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First-Year Students wearing teal take a photo on Convocation day in front of the UNCW clocktower
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Convocation

Congratulations to the Class of 2028! We are so excited that you have joined the Seahawk family this fall! On this page, you'll find exciting Convocation events.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who attended UNCW's Convocation ceremony on Monday, August 19. More than 2500 faculty, staff and students gathered to kick off the academic year! 

See the Class Photo

View the livestream!

Honor Pledge & Academic Expectations

At UNCW, academic integrity is a core value. When students join our community, they pledge to uphold and be subject to the Honor Code. It is designed to help every member of the UNCW community appreciate the high value placed on academic integrity and the means that will be employed to ensure its preservation. In addition, when new students join the academic community at UNCW, they commit to uphold the Honor Pledge. When you visit the Fisher Student Center, find your signature on the Honor Pledge Banner near the stairs. We are glad you are a part of this tradition at UNCW. 

UNCW Honor Pledge:

"As a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I am committed to honesty and truthfulness in academic inquiry and in the pursuit of knowledge. I pledge to uphold and promote the UNCW Student Academic Honor Code."

Seahawk Respect Compact

As members of the UNCW student body, staff, faculty and administration, we aspire to the following:

In the pursuit of excellence, UNC Wilmington actively fosters, encourages, and promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance, and open-mindedness among students, faculty, staff and the broader community.

  • We affirm the dignity of all persons.
  • We promote the right of every person to participate in the free exchange of thoughts and opinions within a climate of civility and mutual respect.
  • We strive for openness and mutual understanding to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions.
  • We foster an environment of respect for each individual where differences are celebrated by the elimination of prejudice and discrimination through education and interaction with others.

Therefore, we expect members of the campus community to honor these principles as fundamental to our ongoing efforts to increase access to and inclusion in a community that nurtures learning and growth for all.

About the Class Flag

One important tradition we have at UNCW is the Class Flag.

Each incoming class since 2007 has their own class flag featuring a prominent symbol on UNCW’s campus.

Class of 2028, your class flag highlights Hoggard Hall, which was one of the first buildings on UNCW’s campus.

The class flags are displayed in the Town Square of the Fisher University Union and climb the wall each year as seniority is gained as an expression of each class’s march towards graduation.

FAQS

Convocation is a formal (but fun!) ceremony that welcomes undergraduate students to UNCW. It marks the beginning of your academic journey and brings together students, faculty, and staff as one community. Think of it as the bookend to graduation—your official welcome to campus.

Yes, Convocation is a required event for all first-year students, including students admitted from Early College High School programs and those coming in with dual enrollment credit. You are considered a first-year student if you attended a two-day orientation session.

Transfer Students are welcome, but not required, to attend. 

TEAL, of course!

Many students choose to wear their UNCW Orientation t-shirt or another teal UNCW shirt. The class photo and all-campus picnic take place outside in August, so we recommend dressing accordingly for the warm temperatures.

Keep an eye on your inbox! 

In the event of inclement weather, the class photo and picnic will move indoors. Check your email for updates on locations and meeting times.

The campus picnic will serve traditional picnic-style food. There will be options for faculty, staff and students who are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free.