Monday, August 07, 2017

Seventy years after welcoming its first class of 238 students, its UNCW’s “Time to Soar” for its annual UNCWelcome program. Before the official start of classes on Aug. 16, UNCW has a host of events to get Seahawk Nation full of school spirit.

“Every fall, we have much to celebrate, particularly with this being our 70^th anniversary year,” said Jon Kapell, director for campus activities and involvement. “We invite the campus community to begin this new academic year by participating in as many meaningful and exciting activities as possible and make new friends while they’re at it.”

Few places do “Move-In” the way UNCW does. On Saturday, Aug. 12, more than 2,000 campus and community volunteers will assist approximately 2,100 first-year and transfer students in getting set up in campus residence halls. One of UNCW’s longest-standing traditions, volunteers will have each student’s belongings from their car to their room in a matter of minutes.

Other noted UNCWelcome events include:

Monday, Aug. 14
10 a.m.
Convocation and Class Picture
Trask Coliseum
UNCW’s official academic welcome for all new students. Faculty-led student groups will discuss how to be a successful Seahawk, then students will convene at the clock tower for the unveiling of the Class of 2021 flag and a class photo. Students will then “Trek to Trask” Coliseum for the formal ceremony. Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli, Provost Marilyn Sheerer and Jack Hall, professor and assistant chair of environmental sciences, are among the speakers. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a picnic for students, faculty and staff on Hoggard Lawn. 

Wednesday, Aug. 16
8 p.m.
Fireworks Extravaganza
Gazebo Recreation Area
What better way to wrap the first day of classes than with a concert and fireworks? Atlanta-based alt-pop band Stokeswood will start things off at 8 p.m. with fireworks slated to begin at 9 p.m. In the event of rain, the fireworks will be cancelled and the concert moved to the Warwick Center Ballroom.

Wednesday, Aug. 23 
10 a.m.
Involvement Carnival
Campus Commons
A showcase of involvement opportunities on campus and in the Wilmington community. The rain date is Aug. 30.

A full listing of all UNCWelcome events is available online.

--Caroline Cropp

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