Fall 2024 Pre-Orientation Programs

Pre-Orientation Programs are your first opportunity to connect with other incoming students, Warren Wilson’s campus, and the amazing activities and culture Western North Carolina has to offer. As a participant you will build long-lasting connections with fellow classmates, learn about the WWC campus and important resources, explore surrounding areas, and gain valuable skills through hands-on experiences.

Pre-Orientation students arrive early to campus for an exciting 4 day experience. We offer programs in a wide range of interests that take place both on and off campus. 

The 2024 programs include:

  1. Craft Immersion

    Craft is a way of thinking, of constructing, and a way of working at Warren Wilson College. Get acquainted with the craft crews on campus: fiber arts, fine woodworking, and blacksmithing. Come spend a day working in each studio learning how to use the tools and equipment and making objects that you will get to keep!

    Visit the Art Department website to learn about our academic programs and work crews. 

  2. Creative Arts

    Experience the creative arts in its many forms through this collaborative and interactive program! You will work together with your peers to write a short film, create sound and visuals, record the film, and celebrate the final product at a screening party! You’ll get a taste of the creative writing, music, and visual arts departments for a fun and engaging time. 

    Visit the Art Department website to learn about our academic programs and work crews!

  3. ENGAGE

    ENGAGE is a community-based Pre-Orientation Program, programs are for students who are accepted into continuing community-based WWC programs or work crews. 

    Are you an advocate for communities of ALIA (African, Latine, Indigenous, Asian) descent? The ENGAGE living and learning community is an intentional space for students to grow in their advocacy and leadership. If you join ENGAGE, you will work to support and make a difference for ALIA communities on campus, in the greater Asheville area, and in your communities at home.

    The ENGAGE pre-orientation program is for students who have applied and been accepted to live in the ENGAGE living and learning community. Over four days you will meet with fellow residents & members of the ENGAGE leadership team, get to know each other through interactive activities and trips into Asheville & WNC, and interact with other Wilson student leaders. 

    For more information, visit the ENGAGE and WIDE Office pages. 

    Interested in being a part of the ENGAGE living and learning community? Use the ENGAGE Application link to apply.

  4. Outdoor Adventure Programs

    No prior experience is required for all Outdoor Adventure programs. Bring your own gear or borrow ours! Outdoor programs stay on campus the first night and then travel off campus for the remaining 3 nights. Visit the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Programs pages to learn about our academic programs and work crews. 

    Backpacking & Rock Climbing Adventure

    Explore the trails and challenge yourself on the granite cliffs in Pisgah National Forest on this exciting backpacking and rock climbing adventure. Cool off with a splash from a mountain stream and enjoy a tasty dinner and conversation to make memories that will last a lifetime! **Please note that participants must be able to carry a full backpack with personal and shared gear (40-50 pounds).

    Lake James Paddling Adventure

    Enjoy a great mix of lake paddling, swimming, and mountain scenery on beautiful Lake James. With plenty of time to relax in the evening at your campsite, enjoy good food, conversation, and other activities to make memories that will last a lifetime! **Please note that participants must be able to help carry canoes and gear.

    Pisgah Forest Camp & Play

    Get a taste of the best day trips of Pisgah National Forest! Set out on a new adventure each day: hike the trails, play in creeks and waterfalls, and enjoy the sweeping vistas of your new backyard. Return to your cozy campsite each evening to cook delicious dinners, relax, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

  5. Starting Point - Transition to College Bridge Program

    Gain the tools you need to succeed during your academic journey at WWC. Preview use of support services, learn about campus resources, programs, and tutoring services, understand study skills and goal setting, meet with Academic Coaches and Writing Studio Peer Tutors, and more while still getting time to explore your new home in the Swannanoa Valley!

    Visit the Center for Academic Engagement website and contact their office at academicengagement@warren-wilson.edu to learn more about the Bridge Program and academic support services.

  6. Working Lands

    Go beyond the classroom and see all that our beautiful 1,100 acre campus has to offer! Participate in a variety of land-based projects across the college with several crews including farm, garden, forestry and CORE (Community Oriented Regeneration Efforts). These hands-on experiences will give you a taste of what it is like to live, work, and learn from the vibrant landscape that surrounds us at Warren Wilson.

    Visit the Center for Working Lands website to learn more about their academic programs and work crew opportunities!

Students on top of a cliff relaxing with the view of nothing but mountains and sky behind them.

Students in a raft paddling down a river.

Cost

The full cost of the program includes all meals, travel, activity costs, plus you get a cool t-shirt to remember this experience! Community-based programs (ENGAGE) do not have an additional cost and require a separate application process through the respective programs/offices. A deposit of $50 will be due upon application submission. The priority acceptance deadline is May 31st, and program confirmations will be sent out shortly after. Once you receive confirmation of acceptance to one of the programs, the remaining balance will be due.

Scholarship funding is available! Applicants can select on their application that they are interested in applying for scholarship funding.

Craft Immersion: $350

Creative Arts: $350

ENGAGE: No cost – must apply online

Backpacking & Rock Climbing Adventure: $450

Lake James Paddling Adventure: $450

Pisgah Forest Camp & Play: $450

Transition to College Bridge Program: $350

Working Lands: $350

Dates and Deadlines

Applications will open on April 29th and the priority acceptance deadline is May 31st, and program confirmations will be sent out shortly after. When applying, students will rank the top three programs they are interested in. We cannot guarantee that all students will be placed in their top choice, as space is limited to 10-12 participants per program! Please visit www.wwcpreorientation.com to apply.

Saturday, August 17th

  • Pre-Orientation Participant Check In and Move In – Students will check in with their program in the afternoon (participants will receive more information about the specific check in time once accepted into a program). Once checked in, students will move into their first-year housing assignments.
  • Opening Dinner – Program participants will meet with their Pre-Orientation student leaders and learn about what is in store for the next few days!

Sunday, August 18th – Wednesday August 21st

  • Students will participate in their planned program activities. Outdoor Adventure programs will leave campus on Sunday morning and return to campus mid day on Wednesday.

Move In & Orientation

Thursday, August 22nd

New Student Move In

We can’t wait for you to join our campus community! All new students will be assigned a time to check in for New Student Orientation and receive their keys to move into their fall housing assignment. Check In times have been assigned by last name or by Day Student designation as listed below:

  • 8:30am: Last Name A – H
  • 10:00am: Last Name I – N
  • 11:30am: Last Name O – Z
  • 12:00pm: Day Students (all students who are not living on campus)

*Please note that Fall Move In times are for all students NOT participating in a Pre-Orientation Program. All Pre-O students will move into their fall housing on August 17th.

Thursday, August 22nd (afternoon)

Family Orientation

All students and family members are encouraged to participate in the afternoon events including the Welcome from the President. You will have a chance to get settled in your new space,visit campus offices, and get all of your questions answered!

Friday, August 23rd – Sunday, August 25th

New Student Orientation

Students will continue their orientation experience throughout the weekend to learn about important campus resources and connect with their new classmates!

Monday, August 26th

Service Day

Led by our Community Engagement office, this campus tradition takes our new students out into the greater Asheville community to build connections and make a positive impact! All new students are required to participate in Service Day and will be assigned a location and community partner.

Tuesday, August 27th

Work Crew Orientation

New students will spend the day with their new work crews to receive important training, build relationships with their crew members, and understand the expectations of the Work Program at WWC.

Wednesday, August 28th

First Day of Classes