Pre-Orientation Programs
August 2024
Orientation, New Student and Transition Programs
Welcome to Wake!
Welcome to Wake Forest University, and congratulations on beginning this new chapter! I am delighted to have you among us as our newest Demon Deacons. We are excited to welcome you to your new home away from home!
Over the next few months, you will be receiving important and detailed emails from me regarding your transition to the University. It will be crucial that you check your WFU email on a regular basis to ensure that you remain on track with the important tasks to be completed throughout the summer.
Until then, I hope you enjoy the last few months of your high school career, and we will see you in August!
Cherise James, Ph.D.
She | Her | Hers
Director of Orientation, New Student and Transitions Programs
A Quick Note about Orientation
Important Dates:
Important Dates (and Move-In):
Pre-Orientation Programs Overview
Wake Forest University offers Pre-Orientation programs ranging from spiritual development to music to civic engagement to recreational and outdoor pursuits.
A quick note about program costs:
Pre-Orientation Move-In
By participating in a Pre-Orientation program, you will arrive on campus prior to the official Move-in Day of Wednesday, August 21. Many families choose to send their students to campus with the bare necessities for Pre-Orientation and then bring students’ remaining belongings on Move-in Day. This also enables families to participate in all parent and family orientation activities.
Reasons to attend Pre-Orientation?
A Note about Accessibility
Each program requires varying levels of physical engagement for participation from sitting, walking, standing, hiking, running, climbing, etc. If you have any physical limitations, we ask that you identify that in the registration process to ensure that we are able to advise you specifically on programs that might support your engagement in an accessible fashion where possible.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at Orientation@wfu.edu.
Connect@Wake
(for International Students)
Connect@Wake is the mandatory orientation for new undergraduate international students in the F-1 or J-1 visa status who are attending Wake Forest University for the first time. Connect@Wake is a required part of the visa status maintenance process for international students.
Undergraduate international students will have the opportunity to build community within the international student population, learn about campus resources, engage in academic coursework, and meet other continuing students. Participants will meet with various faculty and staff on campus to develop relationships and build a sense of comfort at Wake Forest.
Cost: no additional cost to students
Application Deadline: upon admission/deposit made
When: August 17-20, 2024
Sponsored by: Center for Immigration Services & Support (ISS)
Cost:� $400.00�
Application Deadline: �June 30, 2024
When: �August 17 - August 20, 2024
Sponsored by: �First in the Forest �&
WF Scholars Office
Why Fresh in the Forest?
What is Fresh in the Forest?
Wake Marching Band
The Spirit of the Old Gold and Black
ENHANCE YOUR WAKE FOREST EXPERIENCE�Head Football Coach Dave Clawson personally invites you to join the Wake Marching Band to enhance your experience at Wake Forest.
TRAVEL �Visit historic venues across the country, and enjoy unique Bowl Game experiences with your closest friends and Demon Deacons.
FAMILY�Join a community and family atmosphere that is built on a tight network of people who love music.
CAMPUS CONNECTION�Deepen your connection with Wake Forest and the campus community while earning a world class degree in a variety of different majors and minors.
��
Contact Dr. Tim Heath at wakeband@wfu.edu or 336.701.3492 by June 30 to join, or visit our website at wfbands.wfu.edu
Pre-Season Training Camp is August 15-21 for the Full Band�*Percussion and Color Guard begin August 12
R.E.C. is a Recreation based Pre-Orientation program that provides members of the incoming class the opportunity to Engage with their peers and build a newfound sense of Community.
Cost: $400*
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
When: August 17 - 20
Sponsored by: Campus Recreation
*price subject to change
With Campus Recreation as the host, students have an all-access pass to the myriad of recreational facilities and programs that Wake has to offer.
Activities include exercise classes, friendly competition through team sports, outdoor recreation, and instructional programming that will help serve as a solid fitness foundation in your new home.
What is SUMMIT?
Since 1955, Summit has introduced first-year students to the breadth of Christian Live at Wake Forest University. Generations of Wake students have had the opportunity to both grow in their faith as well as develop relationships that will last throughout their college experience and beyond.
Cost: $425
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
When: August 17-20, 2024
Sponsored by: Office of the Chaplain & Christian Campus Ministries
WakeA.B.L.E.
WakeWell
WakeWell offers students an introduction to the 8 dimensions of wellbeing through experiential excursions and didactic presentations. Meet new friends and create a personalized wellbeing plan (PWP) for your time at WFU!
Cost: $400
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
When: August 17 - August 20
Sponsored by: Office of Wellbeing and University Counseling Center
Cost: $800 (Financial Aid is available)
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024
When: August 16-21
Sponsored by: Outdoor Pursuits
Wilderness to Wake Embarking on the college journey is an adventure, so why not kick-start it with one? Over the span of five days in the wilderness of North Carolina, you’ll engage in backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, camping, and more, all while forging lasting connections with eight other incoming students. Trips are led by Outdoor Pursuits staff, fellow students, who intimately understand the nuances of transitioning to college life and challenges that come with being a college student.
Student Testimonials
“I am so glad I did Deacon Camp. It was a great way to meet people and see campus before classes started, and the student leaders were so great.”
“In the Fresh in the Forest pre-orientation program, I made friendships that I still have and maintain even after beginning classes that split our schedules and free time. I was introduced to many departments and resources on campus that I would have not known about otherwise.”
“I loved marching band in high school and doubted that it could get any better at college, and SOTOGAB proved me wrong. GO DEACS!”
“I did REC and had an amazing time and made so many new friends who I still talk to and hang out with now. I would highly recommend doing a pre-orientation program to all new freshmen.”
Student Testimonials
“When I signed up for SPARC, I had very high expectations, and the program exceeded them! The program made Wake Forest feel like my home and introduced me to service opportunities that were meaningful and fulfilling. I built great relationships with my fellow Sparcies and Sparc leaders, and I think this program was the best possible introduction to the Wake Forest community. I highly recommend Sparc to any student interested in community service.”
“I participated in Summit, and it was amazing. The people I met there are friends that I know will last a lifetime, and they are all one of a kind. I have no idea what I would have done without Summit because I have met some of my best friends through this program.”
Student Testimonials
“I participated in Wakeable, it was great. I got to learn a lot from professionals. I feel it prepared me for my first college presentation. Everyone was kind, and happy to have you there.”
“Wilderness to Wake: Expedition was quite literally the best thing I’ve ever participated in! I had wanted to go backpacking for the longest time, and when I saw this opportunity arise, it was like a dream come true! I had the time of my life hiking, sightseeing, rafting, and making close friends, all thanks to my incredible group leaders.”
“I did WakeWell, and I had a great experience. The instructors were terrific, and I enjoyed the work we did.”