New Student-Athlete Orientation

August 13, 2017

RALEIGH - The NC State Athletics Department welcomed its new student-athletes to campus Sunday morning with the New Student-Athlete Orientation in the Talley Student Center.

97023

All freshmen and transfers are expected to attend the event, which is designed to create a smooth transition to life as a Wolfpack student-athlete. Throughout the half-day of large group activities and breakout sessions, the newcomers were introduced to many of the resources that are geared to help them maintain success both in the classroom and on their fields of competition. Representatives from the ASPSA (Academic Support Program for Student Athletes) were in attendance, as well as support staff from Student Athlete Enhancement & Leadership, Sports Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Medicine, and Sports Psychology.

"This program was designed to meet your needs," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Raymond Harrison. "Things beyond being a student-athlete. Things that will prepare you for life after sports."

The morning began with a welcome from Athletics Director Deborah Yow. The student-athletes then transitioned into a session with visionary speaker Derek Greenfield. Dr. Greenfield spent his time encouraging the group to build bonds, challenging the student-athletes to get to know their peers from other sports. The conversation centered on embracing diversity and fostering inclusion to help teams be better on the field by supporting one another.

97022

The orientation also included a theatrical presentation called "Sex Signals." The presentation is designed to take a humor-facilitated approach to addressing serious topics. "Sex Signals" created a culturally-relevant and interactive conversation amongst the student-athletes about healthy relationships, sex, consent, and prevention strategies.

During lunch, Associate Director of Athletics Dereck Whittenburg spoke about the Wolfpack Way, which he narrowed down to three things: not compromising, competing in the classroom, and getting the best out of yourself.

"The personnel we have here in the Athletics Department, your coaches, the administrators, we have a great support staff," Whittenburg said. "We're here to service you and help you, not just while you're here but when you leave NC State. NC State is a special place."

Next, the Athletics Department will hold its annual Welcome Back Pack Dinner on Tuesday night to bring all of the student-athletes together before classes start on Wednesday.

#GoPack | @PackAthletics

Related Videos