The grand challenges of the world are messy. Energy shortages, illness, hunger, climate change – their causes and effects sprawl across math, biology, physics, agriculture, medicine and a vast array of other fields.

Researchers have to be as flexible as the problems they aim to solve. At NC State, the launch of a new col-lege allows the researchers of today and tomorrow to do just that. As of July 1, the university’s research, education and outreach efforts in the physical, chemical, mathemati-cal, statistical, biological and earth system sciences are united in the College of Sciences, a collection of six departments, 4,000 students and 575 faculty, staff and postdoctoral researchers.

The new college, which combines the programs of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences with several of the biological sci-ences programs from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will be NC State’s third-largest college.Some of the most pressing scientific issues of today lie at the intersection

of the mathematical, computational, physical and biological sciences,” said Chancellor Randy Woodson. “Bringing these disciplines to-gether under a single organizational umbrella is a transformative change that better positions NC State to advance these issues through multi-disciplinary research, teaching and service.”

The College of Sciences will include six departments: chemistry; marine, earth and atmospheric sciences; math; physics; a statistics depart-ment shared with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and a new department of biological sciences.

The creation of the new college will empower NC State to make more of an impact in convergence sci-ence, – which brings together the biological, physical and mathemati-cal sciences.

NC State students and faculty al-ready do groundbreaking collabora-tive work. In the recently launched undergraduate biomathematics program, for instance, biology and math students have worked together to model disease growth in human cells. Genetics professors Trudy Mackay and David Threadgill have modeled the fruit fly and mouse genomes, giving other researchers powerful tools in developing treat-ments for humans.

With massive investments in research, education and outreach, the College of Sciences produces world-changing solutions, impact-ful partnerships and the science leaders of tomorrow.

Working in a college designed to foster more cross-disciplinary work will yield even more innovative so-lutions. “We’re looking for big, bold work that will bring massive data and modeling to the prediction of human impact on our world,” said College of Sciences Dean Daniel Solomon.

Continued on page 4.

What’s Inside?

Academic Calendar

Fall Conversation Calendar

Welcome Letter from Chancellor Woodson

Parents & Families Weekend Details

Office of Parents & Families Services

1210 Varsity DriveRaleigh, NC 27695

Parents’ HelpLine:(919) 515.2441

ncsuparents@ncsu.edu

We’re looking for big, bold work (in the College of Sciences) that will bring massive data and modeling to the pre diction of human impact on our world. -Dean Daniel Solomon

NC State University: The Future of Science By: James Ryals, University Communications

N E WSL ET T E R Fall 2013

The Office of Parents & Families services would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of

the Parents & Families Association.

Parents who were unable to attend new student orientation can go online today at www.ncsu.edu/

for_parents to join and continue to receive all communications from the

Office of Parents & Families Services.

Page 2 PACKParents NEWSLETTER Fall 2013

2013 Fall Semester Academic Calendar www.ncsu.edu/registrar/calendars

Wednesday, August 21Monday, September 2Wednesday, September 4Thursday, October 10-Friday, October 11Friday, October 18Tuesday, October 22Wednesday, November 27- Friday, November 29Thursday, December 5Monday, December 9-Tuesday, December 17Wednesday, December 18Tuesday, December 24- Wednesday, January 1

First day of classesLabor Day Holiday (No classes)Last day to Add/Drop with tuition adjustmentFall Break (No classes)Last day to drop a class without gradeAdvising begins for Spring semesterThanksgiving Holiday (No classes)Last day of classesFinal ExamsFall GraduationWinter Holiday

Welcome to the 2013-14 academic year at NC State and congratulations to you and your stu-dent for all their success that leads them here to NC State. On behalf of the university, thank you for entrusting the education of your student to this outstanding institution. With all they have achieved – graduating from high school and now attending a great university, you have much to be proud of.

Your student is joining the NC State communi-ty at a very exciting time. As your student takes the next step through their academic journey, NC State remains a presence of transformation in an ever-increasingly complex world. Your student will work alongside world-class profes-sors and researchers; attend class with some of the most innovative and creative minds in the world; and also reap the benefits of a university set on a rich background of tradition. NC State is home to premier athletics, diverse events and an active alumni-base, eager to collaborate with the next generation of students.

Your students are at the forefront of achieve-ment and it is with the collaboration of parent, university, and student that nurtures each in-dividual to reap the highest levels of academic and personal growth during their time at NC State.

Today, NC State continues our commitment as a land-grant university, transforming our state, nation and world through innovative research,

creative problem-solving and a bright vision for the future. We are proud to offer these opportu-nities while still consistently being recognized as a best value in higher education.

Thank you for your support of NC State. I look forward to another great year. We are glad you are part of the Wolfpack family.

