NC Wesleyan University was acknowledged as one of the best colleges in North Carolina by Intelligent.com for “First Year Experience.”
Start Strong, Go Far: Your Wesleyan Journey Begins Here!
North Carolina Wesleyan University believes every student has the potential to succeed here and beyond. Our First Year Experience program is designed to help new students make the most of their college journey by offering support and resources that make the transition to Wesleyan and college life easier and more successful.
Our approach is based on the Life Design framework, which encourages students to explore their interests, values, and strengths as they plan their unique college experience. Life Design supports the whole student—helping them build confidence, solve problems creatively, and create a clear path for their future. This framework aligns with Wesleyan’s mission to prepare students for meaningful and fulfilling lives.
At North Carolina Wesleyan University, the First Year Experience (FYE) program is designed to help new students confidently transition to college life and build a foundation for long-term success. Through WesWay Orientation, first-year mentoring, academic advising, Life Design planning, and personalized support services, students gain the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you’re exploring your interests, setting goals, or finding your place in the Wesleyan community, FYE helps you start strong and stay on the path to success.
WesWay
Orientation at North Carolina Wesleyan University is called “WesWay” Orientation, 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!
For students enrolling each Fall, WesWay is a three-part orientation experience designed to welcome and prepare students and families:
Summer Connection & Campus Preparation
1) Summer Outreach & Engagement
Before arriving on campus, you’ll be connected with a small group led by a Wesleyan Peer Navigator—a current student who will serve as a mentor and guide throughout your transition to college. Through weekly messages, activities, and conversations, you’ll get helpful tips, meet fellow students, learn about campus resources, and start building your Wesleyan community.
1) WesWay Day:
WesWay Day is a summer campus experience designed to help new students prepare for their first semester. During this full-day event, you’ll meet faculty and staff, connect with other incoming students, complete important college tasks, and explore campus. Multiple dates are available, allowing you to choose the session that best fits your schedule.
2) 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 on Thursdays and runs through Monday before classes start. It includes required sessions like New Student Convocation and community-building events.
Visit our ORIENTATION page to learn more about WesWay Orientation dates and register to make the transition to college easy and learn the Wesleyan way of life.
A full schedule is emailed as the weekend approaches. For questions, email orientation@ncwu.edu. We encourage students to actively check email to interact with their Peer Navigator and Institutional office. Check on Instagram and YouTube.
First Year Experience Courses
Your first semester at North Carolina Wesleyan is designed to help you build a strong foundation for academic success, personal growth, and campus engagement. As a new student, you will enroll in courses specifically created to support your transition to college, connect you with faculty and advisors, and help you develop the skills needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
COL 103 – Wesleyan Transitions (1 credit)
This seminar course helps first-year students transition to college and become familiar with the North Carolina Wesleyan community. With small classes of 20 or fewer students, it encourages campus engagement and interactive discussions. The course covers three key areas: Bishop Foundations, Life Skills, and Career Path Development. Taught by first-year academic advisors, students connect regularly with their advisor throughout the semester. All new students are enrolled in COL 103 during their first semester.
COL 150 – First-Year Inquiry (3 credits)
Designed for first-year students with little or no college experience, this course introduces students to academic life through a discipline-specific topic taught by full-time faculty. It encourages students to explore scholarly questions while developing critical thinking and learning habits essential for success at Wesleyan. COL 150 is offered annually in the fall and spring semesters.
Peer Navigators: Your Guides for Success
Peer Navigators are student mentors who support new students as they adjust to life at Wesleyan. Grounded in Life Design principles, they foster belonging, curiosity, and academic confidence by providing regular check-ins, leading campus tours and orientation activities, and helping students develop important skills like time management and self-advocacy. Peer Navigators serve as trusted guides throughout the first year, connecting students to campus resources and promoting active engagement in the Wesleyan community.
Life Design Structure at NCWU
Our approach is based on the Life Design framework, which encourages students to explore their interests, values, and strengths as they plan their unique college experience. Life Design supports the whole student—helping them build confidence, solve problems creatively, and create a clear path for their future. This framework aligns with Wesleyan’s mission to prepare students for meaningful and fulfilling lives.
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