Welcome to NC State!
The Office of New Student Programs welcomes you to NC State University, a community of achievers, rich in tradition and academic excellence. To assist you and your family as new members of the Wolfpack community, we invite you to participate in the Family Orientation program. The program is designed specifically for parents and families of first-year students, and it takes place parallel to the Student Orientation Program.
NC State has decided to move forward with a hybrid format for New Student and Family Orientation for spring 2022. By offering both virtual and on-campus opportunities for new students and families, we hope to provide you with information and experiences that prepare your student for the spring semester while keeping everyone in the Wolfpack community safe. For up-to-date information about the university’s COVID-19 response, please visit ncsu.edu/coronavirus.
Review the information below to determine if you wish to attend Orientation, and contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 if you have questions. Please note that NSP and all university offices will be closed for winter break Dec. 24, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022.
All enrolled students are required to complete New Student Orientation. In addition, we strongly recommend that family members complete the concurrent Family Orientation program. The cost of participation for students and families is included in the mandatory First-Year Student Fee or Transfer Student Fee charged to all new students. No payment is due to New Student Programs, and the fee will be included in your spring tuition bill.
Orientation consists of three parts:
Online Module
(required for students; strongly encouraged for families)
Before attending an Orientation session, we highly recommend families watch video presentations through our Online Module. This experience will be self-paced and will include information related to university resources, engagement opportunities, student expectations, and campus safety, among other topics.
- We recommend completing the module before the virtual session on January 5, 2022.
- There are a few hours of video content for family members, but you can watch them at your own pace. You are also able to select videos to watch based on your needs and interests.
- Students will complete a separate track of the module. They are required to watch certain videos and answer associated questions on their own before the Virtual Orientation Session on January 5, 2022.
- To view the content on the module you will need to use a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet device or a smartphone. Open https://ncstate.goorientation.com/ to begin.
- You will need to create an account as a GUEST. Students and family members (guests) will have different items to view throughout the orientation.
- To create an account, you will need to:
- Enter your first and last name.
- Enter your email address.
- Select “Parent” under “Guest Type”
- Create a password.
- Enter your phone number.
- Please Note: Your username for future logins will be the email address you use when creating the account.
- Closed captioning is available for each video by clicking the “CC” in the bottom right corner of the video screen, while the module is also ADA accessible by clicking “ADA Version” in the bottom right corner of the module.
- If you have concerns about accessing the Online Module, visit the “Assistance” section of this webpage.
Once you are logged into the module, you will receive directions on how to utilize the module.
Some notes for once you are in the module:
- The online module is made up of sections accessible through the main menu items and the menu icon on the home screen. To begin, click the title of the section from either view.
- Each section is made up of a series of slides. To complete each section, click through the slides using the next and previous buttons.
- The sections need to be completed in order; however, family members are able to click to the next video at any point while watching a video.
- You are able to “come and go” as you work through the presentations. When you log back into the module, you will pick up where you left off. So, you do not need to complete the module in one sitting.
After completing the online module, you will have access to the content for the remainder your student’s first semester and are able to go back and review materials as needed.
Virtual Session
(required for students; strongly encouraged for families)
New students and families are invited to attend a half-day orientation session via Zoom on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 . Student attendance is required, and families are strongly encouraged to attend. During the program, you and your student will get updates about NC State’s spring plans, ask questions of current student Orientation Leaders, and hear from your student’s academic college or program.
The virtual session will take place Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST via Zoom. Families can join for as long as they wish or are available to attend. Students are required to be present for the duration of the session.
If you will be joining from a time zone that makes it difficult attend, we invite you to participate as much as you are able. Email new-students@ncsu.edu to receive recordings of any presentations
Your student should contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu if they have a conflict with the virtual session date.
Family Orientation is designed for those who will serve as a student’s primary support throughout their transition to the university. During the program, attendees will:
- Learn about NC State’s plans for the spring semester.
- Ask questions of current student Orientation Leaders to gain insight into student transition experiences,
- Get better acquainted with the expectations and opportunities within their student’s academic college or program.
