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New Student Orientation

All entering Degree-Seeking students will begin their studies with a mandatory week-long orientation. This in-depth experience provides the foundation for a successful start to graduate school and an introduction to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) community.

Welcome

Our mandatory In-Person New Student Orientation Week (August 24-28, 2026) is your first step toward a successful and enriching graduate experience. This program is carefully designed to introduce you to essential campus resources, connect you with key staff, and highlight the many opportunities available throughout your academic journey.

Additional New Student Orientation information will also be provided via online modules in Canvas. Please check your email for a link to the New Student Orientation Canvas course.

In preparation for the New Student Orientation, all degree-seeking students are REQUIRED to arrive in Houston, TX no later than Wednesday, August 19, 2026, and attend the scheduled events for orientation. Failure to do so will result in requiring a deferral to the following Fall start term.

Please review the Admitted Students page for information on pre-enrollment requirements. For questions, please email [email protected].

Join us as we kick off this exciting new chapter—laying the foundation not just for academic achievement, but for a transformative, fulfilling experience in graduate school.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • GSBS PROGRAM SCHEDULE

    New Student Orientation is required for all degree-seeking incoming students. For questions regarding the schedule, please contact the Admissions Team.

    Fall 2026 Schedule 

  • GENETIC COUNSELING

    Genetic Counseling students will receive detailed orientation and new student onboarding information from the Program Coordinators/Directors. For more information, please contact Ayisha Hawkins.

    Fall 2026 Schedule

  • MEDICAL PHYSICS

    Medical Physics students will receive detailed orientation and new student onboarding information from the Program Coordinators/Directors. For more information, please contact Lisa Echeverry.

    Fall 2026 Schedule TBD

  • MSTP - MD/PhD

    New incoming MSTP – MD/PhD - students will receive detailed orientation and new student onboarding information from the Administrative Director of the MD/PhD program. For more information, please contact Stacey Mueller-Ortiz.

    GS1 MSTP – MD/PhD - students starting PhD coursework are required to attend the GSBS Program schedule outlined.

    Fall 2026 Schedule 

  • WELCOME RESOURCES

    The Welcome Resources Page is a comprehensive list of resources, such as contact information for administrative offices, student services, funding and parking information, and more. This page will help you navigate the beginning of your graduate journey with the GSBS.

Contact Information:

Office of Admissions
[email protected]

Updated - 7/7/2026