Use of the letters "UNCW" in a graphic design is protected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Since the registration is designed to protect the use of the letters as university identification, a designer has artistic license in using the letters in a design.
With that license, the university expects a tasteful design to positively reflect on the university.
All usages of the UNCW letters in a graphic design require the approval of the Office of University Relations. When used as text in a document, the ® is not required.