Where can I find a calendar that tells me when classes start or end?

The university maintains an academic calendar that details important dates in the academic year. If there are any changes to the calendar, it will be highlighted with red letters. Although inclement weather may affect the calendar, it is the place to find out when there are holiday breaks and final exams scheduled.

Where do I locate the academic catalogue? Why do I need to know about the academic catalogue?

The academic catalogue is available online. The catalogues present information that, at the time of preparation, most accurately describes the course offerings, faculty listings, policies, procedures, regulations and requirements of the university.

What is the First-Year Seminar?

The First-Year Seminar is a three-credit University Studies course that is required of all freshmen in their first semester. Its purpose is to support new students as they integrate into UNCW and into the college experience.

What is a learning community?

UNCW's Cornerstone Learning Communities (CLC) motto is "Live to Learn...Learn to Live." As a participant, you live and take most of your classes in Cornerstone Hall with the same small group of students. You will have a lot in common with the other students in your learning community because the courses you take together will be linked. ExCELis a learning community for first-year students that combines academic and co-curricular experiences designed to cultivate the diverse knowledge and skills that students will need to become engaged in their educational, local and global communities.

How do I know how many credits or hours I have?

A degree audit can assist in letting you know how many credits or hours you have taken and how many are remaining. A sample audit--with explanations highlighted--can help explain how to read a degree audit. Other degree audit information is available on the Registrar's website.

How do I calculate my GPA?

Here is a worksheet (PDF) on the University College website that you may find handy when calculating your GPA.

Can I drop classes? How do I go about dropping a course?

You can drop and add classes on SeaNet any time during the first week of the semester. You should talk to your academic advisor in the University College about changing your schedule. Remember that you need at least 12 credit hours to be a full-time student. After the first week of classes you can still withdraw from a class, but you will receive a grade of “W,” indicating that you began the class but did not finish it. Again, you should talk to an academic advisor about any changes to your schedule.

What does it mean to withdraw from a course? How do I go about withdrawing?

When you withdraw from a course through SeaNet, it remains part of your academic record. Instead of a regular grade, a “W” (or “WF”) will be posted for that course on your transcript. A “W” has no impact on your GPA, although the course does count as hours attempted. A “WF” would be calculated into your GPA just as a grade of “F” would be; hours count as GPA hours. The university deadline for withdrawing from a course is posted on the university academic calendar and falls approximately 7 weeks after classes begin in the fall and spring semesters (and a shorter period during summer sessions). This time period is much shorter for summer sessions. Prior to the withdrawal deadline, you can withdraw from one or more classes via SeaNet. However, it is not possible to withdraw from all your courses via SeaNet. If you wish to withdraw from all courses for a given semester prior to the withdrawal deadline must report to the Office of the Dean of Students to complete the necessary form.

How can I find out more about using Blackboard LEARN?

There is a UNCW Blackboard LEARN tutorial that is available within SkillPort. This tutorial may be assigned to you by your professor and reports may be generated to track your progress. Blackboard also provides on-demand videos for students at http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm.

How do I log in to Blackboard?

At the Office of E-Learning, there are instructions on Blackboard and how to log on. Keep in mind, if you are taking an online course, you need to understand how the technology works, as well as keeping up with the coursework and assignments. If you have any questions or concerns about taking an online course, please consult with your instructor.

What is TIMMY file storage and how does it work?

All students have a TIMMY file folder for storing up to 20 MB of data. It can be accessed on or off campus and is secure! View instructions here on how to access your TIMMY folder.

How do I use SharePoint at UNCW?

SharePoint is a collaboration software solution to assist faculty, staff and students with group communication. This service provides many enhanced features such as document management, online calendars, blogs, wikis, team discussions and much more. All students have a "My Site" in SharePoint. You can customize this site to your personal preferences. Details and how-tos on SharePoint here.

What is a degree audit? Where do I get it?

A degree audit provides you and your advisor with an analysis of degree requirements for a particular degree, major, minor or certificate program. The audit is a tool to assist you and your advisor in monitoring your progress towards a degree and planning future coursework. The degree audit is not an official document of your academic record. Check out the website for the Office of the Registrar, which has a list of frequently asked questions about degree audits.

How do I view my grades? Can my parents see my grades?

Information about accessing your grades and academic standing may be found on the University College website. Grades can be viewed on SeaNet by following this sequence: SeaNet > Student Services and Financial Aid > Student Records > Final Grades > Select Term. Paper grades are not mailed home. You can view your grades as they are posted. Students will be able to see their GPA on their academic transcript in SeaNet. Due to FERPA, which is the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act, your parents cannot have access to your educational records without your written permission.

