North Carolina State University Passport Services announces the opening of a new passport office on campus to provide expedited passport services for students, faculty, and staff. The office, located in Talley Student Union, offers a convenient and efficient way for members of the NC State community to obtain or renew their passports without the hassle of traveling to a post office or passport agency.
The new passport office is a collaboration between NC State University and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. The office is staffed by trained passport specialists who are able to assist individuals with the passport application process, including filling out forms, taking passport photos, and submitting required documentation. In addition to standard passport services, the office also offers expedited processing for an additional fee for those in need of a passport in a hurry.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this service to our students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Rachel Levy, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Administration. “Obtaining or renewing a passport can be a time-consuming and complicated process, so having a dedicated passport office on campus will make it much easier for members of our community to take care of this important task.”
The opening of the passport office comes at a time when international travel is becoming more common among students and faculty. Many programs at NC State include study abroad opportunities, and faculty often travel internationally for research and conferences. Having a passport office on campus will make it easier for individuals to be prepared for their travels and to take advantage of these opportunities.
“I was so relieved to find out that NC State had a passport office on campus,” said Sarah Thompson, a junior studying international relations. “I needed to renew my passport before a study abroad trip next semester, and I was dreading the process of going to a post office and dealing with all the paperwork. Having the office right on campus made it so much easier for me, and the staff were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process.”
In addition to providing passport services, the office also offers information on travel safety and resources for students and faculty traveling abroad. This includes tips on how to stay safe while traveling, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates on travel advisories and alerts.
“We want to make sure that our students and faculty are well-prepared for their international travels,” said Dr. Levy. “Traveling abroad can be an amazing and enriching experience, but it’s important to be informed and prepared for any potential risks. Our passport office is here to help individuals not only obtain their passports but also to provide them with the information they need to have a safe and successful trip.”
The NC State Passport Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and no appointment is necessary. For more information on passport services and requirements, individuals can visit the office’s website or contact their office directly. Whether you’re a student planning to study abroad, a faculty member attending a conference overseas, or a staff member looking to renew your passport, the NC State Passport Office is here to help you navigate the passport application process with ease and convenience.