Orientation
Welcome! On this page you will find information related to orientation at Queen’s. Not all graduate programs will be on campus this Fall (speak to your program graduate assistant for details), and not all students will be able to get to Kingston, which is why we are running virtual orientation events to help you get the information you need to start your graduate journey. Details about live webinars, online modules, and pre-recorded videos that will be available this summer are listed below. Updates will be made as dates and resources are confirmed. In the mean time you may also wish to look at our “Did you know..?” and “How to…” fact sheets – all devoted to ensuring you have access to the information you need for a smooth transition to the new academic year!
This page will be revised throughout the summer as some topics and dates may change, so keep checking in for the most up to date information.
Informational Videos
Introducing our Video Series
| Topics & YouTube Links | Description of video | Host |
|---|---|---|
| This brief video introduces you to the Know Your Services Video Series and what you can expect to learn by watching the videos | SGPS | |
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In order to effectively navigate these videos it might be good to first orientate yourself with some of the many acronyms at Queen's! |
SGS |
Funding and Work
| Topics & YouTube Links | Description of video | Host |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to the Stream Funding and Work |
SGPS | |
|
Linda Schmalz from the Registrar' Office at Queen's University explains how graduate students can pay their fees. She unpacks how to navigate Solus, how to understand your fee statement and how to pay your fees using options such as the preauthorized payment plan (PPL), paying online, and submitting sponsorship letters. |
Registrars Office | |
|
Colette Steer (School of Graduate Studies) explains what a funding package is, who gets them and how they are disbursed. She also notes some options for complementary funding. |
SGS | |
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Sandra McFadden discusses the Financial Aid Programs available through the Student Awards Office at Queen's University. She gives information on student assistant resources, the Queen's General Bursary, and the Queen's Work Study Program |
Student Awards Office | |
|
Kristen Spong (Mitacs) explains what Mitacs is and how students can benefit from and apply for one of their three main funding programs: Accelerate, Elevate and Globallink |
Mitacs | |
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Tamara Mitterer from the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) discusses how the SGPS financials work as well as some of the emergency funding options that are available through the SGPS to graduate students. |
SGPS | |
| Carli Fik (Career Services) notes how career services helps students to find work opportunities on job boards, to think about their future career trajectory through consultations with career experts, and to develop their skills using online resources and workshops | Career Services | |
| Chris Lambert (KEYS) talks about the free services KEYS offers including resume advice, workshop and networking opportunities and an international graduate internship program - all designed to help graduate students find work | KEYS | |
| Arthur Chen (QUIC) discusses visas as well as work restriction on and off campus for international graduate students | QUIC | |
|
Amanda Guarino, an alumni, discusses how services available at Queen's University helped her to secure work in a job she loves |
Alumni |
Looking After Yourself
| Topics & YouTube Links | Description of video | Host |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to the stream Looking after yourself |
SGPS | |
| Andria Burke (SGPS) explains who the SGPS is and focuses on how your health and dental plan is structured, looking in particular at the SGPS Health and Dental Plan. She notes how you can see if you have been accessed for the plan, how to enrol family members and what coverage is included. | SGPS | |
| Amanda Gray (QUIC) explains who QUIC is and the services they provide, what International Student Immigration Advisors do, how to acces the International Student Guidebook, some of the workshops and activities they host including English conversation groups and Intercultural Training. Amanda also discusses the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) and what is included in this primary health insurance plan for international students. | QUIC | |
| Arunima Khanna (Student Wellness) explains how to access nurses and doctors at Queen's as well as the various counselling, workshop, and self-help services that are available through the university. | Student Wellness Services | |
| Jessica Bertrand and Kim Gascoigne (Hospitality Services) talk about meal plans, food locations and food resources on campus as well as how to navigate food safely on campus as well as resources for those with special dietary needs. | Hospitality Services | |
|
Colette Steer (SGS) highlights the importance of building your own graduate community and offers some suggestions to do just that for both you and your family. |
SGS | |
| Madison Danford (SGPS) explains how you and your loved ones can stay active at Queen's and in Kingston. She talks about the virtual running and active clubs, the Athletics Recreation Centre Summer Digital Series, hiking and walking opportunities, as well as where to kayak, swim, climb, play tennis or do yoga! | SGPS | |
