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.
On-Campus 2026 New Student Orientation
On-Campus Fall 2026 New Student Orientation will be held on Monday, August 31st and Tuesday, September 1st. The International Student Kickoff will take place on Friday, September 4th. Finally, the Experience Fair will be on Thursday, September 24th!
Register for 2026 On-Campus New Student Orientation!
On-Campus Fall 2026 New Student Orientation Schedule
Monday, August 31
Dietary Accommodations
Food will be served at this event. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions so we can make every effort to accommodate your needs. While we will do our best to provide appropriate options, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment or that all dietary requests can be fully accommodated.
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | 🗺️ 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. |
Tent, Talbot Green |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 🎉 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. |
670 Albany Auditorium |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | 📝 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. |
670 Albany Auditorium |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM | 🍽️ 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! * V/Vg/GF options available for students. Do you have dietary accommodations? Email us at SPHGSL@bu.edu in advance. |
Tent, Talbot Green |
| 2:00 – 3:15 PM | 🌟 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. |
Hiebert Lounge
(Instructional Building, 14th floor – 72 East Concord St.) |
| 3:15 – 4:30 PM | 🎯 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. Caroline O’Shea, Senior Director for Careers and Practicums and Ryan Wisniewski, Director Practicum Program, will share encouraging insights, practical tips, and real stories about finding opportunities and embracing the surprises that come with your future in public health. |
Hiebert Lounge |
| 4:30 – 6:00 PM | 🍽️ 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!. * V/Vg/GF options available for students. Do you have dietary accommodations? Email us at SPHGSL@bu.edu in advance. |
Hiebert Lounge |
Tuesday, September 1
Dietary Accommodations
Food will be served at this event. Please let us know if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions so we can make every effort to accommodate your needs. While we will do our best to provide appropriate options, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment or that all dietary requests can be fully accommodated.
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | 🗺️ Campus Tours
Take a guided tour of the School of Public Health and the Boston University Medical Campus. |
Tent, Talbot Green |
| 9:00 – 10:30 AM | 💬 Ask Me Anything: Academic Accommodations Drop-In with Kori MacInnis
Do you have questions about Academic Accommodations? Stop by for a quick, one-on-one chat with Assistant Director for Student Engagement, Kori MacInnis, and get personalized guidance on how to navigate the process, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for success. No appointment needed! |
Talbot 219East |
| 9:30 – 10:30 AM | 💰 Student Financial Support 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! |
INS-110
(Instructional building, 1st floor – 72 East Concord Street) |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | 
Join Beverly Chen, Director at Student Wellbeing and Anna-Mariya Kirova to build resilience. Learn tools and strategies to promote your own wellbeing. From recognizing signs of burnout to navigating stressful situations that demand a solution, gain practical skills to incorporate right away to make your time at SPH rich, rewarding and manageable in the face of other responsibilities. |
BAKST Auditorium
80 East Concord St. (Entrance via Instructional Building) |
| 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | ⏰ Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #3 Master Your Time
Learn how to make time work for you! Kori MacInnis, Assistant Director for Student Engagement will show you core principles of time management and hands-on strategies to plan effectively and follow through with confidence. |
BAKST Auditorium |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | 🍽️ Community Lunch: Bring Friends & Family!
Join us for a lively lunch with your SPH community. Bring along any family or friends visiting you in Boston to show them your new school and introduce them to your new circle! *V/Vg/GF options available! Do you have dietary accommodations? Email us at SPHGSL@bu.edu in advance. |
Tent, Talbot Green |
| 1:45 – 2:45 PM | 📚 Academic Toolkit Speaker Series #4: 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 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. |
BAKST Auditorium |
| 3:00 – 5:00 PM | 🏠 Academic Departments Open House
Our academic departments would like to welcome you to our school and invite you to visit with faculty and staff in your new programs. Whether you have decided on your certificate or are excited to do them all, we encourage you to use this time to visit the departments to learn more. Epidemiology and Biostatistics – MPH Certificate students in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MS in Public Health Research with an Epidemiology focus, MS in Biostatistics, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Global Health – MPH Certificates in Global Health Program Design Monitoring, and Evaluation, Program Management, Infectious Disease, Pharmaceutical Development, Delivery, and Access, Sex, Sexuality, and Gender and Global Health. |
Epidemiology and Biostatistics – Talbot Building, 3rd Floor East Wing (715 Albany St.)
Global Health – Crosstown Building, 3rd Floor (801 Massachusetts Ave.) |
Friday, September 4
| 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 🌍 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. |
Evans Building – EB43 (72 East Concord St.) |
| 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 🔍 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. More info regarding registration will be shared in upcoming New Student Mailers! |
Meet at the Talbot Building Stairs (across from Talbot Green) |
Thursday, September 24
| 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 🎪 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. Lunch on your own! |
Hiebert Lounge (Instructional building, 14th floor – 72 East Concord Street) |
Important Info Regarding Your BU ID Terrier Card
**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: Tuesday, August 11th, 2026.
Students starting class in August: After uploading your photo by the deadline, please pick up your BU ID from the BU Medical Campus ID Office (650 Albany St.). They’re open Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 3 PM. Note they are closed from 9-9:15 AM and 12-12:30 PM each day).
Students starting classes September 2nd: Graduate Student Life will pickup all printed BU IDs from the BUMC ID Office to distribute at Orientation Check-In on 8/31 and 9/1.
- Note: If you attend virtual Orientation, but will not be on campus until the first week of classes, you may pick up your BU ID from the Orientation check-in table in the morning under the Tent on Talbot Green or the Talbot front desk Wednesday (9/2) – Friday (9/4).
- We will not have your BU ID if you do not submit a photo by the deadline.
On-Campus Spring 2027 New Student Orientation Info
On-Campus Spring 2027 New Student Orientation will be scheduled for January 2027. The exact date is TBD. Continue to check back here for updates later in the fall semester.
This orientation is best for students beginning SPH classes in Spring 2027.
Virtual 2026 New Student Orientation
Thank you to all of our speakers, panelists, and participants who joined us on Monday, August 3rd for virtual orientation!
Virtual 2026 New Student Orientation Info
If you were unable to join us for virtual orientation and are no longer able to join us at our upcoming on-campus orientation, please let us know at sphgsl@bu.edu!
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 Virtual New Student 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 TBD will be able to pick up their ID at Spring Orientation. IDs not picked up at orientation can be picked up at the Medical Campus ID Office (650 Albany St.) Monday through Friday 7 am to 3 pm; closed 9 am to 9:15 am and noon to 12:30 pm each day.
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.