New Graduate Student Orientation and New Graduate Assistant Training
Learn about MSU 's requirements, resources and services
The New Graduate Student Orientation (NGSO) is available on Brightspace and is recommended for all new graduate students.
The New Graduate Assistant (GA/TA/RA) Training is required for all newly appointed Graduate Assistants (including administrative GAs, Research Assistants, and Teaching Assistants).
New Graduate Student Orientation
Follow the instructions below to learn how to enroll.
Course enrollment instructions
- Log into Brightspace.
- Select “Discover” which is the top left menu item (under the MSU logo).
- Find the course titled “New Graduate Student Orientation” (Course Code: Community_153).
- Select the “New Graduate Student Orientation” course title.
- Select “Enroll in Course” and then select “OK.”
- The course will then be available to you on your “My Home” menu under “My Courses.”
New Graduate Assistant Training (GA/TA/RA)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Plaster Student Union Ballroom
(link and agenda to be distributed to registered students prior to event)
All newly appointed graduate assistants (GA/TA/RA) must attend our New GA Training before beginning assistantship duties.
The GA Training provides students with information relevant to their role, including:
- Assistantship Policies and Requirements
- Important University Resources
- Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Assistantship Roles
- Navigating Student Interactions
- Q&A Panel with Experienced Assistantship Holders
Many hiring units also provide formal orientation and training sessions for their specific assistantship assignments. Such departmental training is a supplement to, rather than a substitute for, this required orientation. In addition, all graduate assistants (GAs/TAs/RAs) will be assigned required compliance trainings through the Office of Human Resources.