Welcome to the Graduate School at Colorado State University! We are so pleased to have you join us for your graduate education.
Self-paced online orientation
Each semester, all in-person graduate students are automatically enrolled in the virtual Graduate School Orientation, hosted in Canvas. This self-paced course is your one-stop guide to high-level information on campus resources, policies, support systems, and expectations—available to you year-round. It’s designed to help you succeed from day one through graduation.
Orientation events for graduate students
Many departments host in-person orientations that provide specific information about your program. Please check with your department for dates and offerings.
Graduate Student Council (GSC) Grad Student Welcome
Join new graduate students at this in-person event, hosted by GSC on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Sutherland Gardens.
International Graduate Student Orientation
There is a mandatory orientation for graduate international students before the start of each semester.
Required Trainings for New Graduate Assistants
Seminar for New Graduate Teaching Assistants
In the ongoing effort to enhance the effectiveness of undergraduate teaching and learning at Colorado State University, the goal of this annual required GTA Training is to equip every incoming GTA with basic institutional knowledge about CSU, review current learning and teaching Best Practices, and introduce a wide variety of resources that will help further their career as a CSU graduate teaching assistant.
Training for Graduate Research Assistants funded by NIH, NSF, or USDA-FIFA
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows funded by NIH, NSF, or USDA-NIFA are required to take both online RCR training and an approved face-to-face research ethics course. Details in the Training Requirements section of the website linked below.
Key resources for graduate students
Build community
- Connect with graduate student organizations.
- Attend events, webinars, and trainings for graduate students.
- Meet graduate students and postdocs at the GradSpace.
Find Mentors
Connecting with a strong network of mentors will help you throughout your academic journey, research, and career development. Learn how we support mentors and mentees through the Graduate Center for Inclusive Mentoring (GCIM).
More tips in the Graduate School Orientation Module 5: Mentoring.
Prioritize your wellbeing
- Familiarize yourself with CSU’s Medical and Counseling Resources and your health care plan.
- Get started with CSU Health Network’s Steps for New Graduate Students website.
Find other resources and tips in the Graduate School Orientation Module 6: Mental and Physical Health.
Complete your degree
The Graduate Student Handbook is an essential reference throughout your degree. It includes information on deadlines, funding, resources, and thesis/dissertation requirements, and more.
Learn about other key resources in the Graduate School Orientation Module 1: Must Know Resources & 2: Requirements and Expectations.
Prepare for your next step
- Beyond Graduate School (for master’s students) and Beyond the Professoriate (for doctoral students) are virtual platforms available to help you explore careers and prepare for what’s next. Additional professional development opportunities are listed here.
Reach out with questions
The Graduate School is here to support your growth and connect you with our GradRam community. Take the time to get familiar with all the resources on campus, and remember, we’re here to help.
Welcome, you belong here!
- Contact the Graduate School, or stop by 108 Student Services during normal business hours.
- Connect on social media via Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.