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COVID-19 Response

Students on campus during the global student orientation

Graduate Orientation

This spring semester, we are excited to offer a variety of both asynchronous (at your own time/pace) and synchronous (at the same time) opportunities for global graduate students to get to know our department, student leaders and other global students! Check out some of these opportunities below.

Next Steps

  1. View the Global Graduate Student Orientation Schedule
  2. Sign up for Department Orientation

Global Student Orientation Schedule

This spring semester, we are excited to offer a variety of both asynchronous (at your own time/pace) and synchronous (at the same time) opportunities for you as global students to get to know our department, student leaders and other global students! Check out some of these opportunities below:

  • GSPD Orientation Session

    On January 21st, we will be offering two different Zoom sessions, one from 10–11 a.m. (PST) and another from 6:30–7:30 p.m. (PST), for you as incoming global students and global families to learn about GSPD, meet our staff, student leaders, other students, and ask any questions you may have!

    A formal invitation with more information will come to your Biola email address as the date gets closer. This invitation will include how to RSVP so we know you’re coming, a Zoom link to join us the day of and a chance to submit any questions you may have in advance.

  • Virtual New Global Student Orientation

    For the global orientation this semester, we’re going virtual! All of this content will be delivered in an asynchronous (at your own pace and time) format for you to explore through Canvas. For graduate students, you will receive an invite to this course (target date: January 4th).

    This module contains content on all of the following:

    • Ways to Connect
    • Welcome by Biola Staff
    • Biola: A New Culture to Explore
    • Studying in the U.S. Classroom
    • Academic Resources at Biola
    • Maintaining F-1 Status
    • Next Steps with GSPD

We really believe that although we are remote delivery for this semester, that this module will help enhance your Biola experience and your transition to starting your Biola journey.

Other Initiatives

  • Student Leaders Reaching Out to You!

    As the semester starts, our GSPD team of student leaders will be reaching out to YOU as incoming global students to help you connect to different resources at Biola as well as opportunities for community connection. GSPD student leaders will be reaching out initially over email to your Biola email within the first weeks of the fall semester, so be on the lookout for that.

  • Community Groups

    These global-student specific small groups are an amazing opportunity to get to know other global students at Biola and help with building community connections and your overall transition to Biola. Each community group is led by our wonderful student leaders and meet weekly once the school year begins. For more information, check out our “Get Connected” page by visiting biola.edu/gspd/community-life.

  • The Biola App

    Have you heard about Biola’s very own app? Search for the “GSPD Grad Students” group and make sure to join!

Department Orientation

Attend the orientation for your program to learn about academic advising, beginning classes, orientation activities and more. View graduate student orientation information to find out times and dates for each school's orientation activities.