
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 in becoming a part of the Wolfpack, we invite you to participate in the New Student Orientation program. Orientation will help prepare you to succeed in and out of the classroom, give you a glimpse into student life and help you connect with students, faculty and staff.
Due to impacts from COVID-19, NC State will host virtual orientation programs for spring 2021. For up-to-date information about the university’s COVID-19 response, please visit ncsu.edu/coronavirus.
All enrolled first-year and transfer 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 first-year or transfer students. No payment is due to New Student Programs, and the appropriate student fee will be included in your spring tuition bill.
Review the information below to help prepare for your 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, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021.
Orientation consists of three parts:
Part 1 – Online Orientation Platform (required and due Jan. 6, 2021)
In preparation for your orientation session on Zoom, you will watch video presentations through our Online Orientation Platform and answer accompanying questions about the information. This experience will be self-paced over several weeks and will include information related to campus involvement, university expectations and living on campus, among other topics.
A separate track will also be available for family members to watch presentations.
- The requirements in the platform should take about five hours to complete. The platform also provides supplemental videos you can watch based on your interests or needs.
- Students are expected to watch all of the required videos fully and to answer accompanying quiz questions on their own.
- The deadline for students to complete this requirement is Wednesday, Jan. 6th, 2021. It is important to have completed watching all of the videos before attending the live Zoom session (part 2) on Jan. 8, 2021.
- Please Note: Your username for future logins will be your student ID number.
- Visit https://ncstate.goorientation.com.
To view the content on the platform you will need to use a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer, a tablet device or a smartphone. - You will need to create an account as a Student. Students and family members (guests) will have different items, and you will not fulfill your requirement if you complete the platform as a guest.
- To create an account, you will need to:
- Enter your first and last name.
- Enter Student ID number. You can find your student ID number in your wolfPAW account under “Account Information.”
- Enter NC State email address.
- Create a password. It is not recommended to use your Unity password for security purposes.
- Closed captioning is available for each video by clicking the “CC” in the bottom right corner of the video screen, while the platform is also ADA accessible by clicking “ADA Version” in the bottom right corner of the platform.
- If you have concerns about accessing the Online Orientation Platform, visit the “Assistance” section of this webpage
Once you are logged into the platform, you will receive directions on how to utilize the platform.
Some notes for once you are in the platform:
- Important Note: If you need to leave the platform prior to completing a section, close your browser instead of selecting the home button. If you click home in the middle of a section that you have not completed, you will have to view all the slides in that section again.
- The online orientation is made up of modules accessible through the main menu items and the menu icon on the home screen. To begin, click the title of the module from either view.
- Each module is made up of a series of slides. To complete each module, click through the slides using the next and previous buttons.
- A module is complete when you view the last slide and you must complete each module in order, including quiz questions.
- You are able to “come and go” as you work through the presentations. When you log back into the platform, you will pick up where you left off. So, you do not need to complete the platform in one sitting.
- Closed captioning is available for each video by clicking the “CC” in the bottom right corner of the video screen, while the platform is also ADA accessible by clicking “ADA Version” in the bottom right corner of the platform.
- If you have concerns about accessing the Online Orientation Platform, visit the “Assistance” section of this webpage
After completing the online orientation platform, you will have access to the content for the remainder of the spring semester and are able to go back and review materials as needed.




Part 2 – Online Orientation Session (required on Jan. 8, 2021)
As a new student, you will attend an orientation session via Zoom on Jan. 8, 2021. During the program, you will learn about strategies for student success, interact with other new students in group meetings led by an orientation leader and hear from your academic college or program.
- Spring Orientation for first-year and transfer students will take place Friday, Jan. 8, 2021.
- The session will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST via Zoom, and students are required to be present for the duration of the session.
- International students will have additional activities on Jan. 13 and 14 with the Office of International Services.
- Contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu if you have a conflict with attending the orientation session. If your time zone precludes you from attending the entire program, let us know so we can discuss alternatives.
New Student Programs recommends that all students register parents and family members for the concurrent Family Orientation program. This program, designed specifically to assist families with their transition to the Wolfpack, is optional but strongly encouraged. Learn more on the Family Orientation webpage.
Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advance enrollment deposit ($300) can register for orientation. All accepted students who had paid their deposit received an email inviting them to register within three days after submitting their deposit.
Registration closed on Jan. 1, 2021. If you missed the registration deadline, you can still attend orientation! All students who confirmed their enrollment will receive an email on Jan. 5, 2021 with Zoom links to attend.
If you need to add or remove family members to your registration after Jan. 1, 2021, you can do so when checking in at the start of the program on Jan. 8, 2021.
Contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu if you need assistance or have a conflict with attending Orientation.
Only students who have been accepted to NC State and have paid their advance enrollment deposit ($300) can register for orientation. All accepted students who had paid their deposit received an email inviting them to register within three days after submitting their deposit.
Registration closed on Jan. 1, 2021. If you missed the registration deadline, you can still attend orientation! All students who confirmed their enrollment will receive an email on Jan. 5, 2021 with Zoom links to attend.
If you need to add or remove family members to your registration after Jan. 1, 2021, you can do so when checking in at the start of the program on Jan. 8, 2021.
Contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu if you need assistance or have a conflict with attending Orientation.
Testing and Using Zoom
- Your orientation session will be hosted on Zoom. To ensure that your attendance at orientation is recorded properly, attend the session by using your NC State Zoom account that is tied to your Unity ID.