Registration is now open!
Registration for Family Orientation is tied to the student’s registration for orientation. Therefore, the student should register the family for Family Orientation at the same time that the student registers for New Student Orientation. They can find instructions on the Student Orientation webpage.
Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the student’s and family member’s email addresses. Please keep a copy of this email for your records.
Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advance enrollment deposit ($300) can register for orientation. When registration opens, all accepted students who have paid their deposit will receive an email inviting them to register. Students should expect to receive their invitation email within three days after submitting their deposit.
Registration will close on Monday, January 3 at 12:00 p.m.
Testing and Using Zoom
- Your orientation session will be hosted on Zoom. You can create a free Zoom account at Zoom.us.
- New Student Programs will email you Zoom links a few days before your session so you can access the webinars and meetings that will take place.
- Visit our Zoom assistance webpage for detailed instructions on using Zoom and testing it before your session.
- Attendees will be able to ask questions via the Q&A or chat features on Zoom. There may also be times during your student’s college meeting where they may ask you to participate using an audio/video connection, if you are able.
- Download NC State Zoom backgrounds to show your Wolfpack pride!
- If you have concerns about accessing Zoom for your orientation session, visit the “Assistance” section of this webpage.
Multiple Devices for Family Orientation
- Although students and families will attend some parts of the orientation session together, there will be instances when students and families are asked to join different Zoom webinars or meetings at the same time. This will require you to have two devices with Zoom capabilities (computer, tablet or smartphone).
- If you only have one Zoom-enabled device in your household, we ask that students use that device to participate in the activities designated for them. We will email recorded Family Orientation content to all participants after the session.
Plan to Engage
- To make the most of your orientation session, write down any questions you may have beforehand, and we will answer them via the Q&A or chat features on Zoom.
- There will be times during your student’s small group meeting or college presentation when we will ask them to participate on their own without family members.
Registered students and families will receive Zoom links a few days prior to their session to use throughout orientation.
First-Year Family Schedule:
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Welcome
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Spring Updates
9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Helping Your Wolf Howl
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Community Expectations
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. College or Program Welcome and Academic Information
Transfer Family Schedule:
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Welcome
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Spring Updates
9:15 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. Academic Success 201
9:45 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Career Ready, Set, Go!
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Parents and Families Services
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. College or Program Welcome and Academic Information
Multiple Devices for Family Orientation
- Although students and families will attend some parts of the orientation session together, there will be instances when students and families are asked to join different Zoom webinars or meetings at the same time. This will require you to have two devices with Zoom capabilities (computer, tablet or smartphone).
- If you only have one Zoom-enabled device in your household, we ask that students use that device to participate in the activities designated for them. We will email recorded Family Orientation content to all participants after the session.
Campus tours will also be offered during Winter Welcome Week for any students who could not attend an in-person Campus Visit in December.
Campus Visit
(optional for students and families)
You will have the option to attend a half-day Campus Visit as part of your orientation experience. For students, this does not replace the required virtual session on Zoom. During the visit you will take a campus tour, as well as learn about topics such as housing move-in, meal plans, and resources for families.
Participants of the Campus Visit must follow the health and safety guidelines provided in NC State’s Protect the Pack Community Standards and Personal Safety Rules.
As you prepare for your visit to campus, please keep in mind the following guidance from NC State:
- Face coverings are required in all indoor spaces on campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, except for when you are actively eating or drinking.
- Face coverings are not currently required in outdoor spaces for vaccinated individuals, but they are encouraged, especially in large crowds. Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated should continue wearing a face covering outdoors.
- If you are sick prior to or the day of your campus visit, please take precautions and do not attend your scheduled date. Contact New Student Programs and we can reschedule you for another date.
- The most effective way to keep yourself and others healthy is to get vaccinated.
- While we increase our vaccine coverage on campus, we remain a mixture of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and it is each person’s responsibility to continue to protect themselves and others.
