Grad Success Center: Resource Toolkit and New Graduate Assistant Training

Learn about MSU 's requirements, resources and services

The Grad Success Center: Resource Toolkit is available on Brightspace and is recommended for all 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). 

Grad Success Center: Resource Toolkit

Search for the New Graduate Student Orientation Community in Brightspace. Once you enroll, you can find detailed information about life as a GradBear.

Follow the instructions below to learn how to enroll.

• Self-enroll now

Course enrollment instructions

1. Log into Brightspace.
2. Select “Discover” which is the top left menu item (under the MSU logo).
3. Find the course titled “New Graduate Student Orientation” (Course Code: Community_153).
4. Select the “New Graduate Student Orientation” course title.
5. Select “Enroll in Course” and then select “OK.”
6. The course will then be available to you on your “My Home” menu under “My Courses.”

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.