Orientation

New Graduate Student Orientation

Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies for all new students, Orientation brings together faculty, staff, and current students who will share information and advice to ease your transition and enrich your graduate experience at USF. Please make every effort to attend. A flexible schedule is designed to share important information across several topics.  

Welcome to USF written on an image

1 - Orientation Canvas Course

All newly admitted graduate students are automatically enrolled into the Graduate Student Orientation Canvas Course provided by the Office of Graduate Studies. The course was developed to provide new students foundational knowledge and tools needed to navigate university life and graduate academics with confidence at USF.

Discover helpful welcome videos, guides, and links from key campus services, including Financial Aid, Health and Wellness Services, Account Services, and more. The course will remain available throughout the student's first semester. Note: You may not see the course in Canvas yet. It will populate before in-person orientation date.

2 - Campus Orientation: Spring 2026

Tampa campus: The upcoming in-person orientation is designed to be both interactive and engaging, you can choose from a variety of 20-minute sessions tailored to your interests. Each session is offered multiple times throughout the event, giving you the flexibility to attend the topics that matter most to you. Choose 3. Read Session Descriptions.

The evening concludes with a Resource Fair in the MSC Ballroom, with a variety of departments and organizations in attendance. Throughout the program, students will also have opportunities to connect informally with their peers.

Note: Please review the 'Welcome Videos' available in the Graduate Student Orientation Canvas Course, before the in-person orientation date.

Directions to Marshall Student Center (MSC)

鉃 January 7, 2026  - Graduate Student Orientation (In-Person)
  • 鉁 Registration / Check-In

    Opens at 2:00 PM

    Marshall Student Center (MSC) 鈥 1st Floor Atrium Lobby

  • Session I

    2:30 - 2:50 PM

    Choose 1:
    馃帗 Strategies for Success in Graduate School 

    MSC Room: 2708
    Presented by: Dr. Ruth Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies
     
    馃憯 Tailoring Your Graduate Education to Your Career Path 
    MSC Room: 3709
    Presented by: Dr. Tracy Costello, Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Student Development
     
    馃 Graduate Connect: Engagement & Support 
    MSC Room: 3711
    Presented by: Dr. Gary Oliver, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Services
     
    馃捇 Leveraging AI at USF
    MSC Room: 2709
    Presented by: Mr. Evan Fruehauf, Assistant Librarian, USF Libraries
     
    鉀擄笍鈥嶐煉 Breaking the Mask: Conquering Imposter Syndrome 
    MSC Room: 2707
    Presented by: Dr. Tangela Serls, Associate Professor of Instruction of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Special Advisor to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean

    馃棧锔 Graduate Student Panel Q&A
    MSC Room: 3705
    Presented by: Current USF Graduate 黑料爆料

  • Session II

    3:00 - 3:20 PM

    Choose 1:
    馃帗 Strategies for Success in Graduate School 

    MSC Room: 2708
    Presented by: Dr. Ruth Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies

    馃憯 Tailoring Your Graduate Education to Your Career Path 

    MSC Room: 3709
    Presented by: Dr. Tracy Costello, Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Student Development

    馃 Graduate Connect: Engagement & Support 

    MSC Room: 3711
    Presented by: Dr. Gary Oliver, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Services

    馃捇 Leveraging AI at USF

    MSC Room: 2709
    Presented by: Mr. Evan Fruehauf, Assistant Librarian, USF Libraries

    鉀擄笍鈥嶐煉 Breaking the Mask: Conquering Imposter Syndrome 

    MSC Room: 2707
    Presented by: Dr. Tangela Serls, Associate Professor of Instruction of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Special Advisor to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean

    馃棧锔 Graduate Student Panel Q&A

    MSC Room: 3705
    Presented by: Current USF Graduate 黑料爆料

  • Session III

    3:30 - 3:50 PM

    Choose 1:
    馃帗 Strategies for Success in Graduate School 

    MSC Room: 2708
    Presented by: Dr. Ruth Bahr, Dean of Graduate Studies

    馃憯 Tailoring Your Graduate Education to Your Career Path 

    MSC Room: 3709
    Presented by: Dr. Tracy Costello, Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs & Graduate Student Development

    馃 Graduate Connect: Engagement & Support 

    MSC Room: 3711
    Presented by: Dr. Gary Oliver, Assistant Director, Graduate Student Services

    馃捇 Leveraging AI at USF

    MSC Room: 2709
    Presented by: Mr. Evan Fruehauf, Assistant Librarian, USF Libraries

    鉀擄笍鈥嶐煉 Breaking the Mask: Conquering Imposter Syndrome 

    MSC Room: 2707
    Presented by: Dr. Tangela Serls, Associate Professor of Instruction of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Special Advisor to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean

