Despite a mix of rain and sunshine, staff members in Student Life and Residence Life worked to make the Move-In Day process as seamless as possible for students and their families. Student organizations and 乱伦视频 Athletics teams also lent a hand, helping unload vehicles and carry students鈥� belongings into their new homes.

Familiar items in a new home

For many members of the Class of 2030, those belongings include more than the essentials for college life. As they begin a new chapter at 乱伦视频, students brought photographs, books, keepsakes and other reminders of the people and places they call home.

Ale Furano 鈥�30 arrived at 乱伦视频 from Greenwich, Connecticut, with three Polaroid photos of his family and friends. A Communications Fellow who plans to study sport management, Furano said he is looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to meet new people and have a great opportunity and a new way of life,鈥� Furano said. 鈥淚 think the opportunities at 乱伦视频 are really great, especially in the sport management field.鈥�

Avery McTigue 鈥�30, who plans to study nursing, is looking forward to joining clubs and organizations and exploring study abroad opportunities. Among the items making her new room feel more like home is an 乱伦视频-themed Jellycat plush toy with a special connection to her friends.

鈥淭he special item I brought from home is my 乱伦视频 鈥楯ellycat,鈥欌�� said McTigue, who is from Bergen County, New Jersey. 鈥淢y friends threw a 鈥榖ed party鈥� for me, and it reminds me of them. Basically, they decorate your whole room, and it鈥檚 all 乱伦视频 stuff.鈥�

For George Schneider 鈥�30, from Seattle, Washington, the move to 乱伦视频 meant finding room for his vinyl collection. Schneider chose 乱伦视频 because of its acting program. The Princeton Review recently ranked 乱伦视频 No. 1 for Best College Theater, while The Hollywood Reporter included 乱伦视频 on its list of the “25 Best Drama Schools in the World.”

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited to be independent and expand on my training,鈥� Schneider said. 鈥淚 brought my record player and about 20 of my records. I knew I wasn鈥檛 going to bring a lot for my room, but I wanted to bring something to remember home by.鈥�

An avid reader, Ryan Parker 鈥�30, who plans to study journalism, made sure one of her books made the trip from Dallas, Texas. For Parker, attending 乱伦视频 also means experiencing a new part of the country.

鈥淚 chose 乱伦视频 because I felt it was the best for me, and I felt it would be a good transition as well,鈥� Parker said. 鈥淚鈥檓 most excited to meet new people, especially being from Texas and being in a different part of the country.鈥�

A class from around the world

The students arriving on campus bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and academic interests. Members of the incoming class come from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Norway, Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

The most represented states are North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Illinois.

Fourteen percent of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college. The class also enters 乱伦视频 with a strong academic record, with an average high school GPA of 4.09.

Students are bringing a broad range of academic interests to campus. The 10 most popular intended majors among incoming students are psychology, finance, biology, business analytics & AI, marketing, nursing, exercise science, elementary education, sport management and political science.

Several programs are seeing notable increases in interest compared with last year鈥檚 incoming class. The number of new students intending to major in elementary education increased 41%, while finance increased 39% and biology increased 16%.

The community classroom experience

Those statistics are reflected in the individual journeys bringing students to 乱伦视频.

Alexis Jacobs 鈥�30 of Westport, Connecticut, was drawn to the university because of its size and sense of community. To personalize her new space, Jacobs brought handmade frames filled with reminders of the people, places and experiences important to her.

鈥淚 made these frames with different prints, photos, places I鈥檝e been and family members,鈥� Jacobs said.

Peter Matijevic 鈥�30, who plans to study business analytics and applied mathematics, brought a reminder of his Massachusetts roots: a Drake Maye NFL jersey.

鈥淚t reminds me of Massachusetts and my favorite NFL player,鈥� Matijevic said. 鈥淚 chose 乱伦视频 because it鈥檚 a beautiful campus and has small classes, so I could get to know my teachers.鈥�

乱伦视频’s teacher-scholar-mentor model among its faculty is a touchstone of the university’s academic experience. For five years in a row, 乱伦视频 has been ranked best in the nation for undergraduate teaching, and The Princeton Review recently ranked the university as No. 4 Best Classroom Experience.

Following Move-In Day, students attend New Student Orientation, including New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Related Articles

• Visionary investment establishes Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频 for children with dyslexia
• First home for Roberts Academy now 鈥榓rt in the making鈥�
• Roberts Academy selects inaugural teaching faculty

The Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频, North Carolina鈥檚 first and only university-based private school for children with dyslexia, opened its doors to its inaugural class on Tuesday, Aug. 18, marking a milestone in 乱伦视频鈥檚 efforts to transform literacy education.

