Breakfast & Check-in

Make a name tag and pick up your free Brown swag.
Time: 8:00-9:00 am | Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: Salomon Center)

Welcome to Graduate School

Welcoming words from the Deans of the Graduate School and School of Professional Studies.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Belonging at Brown

Learn more about the programs and resources offered by Brown's campus centers. Build community, find support, and get involved.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Wellness at Brown

This session provides an introduction and overview of offices across campus that provide wellness support to graduate students. A panel made up of representatives from University Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Accessibility Services, the Ombuds Office, Brown Recreation, the Title IX Office and the Chaplains Office will provide information on their services and answer your questions.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Mandatory Session: Affirming our Values

Learn more about the U.S. learning culture and Brown's specific environments, with a focus on the Academic Code and community expectations.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Title IX Overview 

Learn about Title IX as it relates to your graduate student experience and Brown's campus culture of inclusion.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Bar-b-que Lunch with representatives from the Graduate Student Council

Time: 12:05-1:15 pm | Location: Simmons Quad (Storm location: Sharpe Refectory) 

Welcome from University Leadership

Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Mandatory Session: Thriving at Brown for PhD & MFA Students

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.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Career Exploration and Professional Development (for PhD & MFA students)

Professional development is an integral part of your experience as a graduate student. Learn more about offices at Brown that offer services and resources, including Center for Career Exploration and the Writing Center. The panel will feature students and staff members.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Break & Speed Networking for PhD & MFA Students

Time: 2:50-3:30 pm | Courtyard by MacMillan Hall

The Graduate Labor Organization (GLO): Brown Works Because We Do!

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: 3:35-4:05 pm | Location: MacMillan 115/117

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: Groups will leave every 5 minutes beginning at 4:05 pm | Location: Meet in front of Sayles Hall

Karaoke Night

Join your fellow grad students to unwind over drinks, snacks and singing along to some of your favorite songs! Registration requested.
Time: 8:00 pm | Location: Simmons Quad 

Breakfast & Check-in

Time: 8:30 - 9:30 am | Location: Courtyard by MacMillan Hall (Storm location: MacMillan Hall) 

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.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Graduate School PhD360 (for PhD & MFA students)

Your time at Brown is an opportunity to develop a 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.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

Getting to Know Rhode Island and Brown

Although it's the smallest state, Rhode Island has a lot to offer. Learn the basics about living in the Ocean State from current grad students, from finding necessities and getting around, to grabbing a bite and planning weekend outings.
Watch a recording of the session (look for the table of contents on the left side); must login with your Brown account.

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.

Watch a recording of the session.

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. Registration required.
Time: 11:45 am -1:30 pm| Location: Courtyard by MacMillan Hall 

Participating Graduate Student Groups:

• Brown Quantum Initiative
• Graduate Students of Color in STEM (GSOCnSTEM)
• Biomedical Engineering Board (BMEB)
• BioCON
• Brown Graduate Consulting Club
• Nabrit Black Graduate Student Association
• Brown Graduate Climbing Club
• Brown University Optics Society
• Latinx Graduate Collective
• Brown School of Public Health for Palestine

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

Grad Social at Narragansett Brewery

Join the Graduate School and the Division of Master’s & Professional Programs for a Grad Social at Narragansett Brewery. One free drink ticket, redeemable for either alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, will be available for the first 100 students and light appetizers will be served. Local beers will be on tap alongside non-alcoholic Providence favorites like Granny Squibb’s Ice Tea and Yacht Club Soda + Seltzer, as well as Athletic Brewing N/A Run Wild IPA.

You must bring a physical copy of your legal ID if you wish to consume alcohol at this event. Registration required.

Time: 5:00-7:00 pm | Location: Narragansett Brewery

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.
Times: 11:00 am or 1:00 pm | 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; 3:00-4:00 pm graduate student only hour | College Green (Rain date: September 20)

Paint & Sip

Painters of all skill levels are invited to join us for an evening of sipping and painting! This will be a great opportunity to create beautiful artwork and mingle. Space is limited to 50 students. Registration required.
Time: 7:00-9:30 pm | Location: Friedman Hall

Friday, August 30

Grad Community Outdoor Yoga Class

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. Space is limited. Registration required.
Time: 3:00 | Location: Nightingale-Brown House Lawn

Providence Bus Tour

A tour through the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital city. A guide will tell you the story of this special place and its most famous citizens. From America's first hero to the mafia to the mayor, this city is filled with intriguing tales. As we travel from College Hill to Federal Hill, and Brown University to the State House, you will admire the loveliest settings in the city, and discover places you will want to go back to and explore on your own. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. Cost is $10. Registration required.
Time: 4:00 pm | Location: Meet outside the Van Wickle Gates

Candlepin Bowling

Enjoy a New England tradition with candlepin bowling, drinks and snacks. Accessible from campus on the RIPTA R line (free to ride with your Brown ID). Registration required.
Time: 7:30-10:30 pm | Location: Breaktime Bowl and Bar, 999 Main St #1330, Pawtucket

Saturday, August 31

WaterFire Meetup

Join your fellow peers for a walk down the hill to experience Providence’s infamous Waterfire event. WaterFire is an award-winning art installation that includes fires floating atop the river, with various vendors from local restaurants who set up for the event. You’ll often see local music or dance groups perform as well. Registration requested.
Time: 7:00 pm | Location: Meet in Front of the Van Wickle Gates

Navigating Brown University Library Support for your Research and Teaching in the Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Subject librarians provide an overview of the Brown University Library and describe discipline-specific collections, special collections, and resources in this one-hour workshop with sessions for the Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Registration required.
Time: 1:00 pm | Location: Online