Media Contacts:
Dr. Tom Stafford, Student Affairs, 919/515-2446
Dr. Tim Luckadoo, University Housing, 919/515-3088
Tommy Griffin, Admissions, 919/515-5036
Mick Kulikowski, News Services, 919/515-3470 or mick_kulikowski@ncsu.edu

Aug. 15, 2002

NC State University Prepares for Students, Start of Academic Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Carolina State University will welcome returning and new students and their families for move-in days during the weekend of Aug. 17-18 as it prepares to ring in its fall semester - and a new academic year - on Aug. 19.

A freshman class of approximately 3,650 will become part of the more than 28,000 students enrolled for classes. NC State's freshman class includes 102 valedictorians, 80 salutatorians and one student with a perfect score on the SAT. Freshmen had an average SAT score of 1193 and an average high school grade point average of 4.01. More than one-third of NC State's first-year students were in the top 10 percent of their high school class. The geographically diverse class includes students from 99 N.C. counties, 42 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and 19 countries.

NC State also received its second-highest ever total of applications for admission, a whopping 12,093, including more applications for enrollment from N.C. high school students than any other college or university in the state.

Approximately 1,122 incoming freshmen plan to enroll in the College of Engineering, making it the most popular program among first-year students.

A new initiative designed to help students graduate in a timely fashion - as well as raise graduation rates - is the Progress Toward Degree program. The program requires all students to maintain a plan of study that keeps them on track toward their degree. Students will be encouraged to take at least 30 credit hours a year and required to complete at least 24 credit hours. Students must also choose a major before they start their junior year. Those who fall behind will be placed on "progress warning" status for one semester. If they continue to falter, they risk the chance of being classified in "lifelong education" status.

Other new academic programs include three new undergraduate concentrations within the College of Management's accounting program. The new concentrations are managerial, financial analysis and information systems. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is also offering a new minor - health, medicine & human values - within its division of multidisciplinary studies.

New graduate programs include the MBA degree now offered in the College of Management, and master's degrees via distance education in computer science, aerospace and mechanical engineering, and training and development.

All 20 NC State residence halls are - as usual - booked to capacity, says Dr. Tim Luckadoo, associate vice chancellor for student affairs. Approximately 6,600 students will move into their rooms this weekend, with 62 students living in temporary housing until spaces open.

A tremendous amount of work took place in NC State residence halls this summer, Luckadoo adds. Beside new elevators in Sullivan Hall and enhancements to air-conditioning systems and fire-sprinkler systems in a handful of halls, some major cosmetic improvements - like new furniture and carpeting - were made in selected halls across campus.

NC State faculty, staff and students are volunteering to be part of the WolfStop program, in which a handful of information kiosks will be set up across campus to help provide students and their families with directions, answers to questions and other assistance. Student services and business offices will also be open over the move-in weekend to help ease the transition for new students.

Provost Stuart Cooper, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford and College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Linda Brady will greet new students and help them move into their rooms beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 17. The administrators and Chancellor Marye Anne Fox will then attend the sixth annual Legacy Lunch for students whose parents or grandparents are NC State alumni. Sponsored by the NC State Alumni Association, the event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Reynolds Coliseum. New students will feast on N.C. barbecue and ice cream and receive special pins from their alumni relatives.

Sunday evening, the lawn between West campus residence halls will turn into a feeding ground as the "Welcome Back Pack" event takes place. Scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m., the event will feature live music and dinner with a wide variety of food - including pork barbecue, teriyaki chicken kabobs, fried shrimp and veggie burgers.

The week's culminating welcome-back effort - Friday Fest - will be held on Aug. 23, starting at 5 p.m. Sponsored primarily by the student-led Union Activities Board, the event will provide an alcohol- and drug-free block party that will include music, food and a pep rally. Most events will take place on or near Cates Ave. and Carmichael Gymnasium.

The general public should avoid the main campus area during move-in days in light of the heavy congestion expected. Cates Avenue will be designated as a one-way street for westbound traffic between Morrill Drive (Talley Student Center) and Dan Allen Drive from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. No eastbound traffic will be allowed in this area.

Campus Activities will continue the Parents HelpLine program. Families with questions or concerns can call a toll-free number (1-877-568-5733) or e-mail ncsuparents@ncsu.edu for assistance.

- kulikowski -