{"id":36,"date":"2022-08-09T16:20:01","date_gmt":"2022-08-09T16:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faculty.cnr.ncsu.edu\/environmentalfirstyear\/?page_id=36"},"modified":"2025-07-15T20:01:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:01:41","slug":"environmental-first-year-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/","title":{"rendered":"The Environmental First Year Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program at NC&#160;State welcomes students who are passionate about sustainability, environmental issues, and making a real-world impact. Through shared experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong support network, students explore a wide range of academic and career pathways. ENVFY offers a collaborative, cross-college community that helps students turn their passion into purpose from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Environmental First Year Video 1\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8EdfG4od_pU?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Our Mission<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>To prepare students for productive careers related to environmental conservation and sustainability, and to develop environmentally-conscious citizens who will contribute to a rapidly changing world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why NC&#160;State?&nbsp;<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The ENVFY program places a strong emphasis on field research and hands-on experiences early in your college journey. The curriculum integrates a diverse range of disciplines \u2013 including life sciences, environmental management, social sciences, policy, and the natural and physical sciences.&nbsp; This interdisciplinary approach aims to address environmental and sustainability challenges through a holistic lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>E<\/strong>ligiblity<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Students who have been accepted into one of the majors and programs (see our Academic Programs page) will automatically be part of the ENVFY cohort and have the opportunity to connect with others who have a strong passion for the environment.&nbsp; During the first academic year, students in these majors will have a dedicated professional academic advisor, common coursework, and the opportunity to consider real-world challenges and the different approaches taken from each discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 FAQs<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion ncst-accordion\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"ncst-accordion-0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-2\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-2\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-2\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-2\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>What is the Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-2\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-2\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>ENVFY is a first-year program at NC&#160;State designed for students passionate about sustainability and the environment. It provides a&nbsp;<strong>supportive, interdisciplinary community<\/strong>&nbsp;where students can explore environmental majors, minors, and career paths\u2014without having to declare a major right away.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-5\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-5\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-5\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-5\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>Who is this program for?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-5\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-5\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>This program is for first-year students who want to make a difference in sustainability and the environment but are still exploring their options. Whether you&#8217;re interested in&nbsp;<strong>climate change, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, or environmental policy<\/strong>, ENVFY helps you find the right path.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-6\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-6\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-6\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-6\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>What will I study in my first year?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-6\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-6\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the&nbsp;<strong>first semester<\/strong>, you\u2019ll take&nbsp;<strong>shared courses<\/strong>&nbsp;that introduce key environmental topics and connect you with faculty and peers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the&nbsp;<strong>second semester<\/strong>, you\u2019ll receive&nbsp;<strong>continued advising<\/strong>&nbsp;and opportunities to participate in&nbsp;<strong>student-led activities<\/strong>&nbsp;through the ENVFY Network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-7\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-7\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-7\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-7\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>What kind of support will I receive?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-7\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-7\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>You\u2019ll have access to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dedicated academic advisors<\/strong>&nbsp;to help guide your path.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A supportive cohort<\/strong>&nbsp;of students who share your passion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Opportunities to work with expert faculty and researchers<\/strong>&nbsp;both in and outside the classroom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Co-curricular programs<\/strong> that are designed to help you connect with peers and opportunities beyond your first year<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-8\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-8\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-8\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-8\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>Will I get hands-on experience?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-8\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-8\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Yes. ENVFY connects students with&nbsp;<strong>real-world learning opportunities<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working on&nbsp;<strong>environmental grand challenges<\/strong>&nbsp;alongside faculty and community partners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engaging in&nbsp;<strong>cross-disciplinary collaboration<\/strong>&nbsp;with students from other majors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participating in&nbsp;<strong>co-curricular activities<\/strong>&nbsp;focused on sustainability and leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-9\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>What majors and minors can I explore?