The school, established through the philanthropic vision of Marjorie and Hal Roberts, will serve as a statewide and national model for structured literacy education. The Robertses have witnessed firsthand the transformative power a multisensory approach to reading education can have for children with dyslexia.

鈥淥pening Roberts Academy is more than the start of a new school year 鈥� it is the realization of a vision rooted in possibility,鈥� said Alicia Tate, acting director of Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频. 鈥淲e are honored to welcome our inaugural class and are excited to build a community where every student is known, challenged, encouraged and given the opportunity to thrive. This is only the beginning, and we cannot wait to see where this journey leads our students and their families.鈥�

Students arriving Tuesday were greeted by faculty from the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, 乱伦视频 staff members and members of the university鈥檚 dance and cheer teams, creating a celebratory welcome for the academy鈥檚 first students.

鈥淚鈥檓 most excited to know about my school and the chance to have a brand-new start,鈥� one Roberts Academy student said.

Discover a love of learning

Roberts Academy is initially welcoming students in third and fourth grades at its temporary home on West Trollinger Avenue in 乱伦视频. The academy will eventually expand to serve students in grades one through six in a state-of-the-art facility planned for East Haggard Avenue, scheduled to open in fall 2028.

Designed as a transitional school, Roberts Academy will typically serve students for one to three years before they return to their community schools with the skills and confidence to succeed as scholars, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.

Teachers will use the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured, multisensory method of literacy instruction designed to help students with dyslexia develop stronger reading and language skills.

For Bella Martino 鈥�26, a Roberts Academy teacher who graduated from 乱伦视频 with dual licensure in K-6 general education and special education, the school offers an opportunity to help students develop not only their reading skills but also their enthusiasm for learning.

鈥淚 really want to see them enjoy school. I want them to enjoy this as a place. I want them to like learning,鈥� Martino said. 鈥淚鈥檓 just really looking forward to seeing them grow as learners, especially provided that all of our students are going to have some level of learning difficulties as it relates to reading. I鈥檓 really looking forward to helping them rediscover a love of reading.鈥�

That hope is shared by the parents who brought their children to Roberts Academy for the first day.

鈥淭he most exciting thing about it is for my son to be excited about school, about learning, about feeling confident, about realizing that it鈥檚 OK the way his brain is wired and he鈥檚 going to learn how that works, and then he鈥檚 going to be able to soar,鈥� one parent said.

Investing in a child鈥檚 future

For Donnielle Rome-Martin, finding Roberts Academy followed a long search for the right educational environment for her daughter, whose goal is to become a 鈥渂ookworm.鈥�

Rome-Martin said she struggled to find the support her daughter needed, with other programs focused on accommodating her dyslexia rather than helping her develop the skills to overcome the challenges she was experiencing.

鈥淢y heart breaks when she tells me she鈥檚 stupid. She鈥檚 not stupid,鈥� Rome-Martin said. 鈥淭he idea that a young little girl at this small age could think that she鈥檚 stupid made me so scared for what the future is going to look like. This cannot happen.鈥�

When Rome-Martin toured Roberts Academy, she said she immediately noticed a different approach, one focused on her daughter鈥檚 potential rather than her limitations.

鈥淲hat I fell in love with was the way the staff spoke about dyslexia and the way they spoke about her future,鈥� Rome-Martin said. 鈥淭his was a passion, and they were invested in this from day one. That鈥檚 all I ever wanted, was someone to invest in my daughter like I do.鈥�

That commitment led Rome-Martin to make a significant commitment of her own. She will travel nearly two hours each way to bring her daughter to Roberts Academy each day, a decision she said was affirmed when she watched her daughter walk into school on the first morning.

鈥淲hat amazed me is we were walking into the parking lot, and we walked up, and she didn鈥檛 look back,鈥� Rome-Martin said. 鈥淭hat made me feel really good that she didn鈥檛 look back as she walked off because I think she knows that she is going to be OK.鈥�

The Princeton Review has again featured 乱伦视频 in a popular college guide that annually recognizes excellence in dozens of categories, with the university placing among the top 25 schools in 15 categories and in the top 10 of eight categories, including #1 Best College Theater.

