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Spring 2025 New Student Onboarding

Full-Time Programs

Welcome Waves! 

The Pepperdine Graziadio new student onboarding experience is designed to prepare you to succeed in your graduate program. New student onboarding is a comprehensive (and fun!), multi-week experience that includes virtual and on-campus opportunities to network, learn about student services and resources, engage in career planning, and prepare for your academic program. At Pepperdine Graziadio, the entire campus community comes together to support your new student onboarding journey, and we can’t wait to welcome you!

Each full-time program has a uniquely tailored onboarding schedule. Therefore, dates and times vary by program.

Listed dates and times are subject to change. New events and information will be updated on this page as additional information is confirmed.

Select your academic program below to view your new student onboarding schedule.

Things to Know

  • Dress attire: Comfortable, business casual attire is suggested for all events. We recommend wearing layered clothing and planning for potential outdoor seating and varied Malibu temperatures.
  • Driving directions: On-campus events will take place at the Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu. Driving directions are located here. Students can park in lots S, T, or V at the Drescher Graduate Campus and proceed to the Graziadio Business School building.
  • Most of your classes and onboarding activities will be held in the Graziadio Business School building. There are three levels (floors) in this building: Lower Level, Plaza Level, and Upper Level. Your classroom location names will either reflect an "L," for Lower Level, "P," for Plaza Level, or "U, "for Upper Level.
  • Interactive campus map: To locate specific buildings or parking lots on campus, refer to the interactive campus map. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to type in the exact location, or click on the buildings and parking lots directly on the map. 
  Full-Time MBA

Pre-Arrival Module

Location: Virtual - Login through your WaveNet Student Center To-Do List

In mid-July, you will receive an email from your academic advisor with instructions to access the virtual Pre-Arrival Module. This is a required, self-paced module that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 

The Pre-Arrival Module is designed to help you prepare for your arrival on campus, learn about student resources, and understand the action steps you must take before you begin your program. 

Prep Webinar Part 1: Leveraging Your Courses for Your Future Career

Thursday, October 24, 5 - 6 PM (PT)  

View recording Passcode: jP#3ZXp%

In part one of the prep webinar series, you will:

  • Meet your Academic Advisor and Career Coach
  • Learn about distinct features of your academic program, including a typical class schedule
  • Review specific courses you will complete while in the program
  • Understand what courses and concentrations may be best for your future career

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

Admitted Student Reception

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Virtual - You will receive an email invitation to register.

Pepperdine Graziadio is thrilled to invite you to the virtual Admitted Student Reception open to all admitted students in the spring 2025 term. This is a chance for you to celebrate with your future classmates and meet more of the Pepperdine community as we welcome you into the incoming class. We invite you to wear the Pepperdine University school colors (orange and blue) to showcase your school spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Note: You must be admitted for fall to attend this event. 

Prep Webinar Part 2: Preparing for Your Academic Program

Thursday, December 12, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Zoom (you will receive an email invitation with a Zoom link)

In part two of the prep webinar series, you will:

  • Learn how to use the academic tools necessary to navigate your courses
  • Understand the academic standards and requirements of your program
  • Review the networking and job-sourcing tools you will need for your PGBS 560: Career Course lecture
  • Learn about program-specific internship requirements

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

Spring Kickoff: Lunch & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (PT)

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

Kick off a new academic term with faculty, staff, and new and returning students!

  • Enjoy free lunch with faculty, staff, and students
  • Learn about campus resources and services
  • Meet the student clubs and learn about ways to get involved
  • Take a professional headshot in our photo booth
  • Giveaways at graduate school tables

This event is co-hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Students, staff, and faculty from all schools are invited!

  MS in Applied Finance

The MS in Applied Finance fall 2025 onboarding schedule will be posted in summer 2025. 

  MS in Business

The MS in business fall 2025 onboarding schedule will be posted in summer 2025. 

