Graduate Summer Step

Sept. 8–10, 2026

Agenda

 

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 2026-2027 academic year 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.

 

  

2026 Agenda

Agenda subject to change

Tuesday, Sept. 8

  • 1 to 1:45 p.m. Housing check-in 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

Wednesday, Sept. 9

  • 9 to 9:45 a.m. Breakfast and welcome from Graduate Education leadership
  • 10 to 10:50 a.m. Seminar #2: Writing for different audiences as a graduate student
  • 11 to 11:50 a.m. Seminar #3: Finances and Graduate School
  • Noon to 2 p.m. Panel discussion, lunch and peer group time
  • 2 to 3 p.m. Untold Stories campus tour
  • 3 to 3:40 p.m. Peer group time with mentors
  • 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Seminar #4: Overcoming impostor syndrome
  • 5 to 7 p.m. Dinner and lawn games in the Memorial Union quad

Thursday, Sept. 10

  • 9 to 10 a.m. Breakfast with academic unit representatives
  • 10:15 to 11 a.m. Seminar #5: Graduate career building and transferable skills
  • 11 to 11:15 a.m. Group photos
  • 11:15 a.m. to noon. Closing remarks with peer mentors
  • Noon to 1 p.m. Optional campus tour from the Welcome Center

2026 agenda subject to change. For an accommodation related to a disability please contact Elise Hohensee at [email protected].

For any questions about the program, please contact us at [email protected].