After You Arrive

Student to Student

Adjusting to Your Department

Orientation Events

Graduate Program Orientations

It's very important for you to attend your graduate program's New Student Orientation and/or welcome program. If you do not know when it will be held, contact your program directly.

Attend Rackham's New Graduate Student Orientation and Resource Fair

Friday, August 29, 2008, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Several activities are planned to welcome you to the University! Attend the official welcome ceremony and hear from Provost Teresa A. Sullivan and Vice Provost and Dean, Janet A. Weiss.

A panel of graduate students will share their experiences on transitioning into grad school and tips on things they wish they had known. A comprehensive Resource Fair will provide information about University services, student organizations, and resources in the local community.

First Few Days

Visit Your Graduate Program

Initiate a meeting with your program's graduate coordinator (an individual who is assigned to provide specific program advice and support) and your advisor. Although your graduate program has people to assist you, it is your responsibility to be aware of graduate policies and deadlines. Make sure you understand your graduate program's expectations of you. View the list of graduate programs under Rackham.

Get Your Student Identification Card

It's a must! The University's student ID card, called Mcard, gives you access to library borrowing privileges, campus buildings, and as well an ATM/debit card, all in one card.

Learn How to Use Wolverine Access

Get real-time access to your official student records and learn how to enroll in classes, check hold status, find term grades, verify term grades, check financial aid status, and much more.

Determine Your Schedule of Classes

Search for classes online.

Tips on Mentoring and Being Mentored

Here is information on how to establish a successful relationship with your advisor.

Get Connected: Computing Resources

Sign up for your free e-mail account. The ITCS Accounts Office can assist with computing accounts, subscriptions, uniqnames, passwords, and billing inquiries regarding ITCS services.

Visit Any of Our Outstanding Libraries

The University of Michigan has one of the most comprehensive libraries right here on campus! Here's a list of the University's libraries and major independent libraries.

Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA)

You can ride for free with your student ID card. This site also provides information on public transit routes in and around Ann Arbor.

Campus Parking and Transportation Services

Check here for campus bus schedules and parking options.

Mid-Semester

Student to Student

Your Advisors and Mentors

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

CSCAR (Center for Statistical Consultation and Research)

Get professional assistance when your research requires statistical data. CSCAR offers workshops and seminars on how to properly present information in your research. There is a fee for these workshops.

Sweetland Writing Center

The Sweetland Writing Center offers free, individual writing conferences for graduate students who are working on course papers, conference presentations, proposals, resumes, and other writing for academic or employment purposes.

GradTools

A special set of tools to help Rackham doctoral students as they work toward their degrees. The unique feature of GradTools is the Dissertation Checklist, which presents the process for completing the doctoral degree in one personalized view.

WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS

Thesis/Dissertation & Graduation Seminars

It's not too early! Rackham offers several workshops that will help you with writing your thesis or dissertation.

TRAVEL AND GRANT INFORMATION

Travel Grants

Need money to attend a professional conference where you will be presenting your research?

Research Grants

The Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant is designed to support Rackham students who need assistance to carry out research that advances their progress toward their degree.


Graduate Student Affairs

Graduate Student Affairs is dedicated to providing students with the support they need at each stage of their graduate experience. We offer a wide range of programs and workshops throughout the year. These are designed to enhance graduate education outside the classroom, featuring such topics as time management, the academic and nonacademic job search, and dealing effectively with a dissertation committee. We provide individual support and advocate for policies and programs that best help students meet their educational goals. Sometimes certain questions or concerns arise for graduate students and they wish to seek confidential advice from a person outside their departments. The Rackham Conflict Resolution Officer and the Director of Graduate Student Affairs are available for private meetings whenever needed. Students also can look to Rackham for social events during which they can meet other graduate students from a wide spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds. Our office also provides a variety of on-line resources and publications that will help students navigate policies, find an organization, and stay informed about the many events on our campus.

Your graduate student experience is important to us. Please contact Graduate Student Affairs if we can answer any questions or to find out more about our services.