The Graduate College hosts orientations to introduce all graduate students to MSU 's requirements, resources. and services. The sessions also offer workplace orientation to those hired as a graduate assistant (GA), research assistant (RA), or teaching assistant (TA). While the orientations are highly recommended for all graduate students, the TA orientation is required in order to be paid as a TA.
In the fall, these are held on two separate days. In January, these orientations are done in one, combined, day-long session.
For new graduate students
The New Graduate Student Orientation is held before each fall and spring semester. Designed for new students, this orientation focuses on introducing you to life as a new graduate student within the Graduate College, familiarizing you with all that Missouri State has to offer, and discovering the city of Springfield!
Use the links provided below to start your journey as a new graduate student:
- Succeeding in Graduate School (Finalizing your transcripts, graduate certificates, and more)
- Degree Completion
- Financial Aid (Assistantship Information)
- Thesis Requirement
- Health & Wellness
- Graduate Student Organizations
- Graduate College Events
- Transportation
- Discovering Springfield
For further questions, please contact gradcollegeservices@MissouriState.edu
Access our Fall 2019 Graduate Student Orientation slides.
For new teaching assistants
Any new graduate teaching assistant (TAs) must attend the TA orientation before the TA teaches any class.
This orientation provides students with information relevant to their academic role, including:
- Legal issues related to teaching
- Managing conflict within the classroom
- Effective teaching strategies
- Q&A Panel
Access our Fall 2019 New Teaching Assistant Orientation slides.
Typically, academic departments also provide formal orientation and training sessions for their specific teaching assignments. Such departmental training is a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, this required orientation.
For new online students
Online students are most certainly welcome and highly encouraged to attend the new student orientation. For those students who are unable to attend and would still like to receive information, the orientation will be streaming virtually on Zoom. For those students interested in joining the orientation via zoom, please contact GradCollegeServices@MissouriState.edu to be added to the list. For those students who are just interested in information, the PowerPoint slides will be uploaded the day after the event.
Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation via email within a week over the holidays or in less time when classes are in session.
You will receive detailed information before the event.