Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Returning Students

Undergraduate Admissions

If you previously attended UNCW as a degree-seeking student and have either graduated or been away for two or more consecutive semesters, you will apply as a re-enrolling student.

Find out more about the re-enrolling application process, the Special Readmission Policy, and the Academic Reinstatement Process.

Who is a Returning Student?

If you left the University of North Carolina Wilmington for one semester, AND your grade point average was above retention level when you left, then you do not need to submit a re-enrollment application. Students are on leave of absence if they do not attend the university for one semester and return the following semester, excluding summer sessions.

Students who graduated from UNCW need to submit a re-enrollment application if interested in taking additional undergraduate courses, regardless of time away.

If you previously attended UNCW as a visiting student and are now interested in completing an undergraduate degree through UNCW you will need to apply as a transfer student.

Application Process
Deadlines
After You're Admitted

Re-Enrolling Application Process

  1. Apply Online: You can apply online through the UNCW Application Portal.
  2. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable $80 application fee, unless you have previously graduated from UNCW with an Undergraduate degree. If you previously graduated with a Bachelor's degree from UNCW, your application fee will be waived. Qualifying students can request an application fee waiver using the Fee Waiver Request Form.
  3. Request Transcripts: Request official transcript(s) from all colleges and/or universities attended since you last attended UNCW. (You must have maintained a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale on all work attempted at other institutions). You do not need to submit a transcript from UNCW.

All items can be submitted electronically to admissions@uncw.edu or mailed to:

University of North Carolina Wilmington
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
601 S College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403 - 5904

Note: Returning students must complete the residency determination process before applying for re-enrollment.

Application Deadlines

  • Summer Sessions: May 1
  • Fall Semester: July 15
  • Spring Semester: November 15

Registration for Returning Students

In order to register for classes you must first meet with an academic advisor.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences should contact their major department to make an appointment with an academic advisor. Students in the Cameron School of Business, Watson College of Education, and College of Health and Human Services, should contact their college/school to make an appointment with an academic advisor. Students who have not declared a major should contact University College and speak with an academic advisor.

Students with questions about their academic status or regaining eligibility should contact the college or school of their major.

Please check SeaNet for your registration times and status as well as class schedule information.

Special Readmission Policy

Although the traditional policy for readmission is the norm, the university recognizes that individuals can gain personal and intellectual maturity over a period of years. Hence, any former UNCW degree-seeking student may apply for special readmission provided the student has been out of UNCW for a minimum of three years. Special readmission may be granted only at the time of application for readmission. Special readmission status, once granted, may not be changed, and will have the following academic consequences:

  1. Degree requirements for the student granted special readmission would be those in effect at the time the student re-enrolls, not those in place when the student left UNCW.
  2. The student’s original academic record will remain on the transcript and the student will only receive academic credit for those courses with C (2.00) or better.
  3. The student’s grade point average will reset to 0.0, and will be calculated only for those courses taken after re-enrollment.
  4. The student will return to UNCW in good academic standing.
  5. The student will retain all grade repeat options (which will not exceed three-course repeats for credit). The student’s course withdrawal bank will not be impacted by this policy.
  6. The student will be ineligible for Latin graduation honors.

Previously Academically Ineligible or Dismissed

If you were declared academically ineligible or dismissed when you last attended UNCW, the University Committee on Academic Reinstatement must review your re-enrolling application.

In addition to the application, you must also submit the following items for review by the Committee on Academic Reinstatement:

  • A one-page Academic Personal Statement that addresses issues affecting your previous academic performance, actions taken while away from the university to improve and strengthen your academic abilities, and how your performance will be different upon your return. The Academic Personal Statement can be submitted to the Office of Admissions at admissions@uncw.edu.
  • An Academic Plan of courses to be taken immediately and over the following semesters. You will need to meet with your academic advisor or associate dean at UNCW to develop the academic plan. Include your full name, UNCW student ID number and current mailing address. The Academic Plan can be submitted electronically to admissions@uncw.edu (Word or PDF document) or faxed to 910.962.3038.

Join the UNCW Mailing List

Receive information about upcoming admissions events, important deadlines, and an inside look into life as a Seahawk.

Sign Up
top