# Orientation
**Source**: https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/orientation/
**Parent**: https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/
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- [Three Minute Thesis (3MT)](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/three-minute-thesis-3mt/)
- [Orientation](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/orientation/)
- [Graduate Pathways to Success (GPS)](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/graduate-pathways-to-success-gps/)
- [Career Advancement - Masters Students](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/career-advancement---masters-students/)
- [Internship Initiative](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/internship-initiative/)
- [Core Curriculum](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/core-curriculum/)
The Graduate School offers two orientation sessions to support your transition: one for all new graduate students, GradStart, and another specifically for those serving as teaching assistants (TAs). For both GradStart and New TA Orientation offerings, it is important to note that programs and departments may offer and require attendance at additional orientation offerings. Please register for the sessions that apply to you.
| **Orientation Type** | **Who Should Attend** | **Registration Required** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **New Graduate Student Orientation- GradStart** | All incoming graduate students | All new graduate students will be automatically enrolled in the course, opening mid-December 2025 |
| **New Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation** | Graduate students with first-time teaching assistant assignments | Yes—you can [register here](https://reg.pwd.aa.ufl.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2297824&selectedProgramAreaId=2193599&selectedProgramStreamId=). |
See below for important details respective to our Pre-Arrival, GradStart, and TA Orientation offerings. Additionally, the University of Florida International Center (UFIC) has created a series of [pre-arrival videos](https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/uf-international-center-releases-new-pre-arrival-videos-international-students) for new international students.
Pre-Arrival Series
Participate in our virtual Pre-arrival offerings to become familiar with campus resources and strategies you can use to prepare for your relocation to Gainesville, FL, and your graduate journey. All sessions are recorded and will be published below and in the GradStart course, available beginning on August 5th.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Date** | **Title** | **Intended Audience** | **Register to attend** |
| Wednesday, July 2nd 9:00 a.m. EST Via Zoom Webinar | **Navigating the Off-Campus Housing Market and Exploring Life in Gainesville** | All new graduate students | [Watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-rOqP1CIEA) and find it in the GradStart course beginning August 5th. |
| Wednesday, July 9th 9:00 a.m. EST Via Zoom Webinar | **Understanding graduate assistant appointments (with Human Resources)** | All new graduate students | [Watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoqKv5CuQk) and find it in the GradStart course beginning August 5th. |
| Wednesday, July 16th 9:00 a.m. EST Via Zoom Webinar | **Exploring and engaging with Campus Resources for Success:**In this session, we highlight services and resources available to you as a new Gator grad student! | All new Graduate Students | [Watch the recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxhBuqKk2ZA) and find it in the GradStart course beginning August 5th. |
| Wednesday, July 23rd 9:00 a.m. EST Via Zoom Webinar | **Life in the Swamp:** Join us for a panel discussion with current graduate students. In this session, you'll learn about involvement opportunities, grad life, campus traditions, and ideas to support your well-being. | All new Graduate Students | [Watch the recording](https://youtu.be/ir8kehvsH-I) and find it in the GradStart course beginning August 5th. |
GradStart Orientation
**GradStart** is the Graduate School's home for orientation resources for all incoming graduate students. GradStart is a Canvas-based orientation program. It provides asynchronous modules that introduce academic expectations at UF. GradStart materials and the event schedule are both accessible through [eLearning](https://elearning.ufl.edu/), and all graduate students are invited to begin navigating the course before their first semester. Most live sessions will be recorded and posted in the GradStart Canvas course.
- Master's and Doctoral students who have been admitted will be automatically enrolled in the GradStart Spring 2026 canvas course in mid-December 2025.
**Note:** Participation in GradStart, including engagement with its content and attendance at live sessions, is strongly encouraged. GradStart is designed to help new graduate students connect with essential campus resources and support networks. Please note that it does **not** replace program-level orientations, which will be held separately by individual departments.
Questions? Email [grad-success@ufl.edu](mailto:grad-success@ufl.edu?subject=Questions%20about%20Core%20Curriculum%20course)
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Title** | **Intended Audience** | **Register to attend** |
| **GradStart Canvas Course opens (mid-December 2025)** | All new Graduate Students [Spring 2026] | [log in via e-learning](https://gradadvance.graduateschool.ufl.edu/programs/orientation/elearning.ufl.edu) |
| **GradStart Live Session- Official Welcome hosted by the UF Graduate School** | All new Graduate Students | Thursday, January 8th at 10:00am est via Zoom |
| International Student Orientation with the [UF International Center](https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/j-1-studentscholar) and Cross-Cultural Connections with the [Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC)](https://counseling.ufl.edu/services/) | For new F-1 international students | Thursday, January 8th at 1:30 pm est via Zoom |
| Understanding Graduate Assistantships with [HR benefits](https://www.bing.com/search?qs=MT&pq=uf+hr+be&sk=CSYN1&sc=9-8&pglt=41&q=uf+hr+benefits&cvid=db6f6f892be34fc884dd1d9c92b27b73&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgcIABAAGPkHMgcIABAAGPkHMgYIARBFGDkyBggCEAAYQDIGCAMQABhAMgYIBBAAGEAyBggFEAAYQDIGCAYQRRg8MgYIBxBFGDwyBggIEEUYPDIICAkQ6QcY_FXSAQgyNTk5ajBqMagCALACAA&FORM=ANNAB1&PC=U531) | All new Graduate Assistants | Friday, January 9th at 10:00 am via Zoom |
New Teaching Assistant Orientation
In collaboration with the Center for Teaching Excellence, the UF Graduate School will host the Fall 2025 New Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation. New TA Orientation is offered in two parts and is mandatory for graduate students who will be **first time** teaching assistants beginning in the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 semesters. \
- **Part one** will feature a welcome and overview of the TA role, a keynote speaker, opportunities to learn from experienced TAs and Faculty while engaging with the panel of experts, and pertinent information from Graduate Assistants United (GAU). Part one will be held synchronously via Zoom. (**Note**: You can register directly for the [Zoom session here](https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_njjFWuc5TXWfzd1Zmcy5IQ#/registration) or follow the link on the Canvas homepage.)
- **Part two** will be held through a Canvas course for the duration of the Fall semester. New TAs will navigate modules in Canvas/E-Learning to learn about regulations and policies such as student records, classroom management, disability and academic accommodations, best practices, and resources for new TAs.
**Registration** is now open! [Register here!](https://reg.pwd.aa.ufl.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2297824&selectedProgramAreaId=2193599&selectedProgramStreamId=)
If you have any questions about TA Orientation, please email [grad-success@ufl.edu](mailto:grad-success@ufl.edu "mailto:grad-success@ufl.edu")