Graduate Student Orientation Experiences at NIU

Congratulations on your graduate admission!

We're excited to welcome you to the Huskie family, and it all starts with your graduate orientation experiences.

Graduate School Orientation

The NIU Graduate School has partnered with several teams and offices across the university to offer a virtual graduate student orientation for all newly admitted individuals – yourself included! Our graduate student population is incredibly diverse, and the virtual graduate student orientation was created to not only provide essential information for new graduate students, but to also instill a certain sense of confidence and belonging.

The virtual orientation includes six interactive modules housed in Blackboard (NIU's learning management system) to be completed at your own pace. The modules cover:

• Orientation overview
• Academic expectations and student services
• Funding and financial resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Campus logistics
• Building community and connection

Each module includes videos featuring NIU staff and faculty, resource links and short knowledge checks to help students engage with the material and retain key information. The orientation is accessible as soon as you are admitted, allowing you to explore what NIU offers even before you begin coursework.

Use your Z-ID and password to log in to Blackboard. Click on 'organization' from the left-hand navigation and select 'graduate student orientation'.

Access Graduate Student Orientation

Online Student Orientation

Are you ready to begin a fully online graduate program at NIU? The Office of Online Learning also provides a distinct virtual orientation experience specifically for remote learners and separate from the Graduate School orientation. As an online student, you will complete the online student orientation but are welcome to explore the broader Graduate School orientation for all graduate students as well.

Completing your online student orientation before your classes start equips you with the skills needed to navigate the digital learning environment; helps you apply tips and techniques for establishing goals, staying motivated and managing your time; teaches you how to access digital tools you'll likely use in your online courses; and provides information about the many support systems available to you here at NIU.

Keep an eye on your NIU student email inbox for more detailed information from the Office of Online Learning. Questions? Email us at online@niu.edu.

Graduate Program Orientation

Many graduate programs also offer a unique orientation experience within the academic department, and they are typically focused on academic requirements within the discipline. Your program will offer information on the academic culture and norms of your graduate program area. The program orientation will usually also cover things related to field experiences, research opportunities, licensure requirements (where applicable), and how to make the most of your discipline's professional networks and resources for future career support. Program orientations can be offered either online or in person. Please check with your graduate program director and/or faculty advisor for more information once you're ready.