Pre-Orientation Programs

Wake Forest University SPARC Pre-Orientation Program students volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity house build.

Because sometimes you just can’t wait.

What’s even cooler than Orientation?

Pre-Orientation, of course.

You can start your Wake Forest experience early with one of our optional pre-orientation programs. You’ll arrive a few days early, and when the program concludes, you’ll join the rest of your classmates for New Deac Week. Make new friends out in the wild, get to know your new home through volunteer work with your classmates, learn about Wake Forest history and traditions or climb a mountain for worship and reflection.

These are just some of the options, so the choice is yours! Don’t wait too long to apply, as these tend to fill up fast.

Students are encouraged to register starting May 1, and submit by the priority deadline of June 1. You have the opportunity to select and rank up to three programs. If you do not get into your first-choice program, you may be placed in one of your other choices.
While we cannot guarantee you a spot in your program of choice, we can guarantee you a spot in one of the nine programs.”
The Medical Form for Pre-Orientation is in addition to the other required medical forms for Deacon Health.

What’s Being Offered?

The application deadline for all Pre-Orientation programs is June 30, 2026.

Program Name	Program URL	Date
Deacon Camp: An Insider’s Guide to Wake Forest	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/deacon-camp/	August 14-17
Fresh in the Forest	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/fresh-in-the-forest/	August 14-17
L.E.A.P.: Leadership, Ethics and Purpose	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/leap/	August 14-17
R.E.C.: Recreation. Engagement. Community.	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/rec/	August 14-17
S.P.A.R.C.: An Introduction to Embodying Pro Humanitate	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/sparc/	August 14-17
Summit: Christian Life at Wake Forest	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/summit/	August 14-17
WakeWell	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/wakewell/	August 14-17
Wilderness to Wake	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/wilderness-to-wake/	August 13-18
Marching Band Pre-Season Training	https://orientation.newstudents.wfu.edu/orientation/pre-orientation-programs/marching-band/	Check your email

Important Dates

If you plan on participating in a Pre-Orientation program, please keep the following dates in mind:

June 1

Priority Preference Application Deadline for Pre-Orientation Applicants.

June 30

Pre-Orientation program application due.

July 6

Final day for Pre-Orientation Program enrollment status notification.

Aug. 13/14

Move-in for students participating in a Pre-Orientation program.

By participating in a Pre-Orientation program, you will arrive on campus on August 13 or 14 (prior to the official Move-In window). Students participating in Pre-Orientation programs will receive instructions (including your move-in date, which varies by program) directly from the Office of Residence Life and Housing.

Many families choose to send their students to campus with the bare necessities for Pre-Orientation and then bring students’ remaining belongings on Move-In Day. This also enables families to participate in all family orientation activities if they are able.

Please indicate your need for financial assistance on the Pre-Orientation application.

Important Information

Accessibility: Each program requires varying levels of physical engagement for participation from sitting, walking, standing, hiking, running, climbing, etc. If you have any physical limitations, we ask that you identify that in the registration process to ensure that we are able to advise you specifically on programs that might support your engagement in an accessible fashion where possible. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at .
Travel Plans: We ask that you delay finalizing your move-in travel plans until you have considered Pre-Orientation experiences and have final communication from Residence Life and Housing about your approved move-in date if you apply for a Pre-Orientation program.
Food Needs/Meals: While many of your meals will be covered by your Pre-Orientation costs, we encourage students to come prepared with additional money if you wish to have extra snacks/meals/drinks, as University meal plans do not activate until Tuesday, August 18.