Graduate School Orientation Week Events
2009 Orientation Schedule
The Duke graduate community warmly welcomes you to Durham. To help you make the transition to graduate student life at Duke, the Graduate School hosts an Orientation week from August 17 through August 21. Orientation features a series of activities designed to introduce you to the Graduate School, Duke University, and your fellow graduate students. Please call (919) 684-2056 if you have any questions.
Friday, August 7
9:30-11:30 a.m.
International Spouses' Orientation
Freeman Center for Jewish Life
1415 Faber St. (Corner of Campus Dr. & Swift Ave.)
The International House staff, current international spouses and partners, and community resource centers representatives will be presenting information on acclimation tips and resources. The International house staff will discuss the resources and services available at Duke University as well as through the International House in details. Current international spouses will share their personal experiences and antidotes for adjusting to life in the US and the local community. The local community resource centers will educate on their organizations and how they can make your Durham experience more rewarding. Topics to be discussed include: cultural bumps, ESL study opportunities, Duke Spouses Group, things to do in Durham, childcare, volunteer opportunities, safety, health care, and much more!
Thursday, August 13
9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
International Graduate and Professional Student Orientation
Love Auditorium, Levine Science Research Center (West Campus)
Topics will include Academic and Classroom Expectations, Health Services and Expenses, Cultural Adjustment, Banking, Safety, Special Services and Programs.
Light breakfast and lunch provided.
Shopping trip leaving from steps of chapel @ 2:30 p.m.
Please pre-register online for this event.
Monday, August 17
10:00 a.m.-Noon and 2:00-4:00 p.m.
International Student Writing Exam
West Campus Computer Labs
Students must bring Duke ID or other picture ID to the exam.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception for New Students
Graduate School, 2127 Campus Drive (West Campus)
Come see the Graduate School’s new location, meet staff, and win door prizes. Sponsored by the Graduate School for all new graduate students.
6:00–7:45 p.m.
Welcome Dinner for International Students
Brodie Gymnasium (East Campus)
You and your family members are invited to join other international students for an informal dinner hosted by Duke University President, Richard Brodhead. Please pre-register online for this event and the August 13 International Student Orientation.
Tuesday, August 18
9:15–9:45 a.m.
International Student Visa Pre-Registration
Outside Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level (West Campus)
International Students must arrive at 9:15 a.m. to submit their Visa documentation to Duke Visa Services (formerly International Office). Please be sure to bring your passports, I-94 cards, and visa documents (I-20/DS-2019) with you. At this time you will be required to leave these documents with the Duke Visa Services staff. You will be able to reclaim your documentation when you return for the International Student Extended Orientation at 1:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Graduate Student Orientation
Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level
The Orientation is intended to aid in new students’ transition to graduate school by providing information about the academic community, policies, and resources. All new students should plan to attend. There will be an open Question & Answer period following the Orientation.
12:30–2:00 p.m.
Graduate Student Information Session
Bryan Center, Second and Third Levels
Many student organizations, volunteer organizations, administrative offices, local vendors (e.g., banks, insurance companies), and other groups will have tables offering information. Graduate School T-shirts will be on sale for $5.
1:00 p.m.
International Student Extended Orientation and Registration
Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level
Li-Chen Chin, director of the International House, will provide a brief description of available services and programs. The Duke Visa Services staff will return your visa documentation and provide necessary forms for payroll registration.
Wednesday, August 19
9:00a.m.–4:00 p.m.
International Student Oral Exam
Language Lab, 114 Languages Building (West Campus)
Students must bring Duke ID or other picture ID to the exam.
2:00–3:30 p.m.
Personal Safety and Security Workshop
Breedlove Room, Perkins Library, Second Floor (West Campus)
The Office of Graduate Student Affairs in collaboration with the Duke Police will host a workshop focused on how to enhance crime prevention skills and awareness in our community.
Convocation for Graduate and Professional Students
Duke Chapel (West Campus)
This event is the official opening ceremony to welcome all graduate and professional students. The speaker will be Gregory L. Jones, Dean of the Divinity School and Professor of Theology. The title of his address is "Forming Questions." While this is a busy week and events overlap at times, the Graduate School requests that you attend this event in its entirety.
5:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception for Graduate and Professional Students
Chapel Quad (West Campus)
All graduate and professional students are invited to attend this post-Convocation reception, hosted by the Duke Alumni Association, to welcome new graduate and professional students to Duke. Please bring your DukeCard ID to participate in this
event.
Thursday, August 20
9:00–11:00 a.m.
Waterlily Walk
Sarah P. Duke Gardens (West Campus)
Come see the myriad lilies in the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society’s annual New Waterlily Competition, hosted by Duke Gardens.
9:00a.m.–2:00 p.m.
International Student Oral Exam
Language Lab, 101 Carr Building (East Campus)
Students must bring Duke ID or other picture ID to the exam.
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation, Natural Sciences and Engineering
Durham Hilton Hotel, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, NC
(Continental breakfast and buffet lunch provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the natural sciences and engineering are required to attend this workshop.
10:00a.m.–5:00p.m.
Exhibition Opening: “Picasso and the Allure of Language”
Nasher Museum (West Campus)
The Nasher Museum presents a groundbreaking exhibition examining Pablo Picasso’s lifelong relationship with writers and the many ways in which language affected his work.
Friday, August 21
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation, Humanities and Social Sciences
Durham Hilton Hotel, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, NC
(Continental breakfast and buffet lunch provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the humanities and social sciences are required to attend this workshop.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Graduate and Professional Parents’ (GAPP) Fall Family Fun Fair
Blue Express Dining Hall (West Campus)
Pile the kids into the car and come join us for an evening of family-friendly activities. Network with other graduate students who balance the responsibilities of academics and parenthood and find new playmates for your little ones.
7:00–11:00p.m.
Duke Men’s Soccer vs. VCU
(Scrimmage)
Soccer Field West Campus)
August 21–23 (Friday afternoon through Sunday)
Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation, Basic Medical Sciences
Duke Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC
(Transportation, lodging, and meals provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the basic medical sciences are required to attend this weekend retreat at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in the coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina.