2022 Spring Orientation

All students are required to review the Main GMS Orientation Session at their convenience, but no later than the first day of classes. Please check with your program director or administrator regarding your program-specific orientation. These orientations may be either in-person or virtual.

Main GMS Orientation Session

Additional Sessions

PhD Stipend Info Session
(Required: all doctoral students)

Student Health Insurance Info Session

ALL STUDENTS are required to complete the following by February 1, 2022: 

All orientation required documents and trainings are located on Blackboard (with the exception of the Mandatory Student Training on Sexual Misconduct) and will be available to complete starting Monday, January 10th. Please see below for an overview of requirements.

NOTE: You will need your BUID to complete the following orientation required documents and trainings. To find your BUID, refer to the “Boston University Admission Decision” offer letter that you received via email OR download your CAS application and look for the eight character field starting with the alphabet “U” with the label “Alternate Id:”

• Academic Conduct Code and Disciplinary Procedures
• Appropriate Treatment in Graduate Education
• Fuller Gym Release Form
• Identifying and Avoiding Plagiarism Training
• Mandatory Student Training on Sexual Misconduct
  • You will receive a direct link to the training in emails from automated-message@everfi.net
    • Starting in mid-January, you can go to the StudentLink compliance page to find a link to your training
• Microaggressions Training
• Photo Release Form

DOCTORAL STUDENTS should complete the following:

• 1. Please register online for an ORCID ID, unless you already have one.
  2. US Citizens:
     • Complete the first section of the electronic Form I-9 before orientation to make arrangements for stipend payment.
     • Bring acceptable documentation  for completion of second section of Form I-9.  Section 2 will be completed with BU administration after arrival.
  3. International Students:
     • International students must follow the rules and procedures for employment established by Boston University, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and their sponsoring agencies.
     • International students are encouraged to seek additional assistance from the International Students and Scholars Office.
     • Note that International students MUST contact the International Student and Scholars Office prior to filling out of Form I-9.

RESEARCH AND/OR CLINICAL PROGRAMS:

Students complete the following trainings as dictated by their program. Confirm with your director/administrator if you are unsure if you need to complete these documents.

• Lab Safety Training
• Radiation Training

All students must be tested at Boston University and receive a negative test prior to their first in-person orientation-related activity or class. Tests can be scheduled through BU Healthway by logging in with your BU credentials. We strongly recommend students get tested between 24-48 hours prior to their first-in person activity/class.

Students should come to campus within the designated timeframe to be tested, and then promptly leave the premises. Once a student receives a negative test they can come to campus to participate in their first in-person activity/class.

All students must obtain a BU student identification card (ID). To obtain your ID, please follow the instructions sent over email from GMS Student Affairs (gmssa@bu.edu).

Please visit the TransComm website for additional information. The MBTA Student Semester pass deadline: January 10, 2022.

Please see the ISSO webpage for more information.

All students must complete BU First Class, ISSO’s online pre-arrival orientation course. 

Should you have any problems or questions regarding your visa status, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office at 888 Commonwealth Avenue, 2^nd floor, (617-353-3565 or isso@bu.edu).  You will not be allowed to register for classes until the International Students and Scholars Office has cleared you for admission.

Speak to an Advisor on call on Zoom here Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-4pm and Wednesday 1-4pm. (phone 1-301-715-8592  Zoom ID 474-879-2442)

Questions? Email gmssa@bu.edu to connect with the Student Affairs Office.