A Checklist for Champions
Next steps for the parents and families of newly admitted NC State students.
Welcome to the Wolfpack Family!
We are here to support Pack families as they champion their students through the transition to NC State. Whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent, partner, or friend, we support everyone who supports student success and consider you all Pack Champions. We hope this checklist serves as a helpful resource for you and your student as you navigate the journey from admission.
Fall Admits
Click through the actions below if you have a student starting at NC State in the fall.
Before Your Student Confirms
- Review the New Student checklist with your student(s). Did you know? Students have access to an interactive version of their New Student Checklist in their wolfPAW portal. This allows them to check actions off as they complete them!
- Support their Scholarship Applications: Submit applications via PACK ASSIST, both before and after they confirm their enrollment. Priority consideration deadline is February 15, though the portal remains open through August 1.
- Attend Admitted Student Events: Participate in virtual or in-person Admissions events alongside your student throughout the spring to explore campus life. Students will see events specific to them in their wolfPAW portal.
- Remind Your Student to Confirm Their Enrollment: Students are required to confirm their enrollment in their wolfPAW portal by May 1 and submit all final application materials to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Remind your student to check their NC State email and monitor their wolfPAW portal regularly for missing items and deadlines.
Your Student Has Confirmed! Next Steps…
- Register for Orientation: Sign up for New Student and Family Orientation by June 1, which features a concurrent, no-cost orientation program for families. Students must attend the orientation session offered by the college or program they were admitted into. They will see this information in their wolfPAW portal.
- Set Up FERPA Access: Initiated by the NC State student, Pack parents and families can set up a Brickyard account to access protected student records in compliance with FERPA regulations
Summer To-Do List for Parents and Families
- Attend New Student and Family Orientation
- Prioritize Health and Wellness: Ensure your student completes all immunizations and documentation for Campus Health. If needed, help them submit required documentation for accommodations with the Disability Resource Office. Help your student transfer prescriptions to the on-campus pharmacy and acquire 1–3 months of maintenance medications. Lastly, prepare a small first-aid kit with essential medications and supplies. For more information, visit Campus Health.
- Sign up for Pack Family Regions: NC State’s Pack Family Regions boasts an exciting networking opportunity for Wolfpack families to connect and build community with other NC State families in their region. This program offers a variety of year-round events, from Summer Send-Off events that welcome new students and families to the Wolfpack, to tailgate events, watch parties and more! We even offer a dedicated regional round-up newsletter for all who opt into this program.
- Prepare your student for Move-In: Encourage your student to connect with their roommate before moving in (to avoid bringing duplicate items) and carefully review the checklist of items to bring and the move-in instructions provided by University Housing. Lastly, discuss an exit strategy and plan for an early goodbye, but give yourself a buffer if your student wants a bit more time.
- Communication and Life Skills: Encourage students to practice adult responsibilities during the summer months. Remind them of essential life skills such as doing laundry, cleaning, and maintaining personal hygiene. Suggest that they establish a daily routine and develop a spending budget. For first-year students, mastering these skills will support a smooth transition into college life and empower their next stage of independence. Additionally, if your student is a transfer or non-traditional student, assist them in identifying areas for growth to refresh their skills and set themselves up for success.
- Register to attend a Summer Send-Off event near you! These events are designed for incoming first-year and transfer students, along with their families, to meet and connect with classmates from their community. Attendees can ask last-minute questions and receive helpful tips before heading to campus in the fall. It is also a great opportunity for families to start building their network.
For a PDF of the complete Champion Checklist, click here.
Spring Admits
Students starting their journey at NC State in the spring may find themselves on a fast track to completing their new student checklist. This accelerated timeline can sometimes lead to increased stress and anxiety for both students and their families. Maintaining open and ongoing communication is essential to ensure tasks are completed on time and nothing is overlooked. Pack Champions are encouraged to use the list below to provide their students with the support and resources they need to start strong.
Before Your Student Confirms.
- Review the New Student Checklist with your student(s). Did you know? Students have access to a personalized, interactive version of their New Student Checklist in their wolfPAW portal. They can find information and resources specific to them, including direct links to orientation programming and admitted student events based on their college or program.
- Register for Orientation: Sign up for New Student and Family Orientation, which features a concurrent, no-cost orientation program for families.
Your Student Has Confirmed! Next Steps…
- Being on a fast track means your student may need an extra nudge to ensure they don’t miss deadlines. Students will need to:
1. Confirm their enrollment as soon as possible via their wolfPAW account
2. If they plan to live on campus, they will need to apply for housing
3. Complete their FAFSA as soon as possible. - Attend New Student and Family Orientation, which features a concurrent, no-cost orientation program for families.
- Set Up FERPA Access: Initiated by the NC State student, Pack parents and families can set up a Brickyard account to access protected student records in compliance with FERPA regulations.
- Prioritize Health and Wellness: Ensure your student completes all immunizations and documentation for Campus Health. If needed, help them submit required documentation for accommodations with the Disability Resource Office. Help your student transfer prescriptions to the on-campus pharmacy and acquire 1–3 months of maintenance medications. Lastly, prepare a small first-aid kit with essential medications and supplies. For more information, visit Campus Health.
- Communication and Life Skills: Encourage students to practice adult responsibilities as they prepare for this next chapter. Remind them of essential life skills such as doing laundry, cleaning and maintaining personal hygiene. Suggest that they establish a daily routine and develop a spending budget. For first-year students, mastering these skills will support a smooth transition into college life and empower their next stage of independence. Additionally, if your student is a transfer or non-traditional student, assist them in identifying areas for growth to refresh their skills and set themselves up for success.
Getting Started
- Set up your Brickyard account and “opt in to communications” from Parents and Families Services
- Sign up for Spring Coffee Chats
- Make plans to attend Spring Family Weekend. Dates for this event are usually announced in October.
- Sign up for Pack Family Regions: NC State’s Pack Family Regions boasts an exciting networking opportunity for Wolfpack families to connect and build community with other NC State families in their region. This program offers a variety of year-round events, from Summer Send-Off events that welcome new students and families to the Wolfpack, to tailgate events, watch parties and more! We even offer a dedicated regional round-up newsletter for all who opt into this program.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Parents and Families Services via the Parents’ Helpline at 919.515.2441 or email us at [email protected].