F.Y.E. Foundations

A one-day immersive student experience. Available to all NC State Students.

Date: Friday, August 21, 2026
Location: Witherspoon Student Center (2810 Cates Ave.)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Finding Your Edge (F.Y.E.) is a foundational program that supports new, returning, and transfer students at NC State. We developed this program because we recognize that it is your first year, every year. As such the African American Cultural Center supports you in finding the connections, resources, and gifts that will help you succeed.

What is it?

A choose your own adventure program.

While there are communal elements like a pep rally, community resource lunch, and a closing affirmation and purpose keynote, Students have the choice of breakout sessions designed to help them find their edge by utilizing the gifts and strengths they already have.

Key Pillars

• Access and Disability
• Belonging
• Connection
• Becoming

During F.Y.E. students have options that strengthen their wellbeing, give them cultural grounding, and prepare them to be successful at NC State.

How’s F.Y.E. Different?

Well, we believe that you are already gifted. We see not as deficient, but as a person holding a wealth of knowledge who just needs support in how to direct it. F.Y.E. hits different because we help you look at your gifts and strengths and find your edge to be a successful NC State student.

Throughout the day we:

• honor creativity and innovation;
• create intimate space so you can have real conversation with the campus partners / resources you need;
• focus on quality over quantity so every student is known by name not just as a number in a data report;
• work with you to sharpen the gifts you already have.

What Will The Day Look Like?

• We’ll start with breakfast
• Energize with a Pep Rally
• Learn about Campus Resources
• You’ll have the opportunity to ask for what you need to support you no matter where you are on your journey during a resource lunch
• Choose breakouts that help you find your edge
• Get affirmed in your purpose and know you are exactly where you’re meant to be!

The Fun Stuff

• You’ll leave with a full belly and hopefully a full heart!
• You’ll probably win some super cool prizes (like gift cards and tech to start your year right!
• Connection with peers at every level!
• Affirmation, Joy, and Care