  MS in Business Analytics

Pre-Arrival Module

Location: Virtual - Login through your WaveNet Student Center To-Do List

In mid-July, you will receive an email from your academic advisor with instructions to access the virtual Pre-Arrival Module. This is a required, self-paced module that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 

The Pre-Arrival Module is designed to help you prepare for your arrival on campus, learn about student resources, and understand the action steps you must take before you begin your program. 

Prep Webinar Part 1: Leveraging Your Courses for Your Future Career

Thursday, October 24, 5 - 6 PM (PT)  

View recording Passcode: jP#3ZXp%

In part one of the prep webinar series, you will:

  • Meet your Academic Advisor and Career Coach
  • Learn about distinct features of your academic program, including a typical class schedule
  • Review specific courses you will complete while in the program
  • Understand what courses and concentrations may be best for your future career

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

Admitted Student Reception

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Virtual - You will receive an email invitation to register.

Pepperdine Graziadio is thrilled to invite you to the virtual Admitted Student Reception open to all admitted students in the spring 2025 term. This is a chance for you to celebrate with your future classmates and meet more of the Pepperdine community as we welcome you into the incoming class. We invite you to wear the Pepperdine University school colors (orange and blue) to showcase your school spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Note: You must be admitted for fall to attend this event. 

Prep Webinar Part 2: Preparing for Your Academic Program

Thursday, December 12, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Zoom (you will receive an email invitation with a Zoom link)

In part two of the prep webinar series, you will:

  • Learn how to use the academic tools necessary to navigate your courses
  • Understand the academic standards and requirements of your program
  • Review the networking and job-sourcing tools you will need for your PGBS 560: Career Course lecture
  • Learn about program-specific internship requirements 

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

BSCI 650: Personal and Leadership Development Workshop

Wednesday, January 8 - Friday, January 10

Location: Graziadio Business School, Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

The BSCI 650 Workshop is an academic course; attendance is required to earn a grade. Meals will be provided.

Three-Day Workshop Schedule: 

Day 1: Wednesday, January 8

  • Check-In: 2:30 - 3 PM
  • Workshop: 3 - 7:30 PM

Day 2: Thursday, January 9

  • Workshop: 8 AM - 10 PM 
  • Campus resources will be available during the lunch hour for students to:
    • Meet with Student Financial Services
    • Confirm your Student Health Center requirements
    • International students can complete their Mandatory Arrival Report on-site 

Day 3: Friday, January 10

  • Workshop: 8 AM - 12 PM

Spring Kickoff: Lunch & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (PT)

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

Kick off a new academic term with faculty, staff, and new and returning students!

  • Meet staff, faculty, and students
  • Enjoy free lunch from The Habit food truck
  • Learn about campus resources and services
  • Meet the student clubs and learn about ways to get involved
  • Take a professional headshot in our photo booth
  • Giveaways at graduate school tables

This event is co-hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Students, staff, and faculty from all schools are invited!

  MS in Global Business

Pre-Arrival Module

Location: Virtual - Login through your WaveNet Student Center To-Do List

In mid-July, you will receive an email from your academic advisor with instructions to access the virtual Pre-Arrival Module. This is a required, self-paced module that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 

The Pre-Arrival Module is designed to help you prepare for your arrival on campus, learn about student resources, and understand the action steps you must take before you begin your program. 

Prep Webinar Part 1: Leveraging Your Courses for Your Future Career

Thursday, October 24, 5 - 6 PM (PT)  

View recording Passcode: jP#3ZXp%

In part one of the prep webinar series, you will:

  • Meet your Academic Advisor and Career Coach
  • Learn about distinct features of your academic program, including a typical class schedule
  • Review specific courses you will complete while in the program
  • Understand what courses and concentrations may be best for your future career

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

Admitted Student Reception

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Virtual - You will receive an email invitation to register.