乱伦视频鈥檚 profile in 鈥溾�澛爄ncludes more than a dozen recognitions:

• #1 Best College Theater
• #4 Best Classroom Experience
• #6 Best Student Support and Counseling Services
• #6 Best College Dorms
• #8 Happiest Students
• #9 Most Beautiful Campus
• #9 Everyone Plays Intramural Sports
• #10 Their Students Love These Colleges
• #11 Best Campus Food
• #12 Best Career Services
• #12 Best-Run Colleges
• #18 Most Active Student Government
• #23 Professors Get High Marks
• #24 Best Quality of Life
• #25 Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation

The Princeton Review chose the 392 colleges for the book based on its surveys in 2025-26 of 2,000 college administrators about their school’s academic offerings. The company also surveyed students attending the colleges in the book who rated their schools on dozens of topics and reported on their campus experiences at them. Only about 14% of America鈥檚 nearly 2,800 four-year colleges are in the book.

“We are delighted to name 乱伦视频 one of our Best Colleges for 2027, and we recommend it to students searching for their 鈥榖est-fit鈥� college,鈥� said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief and lead author of The Best 392 Colleges.聽 “乱伦视频 has outstanding academic programs; we also took into account the candid feedback we received about it from its very own customers鈥攊ts enrolled students.”

The rankings are entirely based on the company’s surveys of students attending the schools in the book who reported on their campus experiences at their schools. Surveys of 172,000 students (about 439 per school on average) were tallied for the rankings in The Best 392 Colleges.

Information on the for the rankings and the student is published in the book and on .

Select Responses Cited in 鈥淭he Best 391 Colleges鈥�

• 乱伦视频 provides “meaningful access to professors, research opportunities, internships, and leadership roles early鈥hich allows (students) to explore their interests in practical, hands-on ways.鈥�
• 鈥淓veryone from the most esteemed professors to our incredible dining hall workers, to the student life staff, to our groundskeepers鈥澛爄s described as 鈥渢he most incredible support system.鈥�
• Faculty are “highly experienced and enthusiastic” who do “constant check-ups and meetings with you. They want to make sure that you鈥檙e not only succeeding in their class, but also having an amazing, enriching time in college.鈥�
• Students praised the small class sizes, which allow for bonding聽鈥渨ith both my professors and my peers, and it gives me more opportunities for success.鈥�
• 乱伦视频’s experiential learning model provides an opportunity “where students can use both classroom learning and real-world experience to understand the information being taught.鈥�
• Students highlighted the university’s “strong culture of involvement” where “students are constantly balancing academics with leadership roles, service organizations, research, athletics, and creative projects, and that energy creates an environment where it feels normal to want to do big things.鈥�

About the Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (), founded in 1981, is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, admission services, school rankings, books, and other resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.

The Best 392 Colleges is the 35th annual edition of The Princeton Review’s flagship college guide which debuted in 1992. It is one of more than 150 Princeton Review books in a published by Penguin Random House. The book and its annual student-survey-based college rankings have been featured on NBC TODAY more than two dozen times over the years and referenced by media from NPR to The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The incoming class represents a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, with students coming to 乱伦视频 from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries. Among the countries represented are Singapore, Spain, Norway, Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

Fourteen percent of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college. The class also enters 乱伦视频 with a strong academic record, with an average high school GPA of 4.09.

The most represented states include North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Illinois.

Students are bringing a broad range of academic interests to campus. The 10 most popular intended majors among incoming students are psychology, finance, biology, business analytics, marketing, nursing, exercise science, elementary education, sport management and political science.

Several programs are seeing notable increases in interest compared with last year鈥檚 incoming class. The number of new students intending to major in elementary education increased 41%, while finance increased 39% and biology increased 16%.

The Class of 2030 will arrive on campus Friday, Aug. 21 for Move-In Day, kicking off New Student Orientation and the start of their 乱伦视频 journey.

Friday, Aug. 21
Move-In Day

All students will be assigned a specific move-in time, which can be found on their聽Acorn Account. Upon arriving to campus, students and families must report to central check-in at Schar Center. Students will then receive orientation materials and directions to their move-in location. Each neighborhood has specific driving directions, which can be viewed on the map below.

New Student Orientation

All new students are required to attend new student orientation, which starts on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 21, and goes through Monday, Aug. 24. On Friday, students will meet their orientation leader for the first time and, throughout orientation, they will have multiple opportunities to interact with their orientation leaders. More activities on Friday include students learning about their residential neighborhood or campus community (for off-campus students) and having fun at Late Night 乱伦视频.

