UNCW is preparing to welcome the largest first-year class in university history this week. The 2023-24 academic school year will begin with the traditional freshmen move-in days, followed by a series of signature back-to-school events known as UNCWelcome.
“We are poised and ready to welcome our new and returning students to an exciting and dynamic year ahead,” said James J. Winebrake, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We had a banner summer as we welcomed three new deans, finalized a 10-year strategic plan and officially launched two new colleges, all of which will further our mission to support student success.”
According to preliminary figures, more than 2,500 students make up the Class of 2027. These brand-new Seahawks will live in university residence halls for the next two years, along with another 2,500 on-campus residents, including a mix of upperclassmen, transfers, and international and graduate students.
Meanwhile, the total number of new students enrolled for the fall semester tops 5,000—this estimate includes both on- and off-campus new students. The official count will be finalized in late September.
UNCWelcome kicks off with two move-in days on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 18 and 19, and wraps up on Sunday, Sept. 24, with Family Weekend. The six-week, university-wide initiative led by Campus Life is designed to help new and returning students learn about resources and find ways to engage.
“The UNCWelcome events and activities do more than just give students things to do in their spare time,” said Darion Bayles ’19M, assistant director for Campus Activities & Programs. “These events serve as opportunities for all students to get involved, make connections and build their sense of belonging to truly feel like they are at home on our campus.”
UNCWelcome Signature Events:
Dub After Dark, Saturday, Aug. 19, 8-11 p.m., Fisher Student Center
Class of 2027 Photo, Monday, Aug 21, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Seahawk Quad
Convocation, Monday, Aug 21, 11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m., Trask Coliseum
All-Campus Lunch, Aug. 21, 12:30-2 p.m., Hoggard Lawn
Rock the Rec, Monday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m., Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center
Beach Blast, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Wrightsville Beach
Meet the Greeks Block Party, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 4:30-6 p.m., Seahawk Quad
First Year Friday, Friday, Aug. 25, 6-9 p.m., Seahawk Quad
Involvement Carnival, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. -2 p.m., Campus Commons
All events and registration are available for UNCW students only. Complete details can be found on Wavelink or by downloading WaveLink's mobile-app companion, CORQ.
Traffic, Parking Reminders for Campus and Community: On Aug. 18-19, heavy traffic congestion on campus and S. College Road is expected between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Please obey all signage and volunteers directing traffic. With UNCWelcome events continuing for several weeks, increased traffic and high demand for parking on campus are expected through Sept. 24. Parking areas closest to event venues may sometimes be at capacity, requiring patrons to park further away and walk. Your patience, cooperation and attention to safety are greatly appreciated as we start a new academic year. For parking-related questions or assistance, call 910.962.3178; email parking@uncw.edu; or visit UNCW Parking Portal.
Parking Permit Reminder for Permit Holders: Please ensure you have a current parking permit in the Parking Portal, as a permit is required to park on campus. It is important that you begin to park according to your permit as soon as possible to avoid further parking demand and congestion issues. See Parking & Transportation for more information.
This article has the following tags: myUNCW