Friday, July 01, 2016

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has been selected for inclusion in the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2017, which highlights the nation’s “best and most interesting” colleges and universities.

“We know UNCW is special, but its selection for the Fiske Guide is particularly noteworthy,” said Provost Marilyn Sheerer. “UNCW is known for excellence in its degree programs, a beautiful campus, and an inclusive environment that allows students to explore a variety of interests with strong support from faculty and fellow students.”

Among the attributes highlighted in UNCW’s entry are solid specialized academic programs such as marine science, film studies and creative writing; study-abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries; the ETEAL program (Experiencing Transformative Education Through Applied Learning); a commitment to help students from lower-income families get through college without incurring significant debt; and programs that aid the transition from high school to college.

The guide also contains observations from students at each institution to help prospective students learn “the real personality” of the featured colleges and universities. UNCW students praised the collaborative learning environment and cited many features they love about being Seahawks, including:

“You don’t get into college by slacking off and not caring about academics. What sets UNCW apart is the true welcoming spirit of all those who choose to make UNCW their home.”

“The teaching is superb.”

“Our university places a large emphasis on lab and field work.”

“There are so many organizations on our campus that it is hard not to get involved.”

“Seahawk basketball is huge!”

Compiled by former New York Times education editor Edward B. Fiske, the Fiske Guide is a selective look at a fraction of the more than 2,200 institutions in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Inclusion is based first and foremost on academic quality, but the Fiske team also considers such factors as the presence of signature programs, social life and overall quality of student life.

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The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is consistently recognized at a national level for academic excellence and affordability. UNCW is dedicated to learning through the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. A public institution with over 14,000 students, the university is widely acknowledged for its superb faculty and staff and a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry, critical thinking, thoughtful expression and responsible citizenship. UNCW offers an array of high-quality programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels, and doctoral programs in marine biology, educational leadership, psychology and nursing practice. The university is dedicated to offering a community rich in diversity and inclusion, global perspectives, and enriching the quality of life through scholarly community engagement in such areas as health, education, the economy, the environment, marine and coastal issues, and the arts.