Student Orientation
We can’t wait for you to arrive!
Getting oriented to life at Wake Forest is essential preparation for both students and families alike. We have a series of Orientation experiences to help make the transition to college life as easy as possible.
The New Deac Orientation experience for students has both required and optional components:
Required Activities
New Deac 101
July-August (online)
New Deac 101 is an online course of summer tasks and assessments in Canvas, our learning management platform, that all students will complete in the summer before arriving on campus.
It is expected to launch in mid-July, and students will receive details about how to access the course and when each module is expected to be completed. New Deac 101 contains information from more than 30 campus partner offices.
New Deac Week
August 18-23 (in person)
After students move in, there will be a variety of required in-person experiences for students. These activities have been purposefully designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about the resources that will be available to the newest members of our community, and to provide students with the chance to connect with each other socially.
Optional Activities
New Student Receptions
June – August
- Virtual Reception: There will be a Virtual New Student Reception on June 23 which all new students and families are encouraged to attend. The Virtual Reception will cover important information about top tips for transitioning to college, registering for classes, approaching residential living, and advice from current students.
- In-Person Receptions: there will be a series of local receptions across the country, which provide the perfect opportunity for the newest Demon Deacons—and their families—to meet face-to-face before coming to campus in August.
Pre-Orientation Programs
August 13 or 14 (depending on program)
Pre-Orientation programs allow students to come to campus early to get to know a smaller group of their classmates around a shared interest, such as the great outdoors, volunteering, wellbeing and recreation, spirituality, the history of Wake Forest, and much more.
Project Wake
After move-in
Project Wake encourages students to choose a book or other media selected by faculty. You read the book over the summer and then come together during New Deac Week for a book-club style discussion with other students and a faculty or staff member.
Contact Info
Refer to the contact info below if you have any questions or need assistance.
- Email:
First-Year Student Checklist
There are key tasks to complete over the summer—this checklist will help you stay on track.
Move-in Day Information
Students’ move-in date will depend on whether or not they are participating in a Pre-Orientation program.
New Students and Families Website
Whether you’re a first-year or transfer student, this will be your go-to resource for a smooth transition to Wake Forest.