Graduate Student Orientation

NOTE TO ALL STUDENTS: The Graduate Student Online Orientation Module can now be accessed, please contact Jan Harmon at gso@ohio.edu if you are still experiencing issues.

Ohio University has developed the following orientation sessions to assist you with your transition as a graduate student. 

Required Events

Online Graduate Student Orientation (GSO) Module

The Graduate College has developed an online orientation for all graduate students. This orientation is available and accessible once you activate your OHIO ID. Please see the collapsible information below for directions to complete the orientation.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL new incoming students must complete the online module of GSO. Please allow 1-2 business days for the hold to be removed after the module has been successfully completed.  For questions, please email gso@ohio.edu

How to Access the GSO Module

1. Go to orientation.ohio.edu and log in with your OHIO ID, selecting "Student Login." If you have not set up your OHIO ID, please refer to your admission email for that information.

2. Scroll down to "Graduate" and select your classification:

• Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)- Athens Campus
• Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)- OHIO Online

3. Complete orientation. Make sure to go through all material, quizzes, and acknowledge all certifications that you have completed the module.

Still have questions about GSO? Email gso@ohio.edu.

International Student Orientation

All new international graduate students must register for International Student Orientation.

International Student Orientation

Hazing Prevention Training

All graduate students must complete this training. This course introduces the concept of hazing, why it is illegal, and what OHIO University students, faculty, and staff can do to stop hazing from occurring on our campuses. For more information, visit the Hazing Prevention website.

Hazing Prevention Training

College/Department/Program Orientation

Be sure to check with your academic program regarding any additional orientation activities/events.

New Hire Paperwork (for those hired as a GA, GRS, RA, or TA)

All NEW graduate students will need to complete an I-9 and new hire employment paperwork.

All employment paperwork must be completed no later than your first day of employment or you will not be eligible to begin working.

Complete New Hire Paperwork

Recommended Events

In-person Graduate Student Orientation (GSO)

The Graduate College hosts an in-person orientation for all Athens-based students before classes begin in August. Come meet continuing graduate students, learn about the Ohio University and Athens communities, and meet other incoming graduate students.

Two identical sessions are scheduled for Thursday, August 20th, 2026, in the Baker University Center Ballroom (4th floor of Baker. Direction signs will be present.) Registration will begin at 8 a.m. outside of the Ballroom. Please note that these sessions are identical, and are split between colleges only to ensure there is enough room for everyone to sit and attend. An RSVP form will be sent via email.

In-person Teaching Assistant Orientation (TAO)

The Graduate College also hosts an in-person orientation for all new graduate students with a TA assignment. Join us for critical information regarding this important role.

The TAO is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th, 2026 in the Baker University Center Ballroom. The RSVP form for GSO will have a section to RSVP for TAO.