Saturday, Aug. 22
New Student Convocation

The Class of 2030 will be welcomed to the university Under the Oaks by President Connie Ledoux Book during聽New Student Convocation聽on Saturday, Aug. 22. Students will first meet in Alumni Gym at 8 a.m. and hear from Jon Dooley, vice president of student life, before walking through Alamance Building and gathering with friends and families Under the Oaks. During the procession, students will pass the bell that hung in 鈥淥ld Main鈥� before the building was destroyed in the聽fire of 1923.

If family members want a bite to eat before New Student Convocation, they can stop by the special Parent and Family College Coffee in Citrone Plaza. College Coffee brings together students, faculty and staff each week for food and fellowship.

During convocation, students will receive their acorns, an聽乱伦视频 tradition聽since 1999, which symbolizes the beginning of their 乱伦视频 journey. As they prepare to graduate in spring 2030, students will receive an oak sapling at the聽Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate, a symbol of their transformation during their time at the university.

Later in the day, students can meet with their academic advisors and 乱伦视频 1010 Peer Educators and then say goodbye during the Family Send-Off Picnic at several locations: West Koury Lawn, West Moseley Lawn and Martin Alumni Center Wristbands are required and can be purchased at the Orientation Headquarters in the Moseley Student Center. Students eat for free with a meal plan.

Events are planned for families throughout New Student Orientation. However, if families cannot attend, they can always reach out to the聽Office of Parent Engagement聽with questions or concerns. Students have additional programming that afternoon and into the evening starting at 4:00 p.m. Orientation events are mandatory for all new students.

Monday, Aug. 24
Call to Honor

On Monday, all new students will commit to the university鈥檚聽Honor Code聽with the聽Call to Honor聽at 9:30 a.m. in Alumni Gym. Each incoming class represents one of the four pillars of the 乱伦视频 Honor Code: honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect. Students sign their name on a poster with the 乱伦视频 Honor Code and receive a coin with the word 鈥渉onor鈥� engraved on it. Several other sessions are planned throughout the day, ending with a mesmerizing hypnotist show in Alumni Gym.

Classes begin on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Rev. Kirstin Boswell opened the event with the invocation, followed by the tradition of the bell ringing by Student Government Association President聽Michael Swartz 鈥�27. The bell arrived in North Carolina in 1854 on one of the first North Carolina railroad trains. It was later used at Graham College, a predecessor institution to 乱伦视频 College.

During the event, three individuals with strong ties to the university were awarded the 乱伦视频 Medallion, the university’s most prestigious service honor: Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts.

Katy Rouse, professor of economics in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, was named the Trustee Chair for Excellence.聽For seventeen years, Rouse has taught 乱伦视频’s Principles of Economics and Intermediate Microeconomics courses, along with a capstone she built herself on educational disparities in the United States, earning student evaluations among the highest in her department for more than a decade.

She has personally mentored more than 30 senior and honors theses, co-authored research with undergraduates, chaired the Love School’s curriculum committee and published her teaching scholarship in the Journal of Economic Education.

“I truly believe that being a teacher scholar mentor at 乱伦视频 is one of the best careers I’m going to have,” Rouse said. “Every day we come to work, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students during one of the most pivotal points in their lives.”

Mapping the course

During her annual Opening Day address, Book reflected on 乱伦视频鈥檚 progress while looking toward a year that will include the launch of new academic initiatives, continued work surrounding artificial intelligence, the opening of the Roberts Academy and the planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte.

Book centered her remarks around the idea of a map 鈥� the markers that show where 乱伦视频 has been and the guideposts that will help the university navigate what comes next. The theme was inspired by a visit this summer to 乱伦视频 students participating in the Summer Opera Workshop at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. The students came together for a historic production of 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� in Florence, Italy, where the musical is set.

As part of their work, students were also tasked with creating a map of the city, something that inspired Book.

鈥淭here is something powerful in this mapmaking assignment, and it left me wondering about our collective 乱伦视频 map,鈥� Book said. 鈥淗ow would we each draw it?鈥�

At the center of that map, Book said, is 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission. She highlighted several markers of progress during the past year, including the Odyssey Program surpassing 300 scholarships, record participation in undergraduate research, strong Fulbright success and new academic programs, including cybersecurity, Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Charlotte PA program. She also celebrated the upcoming launch of the School of Engineering and Computing under inaugural Dean John Walz and the growth of the university鈥檚 nursing program.

