Orientation & FAQ
Fall 2026 MGIS Orientation
Date: Thursday, September 3rd
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
In-person (a separate invitation will be sent with details)
Welcome students!
The MGIS program has orientation programs every fall and spring for incoming graduate students. They are normally scheduled about a week prior to the start of classes. The fall orientation is a full-day program since the majority of students start at the beginning of the academic year; a scaled-down version is organized for those entering in the spring.
The orientation content includes an introduction to faculty, students and administrators, an explanation of program requirements and procedures, a discussion of facilities and services, opportunities for financial assistance and awards, and, of course, advising support.
Graduate School Orientation Program
The Graduate School's orientation is an online resource called GEAR1, an online orientation for new graduate students. Additionally in the fall, they host a social event after the semester has started so look out for an email with details about this event.
International Students: New Student Information
All new international students should visit the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) website for requirements and resources essential to getting started at the University of Minnesota—see the ISSS page for important information for new students. You will not be able to register for courses until the required ISSS tasks have been completed.
FAQ
The following frequently asked questions will give you additional useful information prior to our MGIS program orientation.
Once you have been admitted to the program and complete the enrollment form, an excellent and very comprehensive resource for getting started is the myU portal. Simply log in to your myU account and you are ready to explore!
We will also have an orientation event specific to the MGIS program. You will receive an email about the MGIS orientation that also includes some information to help you get started. International students will work closely with the University of Minnesota International Student and Scholar Services. Visit their web page for new students, which has pre-arrival, arrival, visa, housing, and much more information to assist you with attending the University of Minnesota.
As a new student to the program, one of your first concerns will be getting the necessary advising to register for your courses. We will provide ample opportunity for advising during the orientation program. However, if you have questions prior to this event, you can contact Susanna McMaster by email at [email protected].
Check out our advising resources for additional information and to access a copy of the current MGIS Graduate Student Handbook. For more information on class schedules, registration, student services, etc., visit One Stop, the University of Minnesota website that provides student information regarding registration, records, financial aid, billing, payment, and veterans benefits..
Your U Card will identify you as a student in the program and at the University of Minnesota. Once the Graduate School has approved your admission into the program and issued you a student ID number, you are ready to get your card from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities U Card Office.
The Department of Geography, Environment & Society is located on the West Bank of the Twin Cities campus on the fourth floor of the Social Science Building (414 Social Sciences). You can find directions to campus, parking information, and maps from the University of Minnesota interactive campus map site.