Graduate Orientation
Source: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/newly-admitted/graduate-orientation Parent: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/
At Graduate Orientation (GradO) you'll discover resources and meet the people that will help you succeed at the University of Calgary.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Winter 2026 GradO.
GradO is your introduction to life as a UCalgary graduate student - past graduate students have found it essential for starting their programs on the right foot. Join us for a day designed to support your transition into graduate school. Take part in welcome sessions, explore helpful workshops, meet fellow graduate students and connect with the people and services here to support you.
Getting started
Welcome Centre\ International Student Services (ISS)\ Newly admited guide\ Contact your Graduate Program\ Tuition and fees\ Review the Academic Calendar\ Explore scholarships and awards
Service fair providers
Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS)
- Transformative Talent Internship - Natalie Wilkinson-Houghton, Senior Specialist, Graduate Internship
- Transformative Talent Internship - Lorelei Lachambre, Graduate WIL Specialist
- Student Team - Yan Zhang, Graduate Academic and International Specialist
- Student Team - David Gugel, Graduate Academic and International Specialist
Graduate Students’ Association (GSA)
- Graham Sucha - Executive Director
- Simran Jaswal - Marketing and Communications Coordinator
International Student Services (ISS)
- Isabel Fandino - Advisor, International Student
- Marisa Norona - Advisor, International Student Support
Centre for Career and Personal Development (CCPD)
- Charlotte Ong’ang’a - Career Development Specialist
- Kate Stenson - Food Hub Coordinator
Student Success Centre (SSC)/Writing Support
- Garrett Beattie - Academic Integrity Specialist
- Kendell Heydon - Writing Support Coordinator
Student Wellness
- Nanako Furuyama - Manager, Peer Support and Outreach
- Laura Alongi - Health Promotion Coordinator
Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Students (SAGE)
- Lee Barrell - SAGE Coordinator
- Mick Elliott - SAGE Coordinator
Afternoon workshop sessions
Our GradO Workshop sessions offer essential guidance on key systems, student well-being and real experiences of graduate life. Explore campus tools, connect with supports and gain practical insights from staff and students to start your program with clarity and confidence.
Life as a Graduate Student: Personal Reflections
1-1:30 p.m. MT
Graduate school is a journey filled with growth, challenge, and transformation—academically, professionally and personally. In this reflective session, current and recent graduate students will share their lived experiences navigating the ups and downs of graduate life at UCalgary. From building community and managing time, to overcoming imposter syndrome and finding purpose in their research, each speaker will offer candid insights and lessons learned. Whether you're just starting out or looking to connect with peers on a deeper level, this session aims to inspire, validate and support you in your own graduate journey.
Presenters:
- Host: Dr. Tanille Buttler, PhD, Graduate Educational Development Specialist, FGS
Panelists:
- Amir Hossein Ghezelbash, Masters of Engineering, Chemical and Petroleum
- Madeline Springle, PhD in Psychology, Faculty of Arts
- Mumnoon Zawer, Masters of Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Navigating UCalgary Systems (MyUCalgary, Elevate, D2L)
1:45-2:15 p.m. MT
Get started on the right foot with this essential session introducing key UCalgary platforms and resources. Learn how to register for courses, access transcripts, submit service requests and navigate D2L—our online learning system. Explore the self-paced Start Strong D2L modules covering academic integrity, orientation, research ethics and more. Thesis-based students will also learn how to view program milestones and supervision details. Plus, get a quick tour of Elevate—your hub for career services, advising, workshops and job opportunities—designed to support your success from day one.
Presenters:
- Christine Verwoerd, Process Specialist, FGS
- Dr. Charlotte Ong'ang'a, PhD, Career Development Specialist, Center for Career and Personal Development
Your Mind, Your Body: A 30-Minute Guide to Graduate Student Well-Being
2:30-3 p.m. MT
This session provides an overview of the GSA Health and Dental Plan, along with a wide range of services and supports to help you maintain your health and well-being throughout your graduate journey. We will highlight key campus resources, including Student Wellness Services, Student Accessibility Services, the Faith and Spirituality Centre, and the Women’s Resource Centre. We will also introduce programs and events hosted by the GSA and other campus partners to help you stay balanced, connected, and supported.
Presenters:
- Nanako Furuyama: Manager, Peer Support & Outreach, Student Wellness Services
- Laura Alongi: Health Promotion Coordinator, Campus Wellbeing Services
- Irene Yoo: Wellness Coordinator, Graduate Student Association
GradO location
Winter 2026 GradO is located in Engineering Block C 070 on Main Campus. Click the image for Google Maps directions.
Graduate onboarding modules
The START STRONG series is a collection of four short D2L modules designed to help acclimate new graduate students to UCalgary culture, including policies, procedures, key supports and resources available.
Building off the essential information and resources shared through the START STRONG series, Grad Foundations is a new, online learning series designed to help graduate students further build the core professional and academic skills needed to thrive at UCalgary. Through self-paced modules, you’ll explore essential topics that support your success throughout your program and future career.
All incoming graduate students are automatically enrolled in the START STRONG and Grad Foundation modules. If you have any questions on graduate programming, please email the Graduate Experience Team.
START STRONG module topics
Graduate Orientation
Mirroring our in-person GradO programming, this module offers a quick refresher on everything covered, including key resources, welcome videos and slides from workshop sessions to help you feel prepared and supported as you begin your program.
Academic Integrity
Learn how to uphold UCalgary’s academic values as a graduate student through this module, which covers definitions of integrity, examples of academic misconduct and practical guidance on the responsible use of generative AI tools.
Sexual and/or Gender-Based Dynamics
Designed to help you build healthy relationships, this module explores self-awareness, power dynamics in grad school, rejection, harm, intervention, support and repair - supporting you through your academic journey and beyond.
Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics
Covering consent, data management and Indigenous Research Principles, this module provides essential guidance for graduate students conducting ethical research through the CFREB. Find which ethics board you're affiliated with on the website.
Grad Foundations module topics
Indigenous Engagement
This module introduces key principles of Indigenous engagement at UCalgary, including foundational knowledge, respectful practices and campus resources that support meaningful learning and relationship-building.
Graduate Studies at UCalgary
Learn what to expect as a graduate student at UCalgary through this module, which highlights essential policies, resources, supports and academic processes to help you navigate your program with confidence.
Professional Skills Development
Focused on building core competencies for academic and professional success, this module offers guidance on communication, project management and transferable skills that support your growth during graduate school and beyond.
Academic Integrity and Ethics
Coming soon
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)
Coming soon
Health and Wellbeing
Coming soon
GradO videos
Get a head start with this video series narrated by UCalgary grad students. You will learn about some key student services and what you can expect in grad school.