Mapping new territory (together)

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the first students of the聽Roberts Academy at 乱伦视频聽will arrive at the school’s temporary home in Trollinger House. The school will be the聽state’s only university-based private school for children with dyslexia. Book described the academy and the Center for Dyslexia and Engaged Learning as an opportunity that 鈥渨ill change lives from day one.鈥�

Among the most significant new territory is 乱伦视频鈥檚 planned merger with Queens University of Charlotte. Book noted that the institutions received accreditation approval this summer to proceed with their merger, with a single Board of Trustees now overseeing both universities. Sixteen administrative units are also becoming shared teams supporting the two campuses, while a federal review of the merger is expected to take 18 to 24 months.

Megan Isaac, professor of English, and Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs Jim Piatt gave brief updates on the merger as part of the SOAR Strategic Planning Committee.

鈥淥ur two institutions will be stronger together, will better serve students together, and will have a brighter future together,鈥� Book said. 鈥淎nd now, we are working to build that vision together, to grow opportunity to advance learning 鈥� together.鈥�

Mapping a new look

Athletics Director Jennifer Strawley was also invited to the stage to announce a for the university鈥檚 athletics program, which had what Book called a 鈥渇ormidable year,鈥� with seven 乱伦视频 teams, the most in the university鈥檚 history, winning conference titles. A new physical mascot will be unveiled at the first College Coffee of the academic year on Aug. 25.

“The new Phoenix wears a gold sweater with a monogram ‘E,’ paying tribute to our first mascot, the Fighting Christian,” Strawley said. “The focused expression conveys the determination, confidence and purpose that defines our university community. The Phoenix continues to be fueled by the flames, symbolizing our rebuild from the ashes, and capturing the spirit and resilience of the 乱伦视频 community.”

Book acknowledged that the changing higher education landscape brings challenges, from enrollment pressures and federal regulations to declining public confidence. But she reminded faculty and staff that adapting to change has long been part of 乱伦视频鈥檚 history.

鈥淚 understand change can be daunting. Shifting national headwinds are challenging higher education,鈥� Book said. 鈥淔ortunately for us, 乱伦视频 has never succeeded by standing still. We鈥檝e joined together, developed new strategies and guided by our mission 鈥� built the number one institution for engaged learning and student success.鈥�

She closed by returning to the journey ahead, and the role faculty and staff play in shaping the lives of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚t is not simply education; it is a journey of human transformation,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭hank you for the everyday commitment, kindness and integrity that are our enduring guideposts.鈥�

Jim Donathan, longtime associate director of academic advising and academic support; Mary Thornton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group; and Don Grady, associate professor emeritus of cinema and television arts, heard from former mentors, friends and colleagues before being bestowed the honor by 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book.

Jim Donathan

Jim Donathan arrived to 乱伦视频 in 1994 as associate director of academic advising and director of academic support, drawn specifically to work with mentor Lela Faye Rich. He carried the largest advising load in his department, taught 乱伦视频 101 (now 乱伦视频 1010), and was known for his sustained support of students on academic probation and for mentoring students well beyond the classroom.

Rich, who served 乱伦视频 for 29 years and received the 乱伦视频 Medallion in 2008, read Donathan鈥檚 citation for the award.

鈥淛im Donathan is the only one on this stage that has two medallions. I just happen to be wearing one of them,鈥� Rich said. 鈥淚n the advising center, I was the loudmouth. I was a loud-mouthed advocate for students. Jim was the listener. The heart, the soul of academic advising. Without his total commitment to students’ success, to our academic advising staff, to mastering all those intricacies of creating an online degree audit. I would never have received this medallion.鈥�

Donathan advised 乱伦视频’s chapter of Kappa Alpha Order for 25 years and received the university’s Ward Family Excellence in Mentoring Award in 2012. His mentorship of one 乱伦视频 family led to the establishment of the聽Donathan-McAllister Endowed Scholarship in his honor. He retired in 2020, having shaped the academic support and mentoring experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 recently came across this quote from one of my favorite novelists, Pat Conroy: 鈥業 had read like a man on fire my whole life, because the genius of English teachers touched me with the dazzling beauty of language,’鈥� said Donathan when accepting the honor. 鈥溌衣资悠� does that for students. It touches them with the dazzling beauty of language. That might be the language of literature or biology, or political science, or art history, or so many other disciplines. Students can carry that language into their lives and into their future.鈥�

Mary Thornton

Mary Thornton is the founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group, the dining partner that has served 乱伦视频 since the company’s founding. She spent years in leadership roles at Aramark, including vice president of compliance beginning in 2007, before proposing in 2016 the creation of a culinary group built around healthy, sustainable food and transparency about where food comes from.

