Graduate Studies

New Graduate Student Orientation

Welcome to Chico State! We are thrilled to have you as a new graduate student. We have a fantastic support system set up that includes your academic departments and the Office of Graduate Studies to help you succeed in your academic journey. 


We will be hosting our Spring 2024 New Graduate Student Orientation via Zoom on Friday, January 19 | 3–4:30 p.m.

Zoom link | Passcode: Grad

We hope to see you there!


To give you a glimpse into the vibrant and supportive community that awaits you, we have put together a short video introducing some of our dedicated Office of Graduate Studies staff, who are here to help and provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the summer, during the orientation, and beyond.

Please also take a moment to read the New Graduate Student FAQs for detailed answers to questions from new grad students.

In addition, we typically hold a Zoom workshop covering Financial Aid and Affording Graduate School. If you are not able to attend the live Zoom, see below for a recording of a previous similar workshop. 

Our Grad Guides page(opens in new window) contains three important links for guides: Guide for New Graduate Students - to familiarize yourself with Chico State resources; Graduate Studies Guide to Policies, Procedure, and Format - an overview of rules, regulations, policies, and helpful information; and Grad Education Policies page - for regulations, student responsibilities, and other critical information.

Our  Signing Up for Classes(opens in new window) page, Steps Toward Earning a Master's Degree(opens in new window) page, and Graduate Degree Progression(opens in new window) page also contain important information useful to new and continuing graduate students. 

Grad School: Some of What to Expect

Financial Aid and Affording Graduate School

What Can the Meriam Library Do For You?

Fellow Students Share Online Resources

Fall 2022 New Grad Student Orientation