Join us in education, celebrations, and community

Whether you can lend a hand to help with school sponsored events, send in a platter of food for hungry students, or more, we welcome parent and alumni volunteer assistance to connect and strengthen the fabric of our campus community!

• Families: We love to see NCSSM families on campus! Opportunities for involvement are shared directly to your NCSSM family email account and via digital school newsletters. If you are a family member who is interested in volunteering but do not have an NCSSM family email account (e.g., a grandparent), please contact parentrelations@ncssm.edu to request access to our volunteer opportunities.
• Alumni: NCSSM alumni are always welcome to volunteer on campus! Engagement updates are shared directly to the email associated with your NCSSM Alumni Network account. Contact alumnirelations@ncssm.edu to get involved or to sign up to the NCSSM Alumni Network.

Counseling Services and Clinic Amazon Wish Lists

NCSSM Counseling Services works to create an inviting and comforting environment during Wellness Wednesdays, a time for students to unwind, reflect, and have fun. Similarly, the clinic on each campus provides care and support to students when they are living in residence. Wish lists are distributed to current families at the beginning of each semester. No contribution is too small, and any items that you contribute are so appreciated! 

Hall Life

Each residence hall has a different means of seeking family support. Whether providing a meal for your student’s hall, or contributing via a wish list, parental involvement is always appreciated! Contact your student’s Community Coordinator if you are interested in becoming involved. If you do not know who your child’s Community Coordinator is and would like more information, contact Trish Aiello (Constituent Liaison).

Family Day

Each September, NCSSM invites residential families to campus for a fun and informative Family Day! Join us to meet your child’s instructors, counselors, and other key campus members, while also getting a first-person feel for your student’s schedule and meeting other NCSSM families!

Online families can choose from one of two Family Days that coincide with your student’s online weekend. More information will be shared in the fall, and you may also contact Angela Teachey, or Trish Aiello with any questions.

Open Houses

During October and November, the Office of Admissions hosts Open House events on both the Durham and Morganton campuses. Parent and alumni volunteers ensure that the event runs smoothly and are a welcoming and enthusiastic presence to the newest prospective students and families of our community.

Powwow

The NCSSM Powwow is a public, family-friendly event featuring music, dance, arts, crafts and food. The event hosts American Indian dancers, musicians, and artists from across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. This is a fantastic way to learn about and celebrate the region’s rich American Indian culture. Current NCSSM parents may volunteer at the Powwow, and more information will be shared in the weeks leading up to the event.

Employee Appreciation Luncheon Celebration 

An annual favorite among faculty and staff is the Employee Appreciation Luncheon, held on both the Durham and Morganton campuses! Hosted by the Parent Association, this event is a fun opportunity to lead as an event co-chair or serve on the day-of execution team to bring cheer and thanks to members of Team NCSSM! More information about this year’s Luncheons will be shared directly to your NCSSM email in the fall. If you would like to be involved as an event co-chair, please reach out to Trish Aiello (Constituent Liaison).

Welcome Days 

We officially welcome newly admitted students and their families to campus as brand-new Unicorns and Dragons in April and May! Volunteers help us meet, connect, and answer questions for our new parents. Volunteer signups will be available in the new year.

Commencement and Online Recognition Celebrations 

Our most exciting celebrations occur in late May and include the annual tradition of junior class parents delivering a very fond farewell to our graduating seniors, their families, and other guests. This event brings a great volunteer opportunity to “pay it forward” to your student’s senior classmates by serving on the day-of execution team. You won’t want to miss out on the celebratory energy of this special day as our newest graduates mark their accomplishments. Additional information will be shared directly to your NCSSM family email accounts in the spring.

Summer Information Sessions

Regional Summer Information Sessions are a series of gatherings targeted toward different geographic areas of our state. These events, hosted in person and throughout the state on UNC System school campuses, are designed for new and returning families to meet other Durham, Morganton and Online families, recent alumni, and school staff members to learn about how to prepare for life as a member of NCSSM’s community! Follow the link above to learn more and register for a Summer Information Session near you!