- If you feel safer or more comfortable wearing a face covering in any setting, regardless of vaccination status, please feel free to do so.
- Be respectful of one another.
Campus visits will be offered on weekdays in the morning, with the option to keep exploring campus on your own in the afternoon.
- Your student will be able to register for any date regardless of their academic college or major.
- Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are attendance caps for each visit.
- If your student is unavailable or chooses not to attend a campus visit, tours will be offered in January during Winter Welcome Week and the presentations will be available in an online format for students and families.
Visit Dates (all 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. EST)
- Monday, December 6, 2021
- Tuesday, December 7, 2021
- Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Registration is now closed
Students can bring up to two family members. Additional guests can join to explore campus at 11:30am after the formal program.
Registration for Family Orientation is tied to the student’s registration for orientation. Therefore, the student should register guests for Family Orientation at the same time that the student registers for New Student Orientation. They can find instructions on the Student Orientation webpage.
Once registered, a confirmation email will be sent to the student’s and family member’s email addresses. Please keep a copy of this email for your records.
Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advance enrollment deposit ($300) can register for orientation. When registration opens, and all accepted students who have paid their deposit will receive an email inviting them to register. Students should expect to receive their invitation email within three days after submitting their deposit.
- Download the mobile schedule via the NC State Guides app on your phone. This will help you easily navigate campus to explore!
- Register for a free parking permit if you are bringing a vehicle. (Follow the instructions below under “Directions and Parking Permit” section. Registration available one week before your visit)
- Bring the following items:
- Face covering/mask
- Comfortable clothes/sneakers-you will be doing a lot of traveling around campus on the tour!
- Reusable water bottle
- Umbrella
Family Schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Check-In (Talley Student Union Lobby)
- 9:15 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Presentations from University Housing, NC State Dining, and Parents and Families Services
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Guided Campus Tour
- 11:30 a.m. Program concludes (reunite with student)
Student Schedule:
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Check-In (Talley Student Union Lobby)
- 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Guided Campus Tour and Student ID Pickup (*as soon as you check in you will then join a tour group)
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. Student Life and Traditions Presentation
- 11:30 a.m. Program concludes
“Choose Your Own Adventure” after 11:30 a.m.
After the formal program in the morning, you have the option to “choose your own adventure” and continue exploring campus on your own. Activities include but are not limited to:
- Eating at a campus dining facility
- Visiting campus landmarks
- Finding your student’s spring class buildings
- Shopping at the Wolfpack Outfitters bookstore
- Touring the Wellness and Recreation Center
- Exploring the DH Hill Library and/or Hunt Library
- Ask questions at campus departments about housing, billing, health services, involvement, and much more!
Note: University Housing showrooms will not be available due to the final exam schedule and quiet hours in residence halls during the Campus Visits.
Orientation participants may park on campus in the Coliseum Parking Deck entering via Jensen Drive. The parking lot address is 201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606.
How to get to NC State:
- Directions to the Coliseum Parking Deck (201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607) can be found using this Waze Link or on the NC State Campus Map interactive website.
- Visit the University Transportation website for road construction updates/closings.
- Please do not try to enter campus via Dan Allen Drive from Hillsborough Street. The road is gated and not accessible to campus from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Orientation Parking Permit:
Students and families attending Orientation will use a free virtual parking permit that is validated using license plate recognition. The permit will be valid for the Coliseum Parking Deck from 7:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. on the day of your visit. Parking is free and open to the public after 5:00p.m.
Register for your permit before leaving for Orientation, and note that you will need your license plate information to complete the online form. Please coordinate with your student to only complete this online registration form once for each vehicle that will need parking during Orientation.
Important Virtual Permit Notes:
- This permit is free for guests, and you should not need to enter credit card information. If you use a credit card to purchase another permit in error, refunds are not available.
- Accessible parking is available. It is only valid when a state-issued placard is displayed in your vehicle and you have registered for an accessible virtual Orientation permit through NC State (instructions above).
- If you need to change which vehicle you are bringing after registering, call the NC State Transportation office at 919.515.3424 to edit your permit.
