Congratulations on your acceptance to Lehigh! The Graduate Education and Life office is here to assist you with any student life concerns by providing you infomation, referrals, advice, and consultation. Please take a look at the Graduate Student Resource Book, as well as other material on this website to help you prepare for life in our community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Graduate Student Orientation - Spring 2024
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 9:00am to 12noon (time subject to change)
Graduate students beginning their first semester in the Spring 2024, are invited to join us for a general graduate orientation January 17, 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pm in the STEPS building (1 West Packer Avenue), Room 101. Registration is requested. Register below for the Spring 2024 Orientation!
Orientation: All incoming graduate students are encourage to register for and attend orientation. Hear from campus departments such as the Graduate Life Office, Library & Technology Services, Graduate Writers' Studio/Writing Support, Center for Career & Professional Development, Graduate Student Senate, Couseling/Health & Wellness Center, Lehigh Police/Campus Safety. Also a free light breakfast and beverages will be provided. Free giveaways too! Register above for Orientation.
Lab Safety Training: In addition to general orientation, if you'll be working in a lab, you will need to complete Lab Safety Training. Training is mandatory for those working in a lab with chemicals or gases. Register above for Lab Safety Training.
Teaching Assistant Training: If you will be a Teaching Assistant, please see the information below.
G-POP: We are also excited to announce our Spring G-POP program on Friday, January 19 from 9 to 2. This program is designed for underrepresented graduate students by fostering community and reducing barriers to their success. Graduate students in their first year at Lehigh who self-identify as BIPOC, first-gen, low-income and/or coming from an underrepresented minority are invited to participate. Meet faculty from similar backgrounds, learn about your strengths and how to navigate the university. Please register above to participate in G-POP!
Important Trainings
If you’ve been awarded a TA, we will not hold training until August 2024. You are invited to join us at that time, as your department may require you to attend. There are additional resources for incoming students who are TAs and more information will be provided soon from us and other offices at the University. Before TA training, if you are interested, there are great resources on this page. The best place to start your preparation is Getting Started Teaching at Lehigh but all of the resources are helpful.
In addition, If you have been offered a teaching assistant position, you may need to take and pass the TOPSS test or an OPI. For more information, you can email topss@lehigh.edu and/or visit the language testing website at: https://global.lehigh.edu/icape/topss-testing-services
Lab Safety Training is mandatory for graduate students who will be working in a laboratory with chemicals or gases. Register here for Lab Safety Training. The training is organized through Lehigh's Environmental Health & Safety team and will be held via an online training program. You will receive more information after you complete your Lab Safety Training registration.
Important Requirements:
1-Covid 19 Vaccine and Booster - COVID vaccines and booster will be required for all Lehigh graduate students participating in on-campus programs and activities. Please click here for the latest updates about requirements. All students accessing campus will be subject to this requirement and must complete their final dose of an approved COVID vaccine at least 14 days prior to their planned return to campus. This requirement does not apply to students participating in programs that are fully online or which never meet on campus. If you have not yet done so, please upload a copy of your COVID vaccination card on the HWC health portal as soon as possible. If you have any individual questions about your vaccination status or personal health situation, please send the Health and Wellness Center a secure message through the Health Center portal. This is preferable to email and will help facilitate a prompt response. For other questions about accommodations, you can also contact the Disability Support Services office.
2-Meningitis Vaccine - Pennsylvania State Law requires that students living in university housing either (1) obtain a meningitis vaccine or (2) fill out a declination form. You may obtain the vaccine at the Health Center for a fee. Lehigh's injury and sickness insurance does not cover this fee because the insurance does not cover preventative medicine. Medically, only college freshman living in dormitories are at an increased risk, so graduate students may feel comfortable choosing to waive the menigococcal vaccine. If you do not want the vaccine, you may waive it by completing the declination form. The form is available at the Health and Wellness Center, Johnson Hall. This law does not apply to students living off-campus. Please address questions and comments directly to the Helath Center (610-758-3870).
3-Mandatory Health Information- Please make sure to complete all necessary forms regarding health infomation. Check out the requirements at http://www.lehigh.edu/health or call the Student Health Center at 610-758-3870.
4-Lab Safety Training- You must go through this training if you will be working in a lab. You will not be allowed in the lab until the training is complete. Please see the signup link above for Lab Safety Training.
5-Teaching Assistant Training-If you have been awarded a teaching assistant position, your department will require this training. Teacher assitant training is required for those who have been awarded a teacher assisitant position. More information to follow, regarding registration and date.
6-Lehigh Computing Account- New graduate students must establish their Lehigh computing account through the Lehigh graduate application at http://applywebcom.lehighg. Click on View your Decision Letter and follow the link under "Next Steps."
7-ID Cards- Your Lehigh ID provides you with access to several important services, such as access to buildings, a GoldPLUS account, athletic facilities and events, bookstore discounts, and library borrowing. Your ID card identifies you as a member of the Lehigh University Commuity. Your Lehigh ID car should be treated with care. Please do not punch holes in your ID card. Please go to http://financeadmin.lehigh.edu/content/id-office to get your ID card.
8-International Students- If you are a TA, you may need to take and pass the TOPSS test or an OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview). Please contact your department Coordinator for more information. International student should check out this website, https://global.lehigh.edu/icape/topss-testing-services, for information about TOPSS and other testing services.