- 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.
- Download orientation Zoom backgrounds to show your NC State 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 you, the student, participate in the activities designated for you. We will email recorded Family Orientation content to all participants after the session.
Plan to Engage
- To make the most of your orientation session, limit distractions during presentations as much as possible. Be ready to ask questions via the Q&A or chat features on Zoom.
- There will be times during your small group meeting or college presentation when we will ask you to participate using an audio/video connection if you are able.
Students and families will receive Zoom links a few days prior to their session to use throughout orientation. The orientation schedule is as follows:
9:00-9:15 a.m. EST Welcome
9:15-10:00 a.m. Protecting the Pack: NC State’s COVID-19 Response
NC State staff members will provide details about the university’s COVID-19 response and expectations for community members in the spring semester.
10:15-11:00 a.m. Small Group Meetings
Orientation leaders will facilitate conversations about life at NC State and help you connect with other new students
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. College Welcome and Academic Information
College representatives will provide information on your curriculum and what you can expect from your new academic home.
12:30-1:30 p.m. BREAK FOR LUNCH
1:30-2:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Choose which presentation to attend! The topics all focus on strategies for success in the pandemic environment including virtual learning, connecting with others, and self care.
2:15-3:15 p.m. Small Group Meetings
Orientation leaders will facilitate conversations about life at NC State and help you connect with other new students
3:15-4:00 p.m. New Student Social Activities
Connect with other new students and the Orientation Leaders as we find impostors in Among Us or play pictionary using Skribbl.io.
You can only register for courses after you complete online academic advising. Then, the hold will be lifted from your account, and you will register for courses using the online MyPack Portal system. Find timeline details on the first-year advising page or transfer advising page.
Visit the Photo Upload webpage at onecard.ncsu.edu and follow the instructions to upload a photo for your Wolfpack One Card student ID. Your card will be available for pick up when you arrive on campus. Please watch your campus email for pick up details before classes begin.
Part 3 – Transition Talks (optional)
In addition to presentations, we want to give you the opportunity to ask questions, interact with your new classmates and connect with campus resources. Transition Talks will be offered throughout the fall and early spring via Zoom and social media to connect you to the Pack.
Friday, Oct. 16, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST (add to calendar)
Join New Student Programs and Registration and Records for this event to help you prepare for registering for your courses using the Enrollment Wizard.
Video Recording
(Password: Wolf1887!)
Monday, Oct. 26, 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (add to calendar)
Join University Housing to learn more about housing assignments, the move-in process, and what to expect living on campus this spring.
Video Recording
(Password: Wolf1887!)
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. (add to calendar)
Join NC State Dining to learn more about dining options and how to select a meal plan.
Video Recording
(Password: Wolf1887!)
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (add to calendar)
Come learn about upcoming transition programs that will help you get connected to the NC State community. We’ll also give you the chance to get to know some of your fellow incoming new spring students!
Video Recording
(Password: Wolf1887!)
*Unfortunately due to a technical glitch, the beginning of this recording was cut off. You can view the slides for the Leadership Development Program to get the content that is cut off in the recording.
Wednesday, January 13, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (add to calendar)
This talk, hosted by the Military Veterans Resource Center and Registration and Records, will be an open question- and- answer session about veterans resources and benefits.
Students and families are encouraged to watch the “Veteran and Dependent Student Info Session” presentation on the Online Orientation Platform before attending.
Wednesday, January 13, 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (add to calendar)
This talk, hosted by the Disability Resource Office, will be an open question- and- answer session for students determining access needs and coordinating academic adjustments.
Students are encouraged to watch the “Disability Resource Office” presentation on the Online Orientation Platform before attending.
Wednesday, January 13, 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (add to calendar)
This talk, hosted by the Mental Health Ambassadors via the Counseling Center will be an opportunity for students to learn about and discuss strategies and resources for maintaining their mental health & wellness throughout the semester.
Thursday, January 14, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (add to calendar)
This talk, hosted by the NC State branch of PNC will be an open Q&A for students and families to ask about banking opportunities available to NC State students
Thursday, January 14, 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (add to calendar)
This talk, hosted by the Student Alumni Association, will be an open question- and- answer session about about membership, participation, and benefits of joining the Student Alumni Association.
Thursday, January 14, 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (add to calendar)
Department of Music representatives will be available to answer questions regarding auditions, music courses and minors, and music ensemble participation including athletics bands, choirs, concert bands, jazz ensembles and orchestras.

Need assistance?
If you have any questions about orientation or your transition to NC State, contact New Student Programs:
- Text “belltower” to 833-712-1255
- 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, note that on your registration form or contact Meredith Harms at new-students@ncsu.edu or 919.515.1234 during business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Request for accommodations (e.g., real-time captioning, interpretive services, etc.) should be made by Dec. 18, 2020.
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 Orientation Platform and the live sessions presented via Zoom are accessible via mobile device. Your phone will need a web browser to use the platform. If you have additional concerns, fill out the Orientation Technology Concerns Form to notify the New Student Programs staff of your concerns.
- What if I don’t have a reliable internet connection?
- Fill out the Orientation Technology Concerns Form, 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 fill out the Orientation Technology Concerns Form 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 complete our Orientation Technology Concerns Form to help us learn more about your concerns.
Please contact New Student Programs at new-students@ncsu.edu with any questions you may have after completing the form.