Sincerely,Randy WoodsonChancellor

Welcome Back, Parents!A letter from Chancellor WoodsonParking Permits and details

are available online at ncsu.edu/transportation

Bus TransportationWolflineNC State’s campus bus service for both Main, Centennial and Centennial Biomedical Campuses.Operates 7am-10pm3 late night routes. Learn more online at ncsu.edu/wolfline

WolfprowlThursday, Friday, & Saturday 9pm-3am and connects with Raleigh’s R-Line.

GoPassRide all city and regional transits fare-free. Students can order the GoPass online at ncsu.edu/gopass

Other Transportation OptionsBicycleStudents can bring their own bike or rent one online at ncsu.edu/wolfwheels

ZipCarShare a car with friends. Go online to learn more at zipcar.com/ncsu

ZimrideNC State’s private social net-work for ridesharing. Catch a ride online at zimride.ncsu.edu

Parents Make A Difference Thank you for serving as enthusiastic champions of your son or daughter’s growth into tomorrow’s leaders. You are invited to continue fostering their success and learn ing by participating in the Parents’ Fund.

Gifts to the Parents’ Fund impact the academic success of all students. From programs like the University Writ ing Center and the Career Development Center to lead ership development opportunities such as Leadership in Action, and service learning opportunities like our Alternative Service Break Program-annual support broadens the horizons of students and prepares them for 21st century careers.

Please visit www.ncsu.edu/annualgiving to learn how you can get involved and make a gift to the Parents’ Fund or another preferred area like your child’s college or the NCSU libraries.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

The following hotels are offering NC State parents and families a special discounted rate duringParents & Families Weekend.

Clarion Hotel320 Hillsborough St.Raleigh, NC 27603(919) 835-0501$69.99 code: LPACK

Holiday Inn Express3741 Thistledown Dr.Raleigh, NC 27606(919) 854-0001$89.99 standard /$109.99 suite code: 100863054

Friday, September 27Parents & Families Weekend Kick-off Event3:00 pm–5:00 pmLocation: E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Ctr.Parents and families are invited to meet and greet members of the Office of Parents & Families Services; see what’s new at NC State; and get a chance to leave their mark, by painting the Free Expression Tunnel. Parents will also have the opportunity to write letters of encouragement to their student that we will send out right before exams, or you can mail from home. Door prizes will be distributed.No ticket purchase or registration required.

Greek Life Welcome Reception4:00 pm-6:00 pmLocation: McKimmon Ctr. Room 3Is your student in, or interested in joining, Greek Life? This is a great opportunity for parents and families to meet the students and advisors who make NC State’s Greek Life such a success. Students and parents will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the different fraternities and sororities available at NCSU.No ticket purchase or registration required.

10th Annual Chocolate Festival4:00 pm-7:00 pmLocation: Carmichael GymnasiumNC State’s sweetest tradition supports Breast Cancer Awareness and features a silent auction, games, and a wellness fair; along with cakes, cookies, ice cream, and chocolate flowing from fountains. Proceeds benefit the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, Women for the Cure- Triangle Affiliate, Pretty in Pink and the NC State Women’s Center.$15.00 pp Parents, Families, & Public Rate$10.00 pp Student Rate

Family Dinner6:00 pm-8:00 pmLocation: Fountain Dining HallUniversity Dining invites parents, families, and students to a special Family Dinner event at Fountain Dining Hall. Taste a bit of college life and spend some time together around the dinner table.$8.75 ppNC State Students with a meal plan must present IDAdvance registration required.

Saturday, September 28Game Day at NC StateParents & Families Services Pre-Game Event at Carter-FinleyLocation: Hospitality Areas 12-17Parents and families are invitied to join their student(s) for this family friendly pre-game event and football game. The fun will begin two hours prior to kickoff with game day favorites such as cornhole and football toss; food trucks, inflatable skee-ball and twister, and many vendors on-site with great prizes and giveaways.

NCSU v. Central Michigan FootballThe Pre-Game event will run until 30 mins before kickoff to give guests plenty of time to get settled into the stadium and ready to show some true Pack Pride as we take on Central Michigan for the first time in Wolf-pack history. $46.00 pp Parents, families, guests$10.00 pp Event only (for NC State students and season ticket holders )5 ticket-maximum per family

Tickets must be purchased in advance and prices include both the pre-game event and entry into the football game.

Sunday, September 29Annual Planting Service Project9:00 am-10:30 amLocation: Fountain Dining HallService is a priority for the Wolfpack and we are inviting parents, families, and stu-dents to join staff members for our 15th annual Planting Service Project. Join the tradition this year while working to enhance the area around Bragaw Hall. Advance registration required. No cost will be incurred.

