Orientation
Orientation for our graduate students involves a series of events and programs hosted by diverse campus partners in addition to several program/department-level orientation events.
Orientation for International Students – August 25–September 28
Whether this is your first time in Canada or you've been here before, your first year at Western will bring new experiences. Western International's hybrid orientation offers virtual info sessions and fun in-person social events to help you meet people and feel welcome.
Find more information and the full schedule of programming here.
Location: Online & In-Person
Hosted by: Western International
Student Experience Graduate Student Orientation & Welcome – September 2
Time: Choose either 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. OR 1:30 - 4 p.m.
Location: North Campus Building, Room 101
Welcome to Western! Hear from Student Experience, SGPS, SOGS, and PSAC 610. Meet fellow students and learn how to make the most of grad school.
Grad Life Coaching Office Hours – September 3 & 5
September 3: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
September 5: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Talk with Meghan O'Hara (Program Specialist, Graduate Student Life) about transitioning into grad school, wellness, leadership, and more. Coaching helps you make a plan and connect with campus supports.
Note: Not a counselling service.
Graduate Student Campus Walking Tour – September 4 & 5
Time: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Meet outside: Western Student Services Building
Join Meghan O'Hara (Program Specialist, Graduate Student Life) to explore campus landmarks and learn about student resources.
Black Student Welcome – September 4
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Great Hall, Somerville House
The Black Student Welcome 2025 is open to all Black-identifying undergraduate and graduate students. Don't miss out on this empowering start to the 2025-26 school year!
Learn more about the wide range of supports and resources available at Western and in our local community. Whether you're a first-year Black student or a graduate student returning to campus, come learn how you can thrive at Western. This event is the perfect chance to meet other Black students on campus, learn about resources available to you and get involved in the community.
Hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with Student Experience and Housing & Ancillary Services.
2SLGBTQIA+ Student Welcome – September 5
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Alumni Commons, Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Welcome 2025 is open to all 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying undergraduate and graduate students. Don't miss out on this empowering start to the 2025-26 school year!
Learn more about the wide range of supports and resources available at Western and in our local community. Whether you're a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in your first year or a graduate student returning to campus, come learn how you can thrive at Western. This event is the perfect chance to meet other members of 2SLGBTQIA+ community on campus, learn about resources available to you and get involved in the community.
Hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with Student Experience and Housing & Ancillary Services.
Graduate Student Library Tours – September 8 & 16
September 8: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
September 16: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Meet inside the entrance of Weldon Library to tour Weldon and Taylor libraries and discover available services.
Thriving in Graduate School – September 9 (Virtual)
Time: 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Maggie Kubow, Graduate Programmer & Senior Writing Advisor
Learn strategies for motivation, time management, anxiety, writing, and well-being.
Campus Resource Fair – September 10
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: UCC Atrium
Open to all students! Meet representatives from Careers & Experience, Accessible Education, the Writing Support Centre, and many more to learn how to access supports and services.
Muslim Student Welcome – September 10
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Great Hall, Somerville House
The Muslim Student Welcome 2025 is open to all Muslim-identifying undergraduate and graduate students. Don't miss out on this empowering start to the 2025-26 school year!
Learn more about the wide range of supports and resources available at Western and in our local community. Whether you’re a member of the Muslim community in your first year or returning to campus as a graduate student, we invite you to join us and learn how you can thrive at Western. This event is the perfect chance to meet other members of the Muslim community on campus, learn about resources available to you and get involved in the community.
There will be additional prayer spaces available during the day.
Hosted by the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with the Muslim Students' Association, Student Experience and Housing & Ancillary Services.
Panel: Navigating AI as a Grad Student – September 18
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Weldon Community Room
Join a panel of campus experts and grad students as they explore how AI intersects with your studies, research, and well-being.
Panelists include: David Feeney, Career Coach; Nigel Garnaitis, Mental Health Counsellor; Carson Johnston, PhD Student; and Ehsan Ur Rahman Mohammed, PhD Student
Register hereMaking Friends in Grad School – September 19
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: UCC 147
Learn practical strategies to build friendships and community in grad school.
Offered with the Wellness & Well-Being team.
Supporting Safer Classrooms – September 23
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: UCC 147
Develop skills in empathy, boundary-setting, and intervention to create safer classrooms.
Offered with the Wellness & Well-being team.
Supporting Safer Professional Practice – September 24
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: UCC 147
Learn strategies for creating safer professional environments.
Offered with the Wellness & Well-being team.
There are many more events offered throughout early Fall that would be of interest to new graduate students and would help you connect with the campus community! Keep an eye on this page for additional events.
GradLife 101 - online orientation modules
Beginning in mid-August, all new graduate students are added to GradLife 101, a self-guided online resource hosted on OWL Brightspace. Topics include navigating grad school, finances, well-being, and tips for thriving at Western and in London, Ontario.
Centre for Teaching and Learning
Learn about TA programming, including the Western Certificate of University Teaching and Learning , on the TA Teams webpage.
Register for programs in Connect! All CTL programs can be registered for in Connect. Look at our website for typical offering times.
Join our mailing list to receive program announcements and follow us on LinkedIn (Centre for Teaching and Learning - Western University) and X/Twitter (@westernuCTL).
Upcoming programs include Teaching in the Canadian Classroom, The Teaching Assistant Training Program, Fall Perspectives, TA Day and many more to come!
Any questions? You can email ctl@uwo.ca or come visit us on the second floor of Weldon Library in suite 200.
