Volume 16, Issue 2
Spring 2014
In this issue:
 Upcoming FLASH!
 Commencement
 Graduation Stressors
 Off Campus Housing
 Health Fair & Farmer’s Market
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Spring Adventure Trips
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Spring Events
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
SAVE THE DATE!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UNIVERSITY CALENDAR
With this issue, we say a fond farewell to SPLASH….and in its place we are preparing our newlydesigned, web-based family newsletter, FLASH. FLASH (Families Learning About Seahawk
Happenings) will premier this fall with several new features of interest to keep you abreast of what
affects your student Seahawks! All those currently receiving SPLASH will automatically receive
FLASH.
Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the graduating class. If you have a
student graduating, here is important information to help the celebration be fun for everyone! There will be four
(4) official Commencement ceremonies for UNCW spring 2014 -- two on Friday, May 9 and two on Saturday,
May 10.
DATE
COLLEGE/SCHOOL
CEREMONY
Friday, May 9
Cameron School of Business
2:00 p.m.
Friday, May 9
Watson College of Education
5:30 p.m.
College of Health and Human Services
Saturday, May 10
Sciences, Humanities, & Graduate Liberal Studies in the College of Arts &
Sciences
9:30 a.m.
Biology & Marine Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science,
Creative Writing, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Languages &
Literatures, Geography & Geology, Graduate Liberal Studies, History,
International Studies Program, Math & Statistics, Philosophy & Religion,
and Physics & Physical Oceanography
Saturday, May 10
Creative Arts & Social Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology, Art & Art History, Communication Studies, Film Studies,
Music, Psychology, Public & International Affairs, Sociology &
Criminology, and Theatre
1:00 p.m.
Office of Transition Programs
Seahawk Parents Learning About Student Happenings
Other pertinent information for families:
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Tickets are not required for family and friends to attend any Commencement ceremony. Seating is
available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
Undergraduates, master's, and doctoral candidates participate in the ceremony with which their major is
associated. Double majors have a choice to attend one or both of the appropriate commencement
ceremonies.
Graduates should be in Hanover Gym one hour before their Commencement ceremony begins. Trask
Coliseum will open to guests for seating one hour before each ceremony begins.
Handicapped parking will be available to those who have a state issued handicapped parking pass.
Special seating is available on the first floor for guests with physical impairments.
Guests who need the sign language interpreter services should go to the front of the bleachers on the lower
level of Trask Coliseum.
A photographer will be taking pictures during the ceremony. Details will be sent to the graduate’s email
and mailing addresses with information on how to order pictures. Additionally, Commencement DVDs
are available through the Office of Alumni Relations. An order form will be on the back of the program
and they may be ordered online.
If your student is an Onslow Extension student, please visit the Onslow Extension Site
Graduation webpage for specific information.
If you have any additional questions about Commencement, please contact the Office of
Transition Programs at 910.962.3089, transitions@uncw.edu, or at
www.uncw.edu/transitions/commencement.
Graduation Stressors
By: Rebecca McConn, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist & Outreach Coordinator, Counseling Center
Although graduation is an exciting and proud time, it can also involve many stressors that occur both before and
after graduation. Freedom from general coursework, deadlines, and instructors can be relieving while experiencing
the new stress of what will be a new life. In order to support your student during this process, it is important to
understand stressors that arise throughout the graduation process.
Common stressors before graduation include:
 Deciding on post-graduate plans
 Taking standardized tests
 Preparing graduate school applications
 Finances
 Preparing your resume
 Interviews
Common stressors after graduation include:
 Adjusting to a new environment
 Leaving friends and family
 Meeting new people
 Feeling as if you are not in control
 Coping with your decisions
 Feeling unsupported
What can you do to help?
Keep Things in Perspective
Your student is not the first student to feel anxious or stressed about life after graduation.
Students may not have an answer to the question “what now?” and asking this question
consistently may add to their stress. Your student may be experiencing some difficulty
adjusting to his or her new life. Encourage your student to share feelings. Sharing your
feelings from similar experiences may also provide validation for the student.
Provide Encouragement and Support
Your student may have difficulty staying positive while dealing with the difficulties that arise before and after
graduation. Students will need some support following graduation. You may feel as if you need to solve problems
for your student but avoid this urge. Advice should be offered when asked. Imposing an opinion may cause the
student to feel pressured to make certain choices. Let the student know you have confidence in his or her abilities.
Providing reassurance through emails, texts, or phone calls is helpful.
UNCW has many resources available to assist your student in continued success after graduation. Educate
yourself and have discussions with your student about these resources. For resources related to stress and anxiety
management, please visit our website at www.uncw.edu/counseling .
