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Master's Programs
Master's Student Orientation
Master's Student Orientation
To support our diverse cohort of students, Master's Student Orientation is offered for each intake throughout the year. We provide a flexible experience designed to meet you where you are, offering sessions in multiple modalities:
In-Person & Livestreamed: Each fall, all main sessions are available for both on-campus attendance and real-time remote viewing. A full schedule of events will be available on the BrownU app in August.
In-Person & Livestreamed: Each fall, all main sessions are available for both on-campus attendance and real-time remote viewing. A full schedule of events will be available on the BrownU app in August.
* Please note that meals and social/community-building events are held exclusively in person to foster local connections.
Virtual: Students joining our community in the spring and summer semester will have the opportunity to attend a virtual session to receive information from critical campus resources.
Virtual: Students joining our community in the spring and summer semester will have the opportunity to attend a virtual session to receive information from critical campus resources.
On-Demand: Recordings of sessions will be made available for those unable to attend live.
Orientation Recordings
Master's students can watch a recording of the Fall 2025 Graduate Student Orientation session to learn about resources, support, and community at Brown.
Students must login with their Brown account to view sessions.
All incoming master’s students are required to provide the necessary information and complete the tasks below as they prepare to begin their graduate studies at Brown. International graduate students should refer to the International Pre-Arrival page for more information.
Required Trainings for Incoming Students
Students must complete both the Graduate Academic & Student Code of Conduct and the RespectEdu training in Vector within 90 days of receiving their training assignment.
In an effort to provide diverse resources and comprehensive opportunities for health and wellness empowerment to graduate students beyond the classroom, Brown University has partnered with Vector to offer graduate student courses on the prevention of sexual assault and a new course on the Graduate Academic and Student Codes of Conduct.
Students must complete both the Graduate Academic & Student Code of Conduct and the RespectEdu training in Vector within 30 days of receiving their training assignment. For support, please contact masters_studentaffairs@brown.edu
Schedule*
Includes a listing of upcoming sessions for incoming master’s (online and residential) students. *Schedule subject to change.
This orientation is geared towards all incoming master’s students, introducing you to critical campus resources, academic expectations, and community-building opportunities designed to support your success.
*Schedule is subject to change. Full schedule will be available via the BrownU app 2 weeks prior to orientation.
| September 2, 2026 | |
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Welcome Brown University leadership officially welcomes the incoming cohort to Brown University with opening remarks to kick off your master's journey. | |
Affirming Our Values: Academic Integrity & Student Code of Conduct Learn about Academic Code, community expectations, and resources for maintaining and protecting a campus environment that is conducive to learning and supports Brown’s educational objectives. | |
Wellness at Brown Join us for a conversation on how to care for your well-being in graduate school. Learn about the range of resources available to master’s students at Brown dedicated to supporting your holistic well-being. | |
Policy Overview: Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Students will gain a better understanding of their rights, available reporting options, and the supportive services Brown offers, helping you feel informed and empowered. | |
Graduate Student Council (GSC) Panel Members of GSC will share insights on advocacy and support for master’s students, campus resources, and building community at Brown. | |
Grad Connections: Speed Friending with the GSC This fun, fast-paced social event is a great way to meet fellow master’s students from across all programs through quick, low-pressure conversations. | |
Thriving at Brown: An Introduction to Master’s Career Services Meet staff from the Division of Master’s & Professional Programs’ Career Services team and learn about opportunities and resources available to support your career development. | |
Campus Tours (Optional) A one-hour tour of Brown’s campus led by your graduate student peers, highlighting more than 20 locations crucial to your smooth transition to the Brown community. *Registration Requested. In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the tours will be cancelled. |
Specifically designed for our distance learners, this virtual orientation connects you with essential campus resources and digital support networks needed to thrive in your online program.
*Schedule is subject to change. Full schedule will be available via the BrownU app 2 weeks prior to orientation.
| August 28, 2026 | |
|---|---|
Welcome Dean Sandra Smith officially welcomes the incoming cohort to Brown University with opening remarks to kick off your master's journey | |
Affirming Our Values: Academic Integrity & Student Code of Conduct Learn about Academic Code, community expectations, and resources for maintaining and protecting a campus environment that is conducive to learning and supports Brown’s educational objectives. | |
Thriving at Brown: An Introduction to Master’s Career Services Meet staff from the Division of Master’s & Professional Programs’ Career Services team and learn about opportunities and resources available to support your career development. | |
Immigration Essentials International students will receive an overview of key F-1 visa maintenance requirements. | |
Library Services Explore how to leverage Brown's extensive library networks, research databases, and specialized graduate student workshops to support your academic coursework. | |
Writing Services Find out how to access free, one-on-one writing consultations and resources designed to strengthen your graduate-level writing and research papers. | |
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Overview Learn how to request, navigate, and implement academic and campus accessibility accommodations through Student Accessibility Services. |
This specialized orientation helps international scholars smoothly transition to life at Brown and in the U.S., covering immigration essentials, cultural adjustment resources, and networking events to help you build a vibrant, supportive community.
