EmBark Orientation: August 14-18, 2024
Registration for EmBark Orientation is now open in your AVLBound Portal. We will send information about EmBark to your UNC Asheville email address throughout the summer leading up to August. Please reach out to us at orient@unca.edu with any questions you have. We look forward to you joining us on campus this summer!
At EmBark Orientation, you’ll get better acquainted with academic and campus resources. You will meet fellow new Bulldogs and connect with faculty and current students, including your Orientation Assistant.
EmBark Orientation is required for all incoming first-year students. Transfer students can participate in EmBark or attend one of our modified programs for transfer students outlined below. Post-baccalaureate students are welcome to join us for any of our New Student Programs, including Embark Orientation, but are not required to attend.
EmBark Timeline
- EmBark Orientation will occur August 14-18.
- Students living on campus will move into their residence hall on August 13 or August 14.
- Orientation programming will start mid-day on August 14 and span the full day from August 15-17.
- Students will have a break after programming wraps up on August 18 to prepare for the first day of classes on August 19.
Information for Incoming Transfer Students
We recognize that transfer students come to UNC Asheville with many different previous college experiences and current needs. Because of this, we are offering a variety of options to transfer students joining us for Fall 2024. You are welcome to attend any of our New Students Programs listed on this page, but you are only required to attend one of the following experiences:
- Summer Welcome Days: join us on campus for an early, abbreviated orientation experience on any of our Summer Welcome Days (June 17, 24, and 29).
- Transfer Student Summer Welcome Day: come to campus for a half-day of intentional programming just for transfer students on July 15. You will learn about important resources and connect with faculty and staff.
- EmBark Orientation: transfer students are welcome to attend our new student orientation on August 14-18. This is a great opportunity for an in-depth introduction to life at UNC Asheville.
Summer Welcome Days
Summer Welcome Days are day-long programs that will allow students and their supporters to get to know 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.
Summer Welcome Days will be offered on June 17, June 24, and June 29. We will also offer a Transfer Student Summer Welcome Day on July 15. Registration is now open in your AVLBound Portal.
Summer Welcome Day FAQs
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.
Pre-Orientation programs will be offered June 24-29, July 14-19, and August 10-14. The cost of each program ($250 for June and July; $300 for August) covers housing, meals, and transportation during the program, and workshop fees. These programs keep students active and engaged throughout the week. Please be prepared for at least a moderate level of physical activity including walking, sitting, and participating in group activities. See more information below about registration, scholarships, and FAQs.
Pre-Orientation Programs
June 24-29 and July 14-19
The following programs will be offered for both weeks of June 24-29 and July 14-19 with the exception of the Honors Asheville Sampler, which will only be offered June 24-29, and the Outdoor Asheville Sampler, which will only be offered July 14-19.
Asheville, a Work of Art
See first-hand the successful arts scene of Asheville and explore how you can become involved! From on-campus activities to workshops at local studios, you will explore the many facets of art that Asheville embraces.
All That Jazz
Experience Asheville’s vibrant music scene both on and off campus! Visit some of Asheville’s most popular music venues and explore various aspects of music at UNC Asheville.
The Asheville Sampler
Can’t pick just one interest to explore? This is the program for you! Participants will get a taste of many different aspects of Asheville including art, music, community service, and the beautiful landscape surrounding campus. This program will allow participants to meet other incoming students and get a taste of a bit of everything!
The Honors Asheville Sampler
*Registration for this program is full. We will not be accepting any more participants. Please consider our other programs.
Join us on campus early and explore the City of Asheville while getting to know some of your new peers in the Honors Program. You will also get a chance to meet and interact with Graham Reynolds, the Director of the University Honors Program.
The Outdoor Asheville Sampler
*This program is only offered on July 14-19.*
Stretch your legs and explore the breathtaking landscape of Asheville with Campus Recreation. Participants will get the opportunity to explore the bustling urban areas of Asheville along with the beautiful nature through hikes, rafting trips, and much more!
August 10-14
These programs are planned and facilitated in collaboration with our Outdoor Programs team through Campus Recreation. Students will lodge in camp-style rustic cabins and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community throughout the 5-day trip, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Participants of the Wilderness Experience will spend two nights sleeping in the cabins, with three full days of backpacking in between. All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation are provided throughout the trip. No experience is necessary to participate. Outdoor beginners are welcome and encouraged to register! Students who participate in these programs will move into their Fall 2024 on-campus housing early on August 10.
Blue Ridge Experience
On this “adventure sampler” trip, students will participate in a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. Students will sleep each night in summer camp-style cabins.
Wilderness Experience
This “wilderness living” style trip allows students to experience the peacefulness and exciting challenges of outdoor living on a 3-day backpack, and try their hand at rock climbing in a beautiful location. Students will spend the first and last night sleeping in the cabins along with the Blue Ridge Experience participants.
Pre-Orientation Registration
You will register for Pre-Orientation in our CampDoc system here. This secure system allows you to submit your payment and health and information forms in one place. See detailed step-by-step instructions for how to register here. If you experience any issues with registration or have any questions, please email us at preorient@unca.edu.
Pre-Orientation FAQs
Contact Us
Phone: 828.232.2417 |
Email: transition@unca.edu |
Instagram: @uncaembark |
Address: Highsmith Student Union 301 One University Heights, CPO 1200 Asheville, NC 28804 |
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. |