Student Success

Student Success Is You!

Student success is positive growth and development across the span of time a student interacts with the university from recruitment through degree completion and beyond. Along each student's journey, we encourage the exploration and development of diverse perspectives.

UNCW recognizes that student success looks different for every student and there are multiple pathways to success. Each pathway should include, but is not limited to, academic achievement, career preparedness, engagement, and holistic well-being.

Explore the Dimensions

Academic Achievement

Setting short and long-term educational goals
Developing curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Utilizing campus learning and advising resources
Selecting a major and minor
Being in good academic standing
Completing timely degree progress and degree attainment
Engaging in all academic courses
Engaging in academic courses focused on our diverse nation and global society

Career Preparedness

Participating in career planning
Developing leadership skills
Building a professional network
Seeking career placement and/or graduate school acceptance
Preparing for a career in a diverse global setting

Engagement

Building meaningful relationships with peers, faculty and staff
Participating in learning activities inside and outside of the classroom
Embracing challenge and developing a growth mindset
Participating in high impact practices (HIPs) including research, study abroad, internships, community service and learning communities
Staying connected to UNCW beyond graduation as an active alum.
Interacting with diverse cultures and ideas

Holistic well-being

Developing a sense of belonging at UNCW
Finding support for basic needs including holistic safety, access to nutritious food, and stable housing
Addressing financial health to avoid academic interruptions
Cultivating resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks
Finding personal meaning and satisfaction in one's educational journey
Managing one’s mental health, developing help-seeking behavior, and utilizing campus resources for support
Prioritize and address physical health concerns
Knowing one’s unique identity is an integral aspect of UNCW’s culture

Inspiring Journeys of UNCW Students

Below are four inspiring stories that highlight the unique ways our students have navigated their paths to success.

Takeem Dennis '24

Takeem Dennis '24, a music education major and former Marine, discovered his passion for music in the fifth grade and believes that attending UNCW was a pivotal step in his journey to becoming a teacher.

Takeem Dennis '24

Mia Gallagher ’26

Mia Gallagher ’26 discovered the perfect collegiate environment at UNCW. Here, she could immerse herself in her academic pursuits while riding the waves that fueled her love for surfing.

Mia Gallagher ’26

Anna Vreeling ’25

Anna Vreeling ’25 is dedicated to studying clinical research at UNCW. Inspired by her personal experiences, she aims to make significant contributions in medicine, particularly in neuro-oncology, hoping to advance treatments and outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

Anna Vreeling ’25

Kevin Ojaniit ’23

Kevin Ojaniit ’23 never thought that teaching would be in his future until his sophomore year at UNCW. After switching majors twice, Ojaniit contemplated his future. Ultimately, he decided that he “wanted to make a difference in the lives of the next generation.”

Kevin Ojaniit ’23