Breakfast & Check-in

Make a name tag and pick up your free Brown swag.
Time: 8:00-9:00 am | Breakfast: Tent outside of MacMillan Hall | Check-in: MacMillan Hall Lobby

Welcome to Graduate School

Opening remarks and official welcome from President Christina H. Paxson and Dean of the Graduate School, David P. Lindstrom.
Time: 9:00-9:15 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Thriving at Brown for PhD & MFA Students (mandatory)

Meet the Graduate School leadership team and discover the essentials for a successful academic journey. This session covers critical milestones, navigating departmental advising, an overview of Ph.D. funding and stipends, and the key resources available to support your personal and professional growth at Brown.
Time: 9:15-10:00 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Wellness at Brown

This session offers an introduction to the essential health and wellness resources available to graduate students at Brown. Connect with campus representatives from student health services, counseling and mental health support, health promotion and wellness advocacy, campus recreation, accessibility services, and spiritual and community care. Students will also learn about confidential conflict-resolution resources.
Time: 10:05-10:35 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Graduate Student Council (GSC) Panel

Join members of the Graduate Student Council (GSC) for an introduction to student advocacy and governance at Brown. This session highlights how the GSC represents your voice on campus and offers practical insights into navigating life as a Brown graduate student.
Time: 10:40-11:10 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Policy Overview: Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment (mandatory)

Lunch

Take a break to grab a bagged lunch outside the tent. Use this time to refuel, stretch your legs, and review the afternoon schedule. Dietary restriction options will be available at the designated pickup tables.

Time: 11:45 am - 1:00 pm | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall

Affirming our Values (mandatory)

Learn more about the U.S. learning culture and Brown's specific environments, with a focus on the Academic Code and community expectations.
Time: 1:00-1:30 pm | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Graduate School PhD360

Your time at Brown is an opportunity to develop depth of expertise and a breadth of skills that can expand your professional possibilities. This session will highlight a few of the many opportunities offered by the Graduate School to help doctoral and MFA students thrive. Programs highlighted include Brown Executive Scholar Training (BEST), Open Graduate Education, Research Matters, Doctoral Certificates, and Brown-Wheaton Faculty Fellows.
Time: 1:35-2:05 pm | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Speed Networking for PhD & MFA Students

Connect and mingle through a series of fast-paced, interactive icebreakers! This high-energy session is designed to help you exchange ideas, share stories, and spark new friendships in a fun, relaxed setting. Led by Graduate Assistants.
Time: 2:05-3:00 pm | MacMillan Hall 117

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) Introduction

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO) is the union of graduate student employees at Brown University. As researchers, teachers, and mentors at Brown, graduate workers are vital to the everyday working of the university. Through collective bargaining and collective action, we advocate for the needs of a diverse student body, organize for improved working conditions, fight against discrimination in all its forms, and nurture a caring community that supports the personal and professional lives of all student workers.
Time: 3:00-3:30 pm | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Canceled: Campus Tours

Discover your new home at Brown with a one-hour campus tour led by fellow graduate students. You’ll get an insider’s look at more than twenty essential spots designed to help you transition smoothly into life at Brown. Registration is highly recommended. (Note: If you can't make this session, tours are also available during International Orientation.)
Time: 3:45 pm | Meet in front of Sayles Hall - likely will be cancelled due to rain
(In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the tours would be cancelled.)

Breakfast & Check-in 

Kick off your second day of orientation by connecting with your peers. Stop by to enjoy a light breakfast before the day's sessions begin.
Time: 9:00-10:30 am | Breakfast: Tent outside of MacMillan Hall | Check-in: MacMillan Hall Lobby

The First-Generation Graduate Student Experience at Brown

Hear from fellow first-generation graduate students to discuss navigating advanced degree programs. Panelists will share personal insights on communicating research to family members, maintaining long-distance support systems, and balancing academic life. You will also discover resources at Brown’s U-FLi Center (Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income Student Center) and learn how to get involved with the community.
Time: 10:00-10:30 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Building Strong Advising and Mentoring Relationships (for PhD & MFA students)

Discover actionable strategies for identifying and approaching potential mentors. Learn how to solicit constructive feedback, establish clear expectations, and cultivate a robust, supportive advising network that will anchor your academic journey.
Time: 10:35 - 11:10 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Key Partners in Professional Development

