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.

Contact CALS Advising if you have questions about your first year at NC State or our freshman programs.

Freshman Transitions and Diversity in Agriculture and Life Sciences (ALS 103)

ALS 103 is an eight-week course introducing first-year students to academic life at NC State, including academic requirements and expectations, campus resources, and career opportunities. It is a required course for graduation from most CALS degree programs.

• Credit Hours: 1
• Prerequisites: Freshman or Sophomore status (students who have less than 30 credit hours)
• Offered: Every year in fall and spring

You will learn:

• Academic policies at NC State
• Your responsibilities as a student
• Campus resources and support services
• Tips for academic success
• How to create good habits
• Career opportunities in agriculture and life sciences

Students with less than 30 credit hours take ALS 103 in fall or spring. Transfer students and students with more than 30 credit hours must register for ALS 303.

Waivers for ALS 103 are limited to transfer students who have taken a similar introductory course in another college at NC State. Visit the Academic Programs Office in 111 Patterson Hall to inquire about waivers for ALS 103.

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 the Saturday after classes start, we offer programs, events, activities, workshops, concerts and more designed to help you connect, explore, engage and get excited about NC State!

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. 

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 Identity 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!

First-Year Inquiry Program (hosted by the Division of Academic and Student Affairs). We offer general education courses featuring active learning opportunities in small class settings. This course is available to first-year students only.