Breakfast & Check-in

Make a name tag and pick up your free Brown swag.
Time: 8:00-9:00 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Welcome to Graduate School

Welcoming words from Graduate School and University Leadership.
Time: 9:00-9:15 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Thriving at Brown for PhD & MFA Students (mandatory)

Meet members of the Graduate School leadership team who will share essential information for your academic journey at Brown. Topics include academic milestones, advising and key people to know in your department, the funding structure and stipend overview, resources and support.
Time: 9:15-10:00 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Wellness at Brown

This session provides an introduction and overview of wellness resources for graduate students. Meet representatives from Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, BWell Health Promotion, Recreation, Student Accessibility Services, and the Donovan Program for Recovery and Substance-Free Student Initiatives. Moderated by Maria E. Suarez, Associate Dean of Student Support Services for the Graduate School.
Time: 10:05-10:35 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Graduate Student Council (GSC) Panel

Representatives from the Graduate Student Council (GSC) will share information about representation and advocacy around campus and will speak about life as a graduate student at Brown.
Time: 10:40-11:10 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

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

Lunch

Time: 11:45 am - 1:00 pm | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall; Storm location: TBA

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 | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

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 | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Speed Networking for PhD & MFA Students

Participants will have the opportunity to gather together and exchange information through a series of brief, fun and interactive questions.
Time: 2:05-3:00 pm | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 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 | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Campus Tours

A one-hour tour of main campus led by graduate student peers. This tour will highlight the College Hill campus and visit more than twenty places crucial to your smooth transition to Brown life. You will gain knowledge of the locations, services, and firsthand users' experiences about those places from your peers.
Time: 3:45 pm | Meet in front of Sayles Hall 
(In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the tours would be cancelled.)

Breakfast & Check-in 

Please check in to get your ticket for lunch.
Time: 9:00-10:30 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall; Storm location: MacMillan 117

The First-Generation Graduate Student Experience at Brown

Hear from your fellow students on topics related to being a first-generation graduate student, such as talking to your family about your degree program and research and how to continue to support your family at a distance. Also learn more about Brown's U-FLi Center (Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income Student Center) and how to get involved.
Time: 10:00-10:30 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

How to Build Strong Advising and Mentoring Relationships (for PhD & MFA students)

Hear about strategies for finding and talking with potential faculty mentors, getting useful feedback, and building a strong advising team.
Time: 10:45 - 11:15 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

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: 11:20-11:50 am | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall or watch online via Zoom; Storm location: MacMillan 117

Grab & Go Lunch with Graduate Student Groups

Grab lunch and meet and chat with your fellow graduate students representatives from graduate student groups at Brown. Participating Graduate Student Groups will be announced over the summer. You must have registered for this event through All-Student Orientation registration.
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm | Tent outside of MacMillan Hall; Storm location: Kasper Auditorium, Campus Center

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

The Guild Beer Garden and Games

Join us at The Guild Beer Garden for cold beer or seltzers, lawn games, food trucks, and hangs! Free drink tickets for the first 100 people.
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm | 195 District Park (next to the Pedestrian Bridge) | Registration required.

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 students (K-12 +college) as well as adult groups think critically about the University and state histories. Tour is 60-90 minutes. Space is limited to 25 students per tour. Registration required: 11:00 tour or 4:00 pm tour
Location: Meet at the walkway between 85 Waterman & Arnold Lab

Resource Fair

Learn about resources and opportunities from representatives of offices and groups working with or serving graduate students. A list of participating offices, departments and student organizations will be available mid-August. See all the offices and organizations taking part in the Fair.
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm; 1:00-2:00 pm graduate student only hour | College Green (Rain location: OMAC)

Grad Student Skate Night

Roll with a fun night of skating at United Skates of America. Enjoy free rink admission, skate rentals, a slice of pizza, and a soft drink. United Skates of America is in East Providence and accessible via RIPTA bus lines 35/78, ride-share apps, and has free on-site parking.
Time: 8:00-10:00 pm | United Skates of America, 75 New Rd, Rumford, RI | Registration required.

Friday

Outdoor Yoga Class on the Nightingale-Brown House Lawn

Whether you are new to yoga or looking for a new studio to check out in Providence, graduate students of all abilities are encouraged to join us to connect with the graduate student community at Brown through yoga. This vinyasa style class will be taught by an instructor from Jala Studio and will last about 45 minutes. Students should bring their own mat or a blanket to practice on. Please bring a water bottle and dress comfortably. 
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm | Nightingale-Brown House Lawn | Registration required.

Grad Student Night at Dave & Busters

Incoming graduate students are invited to connect at our off-campus social event at Dave & Buster’s. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow graduate students, enjoy games, food, and celebrate the start of your journey at Brown in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm | Dave and Busters, 40 Providence Pl, Providence | Registration required.

Saturday

Field Day & Picnic

Join fellow incoming graduate students at the Graduate School Orientation Field Day. Enjoy picnic-style food and beverages while playing fun lawn games like cornhole, Spikeball, KanJam, and more. Come ready to play some games and soak up the sun!
Time: 2:00-5:00 pm | Pembroke Field | Registration required.

It’s Time for Some Wicked Good Soccer 

Come watch Providence’s premier AA soccer team, RIFC, beat the Charleston Battery FC at the new Centerville Bank Stadium!
Time: 7:00 pm | Centerville Bank Stadium, 200 Taft St, Pawtucket | Registration required.
 

Sunday

Kayaking

Come explore Providence by water, kayaking throughout the Providence River! This experience with Providence River Boat Company will provide you with beautiful views from the river that separates the East side and Downtown Providence. Enjoy the city’s rich architecture paddling through the Waterplace Park and over picturesque bridges. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen for this outdoor activity. No previous experience is required. 
Time: 3:00 or 4:00 pm | 101 Dyer St., Providence | Registration required: 3:00 pm tour or 4:00 pm tour