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-9\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-9\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<p>Through ENVFY, you\u2019ll discover a wide range of&nbsp;<strong>environmental and sustainability-focused majors and minors<\/strong>&nbsp;across NC&#160;State. The program helps you explore your options before committing to a specific path.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-10\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-10\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-10\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-10\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>What are the benefits of joining ENVFY?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-10\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-10\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Explore environmental majors, minors, and career paths.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with faculty, professionals, and peers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gain hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Receive dedicated support and advising.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join a community of changemakers working toward a sustainable future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-accordion-item ncst-accordion-item panel\"><a class=\"accordion-item__header collapsed\" href=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-11\" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-11\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#ncst-accordion-item-0-11\" aria-controls=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-11\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"accordion-item__expansion-indicator\"><span class=\"ncst-plus-minus-toggle\"><\/span><\/span><h2 class=\"accordion-item__label h5\"><strong>How do I join?<\/strong><\/h2><\/a><div class=\"collapse panel-collapse accordion-item__content-container \" id=\"ncst-accordion-item-0-11\" aria-labelledby=\"ncst-accordion-item-heading-11\" data-parent=\"#ncst-accordion-0\"><div class=\"accordion-item__content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students can join and participate in ENVFY in a few different ways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students can directly join ENVFY by applying to the ENVFY Undeclared major. This program allows students to learn more about academic programs related to the environment before deciding what major they want to pursue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students are automatically a part of ENVFY if they are admitted into the following majors: \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Environmental Science. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental Technology and Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forest Management <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural Resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students can elect to participate in either ENVFY or the <a href=\"https:\/\/departments.sciences.ncsu.edu\/lsfy\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/departments.sciences.ncsu.edu\/lsfy\/\">Life Sciences First Year Program<\/a> if they  are interested in the following majors:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Biological Sciences (BA)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biological Sciences (BS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microbiology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Zoology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Genetics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-contact-section has-red-400-background-color\"><h4>Contact Us<\/h4><div class=\"contact-card-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-single-contact-card contact-card-item\"><div class=\"single-card-heading\"><span class=\"ncst-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" size=\"75\"><path d=\"M295.58 382.33v9.36h-78.17v-9.36H8.6v31.59h494.8v-31.59H295.58zM408.65 171.79v-21.06H198.1V192.83h210.55v-21.04zM103.35 150.73h63.17v63.17h-63.17zM408.65 277.06V256H198.1v42.11h210.55v-21.05zM103.35 245.48h63.17v63.17h-63.17z\"><\/path><path d=\"M461.29 98.08H50.71l-.04 273.72h410.62V98.08ZM441.6 352.25H70.37V117.63H441.6v234.62Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h5>Email<\/h5><\/div><div class=\"single-card-content\"><p>ENV_FirstYear@ncsu.edu<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-single-contact-card contact-card-item\"><div class=\"single-card-heading\"><span class=\"ncst-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" size=\"75\"><path d=\"M206.41 148.3 106.3 51.17c-17.73-8.37-30.95 10-30.95 10L196.04 178.1s18.38-17 10.37-29.8ZM367.9 277.37l120.21 70.75c12.78 14.88-1.46 32.5-1.46 32.5L341.9 295.27s11.54-22.23 26-17.9Z\"><\/path><path d=\"M347.07 308.95c-13.35 64.28-116.79-16.24-116.79-16.24s-103-80.29-44.33-109.73L79.4 76.22l-53.38 53.27s-60.95 46.57 165.6 218.9C411.02 517.12 439.9 449.72 439.9 449.72l37.74-65.3-130.57-75.47Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><h5>Phone<\/h5><\/div><div class=\"single-card-content\"><p>(919) 515-6191<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Overview The Environmental First Year (ENVFY) Program at NC&#160;State welcomes students who are passionate about sustainability, environmental issues, and making a real-world impact. Through shared experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong support network, students explore a wide range of academic and career pathways. ENVFY offers a collaborative, cross-college community that helps students turn their&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"red_400\",\"imageID\":366,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/01\/IMG_7924-scaled.jpg\",\"pageIntro\":\"The Environmental First Year Program opens new pathways and connects students across colleges and majors. \",\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0.54,\"y\":0.52},\"imageAlt\":\"A group of students stand around a raised garden bed while listening to a faculty teach.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"six","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-36","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/266"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":447,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36\/revisions\/447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/environmental-first-year-program\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}