EmBark Orientation: Summer 2026
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Welcome to UNC Asheville!
EmBark Orientation is your introduction to life at UNC Asheville. It’s a time to get settled, connect with other students, and learn about the campus resources that will support your success. Our team will help answer your questions and make sure you feel prepared for your first semester.
All incoming First-Year and Transfer students are required to attend EmBark Orientation. Incoming First-Year Students can select one of the following sessions. Click the links below to register or visit your AVL Bound Portal.
| Orientation Sign-Up Dates | |
| DATES | REGISTER |
| June 15 – 16 | Sign Up |
| June 18 – 19 | Sign Up |
| June 22 – 23 | Sign Up |
| June 26 – 27 | Sign Up |
| July 11 Transfer EmBark Orientation |
Sign Up |
AVLBound Portal
Over the summer, you’ll be asked to complete several tasks to prepare for EmBark and Move-In in August. All information about these tasks and confirmation of completed steps can be found in the Enrollment Checklist in your AVLBound Portal.
What to Expect at EmBark Orientation
Accommodation and Meals
Stay in one of our residence halls and enjoy meals in our dining hall, giving you a true taste of student life at UNC Asheville.
Course Registration
Meet with academic advisors to complete your course registration for the fall semester. Start your Bulldog journey on the right track!
Campus Resource Panel
Connect with the experts who support your success, including Health & Counseling, Campus Recreation, and Housing & Residence Life. Ask questions, learn about available resources, and discover how you can find support whenever you need it.
Sample Course Showcase
Choose from a variety of academic topics and sit in on a real class with a UNCA professor. Get a firsthand look at course content, teaching styles, and the exciting learning opportunities that await!
Explore Campus
Get to know your new home! Our interactive campus tours and hands-on activities help you explore academic buildings, residence halls, and student spaces while connecting with peers and staff. By the end of EmBark, you’ll feel confident, comfortable, and ready for August.
EmBark After Dark
Experience student life in a fun, relaxed setting! Enjoy live music, games, and activities while meeting new friends and getting a taste of the events that make campus life exciting and enjoyable.
EmBark Orientation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
EmBark Orientation includes opportunities to connect with other incoming students, explore campus, and receive dedicated support from professional staff as you register for classes.
EmBark is a two-day program for all first-year students, and attendance on both days is required. As you prepare, please keep the following in mind:
- Choose an EmBark date that works with your work schedule, transportation needs, and other commitments.
- Check your UNC Asheville email regularly for important updates, details, and reminders leading up to your EmBark Orientation.
Since all First-year EmBark Orientation participants will spend the night on-campus, don’t forget to pack for your overnight stay! Below is a packing list to help make sure you have all you need for EmBark Orientation:
- Sheets (twin/XL twin)
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Pillow
- Towel, washcloth, toiletries
- Pajamas
- Change of clothing for the next day
- Wear comfortable shoes: you will be walking to various locations around campus throughout your time at EmBark, so it’s important to keep comfort in mind when deciding what to pack for EmBark Orientation.
- If rain is forecast, bring an umbrella. We will have ponchos available for you to use, but with the heavy rains experienced throughout Western North Carolina in the past month, an umbrella is a good choice.
- A pen and something to take notes with throughout the day. You will receive a folder at Check-in with all handouts for EmBark Orientation, but it’s best to be prepared to take additional notes as well.
Yes! You are able to select any of the available dates to attend EmBark Orientation. You will register for your EmBark session in your AVL Bound Portal. There will be a registration limit for each session.
If you are not available to make an EmBark Orientation session, you will need to reach out to the Student Engagement team at orient@unca.edu or at (828) 251-6584 and discuss options for a make-up session. Remember that EmBark Orientation is a requirement for your onboarding process at UNC Asheville.
All incoming students will be charged an Orientation Fee of $150 in their first tuition bill of the fall semester. This fee covers all materials, accommodations, meals, and activities.
Please notify us at orient@unca.edu prior to attending EmBark to inform us of any accommodation needs. We will be happy to work with you individually to ensure you can participate in our programs and get the most from the experience.
Family Orientation
Family Orientation
As part of EmBark Orientation, we welcome Parents and Supporters for an optional day of programming. Families will learn about important processes and resources to help them support their student and plan for the school year ahead.
Family members of incoming new students may register to attend Family Orientation when the incoming student completes their registration for EmBark in their AVL Bound Portal.
Registrants will be charged an additional fee of $50 for guests ages 18 and over; $25.00 for guests ages 11-17. There is no registration fee for guests under the age of 10.
There are a variety of hotels close to campus that parents and supporters can stay in while they are in Asheville for EmBark Orientation. The following hotels offer discounts for UNC Asheville guests and visitors. Rates will vary based on season, and reservations are based on availability.
Use the links below to receive the UNC Asheville Friends and Family Rate online, or request it when making your reservation over the phone.
Renaissance Asheville Hotel
31 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828.252.8211
Virtelle Hotel Collection, including:
Element by Westin Asheville Downtown
62 College Place
828.575.5881
Holiday Inn Asheville Biltmore West
435 Smokey Park Highway
828.665.2161
Quality Inn & Suites Biltmore East
1430 Tunnel Road
828.298.5519
Comfort Suites Outlet Center
890 Brevard Road
828.665.4000
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW
12 Rocky Ridge Road
828.665.6519
IGNITE: First-Year Experience Program
IGNITE: First-Year Experience Program
IGNITE supports the transition of first-year students by helping them develop the personal skills and confidence needed to succeed at UNC Asheville. Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) first meet their student cohorts at the conclusion of EmBark, where students are grouped into cohorts to foster early connections and community.
At the end of EmBark, PALs lead the first IGNITE session, “Finding Your Spark,” encouraging students to explore their passions and set meaningful intentions for their college journey. Throughout the fall semester, PALs continue to engage with students, facilitating sessions on identity development, values exploration, authentic relationships, effective communication, personal strengths, and becoming a change agent.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome
Welcome to the most exciting time of the year!
Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is an ongoing series of events for new and returning students during the first two weeks of class each fall and spring semester. Students who participate in these events find connections to others, learn about our campus traditions, and gain a sense of pride in the UNC Asheville community.
From information sessions to social events, our WOW programs aim to ensure that every student at UNC Asheville feels supported on their academic journey.
Contact Us
Student Engagement
Office Location
Highsmith Student Union 301
One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Email: studentengagement@unca.edu
Phone: (828) 232-2417