Welcome to the third fall ePack!
We will continue using the ePacks to communicate with new students throughout the fall. Fall ePacks will be posted on the Onboarding Resources website after distribution.
ORIENTATION 2026
Spring orientation will be January 5-6, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus for this event! Please take 1-2 minutes to complete the Orientation RSVP form by November 7.
DIAGNOSTIC EXAMS: REVIEW & TESTING
All students must take and pass the diagnostic exams in calculus and statistics, regardless of their concentration. The diagnostic exams will be conducted this fall/winter through Canvas.
- Testing Window: November 15 – January 6
- Asynchronous Review. The Practice Tests and Modules are available on the NSOE Diagnostic Exams site in Canvas. Duke NetID login is required. Additional review materials, including recorded review sessions, are available on the Onboarding site. We recommend that students review the key topics in calculus and statistics before taking the exams.
- Eligibility. Only students who have completed prerequisite courses in calculus and statistics may take the diagnostic exams this fall/winter. If you are not prepared to take the diagnostic exams this fall/winter, your next opportunity to test will be in summer 2026. If you do not take the tests this fall/winter and are required to take a course(s) in the spring that requires calculus and statistics, you will need to delay enrolling in the course(s) until fall 2026.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
You must display a valid parking permit, if you wish to park a vehicle on Duke’s campus. Visit the Parking and Transportation website for more details.
Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Consider carpooling with your roommate or using one of the various alternative transportation options available at Duke and in Durham.
ACCOMMODATIONS
At Duke University, we prioritize accessibility and are committed to building an inclusive community for all our students. The Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) works closely with the requesting student to determine academic adjustments and provide auxiliary aids and services, also known as academic accommodations.
These accommodations aim to mitigate barriers that may affect a student’s access to campus facilities, programs, and activities. To learn more about setting up services with SDAO, please contact their office directly at sdao@duke.edu.
To start the formal request process, please follow the registration procedures provided by the Student Disability Access Office.
CONCENTRATION CHANGES + DEGREE ADD
Students starting in the spring semester can request a change in their Concentration or ask to add the MEM or MF degree. The deadline to do either of these things is January 21. When submitting the form, students must provide a reason for the change/add, highlighting the academic and career benefits. Please use the following form to make either of these requests: Concentration Changes/NSOE Degree Add Form.
Students must indicate whether they have completed or intend to complete the prerequisites for the Concentration they want to switch to (or the degree they wish to add). Students cannot matriculate in the spring semester if they are missing more than one required prerequisite. Priority will be given to students who have already fulfilled the prerequisite requirements, although other factors may also be considered.
Students will be notified of approved requests shortly after form submission.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Duke University requires that all students have health insurance coverage.
Students are automatically enrolled annually in the Duke University Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP). Students on F1/J1 visas must enroll in the SMIP and are not eligible to waive enrollment.
By now, all incoming students should have received an email about the Student Medical Insurance Plan. Please visit the insurance enrollment website for additional details and resources.