    馃棧锔 Graduate Student Panel Q&A

    MSC Room: 3705
    Presented by: Current USF Graduate 黑料爆料

  • 馃挰 Graduate Student Resource Fair 

    3:30 - 5:00 PM

    Marshall Student Center (MSC) 鈥 2nd Floor Ballroom

    Featuring 20+ Departments / Organizations 
    (View partial list of participants below)

    • USF Departments
      • Alumni Association
      • Recreation and Wellness
      • USF Dining
      • Graduate Assistants United 
      • Ombuds Office
      • Center for Student Involvement
      • International Student Support
      • Office of Veteran Success
      • Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement (CLCE)
      • Student Government
      • Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention
      • and more!
    • External Partners
      • Tampa Tarpons
      • Cultivate the Writer
      • Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
      • Visit Tampa Bay
      • Tampa Museum of Art
      • and more!

  • View past virtual Orientation Videos

    Campus Tours

    Interested in seeing more of campus? The Office of Admissions offers in-person, self-guided, and virtual tours of all three campuses! Click here for details.

    For immediate 360 virtual tours,

     

    Session Descriptions

    馃帗 Strategies for Success in Graduate School

    Graduate school is an exciting and challenging journey that requires more than academic ability - it demands effective strategies for managing time, resources, and expectations.

    Join the Dean of Graduate Studies for an interactive workshop designed to help you thrive in your graduate program.

    This session will cover:

    • Proven techniques for balancing coursework, research, and personal life
    • Tips for building strong relationships with faculty and peers
    • Strategies for overcoming common challenges and staying motivated
    • Resources and support systems available to graduate student

    馃憯 Tailoring Your Graduate Education to Your Career Path

    Your graduate education is more than a degree鈥攊t鈥檚 a launchpad for your future career.

    This workshop, led by the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, will help you align your academic experiences with your professional goals.

    In this session, you will learn how to:

    • Identify career objectives and map them to your graduate program
    • Select courses, research projects, and internships that strengthen your career trajectory
    • Build a professional network within and beyond academia
    • Leverage university resources to gain a competitive edge in your chosen field

    Whether you鈥檙e pursuing a career in academia, industry, government, or the nonprofit sector, this workshop will provide actionable strategies to customize your graduate experience for long-term success.

    馃 Graduate Connect: Engagement & Support

    Graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don鈥檛 have to navigate it alone. Graduate Connect: Engagement & Support is designed to help you build meaningful connections and access the resources you need to thrive.

    Led by the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services, this workshop will explore strategies for staying engaged, finding support, and creating a strong sense of community throughout your graduate journey.

    In this session, you will learn how to:

    • Connect with campus resources and support services
    • Build networks with peers, faculty, and professional organizations
    • Maintain well-being and balance during your program
    • Engage in opportunities

    馃捇 Leveraging AI at USF

    This session introduces graduate students to campus-supported AI tools and demonstrates how they can enhance research, writing, data analysis, and project management within the boundaries of USF academic policy.

    The focus is on helping students understand what tools are available, how to use them responsibly, and how to align AI use with disciplinary standards, faculty expectations, and USF鈥檚 policies on academic integrity and data protection.

    鉀擄笍鈥嶐煉 Breaking the Mask: Conquering Imposter Syndrome

    Do you ever feel like you don鈥檛 belong or worry that others will 鈥渇ind out鈥 you鈥檙e not as capable as they think? You鈥檙e not alone鈥攎any graduate students experience imposter syndrome.

    This interactive workshop will help you recognize these feelings, understand their impact, and develop strategies to overcome them.

    In this session, you will: 

    • Explore the root causes and signs of imposter syndrome
    • Learn practical techniques to build confidence and resilience
    • Discover ways to reframe negative self-talk and celebrate achievements
    • Connect with peers who share similar experiences

    Join us to break the mask of self-doubt and step into your full potential as a scholar and professional.

    馃棧锔 Graduate Student Panel Q&A

    Have questions about graduate school life, research, or career planning? Join us for an open and honest conversation with a panel of experienced graduate students.

    This interactive Q&A session is your chance to hear firsthand insights, tips, and advice from peers who have successfully navigated the challenges of graduate education.

    What to Expect:

    • Practical strategies for balancing coursework, research, and personal life
    • Tips for building relationships with faculty and finding mentorship
    • Advice on funding, professional development, and career preparation
    • Honest discussion about common challenges and how to overcome them

    Bring your questions and connect with fellow students in a supportive environment designed to help you succeed.


    What's Next?

    Grad Week of Welcome