Harvest Table launched in 2018 as an independent division of Aramark, with 乱伦视频 among its earliest partner institutions alongside Wake Forest and the University of Rochester. Under her leadership, Harvest Table has emphasized locally sourced ingredients, chef-driven menus tailored to each campus, and deeper engagement with student communities.

鈥淗ighly respected for her work ethic, expertise, relentless commitment to excellence, Mary has demonstrated a deep understanding of 乱伦视频’s mission and the critical role dining plays in building community and contributing to a welcoming campus environment,鈥� said Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer.

Most recently, Harvest Table Culinary Group made a gift supporting 乱伦视频’s Slattery Center, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Her partnership has helped shape the dining experience for generations of 乱伦视频 students.

鈥淚 accept this medallion with humility and deep appreciation and as a reminder to continue serving others, leading with purpose and striving to make a positive difference,鈥� said Thornton, upon accepting the award. 鈥淭hank you very much for this incredible honor. It means more to me than words can express.鈥�

Don Grady

Don聽Grady聽served 乱伦视频 for 35 years. He arrived in 1985, before 乱伦视频 had a formal communications department, and taught broadcast courses and senior capstone classes throughout his career. He chaired the communications department from 1987鈥�1993 and again from 2004鈥�2009, became associate dean in 2010, and helped guide creation of the nation’s first undergraduate major in media analytics. He was twice elected to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and received the Broadcast Education Association’s Distinguished Education Service Award in 2022.

Gerald Gibson, the university鈥檚 first full-time communications professor and Grady鈥檚 undergraduate roommate at NC State University, read Grady鈥檚 citation.

鈥淒r. Grady distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, mentor, and advisor, by teaching broadcasting, senior research capstone, … and study abroad courses, supervising as many as 50 internships a year,鈥� said Gibson. 鈥淢entoring students through research, internships, and professional employment, leading study abroad programs in Great Britain and Europe, and becoming much loved by students who sought him out for guidance, encouragement, and wise counsel, even long after graduation.”

Grady鈥檚 administrative leadership and personal investment in students and faculty helped build 乱伦视频’s School of Communications into a nationally recognized program. He retired in 2020, leaving a legacy colleagues describe as foundational to the school’s success.

鈥淪o many of our graduates (are) doing great work in media markets all over the country. 鈥㏕hey鈥檙e the reason we do this work,鈥� Grady said. 鈥淭oward the end of my time, it was my privilege to regularly teach the senior theory and research capstone course that gave students the opportunity to dig into why communication professionals do what they do, and how what they do ripples through the lives of individuals and society.”

For full information on move-in and New Student Orientation, visit the New Student Orientation website.

Be mindful of campus construction projects, including the Stattery Center and Mooney Building. Information on traffic and parking can be found in the聽traffic and parking article.

What should I expect on move-in day?

Know your Schar Center check-in time, accessible to you via your聽Acorn Account, and print your dashboard sign, accessible to you via Phoenix Living.

All new students should have received one (including first years and transfers, living on and off campus). The Schar Center check-in is the one-stop shop for all things check-in related. New students will receive their new student packet, which contains their orientation materials, name tag, parking pass (if applicable), room key (if applicable), Phoenix Card (if you submitted a photo in advance), pre-ordered wristband and New Student Convocation rain tickets.

When you arrive, you鈥檒l be greeted by volunteers who will walk you through the whole check-in process 鈥� you won鈥檛 even have to get out of your car! Make sure you are compliant with all immunization requirements to avoid any potential delays checking in.

After you check in, you鈥檒l be given a hangtag. The hangtag corresponds with your move-in location, and it will get you access to that specific area. It is important to have that hanging in your rearview mirror during move-in.

Once you get to your move-in area, you鈥檒l be greeted by a team of Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, Move-in Team members and 乱伦视频 staff who will help you unload your car and get moved into your room. Students should know the names of both their neighborhood and building as signage around campus may vary.

Once you鈥檝e finished unloading, you鈥檒l move your car to a long-term parking location for the rest of the day. New Student Orientation begins at 4:30 p.m.

What should I bring and how should I pack?

The suggested packing list is available on the聽鈥�Your 乱伦视频 Bound Checklist鈥� webpage through New Student Programs. There is also a Residence Life webpage that details the residential policies on what not to bring. Pack your belongings in a plastic tote (in case of rain) or boxes. Everything should be labeled with your name, room number and a contact phone number. This includes suitcases, boxes, lamps, loose items, shelves, etc. Dress comfortably, bring water and snacks, and enjoy the process.

