Graduate Student Orientation
51ยายื has developed the following orientation sessions to assist you with your transition as a graduate student.
Required Events
Online Graduate Student Orientation (GSO) Module
The Graduate College has developed an online orientation for all graduate students. This orientation is available and accessible once you activate your OHIO ID. Please see the collapsible information below for directions to complete the orientation.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL new incoming students must complete the online module of GSO. Students who were admitted this semester (Summer 2025) and have recently completed the module, please allow 1-2 business days for the hold to be removed after the module has been successfully completed. For questions, please email gso@ohio.edu
How to Access the GSO Module
- Go to and log in with your OHIO ID, selecting "Student Login." If you have not set up your OHIO ID, please refer to your admission email for that information.
2. Scroll down to "Graduate" and select your classification:
- Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)- Athens Campus
- Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)- OHIO Online
3. Complete orientation. Make sure to go through all material, quizzes, and acknowledge all certifications that you have completed the module.
Still have questions about GSO? Email gso@ohio.edu.
International Student Orientation
All new international graduate students must register for International Student Orientation.
Hazing Prevention Training
All graduate students must complete this training. This course introduces the concept of hazing, why it is illegal, and what OHIO University students, faculty, and staff can do to stop hazing from occurring on our campuses. For more information, visit the Hazing Prevention website.
College/Department/Program Orientation
Be sure to check with your academic program regarding any additional orientation activities/events.
New Hire Paperwork (for those hired as a GA, GRS, RA, or TA)
All NEW graduate students will need to complete an I-9 and new hire employment paperwork.
All employment paperwork must be completed no later than your first day of employment or you will not be eligible to begin working.
Recommended Events
In-person Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)
The Graduate College hosts an in-person orientation for all Athens-based students before classes begin in August. Come meet continuing graduate students, learn about the 51ยายื and Athens communities, and meet other incoming graduate students.
These sessions are scheduled for Thursday, August 21st, 2025, in the Baker University Center Ballroom at the following times:
- 8:30 AM โ 10:30 AM EDT
- for graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate College, and Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service
- 11 AM โ 1 PM EDT
- for graduate students in the Center for International Studies, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and Scripps College of Communication
- 1:30 โ 3:30 PM EDT for graduate students in the
- College of Health Sciences and Professions, College of Business, and Patton College of Education
In-person Teaching Assistant Orientation (TAO)
The Graduate College also hosts an in-person orientation for all new graduate students with a TA assignment. Join us for critical information regarding this important role.
The TAO is scheduled for Thursday, August 21st, 2025, from 4 PM โ 6 PM EDT in the Baker University Center Ballroom.
Commonly Asked Questions
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Where can I seek guidance on commonly used academic terms?
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When will I register for classes?Your academic department/program may have its own orientation. To register for your first semester, consult with your advisor or program director first.
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I am interested in a graduate appointment. Where can I find more information?
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I have questions about the use of AI in academia as an incoming student.