Early Action Deadline Extended

Due to the uncertain weather conditions and potential power outages we have extended our Early-Action deadline to November 7th. Please visit http://www.uncw.edu/admissions/apply.html for updated information.

Personal Essay & Short Answer Question Tutorial

With the early action deadline quickly approaching, many of you might be busy gathering recommendation letters, transcripts, and taking standardized tests.  Such is the nature of this season.  As you begin to finalize your application, you might have questions about the personal essay and short answer question.  In order to make this time of year a bit less hectic, we've created a personal essay and short answer question tutorial.  This tutorial will allow you to view the prompts for the personal essay and short answer question, get advice directly from our office, and learn the best ways to submit these items.  It's quick, easy, and will hopefully make the application process less stressful and more exciting.

http://www.uncw.edu/admissions/apply.html
Click: Personal Essay and Short Answer Question tutorial

Calling All International Students!

An exciting and supportive international experience awaits any and all foreign students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. A unique historic location, a beautiful beach surrounding, as well as a bustling city atmosphere, make Wilmington an ideal location to study in the U.S. UNCW faculty, staff and students warmly welcome and accept international students in to their day-to-day campus life. This daily campus inclusion and integration soon carries over to a lifelong attachment to UNCW as international students make the Seahawk lifestyle a part of their permanent memories and life experiences.

Trips to New York and Washington D.C., extensive and detailed foreign student orientation, cultural events throughout the year, and constant encouragement from student mentors and student organizations are just a few of the benefits international students are consistently provided with when studying at UNCW. The university prioritizes international programs and commits to global outreach; well-established programs and support systems have been in place at UNCW for years. The Office of International Programs (OIP) holds a strong presence on UNCW’s campus, as well as provides an on-campus headquarters for students to utilize if any assistance or guidance is needed. Making sure international students feel comfortable, transition smoothly, gain valuable and new experiences and learn how to truly “Dare to Soar” are OIP’s most important goals.

When a student participating in international study at UNCW first arrives at the airport, a free airport pick-up service is available to take the students straight to their new UNCW home (Visit http://uncw.edu/international/isss/prearrivalairportpickup.html to sign-up prior to arrival in the U.S. for this service). Students have the amazing opportunity to live on-campus at UNCW in the International House. And the best part is, American students who are starting out their time at UNCW live in the International House too. Creating an enriching and exciting experience for both international and American students, I-House helps all students create that foundational love and comfort right from the start of their UNCW life.

After a busy and somewhat overwhelming move-in day for new and returning students, UNCW brings all the foreign and international students together for a detailed and informative two-day orientation. Complete cover of UNCW rules, tips, involvement, student and campus life and academics is included in this thorough orientation. This is also crucial in introducing all the international students to one another and to ensure an understanding of the consistent support present to each student right from the beginning. These orientations occur both in the spring and fall semesters, so no matter when an international student’s time in the U.S. starts, a crash course in everything UNCW is a given.

This support extends beyond just this initial orientation, with student mentors, host family programs and conversation partners support is ongoing year round. A full emersion in the UNCW community, but also the surrounding Wilmington community is right at an international student’s fingertips with these resources available. Students get to know experienced UNCW students, make connections in the vibrant area of Wilmington, and create cultural engagement when interacting with the community they are now a part of. And this engagement works both ways – UNCW students and community members receive just as much satisfaction from these encounters and relationships as international students do.

Now that all of the logistics are laid out, necessary for an international student’s success at UNCW, having fun is the other main focus OIP guarantees. Many cross-cultural programs and events are sponsored throughout the year. Without compromising learning and a growth in cultural awareness, the campus supports International Education Week in November, end of semester and beginning of semester parties, Intercultural Week in February and the International Student Organization (ISO). These involvement opportunities supply important cultural teachings and experiences, but really concentrate on enjoyment amongst the students.

