Graduate Student Life

 Life at Tulane and in New Orleans is full of fun, intrigue, and curiosity. 

Graduate life at Tulane University combines academic rigor with rich cultural experiences. Graduate students engage in innovative research while enjoying the diverse heritage of the city. This blend of a distinguished academic community and the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans creates a unique environment for personal and professional growth.

Life at Tulane

The Tulane University shuttles allow for safe and easy travel to, from, and around both the Uptown and Downtown campuses. There are fixed bus schedules that allow Tulane affiliates to find transportation based on the closest route listing offered through each shuttle line. The services offered are the Commons Green Line, Diboll Green Line, Green Wave Line, Weekend Red Line, and the International Grocery Line. These are offered throughout the academic year, with reduced services over winter and summer breaks. The Commons Green Line and Weekend Red Line are offered throughout the year, including breaks. Tulane University increases shuttle services to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) during holiday breaks. For more information on shuttles, including fixed schedules, please visit the official site here

 

The Tulane TransLōc on Demand transit app provides Tulane University students, staff, and faculty the convenience of requesting ride-share style transportation within specified regions and time frames via their single sogn on (SSO) Tulane credentials. For more information on Tulane TransLōc, please visit the official site here

Campus Safety and Security

Student safety is Tulane's top priority, with cutting-edge security and emergency preparedness systems in place. Located in one of the safest areas of New Orleans, Tulane's crime statistics are comparable to or better than those of other urban universities. The Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) ensures campus security by patrolling 24/7 with approximately 100 state-certified police officers, supported by additional staff and trained student employees.

  • Key features of Tulane's safety measures include:
  • Blue-lit Emergency Phones: Over 80 emergency phones across campus connect directly to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Secured Residence Halls: All residence halls require a key or ID card for entry and have desk assistants on duty overnight.
  • Safety Programs: Free self-defense and crime prevention seminars.
  • Shuttle Services: Regular and Gold Zone shuttles for transportation on and off campus.
  • Personal Escorts: Available 24/7.
  • Virtual Safety Escort Service: Everbridge notifies TUPD if a student does not reach their destination on time.
  • Tulane also maintains a comprehensive hurricane and emergency preparedness plan. For updates, parents can subscribe to the "Parents as Partners" e-newsletter.

 

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Clery Act, Tulane publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report detailing campus security policies, crime statistics, and safety resources. This report covers crime prevention, fire safety, police authority, crime reporting, disciplinary procedures, and more. It includes crime statistics for the past three years for on-campus, off-campus, and adjacent public properties.

Printed copies are available by calling TUPD at 504-865-5381 or visiting the Uptown office at 2650 Ben Weiner Drive. For more details, visit the Clery Act page.

Campus safety is a collaborative effort, and the university encourages everyone to report incidents to TUPD at 504-865-5381.

 

 

 

There are a multitude of graduate student organizations for anyone looking to get further involved in the Tulane community. Here is a list of all student organizations offered at Tulane University, with a specific subcategory for GAPSA funded groups. Graduate students are free to contact representatives from each club if they are interested in joining. 

Graduate Studies Student Association (GSSA) 

The Graduate Studies Student Association is the governing body for all Masters and Ph.D. students in the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University. They provide funds to support social, academic, and career-enhancing opportunities for departments and students, as well as act as representatives for graduate student voices to university administration for issues affecting the broad graduate student population. You can visit their webpage or follow them on Instagram

Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) 

The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) is the unifying body of the graduate and professional divisions of Tulane University, including stuednts nested under public health, social work, business, and architecture programs, as well as the medical and law school. GAPSA develops and furthers the scholastic, professional, social, and public service interests of all graduate and professional students by promoting an understanding amongst students, faculty, staff, and administrators. GAPSA also facilitates inter-division communciation and coordinates activities with the undergraduate student government. 

Tulane Libraries Locations 

  • Howard-Tilton Memorial Library: The main library, offering comprehensive resources and study spaces.
  • Rudolph Matas Library of the Health Sciences: Specializes in medical and health sciences resources.
  • The Latin American Library: Focuses on Latin American collections and research materials.
  • Tulane University Special Collections: Houses unique archival materials and rare books.
  • Media Services: Provides access to multimedia resources and equipment.
  • Alfred H. Clifford Mathematics Research Library: Supports research in mathematics and related fields.

 

Additional affiliate libraries include the Tulane Law Library, Turchin Business Library, Newcomb Archives and Vorhoff Collection, and the Amistad Research Center.

For more details, visit the Tulane Libraries Locations page.

 

Study Spaces for Graduate Students at Tulane Libraries

 

  • Learning Commons: A collaborative space on the first floor with individual and group work areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, and assistive technology.
  • Second Floor Study Commons: Offers individual carrels, large workstations, and a standing work table, with power outlets and high-speed wireless throughout.
  • Graduate Study Rooms: Quiet spaces on the second and third floors, accessible via Splash card, for exclusive use by graduate students.
  • Selley Study Commons (3rd Floor): A quiet study area designed for individual work with carrel seating, pod workstations, and lounge seating.
  • Matas Library for the Health Sciences: Provides study areas tailored for health sciences students.

 

For more information, visit the Study Spaces page.

Tulane University's Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) supports the international community through various services and programs. It provides immigration advising for F, J, and H visa holders, helps with cultural adjustment, and ensures compliance with federal regulations. OISS offers orientation programs, document assistance, and personalized advising to aid international students and scholars in their academic and personal lives. The office also promotes cross-cultural interactions and understanding within the Tulane community.

For more details, visit the OISS website.

Tulane University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) leads various initiatives to support underrepresented groups, particularly BIPOC individuals. Key resources include the Carolyn Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, the Center for Academic Equity, and multiple EDI-focused programs. Tulane's commitment extends to policies, campus events, and strategic plans aimed at creating a supportive environment for all.

For more details, visit the EDI webpage.

Tulane University offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring a dynamic fine arts program, the world-class Newcomb Art Museum, and numerous collections. The campus hosts a variety of theatrical performances, concerts, and films, fostering a creative atmosphere. In New Orleans, students can enjoy renowned art museums, live music venues, and a thriving performing arts scene, including symphony, ballet, opera, and theater. The city's rich cultural offerings provide endless opportunities for engagement and exploration.

For more details, visit the Art and Culture page.

Life in New Orleans

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a vibrant, city-wide celebration that culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. For graduate students, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture through parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music. The festivities showcase the city's rich history and community spirit, providing a break from academic rigor and a chance to experience the joyous, inclusive atmosphere that defines New Orleans. Participation in Mardi Gras is not just about fun; it's a cultural rite that highlights the city's traditions and creativity.

New Orleans is renowned for its festivals and cultural events, providing graduate students with a rich tapestry of experiences beyond their academic pursuits. 

The city hosts a variety of events year-round:

  • Jazz and Heritage Festival
  • French Quarter Festival
  • Essence Festival
  • Oak-Street Po-Boy Festival

These events celebrate the city's diverse music, food, and arts scene, offering students a chance to explore local traditions and connect with the community. From music and food festivals to art shows and historical reenactments, New Orleans' cultural events create a dynamic environment that enriches the graduate student experience.