student populations. You should register for and attend any additional programs that apply.

Graduate Student Fall TA Conference

Graduate students wishing to pursue positions as teaching assistants are encouraged to attend the annual TA Conference, hosted by the Division of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation (LTSI).

Residence Orientation

Three women rolling suitcases towards residence

For students living in residence, Residence Orientation will help you get to know your neighbours, introduce you to your residence community and help you learn your way around your new home.

Learn more

International Student Welcome

Our International Student Welcome program introduces you to UVic staff, faculty and current students who will provide advice on living and learning in Canada.

Learn more

Three students walking on campus

Indigenous Student Resources

Participants entering the Ceremonial Hall for an Indigenous ceremony

Self-identified Indigenous students are encouraged to come learn more about tailored campus supports, meet other Indigenous students and get answers to your questions about Indigenous programs and services.

Learn more