Students walking on the first day of Fall classes

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.

Visit our Digital Orientation Website

For New On-Campus, Online, and International Graduate Students

As soon as you receive your Ball State username and password, you can log into our digital Orientation for Graduate Students.

You will be able to track your progress as you work your way through the orientation modules, such as how to register for courses and how to find your advisor. It’s full of information that you can always revisit when you need it — 24/7. 

Start Orientation 

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.

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, August 15, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 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.

On-Campus Students: REGISTER HERE.

Online Students: REGISTER HERE.

Watch the 2024 Graduate School Orientation Recording here. 

Campus Tour

Come explore Ball State's vibrant campus with the Graduate School on August 15, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 pm!

Meet other graduate students, learn about Lucina, the Student Center, Bracken Library, the Atrium, David Owsley Museum of Art, and end at the Graduate Student Orientation for some more information and free refreshments. REGISTER HERE.  

Welcome Picnic

Join the Graduate Student Wellness Initiative for its annual welcome back picnic on Friday, August 23, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm on the University Quad (in front of the David Owsley Museum of Art).

Grab a sandwich, soda, and cookie and celebrate the beginning of the academic year by meeting the Graduate Student Wellness Initiative coordinators and other graduate students across campus. REGISTER HERE.