| Rose Conlin (SGPS) looks at how you can stay social at Queen's including the SGPS' orientation events, access to Queen's E-sports, attending the Isabelle Bader Theatre or the Agnes Gallery. She also touches on unique Kingston events like Art After Dark and the Fall Promenade and social activities like weekly board game nights, arcade games, art activities, and the city's rich night scene. | SGPS | |
| Fifi Haile (SGPS) unpacks the resources available on campus and in Kingston for those who are looking for equity spaces and services at Queen's | SGPS | |
| The Equity Office Services | Vanessa Yzaguirre (Equity Office) gives an overview of the services that the Equity Office provides to students at Queen's. She notes the main branches of the Equity Office which include: Human Rights Advisory Services; Equity Services; Sexual Violence, Prevention and Response; as well as the Accessibilty Hub. | Human Rights & Equity Office |
| Ban Righ and their student advisors introduce who they are and the services they provide to mature women and those with children. They talk about emergency funds, the Spring Awards, and how they build community through respect and inclusivity | Ban Righ Centre |
Thriving as a Grad Student
| Topics & YouTube Links | Description of video | Host |
|---|---|---|
|
Introduction to the Stream "Thriving as a Grad student" |
SGPS | |
|
Colette Steer (SGS) explains the purpose of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS, its role to support your academic success). |
SGS | |
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Colette Steer (SGS) explains when working towards attaining your degree how you can make the most of opportunities that come your way, know how and who to reach out to for help and ultimately, feel a strong sense of accomplishment both academically, professionally and personally. |
SGS | |
| Agnieszka Herra (SASS) explains some of the skills graduates are expected to develop and how SASS can help you do so. She notes SASS' online resources, workshops and drop-in appointments. | SASS | |
| Nevana (CTL) explains all of the resources that are available through the Centre for Teaching and Learning. These include the Transforming Teaching Toolkit as well as CTL Workshop, Seminars, Webinars and Courses. | CTL | |
| Mary Kemp (ITS) talks about the various tools available to you through IT Services including online and phone tech support. Mary notes how to access university resources using your NetID, the variety of software offerings that are available to you as a student, and the numerous phone apps you can use too | ITS | |
| Anthony Lomax (SGPS) talks about student governance and the ways in which you can get involved with the SGPS. He notes how you can get involved in the SGPS as members, council representatives, commissioners, student senators, trustees and executives. | SGPS | |
| Courtney Bannerman (SGPS) talks about the Graduate Peer Support Centre and the Peer Academic Advisors. | SGPS | |
| Paige Van Tassel (SGPS) talks about resources available to Indigenous Students at Queen's University and in the wider Kingston Community. These include the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre other relevant Queen's clubs and groups. | SGPS | |
| Claudia Hirtenfelder (SGPS) highlights some of the important group and services available to international graduate students on campus | SGPS | |
| Get Involved in an AMS Club! | The AMS explains how you can get involved in one of Queen's 275 odd clubs. Check out the Clubs Map and Clubs Directory Tools to help you navigate what clubs might interest you. Also learn how to start your own club as well as how to get some bursary money for club events. | AMS |
Summer Webinars & Online Modules
June 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 17th June at 9:00am EDT |
Information and Q&A for Incoming International Students |
School of Graduate Studies (SGS), QUIC & SGPS |
Webinar (please refer to the Summer-Fall2020 page for updates following the Q&A - Section 6) |
| Wednesday 24th June at 10:00am EDT | Study Permit Information Session Join the International Student Advisors to learn about applying for study permit. This session will focus on answering the following questions: • Do I need Study Permit • Do I need visa • How to apply • When to apply The International Student Advisers at the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) will help and answer any questions you may have. |
International Student Advisors from QUIC |
Webinar (Registration is closed)
|
July 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 13th at 11am EDT | Preparations for Starting Grad School Registration, fees, payment plan, photo ID and more. What you need to do before you can start you graduate degree. |
School of Graduate Studies (SGS) |
Webinar (Registration is closed)
|
| July 15th at 10:00am EDT | Off Campus: Finding a place to live for International Students Join the International Student Advisors and Student Community Relations to learn about housing. This session will focus on answering the following questions:
|
QUIC |
Webinar (Registration is closed) |
| July 15th at 2:00pm EDT | Academic Success and Wellness Webinar Have your questions about Academic Success and Wellness at university answered by Dr. Ian Garner from Student Academic Success Services and Beth Blackett of Health from Health Promotion! |
Student Wellness Services & Student Academic Success Services |
Webinar (Registration is closed)
|
