Welcome!
Orientation aims to facilitate new students’ transition into Boston University School of Public Health and to enrich each individual’s unique educational experience. You’ll learn about life inside and outside the classroom, from academics to research, employment, and volunteer opportunities. Orientation is also an excellent opportunity to meet your peers, the faculty and staff, and deans of the School.
Orientation is designed to introduce new students to the school, acquaint them with resources and involvement opportunities, and officially welcome them to the “Terrier Family”. Through educational and social opportunities, both online and in-person, the newest members of our community can begin their next big adventure on the right path.
Fall 2025 Orientation
Fall Orientation will be held August 26-29. Continue to visit us here for all Orientation updates!
Register for Fall 2025 Orientation!
Fall 2025 Orientation Schedule of Events
Tuesday, August 26th
| Time and Location |
Description |
| 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location TBD |
🌍 International Student Kickoff: Connect, Discover & Thrive! A Must-Attend Welcome Event for All International Students
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed just for you! Meet fellow international students from SPH, build new friendships, and discover all the resources and activities that will help you settle in and make the most of your time here. Get to know your new city with tips from insiders — and enjoy a delicious lunch while you do it! You’ll also hear directly from the International Students & Scholars Office about essential requirements, deadlines, and how they’re here to support you every step of the way. |
| 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Talbot 3rd Floor (715 Albany St.) |
🏠 Open house with the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Departments
The departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics would like to welcome their new students in the following degree programs: MPH – certificate students in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MS in Public Health Research with an Epidemiology focus, MS in Biostatistics, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Register here for this event. Come meet faculty and staff serving these departments! |
Wednesday, August 27th
| Time and Location |
Description |
| 9:00am – 10:30am
Talbot Green Tent (grounds outside the main entrance) |
🗺️ Campus Tours
Take a tour of the School of Public Health and the Boston University Medical Campus. Note: additional tours available on Thursday morning or upon request. |
| 10:30am – 12:30pm
Location TBD |
🎉 New Student Orientation Keynote: Welcome to SPH! Kick Off Your Journey with Inspiration and Connection
Start your SPH adventure on a high note! Join us for an uplifting keynote session where you’ll receive a warm welcome from our deans and leadership team. Learn about the school’s mission, values, and the incredible opportunities that await you. |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Talbot Green Tent |
🍽️ Lunch
Come enjoy a delicious meal with your SPH community, it’s the perfect chance to relax, connect, and build new friendships while getting to know your peers in a fun, casual setting! |
| 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location TBD |
📝 Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #1: Thriving in Your First Semester
Jumpstart your journey with expert strategies from Dr. Megan Healey, your first-semester advisor! Learn what to expect in your classes and how to build smart habits from day one so you can stay organized, manage your workload, and set yourself up for success in your degree program, all while connecting with fellow students on the same path. |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Location TBD |
🎯 Embracing Possibilities: Your Practicum & Future Career
Discover how your practicum journey can open unexpected doors and help you grow in ways you may not even anticipate. Julia Lanham, Dean of Careers and Practicums, will share encouraging insights, practical tips, and real stories about finding opportunities and embracing the surprises that come with your future in public health. |
| 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Location TBD |
🧠 Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #2: The Art of Failure: Normalizing Rejections and Setbacks in Academia
In this session, Dr. Sarah Lipson will explore something that is universal yet rarely talked about, experiences of rejections. |
| 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Hiebert Lounge (INS 14th Floor) |
🍽️ Dinner with Alumni: Insider Tips & Real Talk
Join recent alumnae for dinner and lively Q&A where you’ll get the inside scoop from those who’ve been in your shoes, learn what they wish they’d known, pick up practical tips for success, and build your network while enjoying great food and conversation with your new community!. |
Thursday, August 28th
| Time and Location |
Description |
| 9:30am – 10:30am
Talbot Green Tent (grounds outside the main entrance) |
🗺️ Campus Tours
Take a guided tour of the School of Public Health and the Boston University Medical Campus. Note: Additional tours by request. |
| 9:00am – 10:30am
Talbot 219 East |
💬 Ask Me Anything: Academic Accommodations Drop-In with Kori MacInnis
Got questions about academic accommodations? Stop by for a quick, one-on-one chat with Kori MacInnis, Assistant Director for Student Engagement, and get personalized guidance on how to navigate the process, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success, no appointment needed! |
| 9:30am – 10:30am
Location TBD |
💰 Student Financial Services Info Session — Maximize Your Aid!– Required for all students receiving federal financial aid (International students need not attend)
Bring your questions and learn how to make the most of your aid, stay on top of requirements, and feel confident about your finances this year! |
| 10:30am – 11:30am
Location TBD |
📚 Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #3: Unlock Alumni Medical Library Resources
Meet Kristen Sheridan, library liaison to SPH, and learn more about the resources available to you through Alumni Medical Library. The library offers a wide variety of resources, materials and diverse collections that will help you with your coursework and research during your time at BU. Learn the tips and tricks for using the library to its fullest potential. |
| 11:30am – 12:15pm
Talbot Green Tent |
🍽️ Community Lunch: Bring Friends & Family!
