Q&A with UNCA - Student Transition and Family Programs

Main Ideas

Embark Orientation and Transition Timeline

Embark is the university’s required orientation program, offered in two phases:

• June: First-year students attend a two-day session, while transfer students attend a one-day session. First-year students stay overnight in Founders Hall; transfer students do not stay overnight during the June session.
• August: Students return for a four-day program before classes begin. The session is intended to help students meet classmates, understand how to succeed academically, and get familiar with campus life.

The presenters described August move-in as August 10, with the main orientation program running August 11–14.

Sessions have limited capacity, so students were encouraged to register promptly. The June program costs $150, charged to the student’s fall tuition bill.

Optional pre-orientation programs were described for August 6–10. Options include outdoor activities and programs focused on art, music, community service, or a mix of interests. These programs have a separate fee.

Preparing for Orientation and Campus Housing

For the overnight June session, students should bring basic necessities:

• Bedding or a sleeping bag
• Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
• A rain jacket
• Toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothes

The university provides orientation materials, such as pens, paper, and an information packet. Students may also bring games or instruments for informal social time.

Students were advised to consult the housing website for recommended, approved, and prohibited items. Fish tanks of 10 gallons or less were said to be allowed.

Students do not need to bring everything they might use for the whole year. They can adjust after settling in or bring more items back after a visit home.

The presenters said first-year residence halls have basic furnishings and that students should bring personal supplies such as toilet paper. They also noted that students do not share a bathroom with the entire residence-hall floor.

Roommate selection takes place in July. June Embark gives students an opportunity to meet potential roommates or suite-mates before making those choices.

Questions about emotional-support animals should be directed to the Academic Accessibility Office. The presenters said required information must be submitted by June 1.

Families and Travel

Families may attend the June program, but family registration and fees are separate from the student fee. The stated fees were $50 per family member aged 18 or older and $25 for children aged 11 or younger.

June programming begins around 10 a.m. after check-in and ends the following afternoon, around 2–3 p.m. The university also lists partner hotels that may offer discounts.

A virtual family makeup option was expected in July for families unable to attend in person. The presenters asked families to contact the office about conflicts.

Family Weekend dates had not yet been finalized. The presenters suggested it would likely be around the middle of September, pending coordination with Athletics and other campus partners.

Support, Transportation, and Getting Involved

Student Transitions and Family Programs was presented as a resource for students adjusting to campus, whether they are from in state or out of state.

Campus shuttles serve campus and some nearby grocery stores and retailers. City buses can take students to downtown Asheville and other areas; the moderator said students can ride using their student ID.

First-year students may bring cars. Parking permits were expected to be available in July, with designated first-year parking areas. The presenters also emphasized that a car is not essential for many students.

Students can build community through clubs, campus events, jobs, recreation, and first-year seminars. Embark is intended to introduce these opportunities and connect students with orientation mentors.

Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are optional and have no additional charge. They bring together students around shared interests or experiences, including transfer students, first-generation students, engineering, atmospheric science, computer science, community engagement, and social justice.

The presenters encouraged students to participate in campus activities as a way to make connections and feel part of the community.

Academics and Other Practical Questions

Course registration for incoming first-year students was said to open April 18, with advisors available to help. Students can also contact their admissions counselor.

Students can use the Grad Plan tool in the student portal to review courses required for their intended major, minor, and other academic plans.

Spanish and French placement tests were described as online and available before Embark. For languages without an online test, students may be able to submit transcripts, take a proficiency test, or have a qualified language professional assess their skills.

The presenters said they would share more information about placement testing by email.

Speakers and Sources Featured

• Flo — Admissions counselor and webinar moderator; her surname was not provided.
• Sarah Smith — Director of the Office of Student Transitions and Family Programs.
• Abby Gunter — Assistant Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs.
• Audience members — Submitted questions through the webinar Q&A; individual questioners were not identified by name.