2007 Graduate School Orientation Events
(Please check back regularly for updates.)
The Duke graduate community warmly welcomes you to Durham. To help you make the transition to graduate student life at Duke, the Graduate School will host an Orientation week from August 20 through August 26. Orientation will feature a series of activities designed to introduce you to the Graduate School, Duke University, and your fellow graduate students. Please call (919) 684-2056 if you have any questions.
Friday, August 3
9:30-11:30 a.m.
International Spouses' Orientation
Location: Fuqua School of Business, Classroom D
Introduction to the International House and the many programs available to international spouses and families.
All international spouses are encouraged to attend the session that is convenient for them. Topics to be discussed include: Cooking Club, English Conversation Group, Babies and Toddlers Group, International Book Club, information on cultural adjustment, and safety. Attendees will also learn about the following community programs and resources: Durham Child Care Services, Durham Volunteer Center, and International Wives Club
Thursday, August 16
8:45a.m.–1:30 p.m.Special Orientation for All Graduate and Professional International Students
Von Canon Hall (Lower level of the Bryan Center)
Topics will include Academic and Classroom Expectations, Health Services and Expenses, Cultural Adjustment, Banking, Cell Phones, Special Services and Programs.
Light breakfast and lunch
Tour of campus @ 1:30 p.m. from Bryan Center
Shopping trip leaving from steps of chapel @ 3:30
p.m.
Register and check out other orientation events designed for international students at http://ihouse.studentaffairs.duke.edu/services/orientation/graduate.html.
Monday, August 20
10:00 a.m.-Noon and 2:00-4:00 p.m.
International Student Writing Exam
Location: To be announced when you register for the exam
Please register for the exam beginning July 15, 2007 at http://www.duke.edu/web/eis . Time (10 a.m. or 2 p.m.) and location will be assigned when you register. The exam consists of a summary of a reading and an essay. Grading criteria are similar to those for the TWE. Bring photo ID and two pens or pencils to the exam.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
[NOTE CHANGE: NEW EVENT! Moved and changed from prior Gross Chemistry reception]
Welcome Reception for Students in Science and Engineering Departments
Graduate Student Affairs (GSA) House, 2111 Campus Drive
Free food and fun! Come see our new location, meet GSA staff, and win door prizes. Sponsored by the Graduate School for all incoming graduate students (NOTE: If you are signed up for RCR on Thursday or at Beaufort over the weekend, this is the Welcome Reception you should attend.)
Tuesday, August 21
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.Student ID Cards (DukeCard)
DukeCard Office, 100 West Union Building (West Campus)
Those students who were unable to submit a DukeCard Request Form by August 1, 2007 may have ID cards made at this time. Duke Card Request Forms will be sent to all incoming students in a mailing from the Graduate School in late June.
9:15 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
International Student Visa Pre-Registration
Outside Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level (West Campus)
International Students must arrive at 9:15 a.m. to submit their Visa documentation to the International Office. Please be sure to bring your passports, I-94 cards, and visa documents (I-20/DS-2019) with you. At this time you will be required to leave these documents with the International Office staff. You will be able to reclaim your documentation when you return for the International Student Extended Orientation at 1:00 p.m.
Graduate Student Orientation
Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level
The Orientation is intended to aid in new students’ transition to graduate school by providing information about the academic community, policies, and resources. All new students should plan to attend. There will be an open Question & Answer period following the Orientation.
Graduate Student Information Session
Bryan Center, Second and Third Levels
Many student organizations, volunteer organizations, administrative offices, local vendors (e.g., banks, insurance companies, newspapers), and other groups will have tables offering information. All students who submitted their DukeCard Request Forms by August 1, 2007 may pick up their ID cards at this event. Graduate School T-shirts will be on sale for $5.
International Student Extended Orientation and Registration
Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center, Second Level
Maria Parker, program director of English for International Students, will provide an overview of EIS services and courses. Carlisle Harvard, director of the International House, will provide a brief description of available services and programs. Lois Yelverton, advisor to International Students and Scholars, will return your visa documentation and provide necessary forms for payroll registration.
6:00–7:45 p.m.
Welcome Dinner for International Students
Brodie Gymnasium (East Campus)
You and your family members are invited to join other international students for an informal dinner hosted by Duke University President, Richard Brodhead. Register at http://ihouse.studentaffairs.duke.edu/.
