The 2013-2014 school year is now underway! NCSSM’s first day of classes began on Tuesday, August 13, followed by its 34th Convocation. Dr. Sharon Letchworth '88 spoke to students about what their NCSSM experience will offer and afford them, what is to come over the next years of their lives, the importance of accepting the greater challenge and the responsibility of giving back to their alma mater. The student response was given by Student Government Association President Parth Thakker '14, who also encouraged students to challenge themselves and seize opportunities throughout the year and beyond. You can view this event on our NCSSM Livestream.

Campus was bustling with activity and anticipation for the coming year even before Convocation. Saturday saw the arrival of Move-In Day and the Class of 2015, which includes 361 students representing 75 of North Carolina's 100 counties. Parents and students set up dorm rooms, picked up last-minute provisions and said bitter-sweet goodbyes until the first extended weekend of the year. The day went smoothly for our newest students and their families thanks to the support of and heavy lifting by our campus community, including faculty, staff, and senior leadership students.

That evening students and staff came together for a community dinner before students danced the night away at the Ice Cream Social. Sunday and Monday juniors participated in orientation sessions, advisor meetings, textbook pickups a campus-wide scavenger hunt known as the "NCSSM Amazing Race" . This whirlwind of activity brought students to the start of classes on Tuesday morning.

Students are quickly settling into their new schedules. Buses have begun to arrive to shuttle senior students to area Mentorship assignments and fall sports will begin again. It’s the start of another school year at NCSSM and we are excited about what lies ahead.

Be sure to visit www.ncssm.edu throughout the year for stories and highlights of life on campus and the many accomplishments of our students. Here's to another great year!