Wilmington, North Carolina is a beautiful place, and international students will soon discover the great passion UNCW students have in trying new things, spending time outdoors and traveling; this will soon become the passions international students have as they quickly become a part of UNCW life. Kayaking, hiking and camping trips are always available for students to participate in for great prices. Not to mention, involvement in UNCW traditions, such as Beach Blast, Midnite Madness- kickoff of the basketball season-, Wagsgiving – annual feast at Wagoner Dining Hall- and Oozeball - a yearly mud volleyball tournament- are there for the taking. Trips to landmark locations in the U.S. are available, and international students shouldn’t forget to explore the other feature point of North Carolina – the impressive, majestic area of the mountains. North Carolina, and Wilmington itself, offers something for everyone. The warm and welcoming mindset of the Wilmington community makes all the difference as an international student adjusts to this new lifestyle. A completely new, unique time at UNCW can be expected, with a full immersion in to the life of an U.S. university. Location, the loving locals and rich lifestyle of UNCW offer it as a top-rate choice for international students to pursue an undergraduate college experience in the U.S.

By Chloe Miller

UNC Dub, where our life is your vacation.

There is an eagerness to return to Seahawk country as a lot of students wrap up their summer hiatus from UNCW. Excitement is the primary shared feeling on campus as anticipation for the year starts to sink in. The realization that the last first day of classes and last year at UNCW is upon us is scary for some seniors, but everything remains positive as they gear up and get pumped for the fun dub life they know and love. UNCW wastes no time when students return in August as the campus hosts UNCWelcome Week. And boy, does this bombardment of traditions and great events start off with a bang.

Freshman move-in symbolizes as a type of opening ceremony for Welcome Week, the start of a new year for returning students and a new start all together for freshmen. Armies of campus volunteers from student organizations and clubs cheer and clap as understandably overwhelmed freshmen and their families drive up to the residence hall that will be there home for the next year. Right from the start of each student’s beginning as a UNCW Seahawk, support and welcoming invitations are provided, continuing the UNCW way of a “feels like home” campus atmosphere.

Each year, students, new and old, look forward to the UNCWelcome event, Beach Blast. During this event, hundreds of Seahawks are shuttled to Wrightsville Beach where they enjoy free food, free giveaways, and the chance to meet and reunite with other Seahawks. This event, and others like it, helps students to realize that while school may be starting, they can still work in some time for fun with their fellow Seahawks.

While Bleach Blast is a blast, students don’t have to leave campus in order to have a good time. With over 220 different student organizations on campus, students are bound to find something they enjoy. Organizations such as the Residence Hall Association, the Association for Campus Entertainment, and the Student Government Association plan events right on campus. Outdoor movies, a fantastic performance from a hilarious hypnotist, and an amazing fireworks extravaganza are just a few of the many activities waiting for students when they arrive to campus.

The enticing comforts of summer, the balance of fun activities, excitement and the refreshing, laid back times where the hours seem to move at a slower pace doesn’t stop with the end of the official summer months. Year-round, students are given daily opportunities and ample tools to make their Dub Life the best life possible.


Chloe Miller

Campus Highlight: Wilmington Cross-City Trail

Did you know that the Wilmington Gary Shell Cross-City trail now goes through UNCW's campus? To learn more about this great new addition to the Wilmington community visit the link below! 

Wilmington Gary Shell Cross-City Trail

UNCW Team Surfs to Third Place at National Championship!

Congratulations to the UNCW Surf Team for placing third at the 2012 NSSA National Interscholastic Championships last weekend in Dana Point, California! One of UNC Wilmington's most popular club sports, the UNCW Surf Team has now been one the top four teams in the country for four consecutive years, and placed third for the second consecutive year. Team member Tony Silvagni, UNCW student and founder of the Tony Silvagni Surf School, even placed first in the collegiate longboarding category, not only helping UNCW place third but also the highest of all East Coast schools in the competition.


"As coach of the surf team, I am very proud of our team's performance at Nationals this year. As a professor, I am even more proud that our team GPA is 3.0. These students are true scholar athletes," said McNamara. Dr. McNamara is a professor of physics and physical oceanography on campus.

The team competed against other collegiate surf teams such as San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Florida Institute of Technology, Mira Costa, University of Central Florida, Saddleback, Flagler, UC San Diego, University of North Florida, Cal State San Marcos, UCLA, University of San Diego and USC. Congratulations again to these tremendous scholar athletes for their incredible achievement!

To learn more about the UNCW Surf Team, visit http://student.uncw.edu/org/surfclub/.

Summer programs at UNCW!

