Transfer Orientation Overview

Transfer Orientation is held in both in-person and fully online formats. Choose the format that’s best for you!

In-person orientation is a full day experience that includes presentations on campus resources and support services, small group meetings, campus tours, and group academic advising and class registration. A handful of in-person orientation dates are offered during the summer.

Online orientation can be conveniently completed at your own pace, and academic advising and class registration is held virtually. There is no live online orientation component; however, a virtual help desk will be offered to assist students with class registration.

To register, follow these instructions:

• Log-in to your UNCW Applicant Portal
• Find and select the item on your enrollment checklist that requires you to register for orientation.
• Select the event you would like to attend and fill out the registration form. There is a section labeled “My Guest” (for in-person orientation only) where you can add guest information, if guests are attending with you. Please note there will be a separate payment activity added to your enrollment checklist for your guest fees.

Once the registration form is completed and payment activity submitted, students and registered guests will receive a payment confirmation e-mail.

Orientation Fees

• Student Orientation Registration - $115
• Guest Orientation Registration - $50 (in-person sessions, only)

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

Accessibility Accommodations

Students 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

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available at each meal time. 

Additional dietary restrictions should be included in your Orientation registration.

All changes must be requested in writing by emailing transitions@uncw.edu.

Session Changes

Session changes are subject to availability. Please include your name, Student ID number (850#), and the date you'd like to change to. 

Adding and Removing Guests (in-person sessions only)

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 late registration fee will be added to any on-site registrations.

Academic Advising Information by College

Academic Advising for Transfer students varies by college. Please view your college information below to learn more about what to expect.

Cameron School of Business (CSB)

• Complete the CSB Course Planning Tool (approx. 30 min) before meeting with an advisor and registering.
• Instructions will be sent to your UNCW email 2-3 weeks before your registration date--complete it promptly to avoid delays.
• International students must complete the International Student Course Planning Tool.
• Questions? Email: csbadvising@uncw.edu

Center for Academic Advising (CAA)

• An academic advisor will contact you via UNCW email or phone before orientation--check for emails and calls (including restricted numbers).
• You must meet with an advisor to get your registration PIN. Delays in responding may affect your registration.
• To change your major, email: admissions@uncw.edu
• While waiting:
  • Review your degree program requirements.
  • Run a Degree Audit.

College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)

• Schedule your virtual advising session via Starfish (after April 15, 2025).
• Review your Degree Audit and use Starfish resources for assistance.
• Your advisor will hold Zoom office hours on registration day.
• Questions? Email: chhs@uncw.edu

College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (CHSSA)

• An academic advisor will contact you via UNCW email 1-2 weeks before registration--Be mindful that waiting until the day of registration to return emails or phone calls from the advisor may cause a delay in the registration of your courses.
• If you need to change your major, email: admissions@uncw.edu
• While waiting:
  • Review your DegreeWorks audit.
  • Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your program.
  • Learn about your department's opportunities online.

College of Science and Engineering (CSE)

• The CSE Academic Resource Center (ARC) will contact you at least one week before your registration date.
• Advisors assist with registration but are assigned after you register.
• If you do not receive an email three business days before registration, contact: csearc@uncw.edu.
• While waiting:
  • Review your DegreeWorks audit in mySeaport.
  • Explore CSE departments and programs to explore engagement opportunities.

Watson College of Education (WCE)

• An academic advisor will contact you at least one week before registration.
• While waiting:
  • Review program requirements and transfer equivalencies.
  • Run a Degree Audit instructions here.
  • Familiarize yourself with Starfish.
• If you have not heard from a WCE SSC representative three business days before orientation, email: watsonadvising@uncw.edu.

All refunds must be receiving in writing to the Transition Programs office at transitions@uncw.edu by the deadline noted in the Orientation Deadlines section. All refund requests must include:

• Student's name
• Student ID number (#850)
• What your refund is for (i.e., canceling a guest, student no longer attending UNCW, etc.)
• If you are canceling a guest, please include the guest's name

A refund will be issued to the credit/debit card used for the original payment within 10-12 days.

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.