A mandatory Orientation is held for new on-campus graduate students immediately prior to the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

Generally, the half-day session is held on the Thursday or Friday before classes start. It is followed by a lunch or barbecue to which faculty are also invited. New distance-learning students are provided with program-specific orientation information, and they are welcome to but not required or even expected to come to campus at this time.

At the Graduate School Orientation you will meet the Dean of the Graduate School, the Graduate School Program Manager, the E-Thesis Coordinator, the Environment, Health, and Safety Director, and representatives of the Library, Career Services Office, and other service organizations. You will learn how to navigate the administrative functions on campus, become familiar with the steps and forms for completing your graduate degree, take the mandatory “Responsible Conduct of Research” training, and can obtain your DiggerCard—the Tech ID card that gives you access to computer labs, printers, Library resources, athletic events and facilities, free public bus rides in Butte, and other benefits.

During your first few days at Montana Tech you will also meet with your department and faculty and meet other new and continuing students in your program. For more information, please view the Orientation Schedule of Events. Be aware that most of the events, other than the Grad School Orientation, are aimed at new undergraduate students, primarily freshmen and are not mandatory for you. You are welcome to attend any that interest you and partake of the full range of activities and meals.