Thank-You Brunch10:30 am-12:00 pmLocation: Fountain Dining HallUniversity Dining invites your family to en-joy Sunday Brunch at Fountain Dining Hall. $8.25 ppNC State Students with a meal plan must present student ID.Advance registration required.

More Fun Events... Craft Center Arts Exhibit Thompson Hall Admission is Free Friday: 4:00 pm-7:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Men’s Soccer NC State v. Boston College Friday, September 27 7:00 pm at Dail Field $5.00 non-student NC State students free with ID

University Theater Presents: Arcadia by Tom Stoppard September 25- October 6 Titmus Theatre, Thompson Hall $5.00 NC State Students $16.00 Parents’ & Families Association $18.00 General Public Reservations (919) 515.1100

Women’s Volleyball NC State v. Notre Dame Sunday, September 29 2:00 pm at Reynold’s Coliseum Admission is Free

Parents & Families Weekend September 27-29 Tickets go on sale August 21.

Parents & Families Weekend Schedule of Events

Friday, September 27Various events and locations. See reverse side for full schedule and details.In collaboration with many programs and departments campus wide, the Office of Parents & Families Services is excited to offer an afternoon and evening of family fun and activity to kick-off your weekend. Whether it’s our Annual Chocolate Festival, painting the Free Expression Tunnel or taking part in one of the many receptions happening on campus. We encourage you and your family to join your student for a weekend with the Wolfpack.

Online Registration Opens August 21, 2013Tickets for all Parents & Families weekend events will be available online only and will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, August 21 (the first day of classes) and will remain open until sold-out. Please visit http://go.ncsu.edu/pfw for ticket purchase and registration.

Tickets are limited to 5 per family. Registrations are nonrefundable.Upon submission each registration incurs a $17.00 fee.

Parents & Families Weekend September 27-29 Tickets go on sale August 21.

September 27 -29, 2013

Sunday, September 2915th Annual Planting Service Project & Brunch9:00am-12:00pmJoin the ranks of over 300 family, staff, and student volunteers who have contributed their time to this annual beautification project.

NC State v. Central Michigan FootballCarter-Finley Stadium, TBDThe Pre-Game event will close 30 minutes prior to *kick-off. Parents, families, and students will then head into the Stadium for some Pack Pride as we cheer NC State to victory as we take on the Central Michigan Chippewas for the first time in Wolfpack history.

*Kick-off will be announced two weeks in advance. We will include this information in your confirmation packet.

Saturday, September 28Parents & Families Services’ Pre-Game EventCarter-Finley Stadium, Hospitality Areas 12-17Time: 2-hours prior to *Kick-offParents, families, and students are invited to join us for our annual Pre-Game Event with a new location this year, being held at Carter Finley Stadium, Hospitality Areas 12-17. This event will offer great family friendly activities including cornhole, inflatable twister, skee-ball, a sports challenge, and a double-shot basketball. On-site we will have many local businesses and vendors offering great prizes and giveaways and some of the most popular food trucks in the Triangle. Guests are encouraged to bring a stadium blanket to the event for picnicking; seating will be limited to those who need it most. Tickets for this event will be available online at http://go.ncsu.edu/pfw

Tear

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The NC State Student Health Center, ranked the 13th best college health services by the Princeton Review in 2012, is proud to provide high quality, affordable care to students.

With our on-campus convenience, dedicated professional staff and experience in college health, students can rely on us for their healthcare and wellness needs. We are recognized for our treat-ment and prevention efforts by AAAHC (Accredita-tion Association for Ambulatory Health Care) as an accredited ambulatory health care clinic. Our newly renovated space, with over 62,000 square feet, is home to an array of primary care and specialty services, including an Allergy Clinic, Travel Clinic, Women’s Health Clinic and Physical Therapy. In addition, we offer on-site specialty clinics, such as orthopedic and gastroenterology, and in the future, will expand the types of clinics we provide.

For peace of mind, all students who have paid the tuition and fees package, regardless of their insur-ance plan, are eligible for services with Student Health and can be seen without being charged for a medical office visit. To provide the best possible care, we ask that students bring a current health insurance and prescription card with them to each visit. Charges may be incurred for labs, x-rays, women’s health annual exams or specialty services. These charges can be paid at the time of service (cash, check, or HSA) or billed to the student’s ac-count. As a courtesy we can assist with filing claims for most plans.

Student health medical services takes pride in en-couraging healthy behaviors and preventative health care as well as an array of care ranging from acute sick care visits to the monitoring and management of chronic health conditions. We are well connected with other professionals in the community for stu-dents who need care beyond our scope. In addition,

students have access to our full-service pharmacy that accepts over 200 prescription plans. We fill prescriptions from Student Health and outside providers, and will assist in transferring existing prescriptions. Students can also purchase self-care and over-the-counter medications at competitive prices.

