Arts & Sciences | Engineering
Graduate Admissions

Graduate Student Orientation

2024 GSAS Orientation Schedule

The schedule below is for incoming Graduate School of Arts and Sciences students. If you are an incoming School of Engineering graduate student, please visit the SOE Orientation webpage.

Additional events will be posted to this page so please check back for updates. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at gsas@tufts.edu. 

Tufts Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Training

Complete by Monday, August 19, 2024

Tufts Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) provides a 5-module asynchronous mandatory training about the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy, Sexual Misconduct Policy, affirmative consent, and resources for and expectations of all incoming Graduate School of Arts and Sciences students. A link to this training was sent on July 8th to new students. Students are required to complete all 5 modules by Monday, August 19, 2024. Questions should be directed to OEOtraining@tufts.edu. 

GSAS Incoming Student Orientation (Virtual)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 9:30 - 11:00 am 

Join us for this opportunity to meet with some campus partners to help position yourself for the best start to your graduate career. All new GSAS students are encouraged to attend. 

GSAS Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation (Virtual)

Friday, August 23 and Monday, August 26, 2024 | 10 - 11:30 am (Eastern)

The GSAS TA orientation sessions take place over two days, and we ask that, if possible, students attend both sessions. Each day of the orientation will cover important information and resources for teaching assistants. The agenda includes faculty and representatives from the GSAS Dean’s Office, the Center for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), Tisch Library, the Graduate Teaching at Tufts (GIFT) program, the Office of Community Standards, and the Office of Student Support. All incoming students who are holding a Teaching Assistantship, as well as returning students who are holding their first Teaching Assistantship and have not attended TA orientation in the past, should attend. 

GSAS PhD Students Only

Monday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 11:30 am 

These sessions are specifically for GSAS PhD students who are holding a TA or RA appointment during the 2024-2025 Academic Year and will provide an opportunity for you to learn more about your SEIU Graduate Student Union. Union stewards will be available to answer any questions you have about your role as a graduate assistant. This meeting will be held on Zoom, no registration necessary.

GSAS Research Assistant (RA) Orientation (Virtual)

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 | 10 - 11:30 am (Eastern)

This orientation will include important information and resources for research assistants. The agenda includes faculty and representatives from the GSAS Dean’s Office, the Dean of Research, the Graduate Research Excellence at Tufts (GREAT) program, and the Director of Research Integrity & Responsible Conduct of Research. All incoming students who are holding a Research Assistantship, as well as returning students who are holding their first Research Assistantship and have not attended RA orientation in the past, should attend. 

Tours of Tisch Library

September 9-13, 2024, 12:00 & 12:30 pm each day

Join Tisch Library staff for an introduction to our spaces and services, and an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the library. Tours will leave from the Tisch Library lobby each day at 12:00 and 12:30pm and will last for 30 minutes. Returning graduate students are also encouraged to join us for a tour. 

Resource Fair & Welcome Picnic

Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 4 - 6 pm | Location: Aidekman Arts Center

Graduate students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, SMFA, and School of Engineering are invited to a Resource Fair and Welcome Picnic on the Medford Campus. At this event, students will have the opportunity to engage with the many departments and offices across Tufts. Join us for swag, food, and so much more. No RSVP required. 

Resources from Prior Sessions 

New Student Checklist Panel

Watch the recording of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' New Student Checklist Panel, where we'll review the next steps to prepare for graduate school this fall. Learn more about registering for courses, the visa process, and more.

Watch the Recording

Health Insurance for Graduate Students

Students attending universities in Massachusetts must have health insurance that meet MA State requirements. All full-time students are automatically enrolled in the student health insurance with United Healthcare Student Resources unless proof of comparable coverage is furnished.

View Slides View Recording of Session on Health Insurance 

Have questions about the health insurance policy for graduate students? Email studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.

Financial Aid 101 (Virtual)

Our Financial Aid Office presented Financial Aid 101, which were general sessions about loan options and billing information at Tufts. The session reviewed the following topics: federal unsubsidized loans, federal Grad PLUS loans, and private loans. Then the discussion will include how your financial aid is applied to your Tufts bill and the various payment options you have. You are invited to schedule individual follow-up meetings with the Financial Aid Office to talk through your own unique situation. Visit go.tufts.edu/finaid for more information. 

View Slides

Beginning Your Partnership with Career Services

Career Services holds 1:1 advising for master’s and PhD students and offers programming and workshops to all students within GSAS. In this session, you will learn how you can utilize Career Services and build a partnership with them throughout your time at Tufts. 

View SlidesView Recording of Session on Career Services

Have questions about Career Services for graduate students? Visit the Career Center’s website or email Matt Casey, Associate Director, Graduate Career Services, at matthew.casey@tufts.edu.

Additional Resources