Welcome Graduate Roadrunners!

You are about to embark on an exciting journey of self-improvement, professional growth and academic excellence.

We are excited to join you on this journey beginning with Graduate School Orientation (GSO). Join us for a unique opportunity to network with fellow new students and current students and faculty.

Three students smiling and doing the roadrunner sign with their hands

Next Steps:

Once graduate student registration opens, be sure to secure your classes early! Don't forget to meet with your advisor to discuss your course options and plan to attend orientation—we are excited to meet you!

New Master's Student Orientation

Fall 2026

Aug. 15, 2026

Noon. - 3 p.m. | H-E-B Student Union 1.104 - Ballroom

New Doctoral Student Orientation

Fall 2026

Aug. 15, 2026

Noon - 3:30 p.m. | H-E-B Student Union 1.104 - Ballroom

Doctoral Student Steps Series

Supporting You at Every Stage of Your Doctoral Journey

The Doctoral Student Steps Series is a program designed to support you through every major stage of your doctoral journey, from beginning to dissertation completion. Each session builds on the last, offering resources and guidance relevant to your specific stage as well as opportunities to connect with Graduate School staff and fellow doctoral students.

Attendance at each session is required once you reach the corresponding stage of your doctoral program. You will be contacted with additional information and an email invitation when it is time for you to attend.

  1. Welcome Orientation

This is an introductory orientation designed to introduce you to the UT San Antonio graduate student community and facilitate your transition to doctoral studies. At this orientation, you will:

  • Learn about the doctoral student lifecycle in your specific college and what to expect in your first year
  • Be presented with key resources, professional development opportunities and support services
  • Hear directly from current doctoral students about their real experiences and advice
  • Connect with other doctoral students through small-group discussions and activities
  • Be introduced to your Individual Development Plan (IDP) and other tools to support your academic goals

Outcome: You will leave this stage with a clear understanding of the doctoral student lifecycle, knowledge about resources and professional development opportunities and a strong foundation for success as you begin your doctoral journey.

  1. Candidacy

This stage focuses on helping you successfully transition into independent work once you have completed all course work and are preparing for your qualifying exam. In this stage, you will:

  • Understand candidacy requirements, required documentation and milestones
  • Explore professional development opportunities relevant to this stage
  • Hear insights from advanced doctoral students, postdocs or recent graduates
  • Develop strategies for managing time, stress and motivation without structured coursework
  • Connect with other doctoral students in and outside your discipline through participation in guided discussions

Outcome: You will be prepared to transition confidently into candidacy, with an understanding of the requirements of this stage and strategies to navigate part of your doctoral journey with limited structure and more independence.

  1. Dissertation

This final stage supports you as you prepare to complete your dissertation. In this stage, you will:

  • Learn about key deadlines, required documentation and submission processes
  • Receive guidance on dissertation formatting, publication and submission
  • Learn about copyright considerations from our partners at the UT San Antonio Library
  • Practice preparing for your dissertation defense, including presentation skills and managing nerves
  • Hear from recent graduates about their defense experiences and lessons learned
  • Gain clarity on final steps to graduation
  • Learn about what to expect during the doctoral conferral ceremony.

Outcome: You will be knowledgeable about graduation and dissertation completion requirements, deadlines and prepared for the doctoral conferral ceremony.