Graduate Student Orientation will follow the Academic Calendar each year, and will take place on Tuesday of Orientation Week.
To help new students make the transition to graduate student life at Duke, The Graduate School hosts an orientation week each August to provide a series of activities designed to introduce students to The Graduate School, Duke University, and each other.
Graduate School orientation activities are designed for students in Ph.D., A.M., M.S., M.F.A. and M.A.T. degree programs. Graduate students in other degree programs are invited to attend orientation events in their respective schools.
View a Condensed List of All Events
Monday, AUGUST 19
Ph.D. RCR Orientation for Basic Medical Sciences (required)
8:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. (EDT), In person (TBA)
See which academic division your department falls under
Participation in this orientation also earns credit for BIOTRAIN750
Registration will be required. For more information, consult the RCR Orientation website.
A Workshop for Incoming Domestic Ph.D. Students: Understanding Income Sources & Tax Reporting Information
5:30 to 6:30 p.m., McClendon Commons (Auditorium in Duke Undergraduate Admissions)
This session is optional. Find more information and a link to register.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
Orientation Information Session for new Master's and Ph.D. students
10:00 a.m. - noon via Zoom
Incoming students are strongly encouraged to attend. Find more information and a link to register.
new Graduate Student Resource Fair
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.; Abele Quad tent in front of Duke Chapel
Find more information and a link to register.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21
RCR Orientation for Master's Students | GS714.01 & GS715.01 (required)
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
Participation in this orientation also earns credit for GS714 & GS715
Registration is required. For more information and a link to register, consult the RCR Orientation website.
Mentoring and Graduate Student Success: A Workshop for Incoming Ph.D. Students
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm., Holsti Family Assembly Room, Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library (room 153)
Find more information and a link to register.
New Graduate and Professional Student Welcome Reception
4:00 to 6:00 pm, location TBA
Incoming students have received an invitation from the Office of the President. RSVP required.
Thursday, AUGUST 22
Ph.D. RCR Orientation for Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering (required)
See which academic division your department falls under
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (EDT)
Participation in this orientation also earns credit for GS714 & GS715
Registration required. For more information and a link to register, consult the RCR Orientation website.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Welcome Reception for New & Returning Students
3:30 - 5:00 p.m., 2127 Campus Drive (map)
Join incoming and returning graduate students at The Graduate School for a welcome/welcome back gathering. We will have music, games, goodies and giveaways.
Find more information and a link to register.
Other Orientation-Related Information
- Responsible Conduct of Research Orientations: Mandatory for all incoming Graduate School students. See gradschool.duke.edu/RCRorientation.
- English Language Placement Exams and Frequently Asked Questions
- Summer Transition Series: Webinars for incoming graduate and professional students hosted by Graduate and Professional Student Services
Questions about orientation?
Contact the Graduate School Orientation Team at grad-orientation@duke.edu.