Transitions: First-Year Focus

Transitions: First-Year Focus is an optional, year-long program for first-year graduate students, sponsored by the Office for Graduate Student Development and Diversity (OGSDD), to provide incoming students with the skills, connections, and community that will let them flourish at Yale. Transitions will help you to:

  • gain effective, personalized strategies to navigate academic culture in your department and beyond
  • identify university resources to help achieve your academic and professional goals
  • cultivate meaningful advising and mentoring relationships
  • experience a richly diverse interdisciplinary community 

What Does Transitions Involve?

Transitions: First-Year Focus Orientation

Participate in a Transitions Orientation event before the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Academic Strategies Workshops

Attend at least four Transitions Workshops per semester.

Peer Mentoring

Participate in at least two peer-to-peer mentoring sessions with OGSDD Fellows per semester.

Social Events

Enjoy social events and networking opportunities throughout the year.

Fall 2024 Events Calendar

Contact us

Additional Resources for First-Year Students

Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with Yale students with acute or ongoing disabilities to provide appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services through an interactive process. The Graduate School's liaison in SAS is Jordan Colbert.