First-Year Orientation

Prepare to register for Orientation by reviewing the following information:

1. 1. Review Orientation Dates and Deadlines
   2. Determine how many guests you plan to bring to Orientation (max 2)

First Year Orientation is a required, 1-day program lasting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Prior to selecting an Orientation date, please check your schedule for all end-of-semester high school activities, including exams, prom, graduations and rehearsals, and other commitments.

Orientation Registration Deadline: May 5 at 11:59 p.m.

Students are invited to participate in icebreakers and games with the Orientation Leaders the night before their session from 7:30 – 9 pm. There is no additional charge to attend this optional program, and check in for the event will be from 7- 7:30 p.m. Students can sign up to participate on their orientation registration form.

Family and Guest Orientation runs simultaneously with the first-year student orientation. While families and guests are not required to attend Orientation, it is highly encouraged for students to bring at least one guest. Due to space limitations, students are limited to two guests. 

Guests must be added to the Orientation registration when students select their dates. See below for family and guest orientation fees. 

Learn more about the Family & Guest Orientation experience 

Once you've reviewed the Orientation information above, you're ready to register! 

1. Log into your Applicant Status Portal.
2. Pay the student orientation registration fee.
3. Select your orientation date and register for any add-ons, including family and guest attendees.
4. Request any accessibility accommodations or dietary needs on your orientation registration.
5. Check your email for the final payment link to pay for any add-ons.

The orientation fee includes but is not limited to rental fees, technology fees, credit card fees, orientation software, student and staff payroll, printed materials, parking, and office operations and supplies.

In addition to the items above, the student fee includes a teal t-shirt, and a lanyard. Guests 18+ will receive a tote bag, a family guide and calendar, a pen, and a Wilmington guide.

Requests for accommodations can be submitted through your Orientation registration on the orientation registration site.

Accessibility Accommodations

Students or guests who need reasonable accommodations during orientation can make a request to the Office of Transition Programs. Please make your request at least 7 days prior to your orientation date.

Dietary Restrictions

During orientation, students will eat at the Shore Dining Hall and guests will eat at the Hawk's Nest*. Vegetarian, Vegan, and gluten-free options are available at each meal time. 

*Not all Hawk's Nest locations are available for Orientation. Available locations will be listed on your Orientation schedule received at check-in. 

Additional dietary restrictions should be included in your Orientation registration.

All changes and refund requests must be submitted in writing by submitting the appropriate request form in the Applicant Status Portal.

Adding and Removing Guests

Guests can be added or removed from your registration until 7 days prior to your session date (see refund fee schedule above). 

On-site registration for guests is subject to space availability and is not guaranteed. A $15 late registration fee will be added to any on-site registrations.

Session Change Requests

Students can request a session date change up to 7 days prior to their originally scheduled date. Date changes are not confirmed until written notification is received from Transition Programs. Date changes occurring within 7 days of your original date will incur a $25 change fee.

Refund Requests

All refunds must be requested 7 days prior to your session date. The refund, minus a $5 processing fee, will be applied to your original form of payment. Requests made within 7 days of your session will not be granted.

Students no longer planning on attending the university need to notify the Admissions Office to cancel their admission and can do so via their applicant status portal.

If students have on-campus housing, they will need to notify Housing and Residence Life in writing regarding their housing.

After you register for Orientation, you'll complete a few key steps before attending your in-person Orientation session: 

1. 1. Make your travel arrangements
   2. Complete your All About Academics Modules
   3. Register for Classes

Flying into Wilmington

ILM International Airport is by far the closest and most convenient airport located about 15-20 minutes from campus. 

If flying into MYR, RDU or other airports, please make flight arrangements that accommodate the additional driving time and allow you to attend the full session. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. 

Where to Stay

Students and guests attending orientation who require overnight accommodations are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements. We encourage attendees to plan ahead and secure off-campus accommodations that best meet their needs. 

Need-based, on-campus housing is available in limited quantities for an additional $55 per person. To request housing, send an email to transitions@uncw.edu and include:

• Student Name
• Student ID Number
• Date of Your Session
• Reason for Request

Prior to class registration, you must complete the required All About Academics Modules.

The All About Academics modules will provide information on your degree program and academic requirements. 

To complete your All About Academics modules, log into your Applicant Status Portal and click on the module link on your checklist. 

Students who register for Orientation and complete their All About Academics modules before 11:59 PM on April 23 are invited to participate in Early Course Registration (ECR). ECR is an opportunity to register for classes early, before your regularly scheduled class registration time. 

Students who meet the deadline above will receive additional information to their UNCW email regarding ECR and advisor Zoom drop-in support.

ECR Steps

1.  Sign up for orientation and complete your All About Academics modules by April 23 at 11:59 p.m. 
2. Check your UNCW email daily for registration details, tips, and the schedule of virtual drop-in hours for additional questions.
3. Register for classes when your time ticket opens on April 30 at 10am 

Students who do not register for orientation AND complete their All About Academics modules before 11:59 PM on April 23 are ineligible to participate in Early Course Registration. 

Students who register for orientation after April 23 will register for classes according to the table below.

Things to Know for Successful Registration

It may take up to 24 hours for your Enrollment Checklist to show a green check mark after you complete the modules. You will not receive an automatic email when finished.

• Refer back to your modules for information on course registration and major courses.
• Use DegreeWorks in MySeaport to identify University Studies courses.
• By May 6, advisors will be assigned according to your First-Year Seminar registration (UNI 101, EGN 101 + UNI 102, or HON 110). Delaying registration or failing to register for your First-Year Seminar will delay advisor feedback.
• Your assigned advisor will reach out after reviewing your schedule with feedback.

IMPORTANT: Your in-person orientation is still required. If you do not attend your orientation date, your schedule will be dropped.