New students are invited to get a head start on their UNC Asheville education by delving into the many assets of their new community. pre-rendezblue offers seven special-interest programs that showcase Asheville. Participation in pre-rendezblue allows students to move in early to the residence halls and meet fellow students and staff who share their interests.  Space in the pre-rendezblue program is limited, so students are encouraged to sign up early.  The 2010 pre-rendezblue programs include:

1. Asheville, a Work of Art
Asheville is the hub of Western North Carolina’s arts community. Explore this thriving scene by visiting local artists, musicians, and dancers, and learn how they contribute to Asheville’s culture and heritage. Whether you are exploring the stunning architecture of the Biltmore House, crafting your own pottery with a local artist, or participating in a dynamic drama workshop, you are sure to fall in love with Asheville and the arts community that calls it home.

2 Beyond Burgers & Fries
Dive into Asheville’s vibrant culture of health and wellness with students of all interests and majors. Through this program, you will learn how to make medicine from local herbs, dine at an Asheville restaurant that is committed to serving local food, and experience the many benefits of biofeedback. Visit a local hospital to discuss integrative health care with the men and women who live and work it everyday. Whatever your interests or skills, this program is sure to inspire you with the value of a healthy lifestyle.

3. Blue Ridge Sampler
Spend the day traveling by van to some of the best scenic areas and day hikes the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer. Take in the views, challenge yourself and try a new adventure sport while you get to know your new classmates. By night you will relax at
base camp, sleep in a platform shelter, cook dinner and learn more about your new home at UNC Asheville while relaxing around the campfire and enjoying the stars.

4. The Catcher in the Rhyme
Find your voice! Write your story! Publish your masterpiece! In this dynamic program, you will experience the rich history and tradition of Asheville’s literary community while developing your own unique writing style. Explore the life and works of Asheville’s
literary giants, such as Carl Sandburg, Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and learn how this proud city inspired them to produce their classic works. Collaborate with UNC Asheville faculty and students, as well as local writers and publishers, to take
your story from pen to paper to publisher. Get ready to jump into Asheville’s exciting and diverse literary community and find your place among the great writers who have called it home.

5. Each One, Reach One
Service learning is a huge part of a liberal arts education. Experience the people and culture of Asheville through community service as you volunteer at a local food bank, work with a rehabilitation program for horses, entertain children at a local Salvation Army summer camp, and learn how Asheville deals with issues of social justice. Work with UNC Asheville faculty and local service organizations to help make our city a better place to live and learn.

6. The Many Faces of Asheville
Asheville is a city bursting with cultural diversity just waiting to be explored—by you! Join fellow students as you experience the rich heritage of Asheville through religion, ethnicity, and food. The city will come alive as you visit its multicultural houses of
worship, sample some of its rich tradition of ethnic food, and engage in the numerous subcultures that make up our community. If you are looking for a unique experience to broaden your liberal arts education, join us on this look at Asheville’s many faces.

7. Wilderness Experience
Come sleep out under the stars and explore the natural beauty of your new home! Backpacking in these wonderful mountains will give you the chance to challenge yourself, make new friends and learn more about what your college experience has to
offer. Finish off the week with some great adventure sports like rafting, canoeing, rock climbing or mountain biking! No outdoor experience is necessary and all required activity equipment is provided.

For a downloadable brochure, click here.

Registration will open soon.  Please check back here for the link to register.