Graduate Orientation

students stand in line outside with happy faces, participating in an orientation activity

Graduate Orientation runs during the last few weeks of August, offering events, workshops, and fun for incoming graduate students at McGill. Check out the full schedule and register on MyInvolvement

You will need to log into your McGill email account to access events and registration. 

Graduate Orientation Workshops

August 19 to 21

Graduate Orientation hosts sessions on 18 topics, some of which are dedicated to students entering Masters or Doctoral programs, but most of them are applicable to every new graduate student. Many sessions are held more than once, allowing you to pick and choose the topics and times that are best for you! 

Here is a sample of what is available: 

Fellowship Info Sessions

As a graduate student, you can apply for a fellowship to receive government funding for one or multiple years of your degree! Fellowship sessions are offered by McGill professors who have reviewed applications for the respective funding agency at the federal or provincial level, and by graduate students who have received the respective fellowship. There are funding opportunities for open to all graduate students, regardless of citizenship status, degree level, or field.

  • Students in Natural Sciences, Technology, and Engineering should attend the FRQ-NT and NSERC sessions. 

  • Students in the Social Sciences and Humanities should attend the FRQ-SC and SSHRC sessions. 

  • Students in the Health Sciences should attend the FRQ-S and CIHR sessions. 

Unlock Your Potential with SKILLSETS

Ready to learn about the many personal and professional development opportunities for you as a graduate student at McGill? In this one-hour, interactive session, you’ll be introduced to the SKILLSETS program and its offerings for graduate students, including teaching assistant training, leadership and presentation skills development, the Three Minute Thesis, and more! 

What I Wish I’d Known (When Starting Grad School)

Looking to hear about graduate school from the student perspective? Attend the What I Wish I'd Known (When Starting Grad School) panel! A diverse panel of returning grad students will share their experiences, challenges, and tips for making the most of your first year in a graduate program. The panelists will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have! 

Francophone Fellowship Info Sessions

More info coming soon!

Graduate Services Fair and Welcome Event

Thursday August 22, 2:30 - 4:30pm

The Graduate Services Fair is your official welcome to graduate studies at McGill! Join us for a welcome address from the Dean of Graduate Postdoctoral Studies, and take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives of the most important services, resources, and offices dedicated to supporting graduate students. 

Graduate Campus tours

Thursday, August 22

Interested in getting to know your campus? Attend one of our Graduate Campus Tours! Led by graduate students themselves, these tours cover the basics as well as the areas on campus that are most relevant to the graduate student experience here at McGill.

Macdonald Campus Graduate Orientation

Are you studying on Mac Campus? Don’t miss the Macdonald Campus Graduate Orientation events hosted by the Macdonald Office of Graduate Studies and the Macdonald Campus Graduate Students’ Society! Details will be available soon on the Mac Campus Orientation webpage.

PGSS Orientation

The Post-Graduate Students’ Society hosts a ton of social events on and off campus for new graduate students. Join your peers for Movie and Trivia Nights, Lemonade Social, the PGSS Orientation Kick-Off Event, and much more! More information coming soon on the PGSS site.

International Student Orientation

If you're an international student, join International Student Services for opportunities to connect with new and returning international students, receive essential information and advice, and explore Montreal’s iconic neighborhoods and local food culture! Visit the Orientation for New International Students webpage for more information!

Queer Orientation

Thursday August 29, 4:00 - 7:30pm

Queer Orientation is an orientation event hosted by Campus Life & Engagement, Queer McGill and QPIRG (Quebec Public Interest Research Group) for incoming undergraduate and graduate students. Meet other incoming students, learn more about queer resources on and off-campus, participate in a variety of fun activities, and enjoy a free dinner!

First in the Family Welcome Reception 

Tuesday August 27, 4:00 - 6:30pm

Are you among the first in your family to attend university? At McGill, there’s a whole community of people in your shoes! Join us for the First in the Family Welcome Reception, hosted by Campus Life & Engagement in collaboration with the 1st UP: Peer Support Group. Meet other First-Generation students and Faculty, share your stories, make connections, learn about resources available to you, and enjoy a free dinner!

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