Although the academic year has come to a close, UNCW will continue to offer top-notch academic programs to current and prospective students alike. Our large variety of summer academic enrichment programs span many disciplines, from Marine Biology and Chemistry, to Art, Theatre, and Business, and are designed for all age groups from elementary school to high school. Many summer sports camps are offered as well.

Besides offering academic and sports-related summer opportunities, our summer programs give students the chance to stay on campus and provide a way to visit UNCW on a more informal level. All summer academic enrichment opportunities are designed in accordance with state and national standards, designed by UNCW faculty and staff, and field tested directly by our students.

The link below will take you to our Youth Programs website. We extend you our invitation to be a Seahawk for a summer!

Summer Programs

Final Grades Due for New Seahawks!

If you are an admitted student who has graduated or is nearing graduation, it is necessary that UNCW receives a copy of your final high school transcript showing all senior year grades. The transcript must verify the actual graduation date, not the expected graduation date. UNCW also requires official sealed documentation for any advanced credit that you may be eligible for. This includes: community college or university-level coursework completed while in high school, AP credit, and IB credit.

Final high school transcripts and other documents should be sent to UNCW as soon as possible at the following address:

UNCW Office of Admissions
601 S College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403-5904

For further information, please refer to Step 7 in the Required section of your Teal Ticket.

Campus Dining Wins National Award

UNCW Campus Dining has received a national award for a New Orleans themed event hosted in Wagoner Hall, UNCW's main campus dining facility, last fall.  The event served as a tie-in event with Synergy, UNCW's Common Reading Program.  Synergy is a common reading reading experience designed to help build community among university students, primarily freshman students, faculty and staff by encouraging them to read one book together at the start of each academic year.  This year's reading selection was Zeitoun, a non-fiction account of one man's decision to remain in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.  The book, centered around a prosperous Syrian-American man, highlights the issues of injustice and social responsibility.

While the University community was reading Zeitoun, Campus Dining was planning a special event to be included in the University's event series surrounding the book.  The aptly named "NOLA Lunch" incorporated traditional aspects of New Orleans food and culture into an event that reinforced what the community learned by reading the book.  The event was then nominated and subsequently received Gold in the annual Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS).

"Feeding large numbers of students nutritious, high quality food on a daily basis is a big job," said Brian Dailey, director of Auxiliary Services, "but at UNCW we think Campus Dining can do even more than that. Dining is a large part of campus life, and offers many opportunities to partner with the academic community to reinforce what students are studying and learning. The NOLA Lunch was an excellent example of how well this approach can work."

Information on Campus Dining Services can be found at http://uncw.edu/dining/.  For more information on the event, please visit the full article below!

UNCW Faculty Highlight- "The Rock Whisperer"

UNCW Environmental Studies professor Dr. Paul Hearty has just received a tremendous grant from the National Science Foundation, one that will fully fund a team of world-class researchers studying climate change and its potential future implications.

Dr. Hearty is one of five principal investigators on a project designed to provide a comprehensive model of past climate change by studying various interconnected aspects of the biosphere, including the Earth's crust, oceans, atmosphere and ice sheets.  The main target of their study is an era of history known as the Mid-Pliocene Climatic Optimum (PLIOMAX), an era which has been identified as a time period that closely resembles the environmental conditions predicted by current models of climate change.  Fossil data and geological data from this ancient warming period will be used to build improved databases of sea-levels and ice sheet behavior, as well as provide the raw data for experiments that hope to predict the future global sea level under various climate change scenarios.  The ultimate goal of this project is to provide more accurate predictions of future sea-level rises and ice sheet behavior.

Dr. Hearty will collaborate on the $4.25 million, five-year study with Dr. Maureen Raymo of Columbia University, who has affectionately named Dr. Hearty "The Rock Whisperer," for his extensive expertise in field geology.  Along with Dr. Hearty and Dr. Raymo are geoscientist Rob DeConto from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, physicist Jerry Mitrovica of Harvard University and earth scientist David Pollard of Penn State.

For more information on this important and potentially influential study, please visit the link to the full article below.

UNCW Professor Part of Major NSF Grant for Climate Change Research

Living on Campus - Sign up deadline fast approaching

The Office of Housing and Residence Life at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers students a safe, affordable, and well-maintained residential facilities, complemented by exceptional customer service from highly trained staff. The department fosters inclusive communities for holistic student learning by promoting personal responsibility, offering intentional programming, and providing leadership development opportunities.

