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.
Summer Webinars and Online Modules/Videos
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
|
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 & the Society of Graduate & Professional Students |
Webinar |
| July 21st & 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 |
| July 22nd at 11am EDT |
Queen's Student Accessibility Services (QSAS) |
QSAS | Webinar Register now |
| July 30th at 11am EDT |
Ask an Advisor with Immigrant Services Kingston and Area (ISKA) |
QUIC & ISKA |
QUIC Facebook Live session & Zoom |
| TBD | Indigenous Student Guide to Life on Campus The Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre strives to be a home away from home for Indigenous students and a site of information and support for the broader Queen's community. Learn about the supports and services available there. |
Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre | Webinar |
August 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| TBD | 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 |
| 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 |
| TBD |
Avoiding Plagiarism: Citation 101 |
Queen's Library | Online Module or video |
September 2020
| Date | Topic | Host/Presenter | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31st - 4th Sept |
Teaching Development Day? (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 | Online |
| 1st September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Funding and Work Q&A 1 hour Session After watching a series of videos if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
School of Graduate Studies and Society of Graduate & Professional Students | Webinar |
| 2nd September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Looking After Yourselves and Loved Ones Q&A 1 hour Session After watching a series of videos if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
School of Graduate Studies and Society of Graduate & Professional Students | Webinar |
| 3rd September (11am-12pm) | Know Your Services: Thriving as Graduate Student Q&A 1 hour Session After watching a series of videos if you have some questions this is your chance to ask our panel. |
School of Graduate Studies and Society of Graduate & Professional Students | Webinar |
| 4th September | Program Specific Orientations Contact your Program Graduate Assistant and find out what they have planned |
Ask your Graduate Program | Consult your program |
| Labour Day Weekend | Program Social Activities Building community starts now. Look for the social activities or mixers your program has planned. |
Ask your graduate program | TBD |
| Winter term 2021 | 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 |
| TBD | 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 |
| TBD | 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 |
| TBD |
Social Activities and Mixers |
Society of Graduate & Professional Students (SGPS) OR your Graduate Program's Social committee | TBD |
| 24th September (pm) | Dean's Welcome Reception for Indigenous graduate students. | School of Graduate Studies, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre and Faculties | 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
- Equity Office
- Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
- Human Rights 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.