Join us for a lively lunch with your SPH community, mingle with faculty, staff, and alumni while enjoying great food and conversation. Bring along any family or friends visiting you in Boston to show them your new school and introduce them to your new circle! It’s the perfect chance to bond with your peers, make new friends, and feel right at home. |
| 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Location TBD |
🌟 Understanding Our Mission: For the Health of All with Dean Cozier
Join Dean Cozier for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about what our mission, “For the Health of All,” really means in action. Explore who makes up the “public” in public health, why inclusion matters, and how our commitment to serving local, national, and global communities, especially those who are disadvantaged or underserved, drives everything we do through education, research, and service. 🌍 How to Change the World with Dean Andrade In this session students will have a chance to consider what brought them to BUSPH, what public health practice means to them, and what they hope to accomplish with their degree. |
| 2:00pm – 3:15pm
Location TBD |
⏰ Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #4: Master Your Time & Boost Your Resilience
Join Kori MacInnis for a dynamic session on making time work for you! Learn core principles of effective time management, discover the pros and cons of different systems, and get hands-on tips and tools to help you plan your time wisely, and actually stick to it. Walk away with practical productivity strategies to help you stay focused, get more done, and make your semester a success! |
| 3:30pm
Meet on Talbot Green |
🔍 Terrier Pursuit: Boston Scavenger Hunt Adventure!
Think you know Boston, or ready to discover its hidden gems? Grab your friends and dive into the city we call home with Student Wellbeing’s Terrier Pursuit: A Boston Scavenger Hunt! Explore iconic landmarks, uncover fun facts, and see the sights while making memories and new connections along the way. |
Friday, August 29th
| Time and Location |
Description |
| 11:00am – 1:00pm
Talbot Green Tent |
🎪 SPH/GMS Student Experience Fair
The Experience Fair introduces new students to the resources you will utilize during your time at BU. Meet representatives from Public Safety, The Ombuds office, Student Health Services and so much more. This will be your one stop to take care of business and get information regarding the resources and services available at SPH and the BU community. This event is in collaboration with Graduate Medical Science program students. |
| 11:00am – 11:30am
Talbot Green |
🐾 Meet Bean: BU’s Beloved Comfort Dog!
Swing by the Student Experience Fair early for a chance to hang out with Bean, BU’s friendly comfort dog! Enjoy some tail wags and stress relief while chatting casually with Bean’s handler to learn more about BU Public Safety and the support they offer our community. |
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**Any IDs printed at Charles River Campus will not work at the Med Campus. All IDs will be prepared by the Medical Campus ID Office**
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Guidelines for Incoming Students
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Deadline is August 11
Featured Story
BUSPH Beyond the Classroom: A Q&A with Graduate Student Life
Orientation FAQs
Is Orientation Mandatory? and why?
Yes! All of orientation is mandatory.
Why is orientation mandatory? We’re partnering with offices and organizations all over campus to help provide information to ease your transition into graduate school, introduce you to campus services and opportunities to get involved, and help you get connected with graduate student communities.
While Boston University views Orientation as the foundational experience for a successful start both academically and socially, we understand that there are some circumstances that could prevent a student from being able to participate. If for any reason you are unable to participate in an orientation session, you may access this page to review recordings after orientation.
BUSPH Summer 2025 Orientation is held virtually over Zoom.
Will Attendance be Taken?
We keep an accurate account of students for orientation events via registration. We also provide a variety ways to access orientation, so it’s hard to miss it. While Boston University views Orientation as the foundational experience for a successful start both academically and socially, we understand that there are some circumstances that could prevent a student from being able to participate. If for any reason you are unable to participate in an orientation session, you may access recordings after orientation on this page.
When can I pick up my BU ID?
**SPH Students that have uploaded a photo by Monday, August 11 will be able to pick up their ID at Fall Orientation. IDs can be picked up at the Talbot Reception Desk beginning Tuesday, September 2nd on Mondays-Fridays from 8:30am-5:00pm located at 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118.
Terrier Card ID Photo Upload Guidelines for Incoming Students
Incoming students also have the option to update their Terrier Card display name. For more information, please visit the website here.
How can I update my directory list?
Students can utilize the Directory Listing Update form to update their Display Name in the directory listing.
Who do I contact for Aetna Health Plan Assistance?
For more information about the Student Health Plan, watch the Aetna Student Health Plan Recording.
Contacts for Assistance
Aetna Student Health
Customer Service: (800) 966-7772
Aetna Pharmacy Management: (888) 792-3862
For assistance with waivers and enrollment:
Boston University Student Accounting Services
Phone: (617) 353-2264
Email: studenta@bu.edu
Connect with us
Find Graduate Student Life on social media @thegradlife_busph
If you have questions contact Graduate Student Life at sphgsl@bu.edu.