Finding support during graduate school
Shortly after you enroll in graduate school, you should introduce yourself to the staff in your department, many of who will know the ins and outs of academic policies and procedures. You should also introduce yourself to the department chair and graduate coordinator, people who can help you with any issues you may face during your time as a graduate student.
Getting to know your advisor
You will be assigned to an academic advisor. Be sure to meet with him or her early on and regularly throughout your graduate school career. Students are initially assigned to advisors based upon their academic interests and advisor availability. Although your advisor probably will serve as your mentor throughout your graduate school experience, students may change advisors if another available faculty advisor is a better match.
How to lead your own research
Familiarize yourself with other faculty members and their research and teaching interests by dropping them an e-mail or stopping by their offices and/or talking with other graduate students. The more you know about your faculty members, the easier it will be to get involved in research tailored to your interests.