Registration is now open for ALL Fall 2023 Pre-Orientation Programs. Register for Wilderness and Blue Ridge Experience HERE.
What are Pre-Orientations?
UNC Asheville offers a variety of pre-orientation programs for incoming first-year students in August of each year. These programs serve to help students get excited about their upcoming college experience, build strong friendships, and participate in engaging activities. You can learn more about all pre-orientation offerings on the Student Transitions & Family Programs Pre-Orientations page.
Outdoor Pre-Orientation
Outdoor Pre-Orientation programs are peer-led, adventure-based experiences that prepare students for life at UNC Asheville, hosted by Campus Recreation Outdoor Programs. These trips offer participants diverse opportunities to meet other first-year students, learn about themselves, and be a part of exciting adventure experiences in the area!
Two different models of Outdoor Pre-Orientation are available for incoming first-year students to choose from. All trips will take place from Saturday, August 6 through Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Students will be able to move into their assigned residence halls prior to the start of their trip, and will end back on campus on the final day to join in with campus-wide move-in day activities. It’s a great way to kick off your experience at UNCA and start the semester with a core group of new friends!
- Blue Ridge Experience: This “adventure sampler” style trip allows students to participate in a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. BRE trips will lodge in camp-style rustic cabins and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trips, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members! All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- beginners and outdoor novices welcome and encouraged to register!
- Wilderness Experience: This “wilderness living” style trip allows students to experience the peacefulness and exciting challenges of outdoor living on a 3-day backpack, and try their hand at rock climbing in a beautiful location. WE trips will camp outdoors and spend time cooking, eating, and living as a community over the course of the 5-day trips, with the guidance of highly-trained peer leaders. Students will spend time each day discussing topics relevant to preparing themselves for their UNC Asheville experience and forming strong friendships with other group members! All instruction, equipment, food, and transportation is provided throughout the trip, and no experience is necessary to participate- beginners and outdoor novices welcome and encouraged to register!
Registration opens for Outdoor Pre-Orientation on April 17, 2023 on the Student Transitions & Family Programs Pre-Orientations page.
For questions, contact outdoorprograms.rec@unca.edu