Welcome Back Wolfpack!

As students return to campus, North Carolina State University is howling with excitement about the arrival of a new Wolfpack freshman class. NC State’s fall semester, and a new academic year, begin Wednesday, Aug. 17.

NC State received 19,726 freshman applications, and expects a freshman class of 4,550, as well as 1,000 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 4.28, an average SAT score of 1,191 in critical reading and math and 1,754 when the writing portion is included. Forty-eight students had perfect scores on the math portion of the SAT, while 19 students had perfect critical reading scores.

Forty-four percent of the expected freshmen were in the top 10 percent of their high school class, and 73 percent of the incoming class were in the top 20 percent. The class hails from 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, as well as 44 states and 45 countries.

Engineering, First Year College and biological sciences are the three most popular programs for incoming freshmen.

Students living on campus can move in to residence halls Aug. 12-16. Returning students may notice some changes – such as significant external renovations to North Hall, and updates to the community kitchen in Alexander Hall. For direct access to their assigned residence, students will need to print a special parking pass. The pass, and parking instructions, are available at http://www.ncsu.edu/housing/checkin/parking.php. Find more information on housing at www.ncsu.edu/housing.

The Convocation Festival will be held Monday, Aug. 15, at the RBC Center, featuring keynote speaker Rebecca Skloot – award-winning author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” NC State’s summer reading selection. The event, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will also include a welcome from NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson, games and a pep rally. Buses to the event will begin loading at 5 p.m. from Bragaw Hall. The convocation is also open to the public. Non-university parties are asked to use the West parking lot and entrance, and be seated on the 300 level.

Students interested in media opportunities can also attend the NC State Student Media Open House on Aug. 15 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. 16, students can get tips on how to succeed at NC State by attending academic success workshops being held at the university’s Talley Student Center 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. 17, students can unwind with free food and music at the Chillin’ and Grillin’ event sponsored by the Inter Residence Council and the 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. 18. The event is sponsored by the UAB Black Students Board, and will be held at Harris Field from 3 to 6 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 is hoping to set a campus record by donating 1,000 units of blood on Friday, Aug. 19, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Carmichael Gym. The drive is done in partnership with the Red Cross, and could save as many as 3,000 lives! 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. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will assemble 100,000 meals that will be used to support school lunch feeding programs in Haiti and elsewhere. In order to support the cost of packaging the meals, organizers have raised $25,000, and additional donations will be accepted at the event. Since 2005, NC State has packaged more than 2 million meals to help those in need.

“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/.