Welcome to Duke
The Office of New Student and Family Programs provides programs and resources to our new student populations that effectively acclimate incoming students to Duke by promoting intellectual curiosity and building community. We provide part of the foundation of the undergraduate experience and serve as a resource and support network for new students. Please feel free to contact any member of the office staff. We would be happy to offer you our assistance, advice, and support.
Who We Serve
Our office is responsible for being stewards of a comprehensive university-wide welcome to our incoming class, transfer students, and other communities transitioning to Duke. In addition, we serve undergraduate families as their student transitions to and throughout their student's career at Duke. We aspire to partner with families to support their student's educational journey. Therefore we not only serve incoming students, but university faculty, staff, parents, and families as we welcome them to be a part of our Duke family.
Stay Connected!
We're here to answer your questions and improve your experience.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @DUKENSFP
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
EMAIL: studentorientation@duke.edu, or familyprograms@duke.edu.
PHONE: 919-684-3511
MEET THE TEAM!
Grace Sullivan Zirkle
Grace (she/her) leads efforts to onboard and orient new-to-Duke students and engage with families throughout Duke students' careers. Her portfolio also includes strategic planning for the First-Year Experience and cultivating cross-campus partnerships to support students and families. Grace earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a B.A. in Religious Studies from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. After graduating, Grace worked as an admission counselor at her alma mater before going on to pursue her M.Ed in Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina. In her free time, Grace can be found spending time outside, baking, playing board games, watching lacrosse, or hanging out with her husband and son.
GRACE'S ADVICE TO NEW-TO-DUKE STUDENTS:
Know that there are people here who want to help you succeed, and don't be afraid to keep asking questions! You'll get a good sense of Duke quickly through summer onboarding and experiential orientation, but it's impossible to know everything about Duke by the time you start classes. That's completely normal! Find staff and peers you trust who you can keep asking questions and go to for support.
Email: grace.zirkle@duke.edu
Dalton Dey
Dalton (he/him) spearheads Bricks to Stone, advises Experiential Orientation Projects, and the Duke Common Experience. Dalton is originally from Nebraska and earned a BSBA in Finance from the University of Nebraska. He also attended The Ohio State University for graduate school, where he earned his MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Before joining NSFP, Dalton worked in Housing & Residence Life and is excited to continue supporting students as they transition to a new environment. Outside of work. Dalton can be found exploring the Durham food and coffee scene, playing with his dog, Dallas, and watching basketball.
DALTON'S ADVICE TO NEW-TO-DUKE STUDENTS:
No one has it all figured out on Day 1. It’s okay to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them – that’s how growth happens. Everyone at Duke wants you to be successful; let us know how we can help support you!
EMAIL: DALTON.DEY@DUKE.EDU
Jonathan Moss
Jonathan (he/him) focuses on families, advises Experiential Orientation Projects, supports new student communications, and helps coordinate Blue Devil Days. Jonathan earned a B.S. in Photojournalism from Barton College and an M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina. Before joining Duke, Jonathan worked with new students and families and is passionate about the new student and family transition experience. As a first-generation college graduate, he is dedicated to meeting students and families where they are as they transition to college life, helping them thrive and discover new opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys thrifting, photography, and taking long walks.
Jonathan’s Advice to New-To-Duke Students:
Reflect on what brought you to Duke and use that as a starting point to get involved. From there, try new things, explore the campus and community, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. College is a time to discover and learn what makes you happy!
EMAIL: JONATHAN.MOSS@DUKE.EDU
Cody Brandon
Cody (he/him) is originally from Sampson County’s largest and oldest city: Clinton, NC. As a child growing up in a rural town, Cody often questioned the societal norms being forced upon him regarding race, gender, and sexuality. This would later pique his interest in the discipline of sociology, which is the degree he obtained from UNC-Wilmington in the Spring of 2024. Coupled with minors in Africana Studies, English, Leadership Studies, and Women & Gender Studies, Cody’s academic background and lived experiences have made him a passionate advocate for those who are commonly underserved and underrepresented by institutional and systemic marginalization. While at UNC-Wilmington, Cody served as an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and Ultimately UNC-Wilmington’s first openly gay, Black, male-identifying Student Body President & Homecoming Royalty. Currently, Cody is pursuing a Master of Education with a focus in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University. Outside of work, you can find Cody exploring the Triangle area, hanging out with friends and family, or playing with his orange tabby cat, Benji.
CODY'S ADVICE TO NEW-TO-DUKE STUDENTS:
Firstly, get involved: make connections, ask questions, and inquire! Secondly, be open-minded and accept change: learn from others and become a more inclusive leader. Lastly, do what is in your best interest and what will help you succeed — above all, be proud of that! You are here for a reason. You belong here, you will be valued here, and you will make history here. Go Blue Devils!
EMAIL: cody.brandon@duke.edu