| July 16th at 2:00pm EDT | Working ON/OFF Campus with a Study Permit The International Student Advisors will provide you with an overview of Canadian Immigration Regulations and Policies related to working in Canada for international students, including:
|
QUIC |
Webinar (Registration is closed)
|
| July 20th at 11am EDT | Living in Kingston If you want to know more about what the city has to offer and the multitude of services, organizations, museums, summer activities are available to you and your family, then this webinar will help. Get information on where graduate students choose to live, rental issues to be aware of, fun activities and information for the whole family. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Webinar (Registration is closed)
|
| July 21st at 9am EDT | Live Zoom Q&A for Incoming and Current International Students Join Dean Fahim Quadir and speakers from Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS) for important information for international students. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about visas and permits, health insurance, funding, Teaching Assistant positions, university operations, about life in Kingston and Canada, and more. All questions are welcome. |
School of Graduate Studies, Queen's University International Centre, the Society of Graduate & Professional Students |
Webinar (please refer to the Summer-Fall2020 page for updates following the Q&A - Section 6) |
| July 21st at 2:00pm EDT | Arriving in Canada During Covid-19 If you’re an international student, getting to Queen’s may include going through a port of entry or crossing the Canadian border. We will be talking about Covid-19 and things to consider when traveling: • What are travel restrictions? |
International Advisors - QUIC |
Webinar (Registration is closed) |
| July 22nd at 11am EDT |
Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) |
QSAS |
Webinar (Registration is closed) |
| July 30th at 11am EDT |
Ask an Advisor with Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) |
QUIC & ISKA |
QUIC Facebook Live session & Zoom (Registration is closed) |
August 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available Now | Academic Integrity Academic Integrity means the practice of honest and responsible scholarship. It’s a key part of everything we do at university. It is your responsibility to adhere to the principles of academic integrity |
Student Academic Services | Online Module |
| Throughout August |
International students |
QUIC | Go to the QUIC website orientation pages |
| Throughout August |
Social Activities and Mixers by the SGPS |
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) |
Online |
| August 6th at 11am EDT | Ask an Advisor – UHIP Health Insurance (for international students) International Student Advisors will host a Q&A session with the UHIP Administrator to answer your Health Insurance related questions. |
Steacy Tibbutt (QUIC) |
QUIC Facebook Live Session & Zoom (Registration is closed) |
| August 12th at 10:00am EDT | Working ON/OFF Campus with a Study Permit The International Student Advisors will provide you with an overview of Canadian Immigration Regulations and Policies related to working in Canada for international students, including:
|
QUIC |
Webinar (Registration is closed) |
| 18th August (12pm-1:30pm) | Effective Communication With your Supervisor The relationship between graduate student and supervisor is one of the most critical parts of a graduate student’s life and building and nurturing this relationship depends in part on open and mutually respectful communication. Graduate students share responsibility with the supervisor for maintaining direct, frequent, and clear communications and this workshop provides some tips on how to nurture an effective supervisory-student relationship. |
School of Graduate Studies and Student Wellness Services |
Online Workshop (closed) |
| August 19th (10:00am EDT) | Arriving in Canada During Covid-19 If you’re an international student, getting to Queen’s may include going through a port of entry or crossing the Canadian border. We will be talking about Covid-19 and things to consider when traveling: • What are travel restrictions? |
International Advisors - QUIC |
Webinar (Closed) |
| 20th August (1pm - 2pm) | Tips on Applying For Scholarships - SSHRC This session will provide information about what makes an application stand out, what sells and what doesn’t, and how best to present your research. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Webinar (closed) |
| 25th August (2pm - 3.30pm) | Jump Start Your Career Explore and envision yourself in diverse career paths, including academia, industry, government, private and public sectors. Develop strategies and apply planning tools to determine what career path to take and how to navigate it. |
School of Graduate Studies and Career Services |
Online Workshop (Closed) |
| 26th August (1pm - 2pm) | Tips on Applying For Scholarships - NSERC This session will provide information about what makes an application stand out, what sells and what doesn’t, and how best to present your research. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Webinar (Closed) |
| 27th August (1pm - 2pm) | Tips on Applying For Scholarships - CIHR This session will provide information about what makes an application stand out, what sells and what doesn’t, and how best to present your research. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Webinar (Closed) |
September 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout September |
