Graduate Student Welcome Week

Welcome to Tufts! All graduate students in the School of Arts & Sciences, the SMFA at Tufts, and the School of Engineering are invited to graduate welcome week! Whether you have a long history at Tufts or this is your first experience with us, being part of the vibrant life of the university outside the classroom and lab is a useful part of your next chapter. This welcome week, participate in Tufts traditions and join Student Life for a series of upbeat opportunities to meet people outside your department and check out everything the university has to offer. 

Graduate welcome week is in addition to the required orientations presented by each college and any required department or lab meetings for new students. Check out the academic orientations for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the SMFA at Tufts, and School of Engineering.

New Student Illumination Ceremony

Thursday August 28, 7:45 pm, Goddard Chapel Hill Area, Medford Campus

Come along with your fellow new graduate students and join new incoming undergraduate students for the annual welcoming Illumination Ceremony presented by the Tufts Chaplaincy. For new incoming graduate students only.

Student Life Orientation and Welcome

Thursday September 4, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts Center, Talbot Ave

Welcome to Tufts (not just your department)!  All new graduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences, the SMFA at Tufts, and the School of Engineering are invited to jump into their life outside academics!  Student Life Orientation will feature an opportunity to connect with graduate students outside your discipline plus fun mini sessions on all the things you want to know about life at Tufts outside your department.  Where are the best places to get lunch or hang out?  What are opportunities to get involved and meet people?  Do graduate students go to the gym?  What are fun things to do in the greater Boston area?  What are ways to set yourself up for personal success as you begin your graduate studies?  Whatever your previous chapters have been, Student Life is excited to welcome you to Tufts as you begin a new chapter!  Join us for an interactive session plus snacks, refreshments, and prizes.  For new incoming graduate students only. 

Insider Tour of Medford/Somerville Campus

Thursday September 4, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Depart from Cohen Auditorium, Aidekman Arts Center, Talbot Ave

Join this custom-designed tour of the Medford/Somerville campus for new graduate students.  Learn about campus traditions, get access to a graduate-student exclusive lounge, and check out options for workspace, social space, food, and fitness.  Tour guides are staff and experienced graduate students.  Open to AS&E graduate students only, including those based at the Fenway campus.  Those traveling from Fenway campus can take the SMFA shuttle for free or the MBTA green line. For new incoming graduate students only.

Insider Tour of Fenway Campus

Thursday September 4, Noon to 1 p.m., Meet in Atrium of 230 Fenway

Join this custom-designed tour of the Medford/Somerville campus for new graduate students.  Learn about the SMFA campus, including specialty studios, MFA access, the art store, and the media stockroom.  Tour guides are staff and experienced graduate students.  Open to AS&E graduate students only, including those based at the Medford/Somerville campus.  Those traveling from Medford/Somerville campus can take the SMFA shuttle for free or the MBTA green line. For new incoming graduate students only.

Graduate Student Bingo Extravaganza!

Friday September 5, 7 p.m., Joyce Cummings Center Ballrooms

Graduate students are welcome for a fun night of bingo with friends. Snacks and treats will be served. Come to win some great prizes! Open to all AS&E graduate students. 

GSC Student Organization’s Fair

Wednesday September 10, 4 to 6 p.m. Mayer Campus Center Upper Patio (Rain Location, Lobby), 44 Professors Row.

Join representatives from the GSC, Graduate Student Council to learn about the many different GSC student organizations and opportunities for involvement for graduate students. Open to all AS&E graduate students.

Graduate Student Interfaith Welcome Dinner

Wednesday, September 10, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Goddard Chapel (front lawn) 

Join the University Chaplaincy for dinner (featuring samosas and dumplings!) and an introduction to our graduate student groups and programs. Chaplains and fellow grad students will also share about resources available from the University Chaplaincy and upcoming fall events. Open to all AS&E graduate students. 

Grad Student Pub Night

Thursday September 11, 6 – 9 p.m., Hotung Café, Mayer Campus Center, 44 Professors Row

Join your fellow graduate students for an evening of conversation and fun at the first pub night of the year. Cash bar and snacks available. Open to all AS&E graduate students.