Next Steps to Becoming a Newmark
J-School Student

— June 5, 2026

At the J-School, you’ll work closely with two key offices: Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.

Student Affairs supports your social and personal well-being, coordinates student programming, and connects you with services like Financial Aid, the Wellness Center, and International Student Services. The office also manages accommodations, student government, and organizations.

Academic Affairs oversees your academic experience, including curriculum, registration, advising, and faculty mentorship. You’ll be assigned an academic advisor to help you plan your courses and stay on track to complete the MA program. This office also serves as your liaison to the Registrar.

Both offices are here to support you and are committed to your success—we look forward to working with you!

Upcoming Academic Sessions and New Student Orientation

Below is a list of upcoming academic sessions, including New Student Orientation, along with registration details for each event.

NEW STUDENT WELCOME AND OVERVIEW (MANDATORY) – VIRTUAL

The Office of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs will hold a mandatory virtual New Student Welcome and Overview. With guest presentations from the Financial Aid and Information Technology Offices, students will learn about the services these offices provide, as well as important deadlines throughout the summer. Please register for one of the following sessions:

Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30pm – 6:30pm EST
Tuesday, June 23 at 12pm – 1pm EST

Following the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs session, you will receive a link to complete the required Incoming Student Information Form. This form helps us get to know you better and prepare for your arrival by collecting information such as a photo for your student ID, a résumé for Career Services, and details to support academic advising. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, July 9, 2026. Please note that failure to submit this form by the deadline will delay important onboarding processes, such as the creation of your student ID card, which is required for campus access. 

Additionally, you will receive information and instructions for accessing the required pre-orientation readings and assignments in Brightspace, which must be completed prior to your arrival on campus.

Group Academic Advising Session (Optional) – VIRTUAL

Do you have questions about the upcoming semester and the required first semester classes? Register below to join Lindsey Allen and Alexa Maurer for a Class of 2027 group advising session at one of the following sessions:

Wednesday, June 17 at 12pm – 1pm EST
Wednesday, June 24 at 12pm – 1pm EST

Writing and Thinking intensive, developed by Distinguished Professor Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, M. Gessen (HIGHLY ENCOURAGED) – IN PERSON

The purpose of this one-week optional intensive workshop is to dive into the essential practice of thinking through writing. Through a series of focused exercises, you will find your feet in journalistic writing that synthesizes ideas and observations, and start writing in your own voice. You will receive writing and reading assignments nightly as part of the intensive experience.

Developed by Pulitzer Prize winner M. Gessen in collaboration with the Bard College Institute for Writing and Thinking, this workshop is led by Newmark faculty and guests, including Gessen, Linda Villarosa, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc and many more.

You will leave with a set of practices that will help generate new thinking throughout your entire time in graduate school, bolster your intellectual confidence, help articulate your point of view and build your capacity to remain curious and open to exploring complex ideas. All of this is foundational to the work that you will dive into when classes begin, and your career as a journalist.

The program will take place in person daily from Monday, August 24, to Thursday, August 27, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST. You are welcome to bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of the campus water stations. We will serve breakfast on the morning of August 24 and lunch on August 27.

Register

Registration Deadline: Monday, August 17, 2026

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION (MANDATORY) – IN PERSON

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism’s New Student Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students. Students will participate in a series of information sessions, workshops, student panels, and small group activities that will give them the tools to be successful at the J-School. Orientation also introduces students to important campus resources and provides an opportunity to connect new and continuing students, faculty, and staff before classes begin.

The Class of 2027 Orientation sessions will take place in person daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST on the following dates:

  • Monday, August 17 – for international students only
  • Tuesday, August 18 – Friday, August 21 – for all incoming students (domestic and international)*

You are welcome to bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of the campus water stations. Coffee will be provided throughout the day, and lunch will be provided daily. However, you are also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer.

IMPORTANT: We will be registering you for New Student Orientation, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details. Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students and attendance is required for admission to the program. 

Getting Started

We encourage you to:

  1. Review the technical requirements for your courses
  2. Review the equipment insurance requirement
  3. Review the curriculum and course offerings by referring to the program-specific worksheets: MAJ Program, Bilingual Program, Engagement Journalism Program
  4. All information regarding the mandatory orientation and pre-orientation required assignments will be found in Brightspace. You will receive information about how to access that material in Brightspace during the mandatory Online Student Welcome (RSVP above).

Should you have any questions, please email . We look forward to working with you!

Lindsey Allen, Director of Academic Affairs

Alexa Maurer, Academic Advisor

Matthew Brown, Director of Student Affairs

Bria Thorne, Assistant Director of Student Affairs