NC State University Prepares for Beginning of Fall 2010 Semester

The welcome mat is out as North Carolina State University heralds in the fall semester and a new academic year on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

NC State received the largest number of freshman applications in its history – more than 19,000 – and expects a freshman class of 4,550, as well as 1,100 transfer students. The new arrivals will bring NC State’s student body to more than 33,000. The class has a weighted high school grade point average of 4.23, an average SAT score of 1,187 in critical reading and math and 1,746 when the writing portion is included. Fifty-two students had a perfect score on the math portion of the SAT, while 22 had perfect critical reading scores and 10 had a perfect score on the writing portion.
Approximately 43 percent of the expected freshmen were in the top 10 percent of their high school class, and approximately 74 percent of them were in the top 20 percent. The class hails from 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, as well as 42 states and 23 countries.

The College of Engineering is the most popular program for first-year students, with 1,362 expected freshmen planning to enroll there.

When residents move in to residence halls this weekend (Aug. 13-15), they’ll discover a new sparkle to some familiar facilities. Several buildings were freshened up this summer, with new carpeting, flooring and furniture – including loftable beds – as well as LED lighting in bathrooms. Find more information on housing at www.ncsu.edu/housing.

The Convocation Festival will be held Monday, Aug. 16, at the RBC Center, featuring keynote speaker Sheryl WuDunn – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Half the Sky, NC State’s summer reading selection. WuDunn will discuss the oppression of women around the world and the ways that students can bring about positive change through education and other efforts. The event, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will also include an organization fair, pep rally and welcomes from NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson and other campus leaders. Buses to the event will begin loading at 5 p.m. from Bragaw Hall. Due to public interest in the event, all seats available to non-university affiliated individuals are full.

Students interested in media opportunities can also attend the NC State Student Media Open House  on Aug. 16 to learn more about entry-level positions as DJs, photographers, reporters, editors, designers or sales staff. The open house will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third floor of the Witherspoon Student Center. More information is available at www.ncsu.edu/sma.

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, students can get tips on how to succeed at NC State by attending academic success workshops being held at the university’s D.H. Hill Library from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The workshops address study strategies, what to expect in class and other issues.

After the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 18, students can unwind at the first-ever Centennial Campus Welcome event with kayaking, disc golf, games and free food. The event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Monteith Research Center Plaza and Lake Raleigh. There will also be free food and music at the Chillin’ and Grillin’ event sponsored by the Inter Residence Council and Interfraternity Council. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Tucker Beach.

There is more food and fun (and a chance to learn how to get involved in student organizations on campus) at the Back To School Jam on Thursday, Aug. 19. The event is sponsored by the Black Students Board, and will be held at Harris Field from 4 to 7 p.m.

New arrivals will also be able to help NC State continue its tradition of giving back to the community as part of Service NC State. This year, NC State will attempt to set a campus record for one-day blood donation in partnership with the American Red Cross by collecting 500 units of blood on Friday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Carmichael Gym. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment now at www.ncsu.givesblood.org.

Volunteers will also have an opportunity to help NC State continue in its role as a leader in the global fight against hunger in partnership with the Raleigh-based group Stop Hunger Now. Students, as well as members of the university and the surrounding community, will participate in the University Million Meal Event on Saturday, Aug 21. More than 1,500 volunteers will assemble 400,000 meals that will be shipped to Haiti to support those in need. In order to support the cost of packaging the meals, organizers have set a goal of raising $50,000. You can make a contribution to the effort at www.stophungernow.org/university. “Being a member of the NC State family means being engaged in the community while learning about some of the pressing social issues facing our world today,” says Mike Giancola, director of NC State’s Center for Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service. “When the Wolfpack works together, there is nothing we can’t accomplish.” More information on Service NC State is available at http://www.ncsu.edu/csleps/service/servicenc.htm.

NC State’s Office of Parents & Families Services and campus partners will continue the Parents’ Helpline program. Families with questions or concerns may call a toll-free number (877/568-5733) or e-mail ncsuparents@ncsu.edu for assistance. Members of the NC State Parents & Families Association have access to a number of helpful programs and services. Go to www.ncsu.edu/for_parents for more details.

For a full listing of Wolfpack Welcome Week activities, visit http://www.ncsu.edu/welcomeweek/.

– shipman-