Grad Summer Step is a two-and-a-half-day, pre-fall term event hosted by the Graduate School to support newly admitted, degree-seeking, domestic graduate students.
This event supports the acclimation and success of graduate students who identify with historically marginalized communities. It is not necessary to be a member of a historically marginalized community to attend. Degree-seeking graduate students who are U.S. citizens or studying under a different immigration status are welcome to apply. Review this page if you have questions about qualifying.
The event takes place prior to Grad Welcome Week activities and complements other orientation activities. Graduate School staff, along with faculty, staff, and peer graduate leaders, will facilitate the event to meet the goals as described below.
Goals
The goals of the Graduate Summer Step program are to support newly admitted graduate students in the following ways:
Navigating and acclimating to Oregon, Corvallis, and Oregon State University
Networking with faculty, staff, and peers across the institution and within their graduate programs to establish community and early connections
Developing skills and knowledge for academic, research, and personal success
Engaging in and planning for ongoing professional development
Play the following video to learn more about Grad Summer Step.
2024 Agenda
Wednesday, Sept. 11
1 to 1:45 p.m. Housing check-in at West Service Center for those staying on campus
2 to 3 p.m. Welcome, overview of the program and snacks
3 to 4 p.m. Seminar #1: Hopes and Fears for Graduate School
4 to 5 p.m. Peer mentor group time
5 to 7 p.m. Pizza and bowling at the Memorial Union (MU)
Thursday, Sept. 12
9 to 9:45 a.m. Breakfast at West Dining Hall, Welcome from the Dean
10 to 11:30 a.m. Seminar #2: Grad Writing 101 and Seminar #3: DCE Offerings (students will be split into two groups and rotate seminars)
11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Lunch
12:15 to 1 p.m. Panel discussion
1 to 2 p.m. Lunch debrief with peer mentor groups
2 to 3:15 p.m. Untold Stories campus tour
3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Seminar #4: Navigating Your New Home (OSU, Corvallis, Oregon)
5 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner
Friday, Sept. 13
9 to 10 a.m. Breakfast with academic unit representative
10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Seminar #5: Next Steps: Degree Planning and Professional Development
11:30 a.m. to noon. Group photos
Noon to 1 p.m. Closing lunch, Thriving in Graduate School remarks
For any questions about the program, please contact us at [email protected].