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.
Agenda
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023
11 a.m. to noon. Residential participant check-in
12:30 to 2 p.m. Lunch, welcome and peer mentor groups
2 to 4 p.m. Seminar #1: Health and wellness during graduate studies
4:30 to 6 p.m. BBQ and peer mentor groups
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023
8 to 8:45 a.m. Breakfast with peer mentors and Graduate School staff
9 to 11 a.m. Histories of Students of Color at OSU
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch, panel discussion, and academic unit meet and greet
1 to 2:30 p.m. Seminar #2: Academic unit-specific events (hosted by colleges and/or graduate programs)
3 to 5 p.m. Seminar #3: Developing your scholarly identity as a writer
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Pizza, bowling and peer mentor groups
Friday, Sept. 15, 2023
8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Breakfast with peer mentors
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Institutional resources for involvement
10:30 a.m. to noon. Seminar #4: Next steps: Degree planning and professional development
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Closing lunch
For any questions about the program, please contact us at [email protected].