Information from the OSU Graduate School to get you started.
Welcome from the Graduate School
Hi [First Name],
Congratulations on your acceptance to Oregon State! We want to take a minute to introduce ourselves and give you the information you need to become part of Beaver Nation.
Oregon State University continues the essential activities of teaching and research while engaging in global and local efforts to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19.
We are planning for the fall term to be primarily on-site. You should expect to take classes in person. And if you are a graduate assistant, plan on teaching or performing your lab or fieldwork in person. (Although any in-person activity plans may need to change depending on the nature of the virus and other health authority guidance or requirements.)
Please familiarize yourself and follow OSU's vaccine guidance, face coverings policy, and testing procedures. Visit the OSU COVID website to learn more.
For answers to graduate student-specific questions, visit the FAQs on our website and check with your graduate program.
What is the Graduate School?
The Graduate School plays a vital role in your academic career. We act as an umbrella organization overseeing graduate programs at Oregon State. We track your degree progress and ensure you meet all degree requirements before graduating.
In addition to our administrative functions, our student success team hosts events and professional development opportunities, including Grad Welcome Week and orientation, leadership opportunities like our student advisory committee and ambassador program, Grad Appreciation Week, and more. Check out what we have to offer.
If you ever need help during your graduate career, please reach out to our office by calling us at 1-541-737-4881 or emailing graduate.school@oregonstate.edu.
Watch a welcome video from Dr. Philip Mote, Vice Provost and Graduate School Dean.
Important Dates
May 16
Registration for classes opens. Talk to your program about which classes to take and when to register. Registration stays open even after the term starts in case you are waiting for official transcripts. You'll need an ONID account to register. Visit the Registrar's website to learn how to register.
September 13–15
A week before school starts is Grad Welcome Week, a series of activities to get your graduate experience started off right. You will receive an invitation in the summer to attend. Grad Welcome Week includes orientation, library day and GTA training. Your program might also have orientation events around this time.
Oregon State has immunization requirements for domestic and international students. Please review the immunizations you are required to have.
Sexual assault prevention training
Have you completed the Sexual Assault Prevention for Adult Learners training? Students will receive an email with instructions.
Health insurance
If you've secured an assistantship, are an international student, or both, you will need to contact human resources to discuss which health insurance option is best for you. All graduate assistants must have some form of health insurance, and international students are required to have OSU insurance. Learn more about insurance:
Active duty service members and veterans should connect with Military and Veteran Resources to learn about any benefits.
International student arrival paperwork
You must submit all original documents specified in the letter of admission before the first term of registration, without exception.If you are in doubt about document requirements, please write to graduate.admissions@oregonstate.edu before you leave home. International students also have special arrival paperwork to complete. Be sure to check with the Office of International Services (OIS) for
international student arrival information.
Get all this information and more from our new student guide and admitted student checklist.
The most popular types of graduate funding are graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships. Other ways include student employment and financial aid. Talk to your graduate program to learn your options.
The Family Resource Center advocates for and provides quality programming and services to all OSU families with dependent care needs to support the academic, professional and personal growth and success of the whole person.
