Baylor Welcomes Newest Cohort of Scholars at New Graduate Student Orientation

On August 17, 2026, Baylor University’s Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association (GSA) warmly welcomed incoming graduate students to campus for the annual New Graduate Student Orientation (NGSO). Held at the Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center, and livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, the event brought together new master’s and doctoral students from across diverse disciplines for an introduction to Baylor’s academic community.

Community, Connections, and Fellowship

The orientation began at 11:15 a.m. as Graduate School staff and GSA officers greeted students in the Hurd Welcome Center Ballroom. Incoming scholars checked in and joined their departmental tables for a build‑your‑own fajita lunch, offering an early opportunity to meet fellow students and connect with GSA department representatives.

Inspiring Remarks and Institutional Vision

Shortly after noon, the formal program opened with welcoming remarks from Graduate School Dean Michael Young, who introduced Baylor University President Linda Livingstone. President Livingstone offered greeting and a rallying “Sic ’Em Bears,” setting an inspiring tone for the cohort’s graduate journey.

Provost Lee Nordt followed with an overview of Baylor’s strategic vision for graduate education, emphasizing academic rigor and the university’s mission. Dean Young and Dr. Sara Dolan presented an overview of Graduate School expectations, resources and support structures, while Dr. Sara Barton highlighted the integral role of spiritual life on campus. Addressing the holistic needs of graduate scholars, Dr. Jim Marsh spoke on student wellbeing, underscoring the importance of self‑care and mental health resources. The general session concluded with a presentation from GSA leadership outlining student governance, advocacy, and opportunities for involvement.  This part of the NGSO closed with greetings from Associate Deans Lesa Lawson who oversees the online graduate programs and Dr. Bill Hockaday who gave directions for the remainder of the day. 

Resource Fair and Specialized Breakout Sessions

The afternoon transitioned from the morning’s introductions into targeted breakout sessions and an expansive Resource Fair showcasing services available to support graduate students:

• PhD Student 101: Dr. Sara Dolan facilitated an interactive faculty panel offering practical insights, academic strategies, and mentorship guidance tailored to new students pursuing research doctorates.
• Health Insurance Q&A: Representatives from Academic HealthPlans and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas answered questions and provided guidance on university health coverage.
• Campus Resource Fair: Students connected directly with key university departments and student services to prepare for the upcoming semester.

Student Life Center Open House

Orientation festivities continued into the late afternoon with an Open House at the Student Life Center. From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., new graduate students and their families toured workout facilities, basketball and racquetball courts, and the Counseling Center while meeting staff from various Student Life divisions. Attendees enjoyed casual local refreshments as they celebrated the start of the new academic year.

Gateway to Grad School

The Graduate School also released an inaugural online orientation platform for incoming graduate students. Called “GradGateway,” it allows students to explore university resources and practical information at their own pace, with the ability to return at any point in their graduate student journey.

With new connections established and essential campus resources in hand, Baylor’s newest graduate students are poised for a successful and transformative year ahead.  You can find a video of the livestream and further details at https://graduate.baylor.edu/ngso.