Thursday, August 15, 2002

WILMINGTON, NC – The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is preparing for the start of a new academic year. On Aug. 17, campus housing opens. Between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday, approximately 900 UNCW faculty, staff and Wilmington community volunteers will help 2,106 freshmen and upperclassmen move into residence halls. Classes start Wednesday, Aug. 21.

UNCW’s Class of 2006 comprises approximately 1,600 freshmen with an average SAT of 1129; their mean high school GPA is 3.65. Last year, UNCW enrolled a record high of 2,000 freshmen. This year’s class reduction brings the university back into alignment with its operating budget. The university’s popularity and improved quality continues to lead an increased number of prospective students to apply to UNCW as their first-choice institution. This year, UNCW received more than 7,600 applications for the 1,600 freshmen openings.

New and returning students will discover a flurry of building activity underway on campus including construction of a 62,500-square-foot residence hall that, when completed, will house 263 students and an 82,000-square-foot facility that will house the Watson School of Education. The university’s major performance venue, the Sarah Graham Kenan Auditorium, is undergoing the first stage of renovations which involves improving handicap assess to the facility, new paint in the lobby and replacing the stage’s grand drape. In addition, the auditorium’s 35-year old chairs were removed; new seating will be installed starting Monday, Aug. 19. UNCW received $108 million from the November 2000 higher education facilities bond to construct three new classroom buildings as well as renovate eight existing structures. The university’s Office of Facilities provides updates on these capital projects via the Web site www.uncwil.edu/ba/projmap/projmap.htm.

Students can also take advantage of new academic offerings at the university. UNCW’s first doctoral program, leading to a Ph.D. in marine biology, accepted its inaugural enrollees. The university also added a post-baccalaureate certificate in environmental studies, Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and International Affairs, and minors in choral music and economics for non-business majors.

Entering students as well as upperclassmen were asked to read Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower as part of the university’s Common Reading Program, which was sponsored by the UNCW Campus Activities and Involvement Center. Instructors are encouraged to use the text in appropriate classes, seminars or other academic activities this semester in preparation for a lecture by Bruce Feiler, National Public Radio commentator and author of Walking the Bible. Feiler’s free, public talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Across the schools and colleges, UNCW added 28 new faculty members. In addition, a number of administrative changes took effect July 1: Dr. Paul Hosier was appointed interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Robert Roer, professor of biological sciences, was named interim dean of the Graduate School and Research; Dr. Kemille Moore, chair of the Department of Art and Theatre, assumed the directorship of the General College; Todd Berliner, professor of English, became head of the Film Studies Program; Dr. Donald Furst, professor of art, was named chair of the Department of Art and Theatre; and Dr. Karen Wetherill was named associate dean for organizational development and outreach in the Watson School of Education.

Returning students can participate in various activities held as part of UNCWelcome Week, an annual event sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs.

Note to the media: UNCWelcome Week, Move In and Kenan Auditorium renovations should provide several outstanding photo opportunities. For information on Move In, contact Dana McKoy at 910/962-7371. For information on UNCWelcome Week, contact the UNCW Campus Activities and Involvement Center at 910/962-3827. For more information on Kenan Auditorium enhancements, call Norman Bemelmans, director, at 910/962-3442.

UNCWelcome Week Events

Saturday, Aug. 17

UNCWelcome and picnic for parents and students, 4:30 p.m., Trask Coliseum.

Sunday, Aug. 18

Carnival on the University Commons at 7 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 19

The Ball Is in Your Court features Robyn Rodgers who will entertain students with her Globetrotter-like basketball skills at 5:30 p.m. in the Warwick Center.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

A drive-in movie at 9 p.m. in Lot K.

Thursday, Aug. 22

The Thirsty Tome, featuring readings by faculty staff and students, 6:30 p.m., Randall Library.

Friday, Aug. 23

The Minority Students’ Jam, 8 p.m. to midnight, Warwick Center, Center Stage Café.