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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Welcome to the Pack!

CALS is excited to have you study with us! Wondering when you will get your academic advisor? It depends on your student classification and major. Departments assign advisors anywhere from mid April (new transfers) through the first two weeks of the fall semester (new freshmen are usually assigned around orientation).

Tip: Start getting in the habit of checking your NC State email daily and utilize your New Student Checklist.

New Student Selfie Challenge

Frame yourself showing your excitement, Wolfpack gear, a major-related item, or your favorite campus spot. Get creative! Swag bag eligibility if you add #calsbound and tag @cals_success when you post to your feed.

First Steps for New CALS Students

  • Activate your Unity account in WolfPAW. Your Unity ID is your NC State username that allows you to access all of your records, services and email while associated with NC State. 
  • Take the placement tests. Make sure you’re starting in the right courses for your first semester; all CALS students should take the math and chemistry placement tests. 
  • Sign up. Register for one of the New Student Orientation sessions for CALS students and complete your housing application through MyPack Portal. 
  • Check out the interactive New Student Checklist. This resource is available in your WolfPAW account (after confirming enrollment) and will help you keep track of required items and opportunities of interest. 

Enrollment for New CALS Students

CALS students have a personal advisor (listed on the Degree Audit) who can help you maintain balance and keep your studies on track.

New first year students: Academic advisors are assigned at different times, depending on the department—some in the summer either before or after orientation, others in the first few weeks of the fall semester.

  • Newly admitted Freshmen students (coming to CALS immediately following high school graduation): we will begin sharing information after the May 1 college decision day. Your enrollment date for fall classes will be in early June. Advising happens throughout the month on May (and varies based on major/department). Keep an eye on your email for more information.
  • Newly admitted Transfer students (coming to CALS from another higher education institution): Your enrollment date for fall classes will be early April. Contact your director of undergraduate programs with advising questions.

Information Once On Campus

We advise students to contact their advisor whenever they have questions or concerns about their academic progress, want to know more about programs or opportunities in CALS or need college life advice. If Fall classes have begun and you haven’t yet been assigned an advisor, you can contact your director of undergraduate programs or the CALS advising team for help.

Your personal advisor:

  • Guides you throughout your major with course recommendations and career development
  • Answers questions and gives advice on academic matters
  • Shares internship and research opportunities
  • Helps you understand life at NC State

First-Year and Transfer Students

CALS Academic Advising offers several programs, events and courses to introduce first-year students to academic life at NC State and connect you with faculty, staff and peers so you can make the most of your college experience.

Discover CALS Advising
Students check out poster board displays at large gathering on campus green.
Students check out some of the displays at the CALS college connection.