Off-Campus Housing Website
By: The PERCH
As the spring semester begins to come to a close, you and your student might be thinking about living options for
the next academic year. The PERCH website, www.uncw.edu/offcampushousing, is a great place to start your
search for off-campus living options as well as roommates. By registering as a guest or logging in with
MySeaport, you are able gain access to the many helpful resources this website provides. You can search for offcampus housing with the option to filter the results by lease length, number of bedrooms, price, and location to
campus in order to get the best possible fit for your student. The apartments listed on the website are independent
and not endorsed by the University. The only housing that is directly connected to UNCW is on-campus housing,
which you can learn more about at www.uncw.edu/housing. If your student wishes to live with a roommate, there
is a tab where they can create a profile and search for other students who would be a good match for them.
Utilizing the resources from this website will make your search for off-campus housing easy and stress free. If you
have questions regarding the website or off-campus housing, please contact The PERCH at (910) 962-3119.
UNCW Health Fair & Farmer’s Market
By: Taylor Hudson, Health Promotion Peer Educator
UNCW’s Health Promotion is excited to announce that your Seahawk will be able to attend the second annual
Health Fair and Farmer’s Market on Thursday, April 10 from 10:00am to 3:00pm in the Warwick Center. The
Health Fair brings in hundreds of students for a fun-filled day with on and off campus health organizations and
businesses. This year your Seahawk has the opportunity to get a free chair massage, cholesterol screening, blood
pressure reading, and vision screening! Not only will the Health Fair have those exiting free opportunities, it will
have booths representing many different on and off campus businesses and organizations such as: The College of
Health and Human Services, the American Cancer Society, Back in Motion Chiropractic, Omega Sports, Campus
Dining, Campus Recreation, Feast Down East, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and
many more! Throughout the day your Seahawk will have the opportunity to be entertained by the Campus
Recreation’s Cardio Dance Team, Physical Graffiti, RITMO: Latino Dance Company, the Seabelles, and so many
more campus entertainment groups. There also will be a Farmers Market promoting fresh and local products
throughout the day where your Seahawks can buy healthy snacks and foods and learn about the products that the
local farmers have to offer. If you can believe it, there’s more! All the students in attendance have the opportunity
of winning a free beach cruiser and many other amazing raffle prizes. Your soaring Seahawk will be able to tell
you about all the information they learned and the wonderful prizes they may win after attending the on campus
Health Fair. Encourage your Seahawk to attend and visit www.uncw.edu/healthservices/HealthFair.html for
more information!
UNCW Campus Recreation - Spring Adventure Trips
By Nathan Williams, Adventure Recreation Coordinator
Campus Recreation is offering a number of outdoor trips and clinics throughout the spring to help students get
active, explore the Wilmington area, meet other students, and take a relaxing break from studying. Students can
sign up for trips online and all trips are designed for beginners, so no outdoors experience is necessary!
Here are a few Campus Recreation - Seahawk Adventures trips and clinics that could provide a nice incentive for
your student to finish the semester strong. All trips include equipment, instruction, and transportation:
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Saturday, April 12 - Sunday, April 13 - Rock Climbing at Pilot Mountain
This is a great introduction to rock climbing or a perfect next step if your student has visited the UNCW
climbing wall before. Previous climbing experience not required! $70 for students
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Saturday, April 12 - Canoeing at Greenfield Lake in Wilmington
Greenfield Lake is only 15 minutes from campus and this trip will
give participants a relaxing tour of the lake and park. No canoeing
experience is necessary. $18 for students
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Monday, April 14 - Bike Maintenance Clinic
Your student can keep their bike from breaking down by attending
this short clinic. We’ll cover basic maintenance and repairs and
participants can use the bike repair area in Seahawk Adventures,
where we have bike repair stands and tools. $5 for students
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Friday, April 25 - Sunset Kayaking on Whiskey Creek in Wilmington
Whiskey Creek is a short drive from campus but kayaking on this small creek (that feeds into the
Intracoastal Waterway) will help students slow down and forget about classes as they paddle by
houseboats, oyster beds, and salt marsh. No kayaking experience needed! $18 for students
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Saturday, April 26 - Whitewater Rafting and Ziplining at the U.S. National Whitewater Center
Students can go whitewater rafting, ziplining, climbing, and take advantage of all the other activities at the
U.S. National Whitewater Center on this day trip to Charlotte. This trip is all about fun and celebrating
the end of the semester in a safe and healthy way! $65 for students
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Sunday, April 27 - Flyboarding at Wrightsville Beach
Participants in this trip will be attached to a jet ski-propelled jet pack
and taught how to fly 15 feet above the water (or more)! $80 for
students
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Sunday, April 27 - Stand Up Paddleboarding at Banks Channel
This afternoon trip is a great introduction to stand up paddleboarding
(SUP). Participants will learn SUP skills on Banks Channel (behind
Wrightsville Beach) and paddle around the salt marshes, waterfront
homes, and wildlife that make up the Intracoastal Waterway. No previous SUP experience is necessary!