Each year almost 96 percent of first year students make the decision to live on-campus while attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington. You'll find living on-campus to be one of your best moves yet! Our residence halls, suites and apartments provide students with an affordable convenient and welcoming living experience.

When you reside with us, you'll be connected to some of the biggest events and happenings around campus, not to mention the volleyball and basketball courts, game rooms, spacious programming spaces, and technologically advanced study spaces throughout our facilities. Best of all, avoid the hassle of multiple bills and grocery shopping; living on-campus is an all-inclusive payment (rent, cable, internet, water and phone) with meal plan options that allow you a variety of campus dining locations. When you join us as a first year student, you're guaranteed the opportunity to remain on-campus through graduation. Come and make the move!

Instructions on how to sign up for housing

Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions

One-of-a-Kind Assistance Dog Training Program at UNCW

The paws4peopleTM foundation has formed a unique partnership with UNC Wilmington, offering an assistance dog training program to interested students, the only one of its kind in the nation!  The founder of the paws4people TM foundation, Kyria Henry, has developed a four-semester curriculum in which students from various majors can learn about the training and utilization of service dogs, and is teaching the curriculum as well.  Over the final two semesters of the program students, in addition to their coursework, are even responsible for the 24/7 training and care of a dog going through the program, ultimately placing them with a client.  The paws4peopleTM foundation was created by Ms. Henry to train and place specialized dogs with adolescents under 14 years of age who live with various physical, mental, physiological and psychological disabilities, as well as with military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.

The paws4peopleTM foundation, which is comprised of the paws4peopleTM program and the paws4vetsTM program, will be hosting an assistance dog graduation ceremony this weekend to honor more than 20 new service dogs and their clients, many of whom our UNCW students have worked with throughout the course of the program.  The event will be held at the Carolina Beach Courtyard by Marriott from noon-3 p.m.

The paws4peopleTM foundation currently services nine states in the surrounding region, with service dogs and handlers who have conducted more than 322,000 educational and therapeutic contacts over 19,200 visits, as well as more than 200 dogs in private placement. For more information on this incredible foundation, please visit http://paws4people.org.

UNCW Students in One-of-a-Kind Program Lend Their Paws to Service Dog Graduation

UNCW again named a "Best Value" public college for fourth consecutive year

UNC Wilmington recently received another prestigious accolade by the Princeton Review, naming our institution one of America's "Best Value" public colleges, now for the fourth consecutive year! UNCW has been included among 150 institutions from across the nation in Princeton Review's "Best Value Colleges: 2012 edition," and lauded by the publication's editors for remaining "true to its small school roots" despite its growing population.

"It is a great honor for UNC Wilmington to again be chosen by the Princeton Review as one of its "Best Value" universities," said Chancellor Gary L. Miller. "The UNC system boasts one of the lower in-state tuitions in the nation, and we strive to match that with the highest quality instruction and hands-on opportunities for our students to participate in undergraduate research, high-level scholarship and outreach/community involvement projects. This distinction from the Princeton Review is a tribute to the dedication of UNCW's faculty and staff to the success of our students."

650 colleges and universities were chosen by the company to be reviewed for this tremendous honor. Recipients were selected based not only on institutional data but by student opinion surveys as well.

Read the full story

From the Battlefield to the Classroom

In this post, we would like to introduce you to Colt Hoyt, 27 year-old Marine Corp veteran and president of the UNCW Student Veteran Organization. According to G.I. Jobs magazine, UNCW is currently ranked among the top 15% of military-friendly schools nationwide. While the transition from military to college student life can be a challenge, UNCW has adopted innovative efforts to ease this transition.

