Graduate Student Orientations

The Graduate College hosts orientations to introduce all graduate students to MSU 's requirements, resources, and services. The sessions also offer workplace orientation for 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 events are held in-person on two separate days. In the spring, these orientations are offered online in one combined 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. 

For new teaching assistants

Any new graduate teaching assistant (TAs) must attend the TA orientation before teaching any class. Graduate assistants (GAs) and research assistants (RAs) are also welcome to attend this orientation.

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

Many 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 beginning in the fall semester are most certainly welcome and highly encouraged to attend the in-person new student orientation. If you are unable to attend the in-person event in the fall but are interested in receiving information for new students, please contact GradCollegeServices@MissouriState.edu.

Spring orientations are held online for all students. 

Registration and Confirmation

Register at the link below. Please note that the form does not automatically provide a confirmation. After registration, you will receive a confirmation via email as the event date approaches along with detailed agenda information the week before the event.