Graduate Students
Schedule
Graduate Student Orientation 2008
Graduate Student Orientation consists of a variety of activities for your to choose from. They include two identical Welcome Day programs, Writing Workshops, a University Libraries session, and Tours. You can choose to attend as many or as few sessions as you would like.
Welcome Day
Held on Wednesday, Aug. 20 & Thursday, Aug. 21 (Same schedule both days):
9:00 – 10:00 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Check-in/Resource Fair/Obtain U Card
Meet representatives from various University services and organizations, including University Bookstores, Academic and Distributed Computing Services, Parking and Transportation Services, University Dining Services, the Council of Graduate Students, Boynton Health Services, and Recreational Sports. Also, take this time to get your U Card. The U Card office is located on the ground floor just outside the north doors of the Great Hall.
10:00 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Dean’s Welcome
Please join us at the Welcome as the Dean of the Graduate School, Gail Dubrow, PhD, welcomes you to the University.
10:25 – 11:40 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Guarding Your Academic Integrity
Now is the time for you to consider your responsibilities as a researcher and scholar. Learn about the dilemmas you may face, including ethical issues surrounding authorship, plagiarism, data management, mentorship, and collaboration. Join fellow graduate students for a dramatization and discussion of some of the ethical challenges in academia.
11:45 – 12:45 - Lunch (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
12:45 – 1:30 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Your Relationship with Your Adviser and Graduate Faculty
Advisers play an integral role in your graduate education. Learn how to set expectations for this new VIP in your life.
1:30 – 2:30 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Health & Employment
Being a University employee means more than just earning a paycheck. Learn about the Graduate Student Health Benefit Plan, employment details, fees not covered by your department, and other relevant employee information.
2:40 – 3:10 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Grad Panel / Involvement
Come meet with current graduate students and ask them questions about their experiences transitioning to the University of Minnesota. Enjoy light refreshments provided at this event sponsored by COGS and GAPSA.
Mini-Workshops (pick two)
3:20 – 3:40 & 3:45 - 4:05 (325, Coffman Memorial Union)
One Stop
Learn more about the U of M on the Web. Topics include financial aid, student account payment information, and residence and reciprocity.3:20 – 3:40 & 3:45 - 4:05 (323, Coffman Memorial Union)
U Card
Use your U Card, the U of M’s official photo ID card, as your cash on campus, library card, access card, and discount card. U Card Checking offers convenient ATM access. U Card Calling connects you with no surcharges. Your first U Card is free! Come and learn
more.3:20 – 3:40 & 3:45 - 4:05 (324, Coffman Memorial Union)
Parking & Transportation
The University’s Parking and Transportation Services department offers many opportunities for students to get to and from campus. Come learn about the U’s free campus bus system, the U-Pass, the parking lottery, as well as other ways to help you safely and easily get around during your commute.3:20 – 3:40 & 3:45 - 4:05 (Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union)
Libraries
When it comes to researching or finding a quiet place to study, the U’s many libraries may come in handy. With libraries on all campuses, there is a place for everyone. Learn more about the U of M’s library system and what you need to know in order to take advantage of its great resources
Writing Workshops
For Native Speakers of English
August 18, August 19, or September 13
Presenter: Kirsten Jamesen, Center for Writing
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Check-In, Ground Floor Coffman Memorial Union
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Workshop (includes lunch)
Limited to 50 participants.
Writing at the graduate level may be one of the greatest challenges you face. In this workshop, you will explore the following topics: understanding the academic audience, finding, organizing, and supporting your ideas; documenting your work; writing clear prose; and preparing for and writing the essay exam. This all-day workshop has been praised by current graduate students as extremely helpful in preparing for graduate writing.
For Non-Native Speakers of English
August 18, August 19, or September 13
Presenter: Sheryl Holt
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Check-In, Ground Floor Coffman Memorial Union
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Workshop (includes lunch)
Limited to 50 participants.
In this workshop, you will analyze examples and practice strategies for research writing, critiques, abstracts, and essay exams in small and large group sessions. Discussions will also include documentation, vocabulary, and verb tenses used in graduate writing at a U.S. university.
Registration is required
To register for writing workshops and the orientation program, register online or call Orientation & First-Year Programs at 612-624-1979 or 1-800-234-1979 or email us at ofyp@umn.edu. For any additional information, check out www.ofyp.umn.edu/gradstudents.
University Libraries: The Key to Graduate Success
August 22, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Space no longer available
This three-hour workshop will guide you through essential library resources and tools available to support your research and studies. Learn time saving techniques and helpful tips to ensure your academic success
Tours
Tours held on the following dates:
Minneapolis Campus Tour
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 4:15 pm
Ground Floor, Coffman Memorial Union
Join us for a walking tour of the East and West banks of campus. Learn about the history of the campus and become familiar with the many buildings you may use during your graduate school years.
Twin Cities Sightseeing Tour
Space no longer available
Thursday, August 21, 2008, 4:15 pm
Ground Floor, Coffman Memorial Union
During this professionally delivered tour on air conditioned coach buses, visit cultural, social, and historical sights of Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the Walker Art Center and Sculpture Garden, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and Minnehaha Falls.
Additional Information
For additional information on welcome events during the first few weeks of classes, check out the University of Minnesota Events Calendar.
To register for writing workshops and the orientation program, click HERE or call Orientation & First-Year Programs at 612-624-1979 or 1-800-234-1979 or email us at ofyp@umn.edu. For any additional information, check out www.ofyp.umn.edu/gradstudents.
Orientation Fee
Graduate Student Orientation is funded through a mandatory $50.00 Orientation Fee assessed to all Graduate School students new to the University of Minnesota. This fee - assessed at class registration - is non-refundable, regardless of your participation in Graduate Student Orientation.
***This schedule is subject to change***