Professional development is an integral part of your graduate student experience. Learn about key partners at Brown who work with graduate students in ways that support skill-building, interdisciplinary connections, and career exploration.
Time: 11:15-11:50 am | MacMillan Hall 117 or watch online via Zoom

Grab & Go Lunch with Graduate Student Groups

Discover your community at Brown! All incoming PhD and MFA students are invited to connect with Brown's vibrant graduate student organizations over lunch. This event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the wide range of graduate student communities on campus and find where you belong.
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm | Moving to rain location: Sayles Hall

Open Hours: Complete your I-9 Form

Stop by the Brown Business Center with the required documents to complete your I-9 form in order to receive your first-year supplemental fellowship payment and first stipend payment.
Time: 12:30-3:00 pm | Page-Robinson Hall, Room 213

Pizza in the Park

Sunshine, Snacks, Laughter, and Chill Vibes! Come hang out with other incoming grad students for a super relaxed evening outdoors at India Point Park. Enjoy a casual space to wind down, grab a slice of local Providence pizza, and meet people by the water. We’ll play some games and have great conversations, but definitely bring your own picnic blanket, and good energy. Come hungry! Registration required.
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 pm | India Point Park - may be cancelled due to rain.

Slavery & Legacy Walking Tours

This tour examines the history behind Brown University, the State of Rhode Island and their roles in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The tours help graduate students think critically about the University and state histories. Tour is 60-90 minutes. Space is limited to 25 students per tour. Registration required: 4:00 pm tour (11:00 tour is cancelled due to weather)
Location: Meet at the walkway between 85 Waterman & Arnold Lab

Resource Fair

Connect with representatives from across campus on the College Green! Discover essential resources, professional opportunities, and community groups dedicated to supporting graduate students. Stop by to meet university offices, academic departments, and student organizations ready to help you thrive. See the full list of participants.
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm; 1:00-2:00 pm graduate student only hour | College Green (Rain location: Olney-Margolies Athletic Center)

Skate Night

Roll into your graduate journey with a fun night of skating at United Skates of America! Enjoy free rink admission, roller skate rentals, a slice of pizza, and a soft drink. This event is limited to the first 60 incoming graduate students that RSVP. Once all spots are filled, students will be let off the waitlist based on availability. The venue is accessible via RIPTA bus lines 35 & 78, ride-share apps, or free on-site parking. Registration required.
Time: 8:00-10:30 pm | United Skates of America, 75 New Rd, Rumford (East Providence)

Friday, September 4

Scavenger Hunt

Kick off your time at Brown by exploring campus with your new cohort! In this team photo scavenger hunt, groups race to find iconic landmarks, sculptures, and hidden gems (hint: attending a campus tour could be helpful). Bring your phone, and get to know campus and each other before classes begin. Light refreshments provided at the finish. Most points wins bragging rights! Registration required.
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am | Location: Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center - under the arch

Saturday, September 5

Yoga

Join fellow graduate students from across Brown for a free outdoor yoga session on the Ittleson Quad. Whether you are completely new to yoga or already have some experience, students of all ability levels are welcome. This beginner-friendly, 60-minute session will be led by an instructor from Nelson Fitness Center and is a great opportunity to relax, move, and connect with the graduate student community. Please bring a water bottle and dress comfortably. Yoga mats will be provided. Registration required.
Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am | Location: Ittleson Quad 

Sunday, September 6

Day-trip to Newport

Join us for a scenic ferry ride to Newport, a must-see Rhode Island destination! Famous for its stunning beaches and historic Gilded Age mansions, Newport offers plenty to explore. Spend your day strolling along the iconic Cliff Walk, visiting the Norman Bird Sanctuary, or indulging in traditional New England favorites like classic clam chowder and lobster rolls. Registration required.

• Arrival at the Ferry Terminal: 8:15 am
• Ferry Departure: 9:00 am
• Return Ferry: 5:30 PM ferry back from Newport.

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, food, and fun at your own pace! Capacity: 100
Location: Seastreak Ferry Terminal, 25 Portugal Parkway, Providence

WaterFire Meetup

Join your peers for a scenic walk down the hill to experience Providence’s renowned WaterFire event! WaterFire is an award-winning art installation featuring beautiful bonfires floating right on the river. As you stroll along the water, you can grab a bite from local restaurant vendors and enjoy live performances by local musicians and dance groups. Registration requested.
Time: 7:00 pm | Location: Meet inside the VanWickle Gates