New Graduate Student Orientation

Graduate Student Orientation provides valuable information about university resources, programs and events on campus, as well as graduate academic policy. Orientation is scheduled prior to the beginning of each semester.

Shortly after the start of the semester, we will post recordings on this page and make the PowerPoint slides from the orientation sessions available to attendees.

New online students should also go to the: Getting Started With Your Online Course(s) webpage for additional information regarding their online classes.

Note: You will not be able to log into your online courses until the first day of the semester.

Virtual New Graduate Student Orientation

While the general new graduate student orientation is not mandatory, all newly admitted students will learn about University polices and resources which will be helpful throughout your academic career.

On-Campus New Graduate Student Orientation

The Graduate Student Services Office is excited to welcome you to UMass Lowell! This in-person Orientation will include sessions for academic and on-campus resources, as well as panel discussions. We look forward to preparing and guiding you through what your on-campus experience will look like both inside and outside the classroom!

While the general new graduate student orientation is not mandatory, all newly admitted students will learn about University polices and resources, which will be helpful throughout your academic career.

Mandatory Teaching Assistant Orientation & Training

Teaching Assistant Orientation is a two-day training offered once a year in August. All new Teaching Assistants are required to attend both days.

Date: Monday, August 22 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Tuesday, August 23, 2022 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

While Teaching Assistant (TA) duties vary across colleges & departments, they all demand considerable skill and knowledge. These duties can include grading, consulting with students during office hours, leading discussion or tutoring sessions, teaching lab, or giving lectures.

The Teaching Assistant Orientation & Training program, is required for all new teaching assistants (TA's) and provides new TA's with an orientation to UMass Lowell and helps prepare them for their duties as a TA. During orientation, tools and resources are shared to help TA's learn about the various expectations of them in their new role, as well as University resources.

Mandatory Research Assistant (RA) Orientation:

Research Assistant Orientation is a half-day orientation offered once a year in August. All new Research Assistants are required to attend.

Date: Thursday, August 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Research Assistant Orientation program is required for all new Research Assistants and provides new RA's with an orientation to UMass Lowell and helps prepare them for their duties as an RA. During orientation, tools and resources are shared to help RA's learn about the various expectations of them in their new role, as well as University resources.