Graduate Student Onboarding Journey
Welcome to the Shark 'Ohana! This onboarding plan will guide you through important steps from admission to first day of class.
Welcome & Account Setup
Get started with your HPU journey by setting up essential accounts and confirming enrollment.
Why This Matters
Setting up your accounts early ensures you'll have access to registration, financial aid, and other essential services.
Action Items
Pre-orientation: complete within 2 weeks of acceptance
Financing your Education
Explore financial resources and complete necessary steps to fund your graduate education.
Why This Matters
Understanding your financial options early helps you plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress about funding your education.
Action Items
Pre-orientation: complete within 2 weeks of acceptance
Academic Preparation
Prepare for academic success by registering for courses and acquiring learning materials.
Why This Matters
Getting academically prepared before classes begin allows you to focus on learning and connecting with peers when the semester starts.
Action Items
Pre-orientation: complete 1+ month before semester starts
Health & Wellness
Complete health requirements and learn about wellness resources available to HPU students.
Why This Matters
Your wellbeing is essential for academic success. Completing health requirements early ensures you're ready to focus on your studies.
Action Items
Pre-orientation: complete within 4 weeks of acceptance
Living in Hawaii
Find housing, transportation, and get oriented to life in Hawaii and on campus.
Why This Matters
Getting settled in Hawaii is easier when you have all the information you need about housing, transportation, and local resources.
Building Your Network
Connect with the HPU community and begin building your professional network.
Why This Matters
Your graduate school network can be one of your most valuable assets. Start building connections before you arrive on campus.
Graduate Orientation
Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM | Aloha Tower Marketplace, MPR3
Who Should Attend
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All incoming students enrolled in on-campus graduate degree programs
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Optional: Hybrid low-residency or fully online students who live on Oahu and wish to connect with the campus community
The in-person Graduate Orientation is designed primarily for students who will be regularly attending classes on campus. On-campus Orientation includes our special harbor cruise lunch on the Star of Honolulu, networking opportunities with faculty and staff, and essential information to help you navigate your graduate journey at HPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the enrollment deposit due?
The $200 enrollment deposit should be paid as soon as possible to secure your seat and activate course registration. Select programs require an additional supplemental deposit.
Is orientation mandatory?
While not mandatory, orientation is highly recommended as it provides essential information and valuable networking opportunities to start your graduate journey successfully.
What if I can't attend orientation in person?
This orientation experience is uniquely designed for in-person participation. If you are an on-campus program student unable to attend, please email your graduate program advisor with specific questions and complete the Online Pre-Orientation onboarding process outlined above..
When will I get my student ID?
Get your student ID faster via the Photo Upload Option. More information can be found online here.
GrADUATE newly admitted student brochure
We are excited to welcome you to the Shark ohana! View our brochure for newly admitted graduate students.
Schedule Your Personalized Welcome Session
We are excited to welcome you to the Shark ohana! If you prefer guidance through your next steps, please connect with your admissions counselor below to schedule your personalized welcome session.
