The SAIS Orientation program is designed to prepare M.A., M.I.P.P. and Ph.D. students for the educational and extracurricular opportunities offered on the D.C. campus, as well as inform students of their responsibilities as members of the community. Orientation is required for incoming students to introduce them to SAIS, and for students returning from the Bologna Center and Hopkins-Nanjing Center to facilitate the transition to Washington.
Those who have an unavoidable conflict should review the recordings of the Orientation sessions that will be posted after the event. Not all sessions will be able to be recorded. Visit Lisa Kahn upon arrival to SAIS to pick up printed Orientation materials and ask any questions you may have. M.I.P.P. and Ph.D. students should also see Stephanie Hedge.
The Orientation schedules will be posted here. Students will be contacted to RSVP online.
Please contact the Office of Student Life if you have any questions or if you have any special needs for Orientation. Please submit any requests for special accommodations at least two weeks prior to Orientation.
SAIS Guide to DC - contains helpful information on traveling to and within Washington, finding temporary and long-term housing, living in Washington (such as locating gyms, banks and cell phones), and various aspects of life at SAIS.
Looking for someone at SAIS? Find a visual directory of the three main buildings here.