From the Battlefield to the Classroom

• Expanding the definition of transfer student in admissions to better assist active military students who do not meet traditional admission requirements, allowing for consideration of military service

• Waiving the application fee for active duty military applicants and the physical education requirement for active duty and veteran students

• Implementing a written policy for students who are deployed or involuntarily recalled to active duty

• Enabling students experiencing delays in receipt of GI Bill benefits to request a book advance stipend or a hold on their account which keeps their classes from being cancelled or a late fee from being applied

• Establishing numerous military support resources including special class sections and orientation breakout sessions just for military students, the Student Veterans Organization and a veteran-to-veteran peer mentoring program

• Facilitating a Military Task Force and Military Advisory Board

The Hazards of Being a Stealth Applicant

While the growing number of submission methods for college applications has helped connect students with many universities they may have been previously unaware of, this increased access can often come with a heavy price. The dangers of becoming a stealth applicant- a high school student who never contacts a college before submitting an application- are becoming ever more present, and many students do not realize the negative impacts this distinction can have on their college application, despite how well they may look academically.

The Hazards of Being a Stealth Applicant

Do you have international students interested in conserving the world's resources and protecting the environment?

The UNCW Office of Admissions would like to share with you an exciting opportunity being offered exclusively to international students!  Effective Spring 2013 term, UNCW will offer an International Scholars in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies (ISMES) Program.  The ISMES program, offered through the Department of Biology and Marine Biology and the Department of Environmental Studies, will offer international students the opportunity to receive a degree from UNCW in just three years.  Students will select a degree program in either Marine Biology or Environmental Studies.  The program stresses a hands-on and research oriented approach to learning, and addresses conservation issues of local, national, and international importance. 


For more information on the ISMES program and how to apply, please direct your students to the ISMES program website- http://uncw.edu/admissions/ismes.html.


We are excited to offer this new opportunity and look forward to working with your talented international students interested in the program!

February 1st...Last day to apply for Fall 2012

Don't forget that the deadline for Regular Decision applications is February 1st, 2012! If you hit submit on your application or it is postmarked by this date, you will be considered for admission to UNCW. Supplemental application items such as your transcript or letters of recommendation can follow by mail over the next week or so to help complete your application.

Please continue to check the status of your application by logging onto your SeaLevel account. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns. admissions@uncw.edu

MTV's "The Buried Life" Comes to UNCW

MTV's hit show "The Buried Life" will be asking students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington "What do you want to do before you die?" On Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Association for Campus Entertainment will host show cast members Ben and Dave in UNC Wilmington's Warwick Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first serve. The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A and a meet and greet for audience members.

UNCW ranked 15th on Kiplinger's "Best Value" list

UNCW has received some exciting news to start the New Year! Kiplinger's has ranked UNC Wilmington 15th in the nation as a "Best Value" among public universities.  This is up from 27th in 2011's ranking.  Each year Kiplinger's ranks four year institutions "that deliver a stellar education at an affordable price."

"Providing the highest quality academic experience at the lowest possible cost is a consistent goal for UNCW," said Chancellor Gary L. Miller. "Even in the current economic environment, in which we have experienced significant and sustained state budget reductions over a several-year period, we have steadfastly refused to sacrifice quality. This recognition is a testament to the resolve of our faculty and staff to provide our students with a powerful learning experience."

Kiplinger's 2012 ranking

Sneak Peek Week at the Dub!

Have you ever wanted to know more about our academic offerings?  January 16 through January 22, you’ll be able to access information about Business, Education, and Nursing. Through pre-recorded Webinars, we have provided in-depth information and answer questions most commonly asked by prospective students. The Webinars are presented by expert faculty and staff, who cover all aspects of majors in these three traditional departments.  To gain access to the webinars, make sure you visit starting January 16^th for your Sneak Peek at the Dub!

SNEAK PEEK WEEK  

CollegeWeek Live event tomorrow, January 12th

We would like to share with you an event that UNCW will be participating in tomorrow, January 12th, 2012.  CollegeWeek Live, a company responsible for hosting virtual college fairs and admission events for prospective college students, will be having an event entitled "Paying for College," tomorrow from 12pm-10pm.  As you can imagine, this event will contain great information on financial aid and other options parents and students can use to help cover the costs of a college education.  Among many other colleges and universities, UNC Wilmington will host live chat hours for prospective students and parents during the event if they wish to chat with a representative to learn more about UNCW and our admission process.  Our chat hours are scheduled from 12pm-8pm. We hope you will share this information with your interested students!

The event and virtual college fair are free.  To register, students can visit the CollegeWeek Live website.  We look forward to chatting with them at this very informative event!