Research indicates that a well student will thrive academically, physically, emotionally and so-cially. Our Health Promotion department strives to empower students’ health and wellbeing using creative, student-centered prevention and behavior change theory approaches that influence student success. We also connect students with community resources on and off campus. Students interested in health and wellness can become involved with Health Promotion through volunteering, intern-ships, or by becoming a PACK peer, a peer health educator. A new wellness opportunity for students is to live in the new Wood Wellness Village opening this fall. Established in partnership with ourselves, University Housing and University Recreation, the village includes collaborative efforts among a diverse group of academic programs – College of Natural Resources, College of Design, University Dining, Department of Food Science, and the Office of Sustainability.

Student Health Services Important Upcoming Dates

September 10, 2013 Insurance Waiver/Enrollment Deadlinestudent-health-insurance@ncsu.eduSeptember 20, 2013Immunization Compliance Deadlineimmunizations@ncsu.edu

Parents Helpline: (919) 515.2441; ncsuparents@ncsu.edu; www.ncsu.edu/for_parents

A Healthy PACK is a Strong PACK

For more information or if you have questions and/or comments are always welcome at (919) 515.2563 or on-line at www.healthcenter.ncsu.edu under “Contact Us.”

Parents & Families Weekend FAQsWhat if I only want game tickets?The Office of Parents & Families Services does not distribute individual tickets for any Athletic events. If you would like game tickets and do not plan to at-tend Parents & Families weekend please visit gopack.com or call 919.865.1510

What if I only want to purchase football tickets for my student?If you are not attending Parents & Families Weekend, but your student is interested in attending the football game, students should go to gopack.com, click on student tickets, and follow the process for student-ticket distribution.

How will I receive my ticketsTickets will be sent via US Postal Service approximately ten days beforeparents & Families Weekend. Please make sure you provide an updated address when you register for Parents & Families Weekend.What if I need special accommodations?Please contact the Office of Parents & Families Services at (919) 515.2441.

Page 3

AugustWhat is it like to live in a residence hall?

Where do you spend your time outside of class?

Are you connecting with new people?

SeptemberHow are your classes going?

How is the food?

Would you like us to visit for Parents & Families Week-end?

OctoberHave you had your flu shot?

What are your plans for Fall Break?

Have you talked with your friends from back home?

Do you have many mid-terms?

NovemberHave you set up your classes for Spring semester?

How are your activities going?

DecemberHow are you feeling about exams?

We love you no matter what.

Conversation Calendar

NC State Parents & Families AssociationCampus Box 7404Raleigh, NC 27695-7404

Parents & Families WeekendInformation Enclosed!

Address Correction?

If you have received this newsletter in error or have an address correction, please call Parents & Families Services (919) 515.2441 or email ncsuparents@ncsu.edu.

PACKParents is published by the Office of Parents& Families Services in the Division of Enrollment Management and Services. Visit us online at www.ncsu.edu/for_parents

NC State: The Future of Science cont.Solomon said the College of Sciences will build a “culture of entrepreneurship,” encouraging creation of startup businesses around new research and partnering with business and industry to advance existing innovations.

Mackay said the new college will better prepare NC State faculty and students for the future of science and research. In NC State’s biomath program, math and biology students work together to model disease patterns. Similar interdisciplinary work will be at the heart of the new College of Sciences. “Future research in the biological sciences will require integration of statistical analy-sis, mathematical modeling and the devel-opment of novel computational algorithms and software to develop quantitative, predictive models of biological interaction

networks across multiple scales,” Mackay said. “The need for interdisciplinary col-laboration in biological sciences research also impacts undergraduate teaching and graduate training, and will be fostered by the new College of Sciences.”

Faculty will have fresh opportunities to perform and share collaborative, impact-ful research, said Rob Dunn, a professor of biology.

“The new college offers the hope of provid-ing a framework for bringing the folks from these fields together and for doing so in a way that heavily involves the public, the citi-zens of North Carolina and the world, from the start,” Dunn said. “The clay on the new college is wet, but its shape is, so far, both novel and exciting.”

To learn more about the new College of Sci-ences visit http://sciences.ncsu.edu or call (919) 515.2501 for general inquiries.

Parent Volunteer Program The Office of Parents & Families Services would like to thank all of our parent volunteers who provided feedback and shared their experiences on this year’s New Parent Orientation Panel. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated by all.

To learn more about becoming a Parent Volunteer please email the Office of Par-ents & Families Services at ncsuparents@ncsu.edu or call (919) 515.2441 to learn how you can get involved.

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