Diversity

I can imagine an ideal university, a place where students, employees and scholars come together from different continents and states, different religions and political viewpoints, different races and classes. In this place, these differences are the source of curiosity and robust, respectful debate, not of division and alienation. The people of this place seek out and intellectually engage those who are different to help see their own thoughts more clearly.

North Carolina State University is committed to becoming such a place, one where diversity is not measured in numbers only but in the inclusive, welcoming, and stimulating climate we all experience as members of this community. NC State has made a pledge to make a difference. In this pledge, we have outlined our goals to aggressively recruit and retain a diverse complement of faculty and students and to promote engagement and understanding across all human boundaries.

Why does diversity matter to you as a prospective student?

The purpose of a university is to expose its students to the wide range of human experience to train their minds in creativity and flexibility. It is to ask challenging questions about the pressing needs of our time, and then seek answers through research and discussion. Neither of these things can happen in a world where people think the same way and reinforce each other’s preset opinions. Breakthrough moments of learning tend to come through the play of difference, when the clash of ideas produces new insight. Further, in our increasingly interconnected world, we as students
must be able to understand and collaborate across the many dimensions of difference – of race and ethnicity, income, religious affiliation, national culture, and many more – to succeed. Diversity makes our world a far more interesting place, and that’s a good enough reason for us here at
NC State to build this university as a place where difference isn’t just tolerated, but actively embraced.

NC State has made great progress in the past few years. In undergraduate admissions, we are drawing an increasing number of applications from under-represented U.S. groups and from overseas. We have increased the number of faculty of color in all fields, and of women in the fields where they have been underrepresented. However, we can do even better in creating an environment where all people listen and learn from each other and feel their voices are heard. I am positive that we can do more to help students engage with people who look or act or believe differently than they do, in daily experiences inside and outside the classroom. We can do more to invite people from all backgrounds and places around the globe into the Wolfpack community, and to retain their talent once it’s here--and we would like to start with you! Will you choose to join this
diversity initiative that is making an impact that can be heard around the world?

This is a hallmark of this institution. This is a commitment we have made as members of the Wolfpack family.
Posted by: John Campbell

Park Scholars Program

Park Scholarships--more than a scholarship.
The Park Scholarship is an unparalleled opportunity to explore your intellect, individuality, leadership, and aspirations. It is the opportunity to discover what is true, right, and lasting through a combination of rigorous academics, altruistic service, and bold, real-world experience — and the challenge to manifest that discovery through a lifelong, principled commitment to self, others, and the world.

The Park Scholarship is made up of a strong community of peers — almost 200 undergraduate Scholars, who distinguish themselves through original thinking, enterprise, leadership, humility, and compassion. Enhancing this campus community is a supportive network of Park Scholarship Alumni — influential and successful women and men eager to mentor bright, young Scholars by offering advice, internships, and career opportunities. Through their generous commitment of time, talent, and financial resources, these Alumni invest in the success of every Scholar welcomed into the Park Program.

Rather than a reward for past achievement, the Park anticipates achievements yet to come with four years of tuition to North Carolina State University; an annual stipend covering all living expenses; encouragement and support from a staff that understands the demands of excellence; a laptop computer; four distinct enrichment programs that take you from the mountains of North Carolina where you build lasting relationship with your fellow Parks through team-building, to state and national destinations and rich experiences: investigating an issue that is of great importance to our state and then again an issue that is of national importance in Washington D.C., on Learning Lab I and Learning Lab II, respectively.
Free from financial constraints and afforded remarkable opportunities, Park Scholars can pursue our interests and ideals, transforming themselves from gifted high school students into self-aware young adults who understand that with great gifts come even greater responsibilities. We accept these responsibilities with pride and dignity. We embrace the challenge inherent in every Park Scholarship awarded.
Posted by: John Campbell

The Park Scholarships at NC State is funded by the Park Foundation in Ithaca, New York. It pays for your tuition, board, textbooks, and various other school related costs. A computer stipend is also included! The money and the stress it relieves is a great benefit; however, the Park Scholarship is more than just a “full ride.”
The Park experience encompasses different trips, seminars, and activities throughout your four years. Freshmen start their college experience by going on the Park Freshmen Retreat. At the retreat, you meet your Park class, learn about the program, and participate in teambuilding activities. Freshmen also meet weekly to hear various speakers from departments across campus.

In the spring, freshmen participate in “Freshmen Service.” Freshmen team up and work with a local non-profit agency throughout the semester. Learning Lab 1 is also held in the Spring. Your class decides on a current issue that affects North Carolina. The class then travels to a location that this issue is affecting. Past topics have included Sustainable Energy and Global Warming.
Sophomore year is defined by Learning Lab 2! This is similar to Learning Lab 1 only your class picks a topic that relates to a National issue. The group travels to Washington, D.C. to hear from top officials on your issue. Juniors attend Leadership Academy. This two-day event trains you about modern leadership techniques and theories. Finally, if you have survived the last three action-packed, mind-expanding years, Seniors attend Senior Retreat. The survivors travel to a National Park for a trip of self-reflection. Those are the “official” Park activities. The Park activities are wonderful; but, the bonds you make within your class extend well outside your events. Professors are also very receptive to Park scholars. I have heard some instructors say that when a Park is in their class, it seems as if the class goes up a level.

The Park Scholarship involves more time and commitments than other students may have to give for their financial support, but the rewards are far more than just “money for college”.
Posted by: Lacey Martin

Technology Support

NC State has a tremendous amount of technology support.  When I moved in as a freshman, trained staff helped me connect my computer to NC State's high speed network and set up my software.  Throughout the semester these technology assistants are stationed in our campus computer labs.  They are available to answer any questions and keep the lab running smoothly. State also runs a technology support center out of the West Dunn Building.  I recently discovered the center when I detected a virus on my computer. Within 24 hours of dropping my computer off, it was returned as good as new.  This avoided the hassle of sending my computer back to the manufacturer and waiting weeks for it to be repaired.  I have found State's technology support to be friendly and effective.  They definitely save time, money, and my sanity.  :)

For more information about computer resources on campus for incoming students, please visit http://www.ncsu.edu/it/essentials/
Posted by: Erin Whitley