- If you will be using a rental car, wait to register for a virtual permit once you have the vehicle and its license plate information.
How to Obtain Your Orientation Event Permit:
Do not complete this form until you receive your voucher code by email one week before your visit!
- Visit Go.ncsu.edu/EventParking
- Ensure you are logged out of your parking account.
- Select “Purchase Event Permit”
- Agree to the Terms of Service
- Select Select “Orientation” as the Event Type
- Select your Campus Visit date
- When prompted, enter your Event Voucher Code. Select Confirm. (*Codes will be sent by email one week before your visit)
- Select the available Permit Type
- Select/Confirm your parking date. Select Confirm.
- Select Location
- Select “Add Vehicle”. Enter vehicle license plate, state, year, make, and model. Review information entered for accuracy and select Add.
- Enter client name and phone number. Select Confirm.
- Review information for accuracy. Select Continue.
- Enter email address to receive confirmation of parking permit. Click Checkout. Remember, the permit is virtual, so your license plate is your permit and no paper permit is required. Permit is only valid only for the vehicle entered.
How to get to NC State
- Directions to the Coliseum Parking Deck (201 Jensen Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607) can be found using this Waze Link or on the NC State Campus Map interactive website.
- Visit the University Transportation website for road construction updates/closings.
- Please do not try to enter campus via Dan Allen Drive from Hillsborough Street. The road is gated and not accessible to campus from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
If you need overnight accommodations in the Raleigh area, hotel discounts are available to Orientation participants through the Parents and Families Services VIP Program.
Note: NC State does not endorse any particular entities that are not part of NC State. The University has no responsibility with respect to any entities, or the housing or services they offer.
Need assistance?
If you have any questions about your student’s transition to NC State, contact New Student Programs:
- Text 833-712-1255 (Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Email new-students@ncsu.edu
- Call 919.515.1234 (Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
In compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the virtual New Student and Family Orientation program, please contact Michael Coombes at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Requests for real-time captioning should be made at least 15 business days prior to the event.
If you are a person requiring foreign language interpretation to participate in the New Student and Family Orientation program, please contact Michael Coombes at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
New Student Programs recognizes that students or family members may have questions or concerns about participating in an online orientation, having to do with issues such as internet connectivity or device availability. Our staff is committed to helping students and family members address these concerns and participate in our programs.
Please review the frequently asked questions below to see if they can help you troubleshoot any technology concerns.
Frequently Asked Technology Questions
- What if I don’t have a microphone built into my computer? Can I still participate in Zoom meetings?
- If you have a computer and can access Zoom visually via your computer, you can hear the meeting’s audio feed by phone. Zoom invitations will include instructions for participating by calling into meetings via traditional phone or smartphone. This two-pronged approach will allow you to see the visuals presented during the sessions while hearing the audio of the meeting simultaneously.
- What if I don’t have a webcam? Can I still participate in Zoom meetings?
- Many of the live components of orientation will give you the opportunity to use video, but those capabilities are not required for participation. You will still be able to participate through the speaker and chat functions.
- Alternatively, if you have a smartphone and are able to download the Zoom mobile app from your app store, you may participate visually that way.
- What if I don’t have a computer?
- Both the Online Module and the Virtual Session presented via Zoom are accessible via mobile device. Your phone will need a web browser to use the platform. If you have additional concerns, notify the New Student Programs staff for assistance.
- What if I don’t have a reliable internet connection?
- Contact New Student Programs, and our team will respond with alternative options for completing orientation.
- What if I don’t have multiple devices for my family members and me to access different parts of orientation simultaneously?
- Family Orientation is supplemental to New Student Orientation, which is required for all new students. You should prioritize engaging with the student content, and contact New Student Programs prior to participating so your family can access any family content they missed.
If you believe you may have technological challenges that may affect your participation and that were not addressed via the frequently asked questions above, please ask your student to indicate this on their registration form to help us learn more about your concerns.
Please contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 with any questions.