Get ready to be part of Bishop Nation!
Welcome to WesWay Orientation at North Carolina Wesleyan University—the gateway to your college journey! Our dynamic, student-focused program is designed to empower new Bishops with essential resources, hands-on experiences, and personalized support. From interactive sessions and campus tours to networking opportunities with faculty and peers, WesWay Student Orientation ensures you start strong and stay connected. Get ready to embrace the Wesleyan way of life and unlock your full potential!
Learn more about WesWay Orientation and register today to make the transition to college easy and learn the Wesleyan way of life. For students enrolling in Fall 2026, WesWay is a three-part orientation experience designed to welcome and prepare students and families:
Our next scheduled events are:
Summer 2026 Orientation Days >
For students arriving in August 2026, enrolling in the Fall semester. See below for details.
WesWay Experience Explained
Summer 2026 WesWay New Student Orientation Days
For students enrolling in the Fall 2026 semester, WesWay is a three-part experience: Summer Outreach & Engagement, WesWay Day, and WesWay Weekend. Please see below for Summer 2026 WesWay New Student Orientation dates and the registration links.
1) Summer Outreach and Engagement
This summer, you will be placed in a group led by one of our trained Peer Navigators. Peer Navigators are current Wesleyan students who are here to help you feel confident and connected as you prepare for college life. They serve as mentors, guides, and friendly faces during your first year, helping you learn about classes, campus resources, student activities, and what it means to be a Bishop. Throughout the summer, your Peer Navigator will connect with your group each week through messages, activities, tips, and conversations. These interactions will help you meet other students, ask questions, and start building your Wesleyan community before you arrive on campus. Your Peer Navigator Group is a great way to learn useful information, reduce first-year worries, and begin building relationships and skills that will help you succeed. We encourage you to take part fully in the experience so you can arrive on campus feeling prepared, connected, and ready to thrive.
2) WesWay Day
WesWay Day happens during the summer. Students visit campus to meet faculty and staff, make new friends, complete college tasks, and explore campus. Multiple days are offered, and students choose the day that works best for them. WesWay Day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so students and parents should plan to stay all day. Dress for warm weather and bring a sweater for cooler indoor spaces. If accommodations are needed, please notify your admissions counselor. Register below!
Have you already deposited? If so, it’s time to sign up for your WesWay Day!
Choose the day that works best for YOU!
2026 WesWay Day Available Dates:
Registration opens January 15, 2026.
DAILY EVENTS (9 am to 4 pm):
- Meet first year advisors
- Take a campus tour
- Talk with Business Office and Financial Aid representatives
- Learn about Student Activities
- Enjoy special sessions just for Bishop Parents
…and more!
3) WesWay Weekend:
WesWay Weekend is the big orientation event in August. New students check in, move into residence halls, attend important sessions, and enjoy fun campus activities. The weekend starts Thursday, August 13, 2026, and runs through Monday, August 17. It includes required sessions like New Student Convocation and community-building events. Classes begin Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
A full schedule will be emailed as the weekend approaches. For questions, email orientation@ncwu.edu.
Have Questions? Reach Out Today!
Anne Aichele
Director of the COMPASS Center, Asst. Professor of Education
New Student Orientation Resources
First Year Mentors are Here to Help YOU!
First Year Mentors are a team of dedicated and constructive student leaders that are passionate about NC Wesleyan University and believe in every student’s success. From the beginning at New Student Welcome and throughout the fall semester, First Year Mentors help new students connect with the Wesleyan community. They serve as mentors and role models to first-year students, and attend an assigned COL 103 course section to be accessible and provide insight as a mentor.
Learn more and meet our First Year Mentors HERE!
FAQs (New Student Orientation)
Am I required to attend a WesWay Day over the summer?
Yes, all new students must register and attend a WesWay Day.
Do I need to register for WesWay Orientation Weekend in August?
No, WesWay Orientation Weekend begins with campus move-in and students do not need to register.
Do I have to take any placement exams?
Some students will need to take an English placement exam. If you do, you will be contacted prior to your registered WesWay Day, and will have the opportunity to take the exam during WesWay Day.
When will I find out who my roommate is?
Students will be notified the third week of July about roommate and housing information.
How many people am I allowed to bring to a WesWay Day?
Each student is only allowed to bring a maximum of 2 guests and these guests must be registered for the WesWay day as well.
What should I wear to a WesWay Day?
Please dress comfortably and be prepared to walk around campus. In the summer it may be very hot outside and very cool inside.
Do parents and families attend WesWay Orientation Weekend?
WesWay Orientation Weekend is part three of Orientation that kicks off with campus move-in. Parents and families are encouraged to assist the student with move in on that Friday. Parents and families are requested to depart in the afternoon. Please see the full schedule for details.
Do I need to register for classes?
Students are registered for classes by their academic advisor prior to the WesWay Day. You will receive your course schedule at WesWay Day and have the opportunity to meet with your advisor about your course schedule.
How do I access my college email account?
The Office of Admissions will send you information about accessing your college email account to your personal email account.
When do I get my textbooks?
You will have time built into your orientation schedule to go to the bookstore and pick up your textbooks before classes begin for the semester.
I am living on campus. What should I bring for my Residence Hall room when I move-in?
A complete list of what to bring can be found here.
I am a student with a disability. How do I get accommodations at NC Wesleyan?
Students needing any form of accommodations based on an academic, mental, or physical disability must register with the Office of Disability Services. Students register by completing a Self-Identification and Impact Statement and Consent for Release of Confidential Information, which can be found on the NC Wesleyan website under Health Services. Additionally each student must provide current and comprehensive documentation to the Office of CDS of a temporary or permanent disability that requires accommodation. Specific documentation guidelines categorized by disability are outlined in the Disability Services Handbook also located on the website. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or Disability Accommodations at a previous institution are not considered sufficient documentation, but it can be submitted as supporting information in addition to a comprehensive assessment.
About the Rocky Mount Area
Parents, the Rocky Mount community is excited about your visit! We are hoping that you will stay in one of our local hotels while your student is staying on campus. Rocky Mount has a variety of great lodging options, perfect for planning a longer stay in the Twin Counties. While there is a wide selection of places to stay, we’ve listed hotels within five miles of NCWU’s campus for your convenience.
There are LOTS of great things to do in Rocky Mount for an enjoyable stay!
