Dear Faculty Colleagues,

As the new academic year begins, our campus is once again alive with the energy of students finding their classrooms, reconnecting with friends and exploring all that NC State has to offer. Whether you’ve paused to take in the excitement at Talley Student Union and Stafford Commons, participated in Wolfpack Welcome Week events or are simply settling into your own rhythm, I hope you’re starting the semester with a sense of possibility and purpose. Each fall brings fresh opportunities to inspire, challenge and support our students — and I am grateful for the role you play in shaping their journey.

This year brings fresh energy in leadership as well. We are delighted to begin the academic year under the direction of Chancellor Kevin Howell — a proud NC State alumnus with deep ties to both our university and the UNC System. Chancellor Howell brings outstanding experience in external affairs, statewide partnerships and community engagement — all of which will help propel us forward in advancing student success and research impact.

This fall, we are set to welcome over 7,700 new undergraduate students to NC State — including more than 5,900 first-year students and 1,700 transfer students — who were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 54,000 applications. Our newest students represent 98 North Carolina counties, 45 U.S. states and territories and 39 countries, bringing a rich spectrum of experiences to campus. Notably, 20% of incoming students are first-generation college students, and the average weighted high school GPA among first-year students is an impressive 4.33. This exceptional incoming class reflects the continued strength of NC State’s academic reputation and your unwavering commitment to student success.

Our incoming class is one of the largest and most academically accomplished in recent years — a testament to your hard work and the incredible learning environment you foster at NC State. Thank you for all you do to make our university a welcoming and inspiring place for students to learn and grow.

As you prepare for the year ahead, please review the following important reminders that support student success.

Attendance

Regular class attendance provides a strong indicator of student academic success. Students who miss classes are less successful. Please remind your students that classroom activities remain equally important to outside assignments and often cover material they can’t get elsewhere.

• Make sure to review the Attendance Regulation – REG 02.20.03.
• Instructors at NC State are responsible for outlining attendance expectations in their syllabi and course materials. 
• Instructors must keep a record of attendance in 100- and 200-level courses.
• The Attendance Regulation covers excused absences, including student representation of the university (e.g., athletics), military commitments, religious observances and personal reasons, such as a death in the family.  Instructors should review the Absence Verification website for information on anticipated and unanticipated absences.
• Instructors must provide a fair and equitable arrangement for students to make up assignments for excused absences. Simply dropping an exam score can put a student at a disadvantage compared to other students in the class.

Classroom Engagement

Throughout the semester, consider discussing with your students:

• How they can engage in and out of class with you, their classmates and the material covered;
• How to prepare for class to make their classroom learning more productive; and
• The importance of office hours as a means to engage with you.
  

Academic Integrity

Integrity — in the pursuit, creation, application and dissemination of knowledge — is a key value at NC State. Please consider using the Pack Pledge on your syllabi, assignments, exams and other academic evaluations. The Pack Pledge states:

 “I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.”

Please be proactive in promoting the importance of your students serving as collaborative, ethical members of this community of scholars. If you suspect a student has engaged in academic misconduct, you are responsible for upholding the university’s standards of academic integrity by following the Student Discipline Procedures (Appendix B). Academic misconduct in one class often signals broader issues. Contact the Office of Student Conduct for assistance in regard to advocating for academic integrity, addressing violations fairly and supporting student success.

Academic Support

Your students may need extra academic support outside of class. Resources available to them for academic support that you or others can offer include:

• Instructor office hours;
• Course-based tutoring and writing support through the Academic Success Center;
• College/departmental advisors and support services;
• Academic Support Program for Student-Athletes;
• Drop-in advising for students exploring or changing undergraduate majors outside of their current college/program;
• The Navigate Student app to form study groups with classmates and connect to campus resources; and
• Students with documented disabilities may need reasonable accommodations. Contact the Disability Resource Office if you need assistance.
  

Student Wellness

As students strive for success, they may encounter challenges that impact their academic progress, personal well-being, or both. If you notice a student struggling academically — such as missing assignments, poor class performance or disengagement — please consider submitting a Course Progress Report in MyPack. This helps connect students with timely academic support and advising resources.

If you become concerned about a student’s mental health or overall wellbeing, please refer them directly to the appropriate support resources:

• NC State CARES Team: Refer students experiencing significant personal challenges, such as housing insecurity, family crises or concerning behavior, through the NC State CARES referral form.
  
• Counseling Center: For students in emotional distress or mental health crisis, please refer them to the Counseling Center. If your concerns are urgent, escort the student to the center or call for assistance.
• Students may also meet confidentially with the Student Ombuds.

Here are a few additional reminders:

• The Wolfpack Wellness website offers filterable campus and community resources.
  
• Two wellness days will be held during this academic year:
  • Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026

No classes will be held on these days, and instructors should avoid any tests or deadlines on the following day.

Office of Student Life and Advocacy

The Office of Student Life and Advocacy serves as the primary contact for student support on campus, providing connection to resources and crisis response services. If you become aware of a student experiencing food, housing or financial insecurity, please encourage them to visit the Pack Essentials website for a listing of basic needs support.

Emergency Preparedness

Please include emergency information in your syllabus. The Department of Emergency Management and Mission Continuity has provided brief language on the Faculty Resource page. Here is a recommended paragraph for quick reference:

Emergency Preparedness 

• Familiarize yourself with the building(s) you frequent. Know the layout, including exit locations, stairwells, and the Emergency Assembly Point (EAP). 
• Review the Quick Guide for Emergencies found near the door in many classrooms for specific emergency instructions. 
• Visit wolfalert.ncsu.edu or go.ncsu.edu/EMMC for additional information. To receive emergency notifications, keep your contact information up to date in MyPack Portal.

To report an emergency, call 911 from a campus landline or 919.515.3000 from a cell phone while on campus.

Thank you for your dedication to our students and for the many ways you contribute to the success of NC State. 

I wish you an engaging, meaningful and rewarding academic year.

Warmly,

Doneka R. Scott
Vice Chancellor and Dean
Division of Academic and Student Affairs