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Building a Future-Ready Network at UNCW

We have begun the most ambitious network refresh in UNCW’s history! This initiative is focused on improving availability, strengthening security and building a modern infrastructure that supports the evolving needs of our students, faculty and staff. 

The multi-year effort is already underway and is expected to be completed in 2027. 

We are currently in Phase 1. As our work progresses, we update the schedule. Check back regularly to stay informed and see what’s coming next.

Phase 1 (2025): Enhanced Wireless in Residence Halls

Students will see a noticeable improvement in connectivity where they live and gather. A redesigned wireless layout brings access points closer to rooms, creating a stronger, more consistent signal throughout each building.

This improvement directly benefits laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and smart devices, while also addressing coverage issues in hallways and common areas.

Learn more about Phase 1

Phase 2 & 3: Upgrades Across Campus Buildings

Beyond the residence halls, academic and administrative buildings are also part of the refresh. Upgraded components will improve performance for teaching, research and university operations. ITS is also evaluating the expansion of Wi-Fi into outdoor spaces to support a more connected experience across the full campus footprint.

Learn more about Phase 2 & 3

Phase 4 (Future): New & Renovated Buildings

Newer buildings, such as Discovery Hall and King Hall, which were recently constructed or renovated and already have up-to-date network infrastructure, are not included in the current three-year refresh plan. These buildings will be added to a future rolling schedule to ensure continued network excellence.

We are also assessing the need for expanded Wi-Fi coverage in outdoor areas, further extending the reach and reliability of campus connectivity.

Strategic Vendor Evaluation

To ensure the best long-term fit for UNCW, we conducted a thorough review of leading network vendors. The evaluation focused on:

  • Performance and reliability
  • Scalability for future growth
  • Cost-effectiveness

After careful analysis, we selected a vendor whose solution aligns with UNCW’s commitment to innovation, seamless user experience, and infrastructure that supports future-ready operations.

Project Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 - 2025: Residence Halls

Focused on student living spaces, this phase introduces a significant increase in wireless access points, providing faster and more reliable internet access in dorm rooms. 

As our work progresses, we update the schedule. Check back regularly to stay informed and see what’s coming next.

  • Belk Hall
  • Cornerstone Hall
  • Graham Hall
  • Hewlett Hall
  • Innovation House
  • Keystone House
  • Schwartz Hall
  • Seahawk Crossing
  • Seahawk Landing
  • Seahawk Village & Clubhouse
  • University Suites & Suite Services

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

  • Building 5: 8-10 a.m.
  • Building 4: 10 a.m.-noon

Wednesday, Sept. 3

  • Building 3: 8-10 a.m.
  • Building 2: 10 a.m.-noon

Thursday, Sept. 4

  • Building 1: 8-10 a.m.

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Monday, Sept. 8

  • Building 1: 8-10 a.m.
  • Building 2: 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

  • Building 3: 8-10 a.m.
  • Building 4: 1-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

  • Building 5: 8-10 a.m.
  • Building 6: 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 11

  • Building 7: 8-10 a.m.

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Monday, Sept. 15

  • Seahawk Crossing Building 1: 8 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, Sept. 16

  • Seahawk Crossing Building 2: 8 a.m.-noon

Wednesday, Sept. 17

  • Seahawk Crossing Building 3: 8 a.m.-noon

Thursday, Sept. 18

  • Seahawk Crossing Building 4: 8 a.m.-noon

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Monday, Sept. 22

  • Belk: 8 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, Sept. 23

  • Graham: 8 a.m.-noon

Wednesday, Sept. 24

  • Hewlett: 8 a.m.-noon

Thursday, Sept. 25

  • Schwartz: 8 a.m.-noon

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Monday, Sept. 29

  • Cornerstone: 8 a.m.-noon

Tuesday, Sept. 30

  • Innovation: 8 a.m.-noon

Wednesday, Oct. 1

  • Keystone: 8 a.m.-noon

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date.

Note: Our team will need to enter student living spaces to complete these upgrades. Updates will start at 9 a.m. and are expected to take around 30 minutes per area.

Thursday, Oct. 9

  • Suites and Suites Services: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wired connections will be upgraded during this timeframe. Wireless upgrades will take place at a future date. These updates will cause brief outages in the affected areas.

Friday, Oct. 10

  • Seahawk Village Clubhouse: 8-11 a.m.*
  • Seahawk Crossing Building 2: 1-3 p.m.**
Notes:
  • *Seahawk Village Clubhouse Upgrade: This will cause a temporary outage for all of Seahawk Village and Seahawk Landing, lasting about 15 minutes.
  • **Seahawk Crossing Building 2 Upgrade: This will cause a temporary outage for all Seahawk Crossing buildings, lasting about 15 minutes

Phase 2 - 2026: Academic Buildings

Upgrades across classrooms and labs will enhance teaching and research capabilities for students and faculty.

  • Almkuist/Nixon Sports Medicine Building
  • Bear Hall
  • Cameron Hall
  • Center for Marine Science
  • Coastal Engineering
  • Cultural Arts Building
  • Congdon Hall
  • Deloach Hall
  • Dobo Hall
  • Friday Annex & Oriole Burevitch Laboratory
  • Friday Hall & PPH Lab
  • Kenan Hall
  • Leutze Hall
  • McNeill Hall
  • Morton Hall
  • Sartarelli Hall
  • Sayed Hall
  • Teaching Laboratory Building
  • University Film Center
  • Veterans Hall

Phase 3 - 2027: Administrative Areas

Improvements in these spaces will support staff operations and university services.

  • 626 MacMillan Dr. / Youth Programs
  • Academic Support/Purchasing
  • Admin Annex
  • Alderman Hall
  • Boseman Field, Brooks Field, and Recreational Field Complex
  • Burney Center
  • Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)
  • DePaolo Hall
  • Fisher Field House
  • Fisher Student Center
  • Fisher University Union
  • Hoggard Hall
  • Housekeeping Building
  • Housing & Residence Life
  • Housing Warehouse
  • James Hall
  • Kenan Auditorium
  • Kenan House, Wise House, Carriage House
  • Office of University Relations
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
  • Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center
  • Physical Plant
  • Randall Hall
  • Telecom
  • The Hub Dining Facility
  • The Shore Dining Facility
  • Trask Coliseum, Hanover Hall, Nixon Annex, Allen Natatorium
  • Truist Hall
  • University Police Headquarters
  • Wagoner Hall
  • Warwick Center