Graduate students are a vital part of our academic community. Their success and engagement at Ball State are among our highest priorities — and it all starts before enrolling in classes or arriving on campus.
To help new students transition to graduate student life at Ball State, the Graduate School puts together orientation resources to supplement your academic department’s orientation. We also have resources intended for both our online and on-campus students.
If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate School.
Graduate Student Orientation Events
New Student In-Person Orientation (with Zoom option for Online students)
Join the Graduate School for its annual orientation event in the Student Center Cardinal Halls (2nd Floor), Thursday, August 20, 2026, 2-4 pm!
During orientation you will meet the Graduate School’s staff, network with other graduate students at our reception that includes lots of free food, learn about key resources and policies for graduate students, and connect with more than 20 local and campus organizations including Open Door Health Services, Minnetrista, Muncie OUTreach, the Writing Center, the Black Graduate Student Association, and many, many more!
The Graduate School will also raffle off TONS of free swag including coffee mugs, water bottles, blankets, planners, and t-shirts.
Campus Tour:
Meet at the Beneficence Statue on August 20 at 1 pm for a tour of campus with Graduate Admissions. The tour will end early at the Student Center and attendees will be treated to coffee.
Register for the Orientation, the campus tour, and all of the Extended Orientation Events below through your CARDINAL LANDING PORTAL.
Extended Orientation Events
Virtual Student Meet & Greet Session #1
Join for a speed networking style session where you will virtually meet other graduate students in 5-minute increments.
Open to on-campus and online students.
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Virtual Student Meet & Greet Session #2
Join for a speed networking style session where you will virtually meet other graduate students in 5-minute increments
Open to on-campus and online students.
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Navigating Stellic and Your Degree Plan: Extended Orientation Session #1
Learn about Ball State University’s new degree audit system to help you stay on track of your course plan
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Research Integrity, IRB, & Aspire Funding: Extended Orientation Session #2
Learn about the resources available to you as a graduate student conducting research
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Wellness & Community Resources: Extended Orientation Session #3
Learn from administrators across campus about the wonderful wellness resources available to you during your journey at Ball State.
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Wednesday, August 26, 1-2 pm
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Ethical Use of Generative AI: Extended Orientation Session #4
Learn key considerations for use of generative AI and how to maintain academic integrity as a graduate student.
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Thursday, August 27, 12-1 pm
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Writing Skills for Grads: Extended Orientation Session #5
Join for a conversation about writing resources, finding your voice as a writer, and managing your time as a graduate student.
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Bring your family, friends, and join for a free meal and time to meet fellow graduate students.
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Register for the Orientation, the campus tour, and all of the Extended Orientation Events through your CARDINAL LANDING PORTAL.
Additional Orientation for International Students
The University’s International Student Services office offers a separate, mandatory orientation for international students. International students are also invited to participate in the Pre-arrival orientation and attend the orientation reception and resource fair. Learn more about orientation for international students.