While there are lots of helpers on Move-in Day, we do encourage families to arrive ready to help move their student in. Wear sneakers, bring a dolly if you have one and pack as if you鈥檒l be carrying things yourself.

What if I forgot something?

It鈥檚 OK if you don鈥檛 have everything you need right away. In fact, less is more. Residence hall rooms are small and you won鈥檛 need to bring a trailer full of stuff with you. You can always have items sent to the mailroom or grab an 乱伦视频 Express bus to local area shopping.

Will we have time to hang out with our family?

Move-In Day isn鈥檛 only for the students; 乱伦视频 has programming planned for the entire family over the weekend.

All new students are required to attend New Student Orientation following move-in but the whole family is part of the 乱伦视频 community. There are several events specifically for families during New Student Orientation, including a session with 乱伦视频鈥檚 senior leaders, a meeting with your student鈥檚 academic advisor, a coffee social for you to meet other 乱伦视频 families, and a Family Sendoff Picnic. You can view the full orientation schedule online.

How can I make connections and get involved?

Get involved and go to the Student Organization Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, to introduce yourself to different clubs and groups. Get on Phoenix Connect to join clubs, learn about upcoming events and more.

Talk to your student leaders as well. Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, 乱伦视频 1010 peer educators are all there to help you get connected to the 乱伦视频 community. The Student Involvement Office also has Involvement Ambassadors who are here to help you explore the multitude of opportunities to connect. Visit the second floor of the Moseley Center to check out the Student Life offices and meet new people.

鈥淚t鈥檚 okay if your first few weeks at 乱伦视频 feel a little uncomfortable鈥攖hat鈥檚 often where the most meaningful growth happens,” said Kirstin Carrier, assistant dean of campus life and director of residence life. “College is full of new experiences that will challenge you, and stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself. Whether it鈥檚 introducing yourself to someone new, attending a campus event, joining a club, or asking for help when you need it, every small step will help you find your community and make 乱伦视频 feel like home.鈥�

What if I don鈥檛 make new friends immediately?

College is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to try new things, join a club or study abroad.

“Orientation is just the beginning of your college story not the finish line. You don’t have to meet your best friends during the first week,” said Destiny Payne, interim director of New Student Programs. “Every class, residence hall conversation, student organization, and campus event is another opportunity to connect with someone new. Give yourself grace, stay open to new experiences, and trust that your community will grow over time. The friendships that matter most are often built through shared experiences.

Late Night 乱伦视频 also offers lots of fun options Thursday through Saturday nights and it is a great way to meet new people.

乱伦视频 will soon welcome the Class of 2030 on Friday, Aug. 21, for Move-In Day, and 乱伦视频 Campus Safety and Police have provided information on changes in traffic and available parking areas.

All new students and families must report first to the central check-in at Schar Center. All incoming traffic should travel to Schar Center from the northern entrance to campus along North Williamson Avenue. At Schar Center, students will receive orientation materials and directions to their move-in location for their residence hall. Please follow the聽driving directions to the Schar Center and then to your Residential Neighborhood.

Due to the logistics related to Move-in Day, 乱伦视频 faculty and staff are asked to carpool if possible and to park in the following lots on Friday. The lots are highlighted in yellow on the map below.

• Koury lot
• Oaks lot (parking for staff working at Schar Center Check-in)
• Arts West
• South Campus (no parking in the spaces reserved for Acorn Academy at 乱伦视频)
• Station at Mill Point

Related Articles

• 乱伦视频鈥檚 Class of 2030 arrives Aug. 21
• What to know for 乱伦视频 Move-In Day 2026
• Opening Day 2026: 乱伦视频 celebrates progress and success while mapping the path ahead

As the Class of 2030 arrives on campus and begins their four years at 乱伦视频, current 乱伦视频 students offer their advice to the incoming class.

乱伦视频 will welcome more than 1,600 new students for the 2026-27 academic year, with the Class of 2030 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 21.

