Family & Guest Orientation

Undergraduate Orientation Undergraduate Orientation

We have designed an in-person orientation tailored for parents, families and supporters to learn about campus resources, how to support your student, and how we can partner together to help your student succeed.

Orientation is only required for students and is optional for family members and guests. There is an additional cost associated with attending the family and guest orientation.

Due to space limitations, students are limited to two guests for the summer 2025 Orientation sessions.

The Family & Guest Orientation Experience

Families and guests are important to the student experience! As an important person in your student's life, the Family and Guest Orientation is designed to help you feel just as prepared as your student for this transition.

What to Expect

During guest Orientation, you'll hear from UNCW faculty, staff, and students on a wide range of topics that families and guests should find helpful during their student's transition.

The 2025 Orientation schedules are still in development and are subject to change, but typical topics covered during orientation are as follows:

Scholarships & Financial Aid
Student Accounts (billing and payments)
Life on or off campus
Career Readiness
Academic Expectations and Overviews
Campus Safety
Health and Wellness Resources

The Family and Guest Orientation session runs concurrently with the Student Orientation sessions. Students and Guests are together for 2-3 presentations but will spend the majority of the Orientation session with their respective groups.

First-Year Family and Guest Orientation Fees

The guest fee includes breakfast and lunch on day one and lunch on day two. In addition to the meals above, guests 18+ will receive a tote bag, a family guide and calendar, and a Wilmington guide per family.


	Guest Fee (aged 18+) all fees are per person	Guest Fee (aged 5-17) all fees are per person
Orientation Session Fee	$100	$50
Overnight between Day 1 and Day 2	$50	$50; must stay with an adult over 18+; cannot stay with student
Early Arrival Additional Night	$45	$45; must stay with an adult over 18+; cannot stay with student
Late/On-Site Registration Fee (assessed in addition to fees listed above)	$15	$15

How to Register

Students can register a family or guest when they select their orientation date through their Applicant Status Portal.

Due to space limitations, students are limited to two guests for the summer 2025 Orientation sessions.

Join the Seahawk Family Hub

All families are invited to join the Seahawk Family Hub for access to important campus news and deadlines, timely announcements and to connect with other family members and supporters.

Families and guests who register for Orientation will also gain access to the Orientation Hub community, where we will provide just-in-time information to help you prepare for Orientation!

Join the Hub today!

What 2024 Families Said

"The communication, presentation, flow of events, and smooth and amazing teamwork was fantastic!! I felt all presenters were knowledgeable of each other's departments and knew where to direct students/parents for additional resources and support."

"I was so impressed with the organization of orientation, the student leaders, and adult speakers. Everyone was so friendly and made me feel that you genuinely care about my daughter and her success and wellbeing while at UNCW!"

"I was very impressed with the quality of the presentations and level of engagement. The intentionality of the sessions and the overall plan for orientation was professional and thoughtful."

"Orientation was phenomenal! I loved the enthusiasm and the energy! The students were terrific - friendly, and always easy to see in their teal polo shirts. My son had a great time, too."

"Orientation was a fantastic program! Much needed for the students and very helpful and reassuring to parents. Your staff is incredible, and the program was very well thought out! I’m impressed with how UNCW has provided resources for students and parents."

"The student panel was outstanding! Those students spoke so eloquently and were so impressive... Most importantly I feel the orientation fully prepared my son!"