Grad Summer Step is a two-and-a-half-day, pre-fall term event hosted by the Office of Graduate Education to support newly admitted graduate students.
This event supports the acclimation and success of graduate students who identify with historically marginalized communities. It is not necessary to be a member of a historically marginalized community to attend. Any degree-seeking graduate student who has been newly admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year through the domestic student application is eligible to participate and welcome to apply.
The event takes place prior to Grad Welcome Week activities and complements other orientation activities. Office of Graduate Education staff, along with faculty, staff, and peer graduate leaders, will facilitate the event to meet the goals as described below.
Please contact Ashleigh Anderson ([email protected]) if you have questions about your participation in the event.
Goals
The goals of the Graduate Summer Step program are to support newly admitted graduate students in the following ways:
- Navigating and acclimating to Oregon, Corvallis, and Oregon State University
- Networking with faculty, staff, and peers across the institution and within their graduate programs to establish community and early connections
- Developing skills and knowledge for academic, research, and personal success
- Engaging in and planning for ongoing professional development
Play the following video to learn more about Grad Summer Step.
2025 Agenda
Subject to change.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
- 1 to 1:45 p.m. Housing check-in at McNary Service Center for those staying on campus
- 2 to 3 p.m. Welcome and overview of the program
- 3 to 4 p.m. Seminar #1: Thriving in graduate school
- 4 to 5 p.m. Meet you peer mentor and group members
- 5 to 6 p.m. Pizza and bowling at the Memorial Union with peer mentors
Thursday, Sept. 11
- 9 to 9:45 a.m. Breakfast and welcome from the Dean
- 10 to 10:50 a.m. Seminar #2: Writing for different audiences as a graduate student
- 11 to 11:50 a.m. Seminar #3: Diversity and Cultural Engagement (DCE) offerings
- Noon to 2 p.m. Panel discussion, lunch and peer group time
- 2 to 3 p.m. Untold Stories campus tour
- 3 to 4 p.m. Seminar #4: Overcoming impostor syndrome
- 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Peer group time with mentors
- 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner and lawn games in the Memorial Union quad
Friday, Sept. 12
- 9 to 10 a.m. Breakfast with academic unit representative
- 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Seminar #5: Graduate career building and transferable skills
- 11:15 a.m. to noon. Peer group time with mentors
- Noon to 1 p.m. Closing lunch with peer mentors
- 1 to 1:15 p.m. Group photos with participants and peer mentors
- 1:30 p.m. Optional campus tour from the Welcome Center
2025 agenda subject to change. For any questions about the program, please contact us at [email protected].