Message from Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli
Dear Seahawk Community,
What a difference a day, a week or a month makes. When March began, we were looking forward to a gorgeous spring at UNCW, made even more special by significant annual events, including Business Week and Health and Human Services Week, as well as arts and theatre productions, guest lectures, community activities, sports and much more. As the coronavirus pandemic quickly spread across our nation and around the world, our focus shifted to collaborating with UNC System leadership, public health officials, and other government and community partners to embrace social distancing guidelines and do our part to "flatten the curve.” Now, like our peers at institutions around the world, UNCW is navigating the academic, operational, economic and cultural shifts brought about by the coronavirus.
Once again, UNCW faculty, students and staff have responded to adversity with integrity, innovation and the remarkable grace that defines the intrepid Seahawk spirit. The lessons our campus learned from Hurricane Florence in September 2018 are serving us well. Our great students have switched to online and alternate instruction with a commitment to continue learning that has inspired our entire campus community. The Class of 2020 accepted our heartbreaking decision to postpone May commencement ceremonies with sadness, yes, but also kindness and understanding. UNCW's extraordinary faculty and staff have been working countless hours to protect the safety of our students and employees, and the community overall, while also implementing ways to continue delivering a great education.
Seahawks, we are being challenged by an unprecedented situation, and as difficult as these times are, we will always find ways to soar. It is who we are as a campus, as individuals and as a community.
With best wishes for your health and safety,
