First-Year Programs

The first year at NC State is an exciting time for students and their families. The CALS Academic Advising Office offers programs and courses for first-year students to help ease the transition to university life.

First-Year Opportunities

CALS is here to support you, especially in your first year. College is an exciting transition, but it comes with ups and downs. You’re not alone—NC State offers many resources to help first-year students. Our job is to make sure you know about them!

Wolfpack Welcome Week (an all-campus effort known as WWW). From move-in to Packapalooza, it’s an action PACKed start to the semester. We offer programs, events, activities, workshops, concerts and more designed to help you connect, explore, engage and get excited about NC State!

We host two signature events to help you meet your college community: CALS Connection Fair (showcasing student organizations, academic departments, and wellness resources; games and free Howling Cow ice cream) and CALS Corner during Packapalooza (featuring Corn Hole with the Dean, interactive exhibits, games and free Howling Cow ice cream). Join the fun as you connect and explore CALS!

Orientation Courses (by major, program, or college). Introduce first-year students to academic life at NC State, including degree requirements and expectations, campus resources, and career opportunities. It is a required course for graduation from CALS majors.

Making the most of where you live (first-year live-on requirement). We want you to thrive academically and socially. Your first year on campus offers intentional programs and opportunities to build meaningful relationships, benefiting both you and your community. Check out our Living and Learning Villages for first year and transfer students.

CliftonStrengths (the first-year common experience). As you learn to advocate for yourself, it’s important to understand what makes you unique and how to communicate it. CliftonStrengths for Students, an online assessment, helps you identify your strengths and how they shape your approach to life. NC State sees this tool as instrumental to your success in class, student organizations and beyond. CALS students use CliftonStrengths in their orientation course.

Rising Leaders (hosted by Student Leadership and Engagement). We encourage you to develop leadership skills, engage with the Raleigh community through service learning, and build meaningful connections with others in the program. As part of this program, you’ll also be paired with a mentor to guide you through your first year at NC State!

Career Readiness Program (hosted by Career Development Center). We provide a signature first-year experience to help you explore major and career options that align with your interests, values, strengths and vision. Your goals and dreams matter at State!

Goodnight Scholars Program (two scholarship programs). We provide a student development program to help STEM majors become transformational leaders.