Pre-Orientation

We are currently working on a plan for Pre-Orientation 2024! Please check back here for updated info soon!

Incoming First-Year and First-Semester Transfer Students are invited to get a head start on their UNC Asheville education by delving into the many aspects of their new community, and it offers special-interest programs that showcase Asheville. Participation in Pre-Orientation allows students to live in the residence halls and meet fellow students and staff who share their interests.

For the Summer of 2023, Pre-Orientation Programs will occur 3 separate times in July and August to allow for the greatest number of students to be able to participate! Participants will have the ability to choose from the following program dates:

  • July 9th-14th
  • July 16th-21st
  • August 12th-16th

Pre-Orientation is a program that keeps our students active and engaged throughout the week. Please be prepared for at least a moderate level of physical activity. Each program involves walking, sitting, and participating in group activities throughout the week from breakfast through dinner-time. If you have any concerns about the level of physical activity, please reach out to our office to discuss further! We look forward to having you in the program!

Each program includes meals, instruction, equipment, and transportation.

What Programs are being offered?

July 9th-14th

  • Seize the Clay, Pottery in Asheville 
    • Get your hands dirty and seize the clay! Join UNCA Pottery Faculty to learn new pottery techniques and practice making your own creations! Participants will create a coil pot, carve a tile and more! You’ll also have the opportunity to explore and learn about the pottery scene in Asheville.
  • 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 UNCA.
  • 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 for participants to meet other incoming students and get a taste of a bit of everything!

July 16th- 21st

  • Appetite for Asheville
    • Food is at the center of community and wellness in Asheville. Join Health and Wellness Faculty, Margaret Steele, in exploring the edible parts of UNCA’s campus, local farmers markets and all things food in 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 for participants to meet other incoming students and get a taste of a bit of everything!
  • The Honors Asheville Sampler
    • *This program is exclusively for Honors Students.*
    • Get onto campus early and explore both UNCA’s campus and 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.
  • 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.

August 12th- 16th

Students who participate in these programs will move into their Fall 2023 housing on the 12th of August.

  • Blue Ridge Experience
    • This “adventure sampler” style trip allows students to participate in a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. BRE trips will lodge in camp-style rustic cabins and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trips, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members! All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- first timers and outdoor beginners are welcome and encouraged to register!
  • 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. WE trips will camp outdoors and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trips, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members! All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- beginners and outdoor novices welcome and encouraged to register!

Cost of Programs

The cost of your program covers housing, meals, travel during the program, workshop fees, and all SWAG items.

$175 for July Programs

$225 for August Programs

Click here to view our refund policy.

Pre-Orientation Scholarships

Scholarships are available for registered students in certain programs through the Karpinos Scholarship Fund. Students may apply for either the needs-based or service-based scholarship. Scholarships may be full or partial. Learn more about scholarships and how to apply here.

Registration

Interested? Learn more about the registration process here.