Pepperdine Graziadio is thrilled to invite you to the virtual Admitted Student Reception open to all admitted students in the spring 2025 term. This is a chance for you to celebrate with your future classmates and meet more of the Pepperdine community as we welcome you into the incoming class. We invite you to wear the Pepperdine University school colors (orange and blue) to showcase your school spirit. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Note: You must be admitted for fall to attend this event. 

Prep Webinar Part 2: Preparing for Your Academic Program

Thursday, December 12, 5 - 6 PM (PT)

Location: Zoom (you will receive an email invitation with a Zoom link)

In part two of the  prep webinar series, you will:

  • Learn how to use the academic tools necessary to navigate your courses
  • Understand the academic standards and requirements of your program
  • Review the networking and job-sourcing tools you will need for your PGBS 560: Career Course lecture
  • Learn about program-specific internship requirements 

For students unable to attend the live session, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the webinar.

BSCI 650: Personal and Leadership Development Workshop

Wednesday, January 8 - Friday, January 10

Location: Graziadio Business School, Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

The BSCI 650 Workshop is an academic course; attendance is required to earn a grade. Meals will be provided.

Three-Day Workshop Schedule: 

Day 1: Wednesday, January 8 

  • Check-In: 2:30 - 3 PM 
  • Workshop: 3 - 7:30 PM

Day 2: Thursday, January 9

  • Workshop: 8 AM - 10 PM 
  • Campus resources will be available during the lunch hour for students to:
    • Meet with Student Financial Services
    • Confirm your Student Health Center requirements
    • International students can complete their Mandatory Arrival Report on-site 

Day 3: Friday, January 10

  • Workshop: 8 AM - 12 PM

Spring Kickoff: Lunch & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (PT)

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

Kick off a new academic term with faculty, staff, and new and returning students!

  • Meet staff, faculty, and students
  • Enjoy free lunch from The Habit food truck
  • Learn about campus resources and services
  • Meet the student clubs and learn about ways to get involved
  • Take a professional headshot in our photo booth
  • Giveaways at graduate school tables

This event is co-hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Students, staff, and faculty from all schools are invited!

  MS in Real Estate

The MS in Real Estate fall 2025 onboarding schedule will be posted in summer 2025. 

  Inbound Exchange Program

Pre-Arrival Module

Location: Virtual - Log in through your WaveNet Student Center To-Do List

In mid-July, you will receive an email from your academic advisor with instructions to access the virtual Pre-Arrival Module. This is a required, self-paced module that will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. 

The Pre-Arrival Module is designed to help you prepare for your arrival on campus, learn about student resources, and understand the action steps you must take before you begin your program. 

New Student Orientation

Date and Time TBD

Location: Graziadio Business School, Drescher Graduate Campus

The new student orientation is an opportunity to learn how to make the most of your time at Pepperdine Graziadio before you arrive in the United States. Meet the Global Programs team and student support staff while learning about essential student services and resources.  

Spring Kickoff: Lunch & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (PT)

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

Kick off a new academic term with faculty, staff, and new and returning students!

  • Meet staff, faculty, and students
  • Enjoy free lunch from The Habit food truck
  • Learn about campus resources and services
  • Meet the student clubs and learn about ways to get involved
  • Take a professional headshot in our photo booth
  • Giveaways at graduate school tables

This event is co-hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Students, staff, and faculty from all schools are invited!

 

Spring Kickoff: Lunch and Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

  Schedule

Spring Kickoff: Lunch & Resource Fair

Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (PT)

Location: Palm Plaza (outside the Graziadio Business School main lobby), Drescher Graduate Campus, Malibu

Register here

Kick off a new school year with faculty, staff, and new and returning students!

  • Meet staff, faculty, and students

  • Enjoy free lunch from The Habit food truck

  • Learn about campus resources and services

  • Meet the student clubs and learn about ways to get involved

  • Take a professional headshot in our photo booth

  • Giveaways at graduate school tables

This event is co-hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, the School of Public Policy, and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

Students, staff, and faculty from all schools are invited!