New Student Orientation is a day and a half program that is required for all first-year students. According to the Office of New Student Orientation, the goal of orientation is to “help [incoming freshmen] transition into college life as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead – intellectually, emotionally, academically and socially.”
Orientation lasts from late June through the end of July and requires incoming freshmen to attend the session that corresponds with the college they are entering. There will also be one last session held right before school starts, after move-in day occurs.
Upperclassmen Amanda Brooks, sophomore in FYC, and Kacy Buchanan, junior in science education, had differing orientation experiences.
“I thought orientation was okay,” said Brooks. “The only thing I was unhappy about was that no one really explained how to sign up for classes.”
Kacy Buchanan said she found orientation to be fun.
“Orientation was fun, but I feel like there could have been a lot more done to familiarize new students with the campus,” said Buchanan. “Since the school is so big, the first few weeks on campus can be very overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a map or friends that can show you around.”
Danielle Carozza and Eric Gardner, incoming freshman in FYC, both said they were very satisfied with their orientation experiences.
“My favorite part of orientation was meeting new people. It was great to make some friends before starting off school,” said Carozza.
Carozza and Gardner both said they found the lengthy lecture-like presentations to be their least favorite.
“I was not thrilled with the more lecture-like portions of New Student Orientation,” said Gardner.
Carozza said she feels more comfortable with campus after orientation.
“I can say that I do feel more comfortable with campus after orientation; however, I do still feel pretty nervous,” said Carozza. “Overall, student orientation was definitely worth going to and made me feel much more comfortable about attending NCSU.”
Gardner said after orientation that he finds the University to be a nice place.
“It’ll just take me a little while to learn how best to get around,” said Gardner.
In FYC, students are assigned an advisor and take USC 101 and 102 with them both semesters. Carozza said her advisor, Kathy Ziga, was helpful.
“My advisor was very helpful when I signed up for classes. She took the time to explain my options and the classes that would best suit me,” Said Carozza. “The presentation on how to sign up for classes online was very detailed and helpful as well.”
Gardner said he was most interested in the parts about what to do on campus.
“I was most interested in the portions devoted to telling us what there was to do on campus, mainly the portions regarding clubs and such,” said Gardner.
Incoming first-year students stay overnight in Lee Hall and eat three meals in Fountain Dining Hall during their New Student Orientation experience.
According to Gabe Wical, director of new student orientation, typically, between 98 and 99 percent of incoming students attend New Student Orientation.