Parker Sterling 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology and History
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Randleman, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Phoenix Racing Team (Business Lead), Residence Life (Senior RA), Center for Leadership (Leadership Ambassador), Glen Raven Biomechanics Lab (Lab Assistant)

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because I knew after the first tour that I couldn鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else. I loved being able to have majors across disciplines, the campus, the dorms and all of the people I met.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew how common it is to gain and lose friends in the first year. Everyone is discovering who they are and who they want to be, so it may take a while to find friends that you can rely on.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“Take every opportunity that presents itself; you never know who you will meet or what doors it will open.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the bonds I鈥檝e built with faculty and staff. I didn鈥檛 have a high school teacher I felt was truly a mentor, but 乱伦视频 has given me so many people that I feel confident going to for advice.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is the people. I am forever grateful to the amazing friends who have supported me and cared about me to no end. I don鈥檛 want to imagine what college would be like without them.”

Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology (Concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biotechnology)
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry and Food Studies
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Residence Life, Club Climbing and The Writing Center

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known to get more involved in my specific interests on campus sooner. There really is something for everybody at 乱伦视频; you just have to find it, get involved, and, best of all, enjoy it!”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

What surprised you most about college?

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“Don’t be afraid to meet new people. 乱伦视频 is small enough that it’s easy to just stick with who and what you already know, so push yourself outside of your comfort zone.”

-Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Ella Stewart 鈥�27

Major(s): Dance Performance & Choreography, English (Concentration in Creative Writing)
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Student Union Board (Brand Engagement Chair), New Student Orientation (Student Coordinator), Kappa Delta member and The Writing Center.

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because I knew I wanted to make close connections with my professors and classmates, which made the small class sizes very appealing, and 乱伦视频 has a strong Performing Arts department, which aligns with my future career goals of being a professional dancer. I also knew I wanted to study abroad and 乱伦视频 offers so many opportunities to study around the world. Additionally, I was drawn to the College Fellows program, which is a scholarship program where I conduct a research project within my major throughout my time at 乱伦视频.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known that not every moment of college is going to be absolutely perfect. It’s easy to have high expectations that everything will go smoothly all the time, and while there will be plenty of great experiences and memories, there will also be challenges. It’s completely normal to struggle sometimes, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there! I made my closest friends at 乱伦视频 by just inviting myself to hang out with them. It can feel awkward and scary at first to ask people to hang out with you, but it really makes a difference. If there is someone in your class who you think you’d get along with, ask them to lunch or coffee! You can also meet people by getting involved in clubs and organizations, so sign up for what interests you. Getting involved helped me find my place on campus, so be open to trying everything, because that is how you can find your community.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the amount of independence and freedom I suddenly had. It can be hard to adjust to being away from your family and the comfort of home, but you also start learning how to manage your own time and responsibilities. My schedule looked a lot different than it did in high school, and I became the one in charge of how to spend my time. This shift surprised me at first, but overall it helped me grow into my independence and become more confident doing things on my own.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is the people I’ve met through my majors and leadership experiences, especially the mentors who have supported me along the way. The staff and faculty here are so kind and encouraging to each individual student, and their guidance has helped me grow in my academics and in my leadership. 乱伦视频 has given me a tight-knit community of peers and mentors I can rely on, and I have met so many people who have shaped me into who I am today.”

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Lealand Oakes 鈥�27

Major(s): Psychology
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽New Student Programs,聽Women’s Club Rugby
Sigma Kappa,聽乱伦视频 1010 Peer Educator,聽Psi Chi and Psychology Honor Society

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because they genuinely care about every student, even if they haven’t fully invested in 乱伦视频 yet. They put so much care into just the admissions process and first-year experience to ensure people feel cared about and seen. Of course, it doesn’t stop there; professors are always there to help and support their students, get to know them beyond the surface level, and truly want to see them succeed.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew that sometimes the hard parts of transitioning to college don’t hit you immediately. They look different for everyone and can range anywhere from after the first month has passed to the start of the second semester and beyond. Everyone has their own experiences, so it is important to know your resources on campus and have people you can go to when those bumps in the road happen.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“Get out of your room, do new things, be involved. This can look different for everyone, but it’s so helpful for finding your people in this new chapter. I would also say that taking care of yourself is so important. Holistic wellness goes a long way in college. If you are taking care of one aspect of wellness that can bleed into another area. Do things that make you happy, take care of your body and use your resources.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was surprised that I was still able to get the same support in class and out of class that I had the opportunity to receive in high school. I was worried that as soon as I got to college, everything would be on me. I can say with full confidence that I have not needed to shoulder everything all on my own. 乱伦视频 has so many resources that cover a wide range of aspects of college life.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is that there are so many people from so many different places. Coming to 乱伦视频, I didn’t really know many people, and I am so happy that was the case. It was nerve-racking for sure, but it meant that I have learned so much and met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”