Transfer Orientation

Posted on June 12, 2014 by jaidstewart

One year ago today, I attended my transfer orientation session. It was engaging, exciting, and a bit overwhelming. Throughout the orientation session, I was introduced to countless resources, information, and new faces. Looking back, most of it is a beautiful blur of excitement, but there is one key point of my orientation that I remember and would like to share with you as you enter your transfer orientation session.

I was sitting in a room for lunch at the Union, and an out-of-state transfer student turned to me and introduced himself. We discussed the beauty of Carolina’s campus, his home town in New England, and the genuine sense of community that UNC offers as a university. I remember him saying, “Everyone waves here. People love to say hello and ask how you’re doing.” As a native Carolinian, I was familiar with the type of southern manner he referred to, but I still felt the same sense of awe he felt in response to the sincerity of Carolina students and faculty. Throughout my orientation, I met so many wonderful new transfer students, current students, and even faculty and staff members, all willing to make me feel at home. By the end of orientation, I was ready to pack my bags and move in to my residence hall.

You are going to have a very busy, very fun, information-packed orientation to Carolina. You may be overwhelmed at some points, and that is okay. You will have plenty of time to learn the ins and outs of UNC. There are university resources and contacts you will make that are going to help you during your transition, so enjoy your time at orientation. Do not stress! My one piece of advice for you during orientation is this:

Be open.

Be open to the different types of students you are going to meet. Be open to the conversations you may have with others on campus. Be open to looking silly during icebreakers (they’re meant to bring us out of our shells!) and chants that your Orientation Leader will teach you. Be open to the advice faculty and staff members are giving you. Be open to the welcoming community of Carolina and all it offers. This place will soon become your new home, and I can assure you, it’s a wonderful place to call home.

Service Learning Initiative

Posted on April 23, 2014 by gantos2015

APPLES SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM presents…

SERVICE LEARNING INITITATIVE

Service Learning Initiative (SLI) is a program designed to introduce incoming first-years to the local community through service. The committee will begin informing incoming students during CTOPS and will accept applications into mid-July. If accepted, students will visit different community partner sites over the course of three days.

The Service-Learning Initiative (SLI) is a unique program that provides incoming first-year students with an introduction to the many diverse service opportunities in the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham areas. SLI brings together students who are committed to making a difference in the local community through service. The purpose of SLI is to provide students with the opportunity to develop relationships with community partners, learn about pertinent social justice issues, and build long lasting friendships.

For more information, visit http://www.unc.edu/apples/students/initiative/index.html