Who is my advisor?

As a freshman, you can check your SeaNet account to learn who your academic advisor is and contact information. You are encouraged to make an appointment right away to get to know your advisor. To schedule this appointment, you may call the University College at 910-962-3245 or e-mail uc@uncw.edu with this and other questions.

When do I get an advisor, go for advising and sign up for classes?

University College provides academic advising for all first-year students and sophomores who have not declared a major. You should meet with your advisor sometime during the first three weeks of the fall semester to discuss educational goals, schedule changes, or other issues. Then plan to meet with your advisor in October for spring semester registration and in March for summer and fall registrations. Your academic advisor will give you a special PIN that will allow you to use SEANET to register.

What classes from high school will transfer AP credit?

The Office of the Registrar has a detailed list of AP courses and the minimum test scores required for credit to transfer.

Where can I find a campus map?

An interactive map and a PDF map are available on the UNCW website. There is also a campus tour free iPhone app available for download.

What are the hours of operation for Randall Library and what is in the library (besides books)?

Check the Randall Library website for updated opening and closing times. The library provides quiet places to study, as well as iPrint stations to print from. The Technology Assistance Center (TAC) is located in the library and offers laptops to check out and use in the library. If you need to find your course reserves, the library can help provide those too. Check out the library map to discover more amenities, including a place to buy coffee or read a newspaper.

How do I get help with my paper/math/class?

The University Learning Center, located on the first floor of DePaolo Hall, provides peer tutoring academic support. Work with a writing tutor on a paper, meet weekly with a learning tutor, or drop in at the Math Lab to talk with a math tutor. The Supplemental Instruction program, which provides large group tutoring for particular classes, is based out of the ULC office.

How do I make an appointment at the University Learning Center?

To make an appointment, visit the ULC website (if you are on campus) or call 910-962-7857 (if you are off campus). There are three ways to get help from a writing tutor: set a Writing Center appointment, submit your paper online, or drop in at the Writing Lab. Math tutoring is available on a walk-in basis during Math Lab hours. Learning Services tutors for University Studies courses are available by appointment only. If there is no tutor on staff for that particular course, come to our office to start a tutor search. Supplemental Instruction sessions are offered weekly and any student in the supported courses can drop in to any of these sessions.

What is mySeaport and how do I access it?

Quicklinks from the homepage can direct you to the log-in page for mySeaport. You can access numerous academic and social features all from one place, as well as personalizing your portal environment with the information and services you need for success at UNCW. Here is a video that can help you navigate mySeaport.

Can I access Blackboard from mySeaport?

Yes, you may log in to Blackboard from mySeaport or through https://learn.uncw.edu

What is SkillPort computer based training (CBT) and Books24x7?

SkillPort CBT offers numerous FREE online training courses and a huge collection of online technology, business and reference books. To access, log in to mySeaport and click on the SkillPort CBT icon (conveniently located on the upper left corner of the home page). Once on the site, you may use the "Search & Learn" feature to search for topics. You may also click on "Books 24x7" in the upper right corner to view the numerous books. More instructions here.

Where and how can I buy my textbooks?

The UNCW Bookstore makes finding and renting/purchasing your books easier because your professors (besides telling you which textbooks to buy) let the bookstore know which edition of what textbook to order. You can buy the books online or visit the bookstore in Fisher Student Center. The cost of textbooks varies, depending on what classes you take and what your instructor requires. Having a Seahawk Buck$ account turns your UNCW One Card into a debit card, which can be used at the bookstore.

What is the bookstore's TRP?

The Textbook Reserve Program (TRP) ensures that you have all your textbooks. The program reserves textbooks according to your class schedule simply by depositing a minimal amount into your Seahawk Buck$ account.

Can I use Seahawk Buck$ at the bookstore?

Yes, creating a Seahawk Buck$ account turns your UNCW One Card into a debit card, which can be used at the bookstore.

What if the weather is bad and I can’t get to class? What happens if there is an emergency event?

The Office of Environmental Health & Safety can help address any concerns you may have about what to do in the event of bad weather or an emergency event. It's a good idea to check email or the UNCW home page before heading to class. And don't forget to sign up for emergency text alerts by logging onto mySeaport and clicking on "Register to Receive UNCW Emergency Texts” on the home tab under "Emergency Information."