Social Activities and Mixers by the SGPS & your graduate program |
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) OR your Graduate Program's Social committee | See SGPS event calendar or consult with your program |
| Aug 31st - 4th Sept |
Remote Teaching Development Week Remote TD Week will provide a professional development opportunity for educators to engage in a wide variety of topics, from teaching your first seminar or lab, to technology tips for using onQ. This year, many of our topics will focus on transitioning into a remote learning environment – a teaching and learning environment that will be new to instructors, TAs, and students. What will the structure of Remote TD Week look like? Instead of a single day, Remote TD Week will be a hybrid of online resources and videos, as well as live webinars throughout the week. Most resources and recorded webinars will be available online for you to access throughout the Fall 2020 term when you need them the most. More information and Schedule of events available now (Typically takes place on the Wednesday of Orientation Week and will bring together students, faculty, and other teaching staff from across disciplines to focus on wellness in teaching and learning.). |
Centre for Teaching & Learning |
Webinars and online videos & resources |
| 1st September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Funding and Work Q&A 1 hour Session After watching the series of videos on Funding & Work, if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
SGPS |
Webinar |
| 2nd September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Looking After Yourselves and Loved Ones Q&A 1 hour Session After watching the series of videos on Looking After Yourself & Loved Ones, if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
SGPS |
Webinar |
| 3rd September (9am - 10am) | Meet the Deans The Dean and Associate Deans would like to say hi and explain their roles and the role of the School of Graduate Studies. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Online chat (Closed) |
| 3rd September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Thriving as Graduate Student Q&A 1 hour Session After watching the series of videos on Thriving as a Grad Student, if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
SGPS |
Webinar |
| 4th September | Program Specific Orientations Contact your Program Graduate Assistant and find out what they have planned. They may have other dates to be aware of too. |
Ask your Graduate Program | Consult your program |
| Labour Day Weekend - 5th -7th | Program Social Activities Building community starts now. Look for the social activities or mixers your program has planned. |
Ask your graduate program | Consult your program |
| 10th September - 5pm - 8pm | Tricolour Virtual Club Fair The Tricolour Open House, hosted by the AMS Clubs Office, is happening in OnQ on September 10th from 5-8pm! This drop in event is an opportunity for new and returning students (including grad students) to find out about the diverse array of clubs at Queen’s and learn about ways to get involved. You'll have the chance to connect with club leaders in real time using zoom meeting rooms.. |
SEO & AMS | Register now |
| 24th September (pm) - TBC |
Dean's Welcome Reception for Indigenous graduate students. |
School of Graduate Studies, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre and Faculties | TBD |
| 29th September (1pm - 2:30pm) |
Avoiding Plagiarism: Citation 101 |
Queen's Library |
Online presentation |
| Winter term 2021 - TBC | Welcome and Resource Fair Usually held the first Tuesday after Labour Day each year. This year however the event has been moved to the Winter term 2021 when we hope all graduate students will be back on campus |
School of Graduate Studies & Student Affairs | In Person |
| Winter term 2021 - TBC | International Graduate Student Orientation Participants will have the opportunity to explore issues that typically arise for graduate students and to become familiar with how resources and support services contribute to student success. The session begins with refreshments and the opportunity to socialize with staff and other students. The session will be facilitated by QUIC, with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS), and the SGPS Peer Advisors. |
QUIC, School of Graduate Studies, Student Affairs and the SGPS | TBD |
Did You Know..?
Balancing your academic, professional, and personal needs is an important part of graduate school. The “Did You Know..?” series introduces you to important resources and departments on campus that are available to help support you during your time at Queen’s, whether you’re looking for research and writing support, assistance with job searches, or information on library services.
- Accessibility Unit
- Athletics & Recreation
- Ban Righ Centre
- Career Services
- Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Division of Student Affairs
- Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- Human Rights & Equity Office
- Office of Faith & Spiritual Life
- Queen's University International Centre
- Queen's University Library
- Registrar's Office
- Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Services
- Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS)
How to...
Transitioning to a new school or program has its challenges! The “How to…” series is here to make things a little easier by providing you with information for everything from how to set up your internet connection and NetID, to understanding acronyms at Queen’s, to ensuring your family’s needs are met.