New Student Programs
Welcome to Asheville, Bulldog!
At UNC Asheville, New Student Programs offered through the Office of Student Transitions and Family Programs provide incoming students with a structured, welcoming launch into campus life. Beginning with the required EmBark Orientation for first-year students, participants move in early, engage in small-group sessions, meet faculty and advisors, and build connections with peers and campus resources. Beyond orientation, the program also includes pre-orientation experiences and Summer Welcome Days, giving new students additional opportunities to acclimate to the academic and social environment of Asheville and the surrounding region.
EmBark Orientation: January 9, 2026
EmBark Orientation is your introduction to life as a student at UNC Asheville. This is a time for you to get settled and to connect with fellow students and campus resources. We’ll answer all of your questions and make sure that you have the support you need.
All incoming first-year and transfer students are required to attend EmBark Orientation on January 9.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Check-In
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Students and families will receive materials and name tags for the EmBark Orientation program. During this time you can pick up your RockyCard, grab coffee, and relax before the day gets started!
Campus Resource Fair
Student Life Porch, Highsmith Student Union
Students and family members will meet staff and student leaders from campus offices and learn about these helpful resources.
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome to UNC Asheville
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Welcome to EmBark Orientation! We are excited to kick off EmBark together and set the stage for what to expect during the day.
9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
Small Group Meeting
Students will have their first meeting with their Orientation Assistants and other students in their small groups.
- Group 1: Highsmith 228/229
- Group 2: Alumni Hall
- Group 3: Highsmith 225/226
10:35 – 11:20 a.m.
Academic Success Workshop
Meet our Academic Success team and learn about resources and important policies to prepare students for success in the classroom.
- Group 1 (First-Year Students): Highsmith 228/229
- Groups 2 and 3(Transfer Students):Blue Ridge Room
11:25 – 11:55 a.m.
Financial Aid and Student Accounts
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
The Office of Student Accounts and the Office of Financial Aid guarantee a smooth transition to UNC Asheville by ensuring that you understand tuition bills, financial aid packages, and other resources.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
Brown Dining Hall
Students will have an opportunity to eat lunch and mingle with their classmates.
1:00 – 1:40 p.m.
Creating a Culture of Respect
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Students will meet with members from the Office of Institutional Integrity and Access to learn about expectations, taking responsibility, and acting as a caring, supportive member of our campus community.
1:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Health and Wellness at UNCA
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Members of the Health and Counseling Center will provide an overview of services, and when to seek support through an interactive conversation about health and mental wellness.
2:15 – 2:35 p.m.
Campus Safety
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
University Police will present on important resources that promote campus safety.
2:40 – 3:10 p.m.
Campus Free Speech
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Dr. Melanie Fox, the Dean of Students, will introduce important campus policies about free speech around campus.
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Student Life Panel
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Hear from members of the Career Center, Student Engagement Team, and Campus Life Office to learn about how you can get involved and find community at UNC Asheville.
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Optional Campus Tours
Reed Plaza
Meet with an Orientation Assistant on Reed Plaza outside of Highsmith Student Union anytime between 3:35pm – 4:45pm to see more of campus and learn where important resources are located.
Drop In Advising
Ramsey Library
Advisors from the Academic Success Center will be available in their office located on the lower level of Ramsey Library to meet with students about their spring schedule.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Optional Dinner
Brown Dining Hall
Dinner will be available for students living on campus in Brown Hall. Please see a Student Engagement staff member for a meal ticket.
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, UNC Asheville’s first-year orientation, where students are grouped by IGNITE and First-Year Seminar 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 in their First-Year Seminar classes every other week, facilitating sessions on identity development, values exploration, authentic relationships, effective communication, personal strengths, and becoming a change agent.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome
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.
Summer Welcome Days
Summer Welcome Days
Summer Welcome Days are day-long programs that will allow students and their supporters to get to know the campus before move-in and the first day of classes in August. You will learn about campus resources and buildings, and get assistance in navigating various processes such as class registration and housing selection.
Registration for 2026 Summer Welcome Days will open soon!
Summer Welcome Day FAQs
- 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.
- Bring an umbrella. We will have ponchos available for you to use, but with the heavy rains experienced throughout Western North Carolina in the summertime, it is a good idea to bring an umbrella with you just in case.
- Have a pen and something to take notes on throughout the day. You will receive a folder at check-in with all of the corresponding handouts, but it’s best to be prepared to take additional notes as well.
- A tote bag will come in handy to help carry your check-in info, materials, and SWAG you will relieve throughout the day. You will be responsible for keeping up with your orientation packet.
Please notify us at orient@unca.edu prior to attending a Summer Welcome Day to inform us of any accommodation needs. We will be happy to work with you individually to ensure you are able to participate in our programs and get the most from the experience.
Pre-Orientation
Pre-Orientation
Incoming first-year and first-semester transfer students are invited to get a head start on their UNC Asheville education by participating in week-long special-interest programs that showcase our campus, the city of Asheville, and Western North Carolina. During Pre-Orientation, students live in the residence halls and meet fellow students and staff who share their interests.
The cost of each program ($250 for all programs except Blue Ridge Experience; $325 for Blue Ridge Experience) covers housing, meals, transportation during the program, and workshop fees. These programs keep students active and engaged throughout the week. Please be prepared for moderate physical activity, including walking, sitting, and participating in group activities. See more information about registration, scholarships, and FAQs below.
Contact Us
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Highsmith Student Union 301 One University Heights, CPO 1200 Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: 828.232.2417
Email: transition@unca.edu