Online-Only Graduate Student Synchronous Orientation
The Online-Only Graduate Student Synchronous Orientation offers graduate students in online graduate programs an opportunity to supplement the online orientation module. Graduate students will have an opportunity to learn more about faculty expectations, connect with Graduate School staff, identify resources for student success, meet other new and returning graduate students from across all disciplines and become a part of the UofL graduate student community!
Fall 2026 Orientation Resources
While the Graduate School's full online only orientation is only held in the fall, you can access the recording from the fall below. Additionally, graduate students should reach out to their individual programs to learn about any program-specific orientation that might be offered.
Agenda
| 12:00pm | Welcome and Staff Introduction
| Patriece Campbell-Palmer, Ed.D., Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management, Graduate School, with Graduate School Staff |
| 12:10pm | Orientation Purpose and Format
| Michelle Rodems, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Success |
| 12:15pm | Graduate School Resources
| Brian Hamilton, Senior Associate Director of Student Success |
| 12:20pm | Writing Center Resources and Recommendations for Online Graduate Students | Annmarie Steffes, Ph.D., Associate Director, University Writing Center |
| 12:30pm | Research Techniques and Resources for Online Graduate Students | Lidiya Grote, Associate Professor, University Libraries |
| 12:40pm | Faculty Share: Expectations and Strategies for Success in the Online Classroom
| Lee W. Bewley, Ph.D., FACHE, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Director, Health Management Programs, Associate Professor
Lynetta Mathis, DSW, LCSW Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Kent School of Social Work |
| 1:00pm | Students’ Perspectives on Their Online Graduate Program | Conner Mackowiak, M.B.A., College of Business
Alyson Benningfield, M.S. Candidate, Criminal Justice, College of Arts and Sciences |
| 1:20pm | Student Financial Aid | Mike Abboud, Director Student Services for Financial Aid |
| 1:25pm | Question and Answer | All |
| 1:50pm | Deans’ Welcome
| George Higgins, Ph.D., Interim Dean, Graduate School, Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs, Professor, Criminal Justice |
| 1:55pm | Wrap Up & Evaluation
| Michelle Rodems, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Success |
Recording of the Fall 2026 New Graduate Student Orientation for Students in Online-Only Programs coming soon!
More Resources and Materials Coming Soon!