*Schedule is subject to change. Full schedule will be available via the BrownU app 2 weeks prior to orientation.
| August 26, 2026 | |
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Graduate Student Council Ice Cream & Dessert Social Enjoy ice cream novelties and meet members of the Graduate Student Council. | |
Complete your I-9 Form Stop by the Brown Business Center with the required documents to complete your I-9 form in order to receive your first-year supplemental fellowship payment and first stipend payment. Note: F-1/J-1 Students must submit their New Student Registration online before completing the I-9 process. | |
The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) Overview The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) is the union of graduate student employees at Brown University. As researchers, teachers, and mentors at Brown, graduate workers are vital to the everyday working of the university. Through collective bargaining and collective action, we advocate for the needs of a diverse student body, organize for improved working conditions, fight against discrimination in all its forms, and nurture a caring community that supports the personal and professional lives of all student workers. This session will be focused on International graduate student employees. | |
Global Brown Center Tour Discover your home away from home at Brown! Tour the Global Brown Center, meet our professional staff, and learn about the key programs and resources designed to support your international student experience. (Note: If you can't make this session, tours are also available Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28) | |
Campus Tours Discover your new home at Brown with a one-hour campus tour led by fellow graduate students. You’ll get an insider’s look at more than twenty essential spots designed to help you transition smoothly into life at Brown. Registration is highly recommended. (Note: If you can't make this session, tours are also available during All-Student Orientation.) In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the tours will be cancelled. |
| August 27, 2026 | |
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Check-in & Breakfast Drop in anytime between 9 and 10 am to pick up Brown swag, make a name tag, and enjoy a light breakfast. | |
Official Welcome & Opening Remarks Welcome to your new home! We are thrilled to officially invite you to the formal opening of Graduate International Orientation. Hear firsthand from university leaders and student organizers who will share insights, resources, and inspiration to help you thrive during your time here. | |
Peer Panel: Navigating Graduate Student Life at Brown and in the U.S. Hear directly from a panel of experienced graduate students as they share insights on adjusting to life at Brown and settling into Rhode Island. This session covers everything from academic culture in the U.S. to local hidden gems. Come ready to ask questions and get real perspectives on the graduate experience. | |
Introduction to the International House of Rhode Island As an international graduate student at Brown, you and your partner/spouse are entitled to a free membership at IHRI, a Providence non-profit organization located close to campus, where you can take language classes, attend special musical, theatrical, and other cultural events, and join us for regularly scheduled potluck lunches and internationally themed dinners. | |
Navigating Graduate School: Mental Wellness and Resilience at Brown Presented by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), this session introduces essential resources and strategies to help you manage stress and maintain balance during graduate school. Learn how to navigate Brown’s mental health support network, including CAPS' multilingual counseling services, and gain actionable tools to maximize your personal and academic well-being. | |
Grab & Go Lunch with peer mentor groups Connect with fellow incoming students and your graduate peer mentors over lunch! Gather in small groups for a relaxed conversation about navigating academic milestones, discovering campus resources, and settling into vibrant community life at Brown. | |
Open hours: Sprintax Calculus & Tax Questions Speak with a member of the Foreign National Tax Office to ask questions about filling out Sprintax Calculus or tax withholdings. | |
Global Brown Center Tour Discover your home away from home at Brown! Tour the Global Brown Center, meet our professional staff, and learn about the key programs and resources designed to support your international student experience. (Note: If you can't make this session, tours are also available Wednesday, August 26 and Friday, August 28) | |
International Student Reception Enjoy hearty appetizers and conversation with Graduate School and School of Professional Studies deans, leadership and Center directors from across the University. ID (passport or license) required. |
| August 28, 2026 | |
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Global Brown Center Tour Discover your home away from home at Brown! Tour the Global Brown Center, meet our professional staff, and learn about the key programs and resources designed to support your international student experience. (Note: If you can't make this session, tours are also available Wednesday, August 26 and Friday, August 28) | |
Explore International House of Rhode Island Founded in 1963, International House has been a resource for the Brown international community for over 60 years! They have six private residential rooms, reserved for international scholars, and host English classes, 1-1 tutoring, Film Club, musical concerts, book talks, and other programs. In this session you will get a tour of the house, enjoy international-themed treats*, learn more about International House, and get a chance to connect with incoming international graduate students. This session may be especially beneficial to international students with spouses, partners or families. |
| August 29, 2026 | |
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Banking & Cell Phone Fair Students will have a chance to speak directly to bank and cell phone providers near campus. |
| Anytime! | |
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Garden Tour Brown has a unique campus, with beautiful architecture and gorgeous gardens. Most of these places are generally taken for granted or even not noticed. To help you find a secret place to call yours, either to rest or to get some work done, we put together a list with "secret gardens" you must know. Follow the map instructions to guide yourself through incredible hidden little spots around campus! |
Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, the Graduate Students of Color (GSOC) orientation serves as a vital introduction to the rich networks, advocacy resources, and community spaces available to you throughout your graduate career. While open to all admitted master’s students, the program is specifically intended for students with a demonstrated interest in learning about diversity and inclusion, openness and accessibility, which are foundational essential to Brown’s mission of research and education.
Registration is required.
*Schedule is subject to change. Full schedule will be available via the BrownU app 2 weeks prior to orientation.
| August 30, 2026 | |
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Opening Reception & Dinner Our community dinner is open to all members of the campus community. This dinner is an opportunity for new and returning graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, faculty and other members of the Brown University community to come together to kick off the new academic year. |
| August 31, 2026 | |
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Graduate Student of Color Orientation This community-building event fosters a sense of belonging through collaboration with campus partners and provides a space to discuss the experiences of domestic graduate students of color at Brown. The orientation highlights the challenges faced by historically underrepresented groups in academia and offers resources to help navigate those challenges. Graduate Student of Color Orientation is not mandatory and registration is required. |