Saturday, August 13, 2016

UNC Wilmington welcomed its newest Seahawks during its annual UNCWelcome program. “UNCWelcome: Jump In 2016” kicked off with Move-In Day on Aug. 13. More than 1,860 campus and community volunteers assisted approximately 2,120 first-year and transfer students moving into on-campus residence halls.

Move-In, a beloved UNCW tradition, is special because of the community’s involvement in welcoming new students to campus, said Peter Groenendyk, director of Housing and Residence Life.

UNCWelcome provides students with engaging social activities and informative events to help them become acclimated to their new community and prepare them for a successful academic year. It also allows students to get involved from the moment they set foot on campus, noted Jon Kapell, Director for Campus Activities & Involvement.  

“UNCWelcome offers so many programs that students across the campus cannot help but get engaged and involved,” he said. “By getting involved, students make UNCW their new home. We want all students to be part of our Seahawk Nation and leave this place better when they found it once they graduate.”

The nearly 120 UNCWelcome programs encompass various events, providing something for everyone, he added. “It’s hard to be bored at UNCW and we are going to make that so much more difficult by offering all kinds of activities!”
Convocation, the university’s official academic welcome, is slated for Monday, Aug. 15 at Trask Coliseum. First-year students will meet at the clock tower for a class photo and the unveiling of the Class of 2020 flag. Incoming transfer students will then join them for their first “Trask Trek.” The formal ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome by Provost Marilyn Sheerer and comments by Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. Herb Berg, professor in international studies, will be the featured speaker. 

Other signature events include the Beach Blast on Tuesday, Aug. 16, and fireworks celebrating the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

--Venita Jenkins

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