Graduate Student Orientation

The GSA invites new and returning graduate students to participate in Fall 2026 Welcome Week from Sept 2 to 5.

Programming includes orientation activities, a Welcome Week BBQ, campus resource tabling, social events, and family-friendly opportunities. ALL EVENTS require registration due to space, planning, or eligibility requirements.

Please review each event description for details, including time, location, registration requirements, and age restrictions where applicable.

What to Expect

This year, GSA Welcome Week will include a mix of orientation, campus resource tabling, social events, and family-friendly programming to help graduate students connect with the GSA, campus services, and one another.

The week begins with the GSA Welcome Week BBQ and Orientation on Wednesday, September 2 at the GSA Commons, 1337 College Drive. Doors open at 8:00 AM, orientation runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and the BBQ and tabling fair will take place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The orientation portion will include a short welcome from the GSA, followed by opportunities to learn about graduate student supports, ask questions, and connect with campus partners.

Information Booths

During the BBQ and tabling period, students will have the opportunity to visit booths hosted by campus partners, student services, and community organizations. Booths may include information on:

• Transit Services — U-Pass and transportation information
• Studentcare — Health and dental plan guidance
• College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies — Academic and funding support
• Student Wellness and support services
• Library services
• Career and professional development resources
• Student groups, campus partners, and other university services

Additional booths and participating groups will be confirmed closer to the event.

Perks and Activities

Welcome Week activities may include:

• GSA swag for attendees, while supplies last
• BBQ lunch and light refreshments
• Campus resource tabling
• Music, games, and informal networking
• Opportunities to meet the GSA Executive and other graduate students
• Social and family-friendly events throughout the week

Additional Welcome Week Events

Bingo Night

Join the GSA for an evening of bingo, prizes, light snacks, and refreshments at the GSA Commons. This event is a relaxed opportunity to meet other graduate students and take part in a casual Welcome Week activity. Registration is required.

Evening Social and Night Tour

Graduate students are invited to join the GSA for a structured downtown evening social. This event introduces students to Saskatoon’s downtown social spaces in a group setting. This is a 19 plus event, and valid government-issued photo ID is required.

Family-Friendly Campus Tour, Movie and More

Graduate students with children, partners, and loved ones are invited to attend a family-friendly campus tour and movie event. The event begins at the GSA Commons, followed by a relaxed campus tour, lunch, and a movie back at the Commons.

Why Attend?

Welcome Week is an opportunity to:

• Learn about important graduate student services and supports
• Meet other graduate students across programs and backgrounds
• Connect with the GSA and campus partners
• Become familiar with campus spaces and resources
• Start the year with food, community, and informal connection

The GSA looks forward to welcoming new and returning graduate students to the Fall 2026 term.

Register Below for Each Event - ALL EVENTS require registration

• Orientation, BBQ & Services Fair
• Bingo Night
• Grad Social Event
• Family Campus Tour & Movie