Wednesday, August 22
9:45, 10:30, 11:15 a.m. and 2:00, 2:45, and 3:30 p.m.International Student Speaking Exam
Language Lab, 114 Languages Building (West Campus)
You must preregister for this exam online beginning July 15 at http://www.duke.edu/web/eis/. Exam time will be assigned when you register.
This exam is similar to the TSE. Bring photo ID to the exam.
4:00 p.m.
Convocation for Graduate and Professional Students
Duke Chapel
This event is the official opening ceremony to welcome all graduate and professional students. President Richard H. Brodhead presides, and Paula McClain, Professor of Political Science and Professor of Public Policy, is the keynote speaker. While this is a busy week and events overlap at times, the Graduate School requests that you attend this event in its entirety.
Welcome Reception for Graduate and Professional Students
Chapel Quad and Main Quad between West Union Building and Few Quad dormitories (West Campus)
All graduate and professional students are invited to attend this post-Convocation reception, hosted by the Duke Alumni Association, to welcome new graduate and professional students to Duke. Please bring your DukeCard ID to participate in this event.
Thursday, August 23
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation**, Natural Sciences and Engineering
Durham Hilton Hotel, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, NC
(Light breakfast, lunch, and reception provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the Natural Sciences and Engineering are required to attend this workshop.
4:00–6:00 p.m. [NOTE: NEW EVENT!]
Welcome Reception for Students in the Humanities and Social Science Departments
Graduate Student Affairs House, 2111 Campus Drive
Free food and fun! Come see our new location, meet GSA staff, and win door prizes. Sponsored by the Graduate School for all incoming graduate students. (NOTE: If you are registered for RCR at the Hilton on Friday, this is the Welcome Reception you should attend.)
Friday, August 24
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation**, Humanities and Social Sciences
Durham Hilton Hotel, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, NC
(Light breakfast, lunch, and reception provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are required to attend this workshop.
August 24–26, 2006 (Friday afternoon through Sunday)
Responsible Conduct of Research Orientation**, Basic Medical Sciences
Duke Marine Laboratory, Beaufort, NC
(Transportation, lodging, and meals provided)
All entering Ph.D. students in the basic medical sciences are required to attend this weekend retreat at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in the coastal town of Beaufort, North Carolina.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Graduate and Professional Parents’ (GAPP) Fall Family Fun Fair
Gross Chemistry Portico
Pile the kids into the car and come join us for an evening of family-friendly activities. Network with other graduate students who balance the responsibilities of academics and parenthood and find new playmates for your little ones.
Saturday, August 25
4:00-5:30 p.m.
Music Ensembles Information Meeting
Biddle Music Building, Room 019 (East Campus)
Learn more about Chapel Choir, Chorale, Jazz Ensemble, Opera Workshop, Symphony Orchestra, and Wind Symphony.
Friday, August 31
9:30-11:30 a.m.
International Spouses' Orientation
Location: Freeman Center for Jewish Life (corner of Campus Drive and Swift Avenue)
Introduction to the International House and the many programs available to international spouses and families.
All international spouses are encouraged to attend the session that is convenient for them. Topics to be discussed include: Cooking Club, English Conversation Group, Babies and Toddlers Group, International Book Club, information on cultural adjustment, and safety. Attendees will also learn about the following community programs and resources: Durham Child Care Services, Durham Volunteer Center, and International Wives Club.
** RCR Requirement for Ph.D. Students only:
ALL matriculating Ph.D. students at Duke University are required to complete 12 or 18 training hours in RCR as a formal requirement to obtain the degree. Doctoral students meet this requirement by attending one of three mandatory Fall RCR Orientation programs (determined by department or program), as well as by participating in supplemental RCR Forums on a variety of topics relevant to research plans, procedures, and products. All students in the Basic Medical Sciences attend a mandatory weekend workshop at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. Students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, along with those in non-medical Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering programs, attend a similar workshop near the main campus.
For more information, please see the "RCR Orientation" section at http://www.gradschool.duke.edu/policies_and_forms/responsible_conduct_of_research/. Any students who cannot attend the appropriate RCR Orientation must contact Dr. Doug James at douglas.james@duke.edu or 919-681-3251 as soon as possible.
Last Updated (by wat@duke.edu): 08/20/2007