A formal orientation session is held each Fall semester (and Spring semester, as needed) for new students. The students are welcomed by the Department Head, then they receive an overview of the business policies, computer network, seminar course, laboratory safety, library system. The Graduate Student Handbook received by students upon arrival is reviewed, and the role of the Graduate Program Coordinator is described. The students are told about the Food Science Graduate Student Association, and about the graduate student association at a University level.

In the fall semester, the new graduate student orientation is coordinated with the Department's kick-off event for the new school year. This includes a special speaker and a lunch for all faculty, staff, and graduate students.