First-Year Orientation

Prepare to register for Orientation by reviewing the following information:

1. 1. Review Orientation Dates and Deadlines
   2. Determine how many guests you plan to bring to Orientation (max 2)

First Year Orientation is a required, 1-day program lasting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Orientation Registration Deadline: December 1 at 11:59 p.m.

Family and Guest Orientation runs simultaneously with the first-year student orientation. While families and guests are not required to attend Orientation, it is highly encouraged for students to bring at least one guest. Due to space limitations, students are limited to two guests. 

Guests must be added to the Orientation registration when students select their dates. See below for family and guest orientation fees. 

Learn more about the Family & Guest Orientation experience 

Once you've reviewed the Orientation information above, you're ready to register! 

1. Log into your Applicant Status Portal.
2. Pay the student orientation registration fee.
3. Select your orientation date and register for any add-ons, including family and guest attendees.
4. Request any accessibility accommodations or dietary needs on your orientation registration.
5. Check your email for the final payment link to pay for any add-ons.

The orientation fee includes but is not limited to rental fees, technology fees, credit card fees, orientation software, student and staff payroll, printed materials, parking, and office operations and supplies.

In addition to the items above, the student fee includes a teal t-shirt, and a lanyard. Guests 18+ will receive a tote bag, a family guide and calendar, a pen, and a Wilmington guide.

Requests for accommodations can be submitted through your Orientation registration on the orientation registration site.

Accessibility Accommodations

Students or guests who need reasonable accommodations during orientation can make a request to the Office of Transition Programs. Please make your request at least 7 days prior to your orientation date.

Dietary Restrictions

During orientation, students will eat at the Shore Dining Hall and guests will eat at the Hawk's Nest*. Vegetarian, Vegan, and gluten-free options are available at each meal time. 

*Not all Hawk's Nest locations are available for Orientation. Available locations will be listed on your Orientation schedule received at check-in. 

Additional dietary restrictions should be included in your Orientation registration.

All changes and refund requests must be submitted in writing by submitting the appropriate request form in the Applicant Status Portal.

Adding and Removing Guests

Guests can be added or removed from your registration until 7 days prior to your session date (see refund fee schedule above). 

On-site registration for guests is subject to space availability and is not guaranteed. A $15 late registration fee will be added to any on-site registrations.

Session Change Requests

Students can request a session date change up to 7 days prior to their originally scheduled date. Date changes are not confirmed until written notification is received from Transition Programs. Date changes occurring within 7 days of your original date will incur a $25 change fee.

Refund Requests

All refunds must be requested 7 days prior to your session date. The refund, minus a $5 processing fee, will be applied to your original form of payment. Requests made within 7 days of your session will not be granted.

After you register for Orientation, you'll complete a few key steps before attending your in-person Orientation session: 

1. 1. Make your travel arrangements
   2. Complete your All About Academics Modules
   3. Register for Classes

Flying into Wilmington

ILM International Airport is by far the closest and most convenient airport located about 15-20 minutes from campus. 

If flying into MYR, RDU or other airports, please make flight arrangements that accommodate the additional driving time and allow you to attend the full session. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted. 

Where to Stay

Students and guests attending orientation who require overnight accommodations are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements. We encourage attendees to plan ahead and secure off-campus accommodations that best meet their needs. 

Looking for a local hotel? Connect with our orientation sponsors who've partnered to offer special discounts for Seahawk families!

Learn More

Prior to class registration, you must complete the required All About Academics Modules.

The All About Academics modules will provide information on your degree program and academic requirements. 

Modules will be available in your Applicant Status Portal checklist. 

Steps for a Successful Registration

Ready to register for your classes? Follow these steps and important deadlines to make sure you’re prepared, complete your requirements, and register on time.

1. Sign up for orientation by December 1.
2. Complete your All About Academics modules by December 4 at 11:59 p.m. 
3. Register for classes when your time ticket opens on December 8 at 10 a.m.
4. Complete course registration no later than January 6.
5. Check your UNCW email daily for registration details, tips, and the schedule of virtual drop-in hours for additional questions.

If you need additional support during registration, optional Advisor Zoom drop-ins will be available December 8-11. Please refer to the All About Academic modules for more information regarding times and the Zoom link.

**Note: If you do not complete your All About Academics modules by December 4, a hold will be placed on your account, preventing registration.

Things to Know for Registration

It may take up to 24 hours for your Enrollment Checklist to show a green check mark after you complete the modules. You will not receive an automatic email when finished.

• Refer back to your modules for information on course registration and major courses.
• Use DegreeWorks in MySeaport to identify University Studies courses.
• Advisors will email students with class schedule feedback December 14-18. Delaying registration or failing to register for your First-Year Seminar (UNI 101, EGN 101+UNI 102, or HON110) will delay advisor feedback.

IMPORTANT: Your in-person orientation is still required. If you do not attend your orientation date, your schedule will be dropped.