Graduate Student Orientation Practices: Results from a National Survey

Abstract

This study examines campus-wide orientation practices for graduate students that are offered at colleges and universities throughout the United States. While orientation plays a vital role in the socialization of graduate students, there is little understanding as to the specific practices that occur on the various campuses. To address this, all United States member institutions of the Council of Graduate Schools were surveyed. With a response rate of 43%, this study addresses general institutional information (e.g., the Carnegie classification, number of graduate students enrolled), the means by which incoming students are notified of orientation and when this occurs, sources of funding, formats of the programs, and the specific activities offered during the various academic terms. Results indicate that while practices vary greatly in many areas, there are also practices that are common among many institutions. This study concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations for future research.