$18 for students
You can find out more about these trips on our website at uncw.edu/campusrec/ or by visiting our Facebook page
at www.facebook.com/UNCWSeahawkAdventures. You can also email adventure@uncw.edu for questions
about these trips or any other Seahawk Adventures activities.
Spring Events of Interest
April 10:
April 15:
April 17:
April 18:
April 26:
April 30:
May 1:
May 2-8:
May 9-10:
May 11:
UNCW Health Fair 2014
Graduation application deadline for Summer and Fall 2014
No classes; university open
Holiday; university closed
Oozeball 2014
Festapalooza and last day of classes
Reading Day
Final exams
Commencement Exercises
On-campus housing closes at 10 a.m.
Spotlight on Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNCW
By: Jarrod Rudd, Graduate Assistant for Fraternity and Sorority Life
Animal House, Stomp the Yard, and The House Bunny are
popular movies that portray what is undoubtedly the worst
impression of fraternity and sorority life. At UNCW, the
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) community is made up of
30 registered Greek-lettered organizations. The community is
diverse and strives to bring out the best in all who join.
About thirteen percent of the undergraduate population at
UNCW, nearly 1,400 students, is involved in fraternities and
sororities. These groups donated over 20,000 hours of
community service and raised over $50,000 for local and
national philanthropic organizations last year.
Coming to college is one of the major life changes for all students, and studies show that being active on
campus can help make the transition easier. Additionally, it is an excellent vehicle for developing leadership
skills. Fraternity and sorority members enjoy the friendship of their “brothers” and “sisters, are highly involved,
academically committed, and well-rounded. In addition to the friendship and camaraderie that develops, every
chapter is dedicated to enhancing leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy/community service. Fraternities and
sororities provide excellent opportunities to hone skills that are transferable in the workforce. Choosing how to
become involved in campus life is an important decision and the FSL is an excellent option!
16 Things You Need to Know About Learning Services (LS) Tutoring at the
University Learning Center*
By: University Learning Center
1. Tutoring is for UNCW students who want to improve their learning experience.
2. All LS appointments are free to UNCW students.
3. LS tutoring provides a learning environment and experience that differs from but also enhances the
classroom experience.
4. LS Tutors are Grad and Undergrad UNCW students who are recommended by faculty.
5. Students can receive one-on-one course-specific tutoring in most University Studies Courses.
6. Students can receive one-time only or weekly recurring appointments.
7. Students can make an appointment online at www.uncw.edu/ulc/.
8. Appointments must be made twenty-four hours in advance. There are no same-day or drop-in LS
appointments.
9. If there is not an available appointment, will try to find a tutor (not applicable after mid-term).
10. Tutors focus not only on what to learn, but how to learn.
11. Appointments are available 2-9 p.m. Sundays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.
12. LS is located on the first floor of DePaolo Hall, Room 1056.
13. Appointments must be cancelled no later than 24 hours before.
14. Missing an appointment without prior notice takes away valuable tutoring time that other students could
have used.
15. The University Learning Center is certified by the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA). All
LS Tutors participate in the ULC training program which earns them international certification through
the CRLA.
16. LS is one of four* different services offered by the University Learning Center.
Certified Learning Services tutors
*The University Learning Center also offers help through the Math
Lab, Math Appointments, Supplemental Instruction sessions, Writing
Center Appointments, and the Writing Lab, all located in DePaolo
Hall. For more details on any of our services, check out our website at
www.uncw.edu/ulc/ or call us at 910.962.7857.
Math Is NOT A Spectator Sport
By: University Learning Center
Math Services
DePaolo Hall 1056
www.uncw.edu/ulc/math/
To fully understand and appreciate math, one must be
involved and practice on a regular basis. Math Services
helps students become more confident and independent
learners of mathematics through a variety of avenues.
Math Lab
The math lab is a friendly environment where you can
study at your own pace with an experienced tutor to guide
you through your learning process. The drop-in lab is
staffed by graduate students from the math department and certified peer tutors.
Appointments
Math Services offers one-on-one appointments for those students enrolled in MAT 112, MAT 115, MAT 141-2,
MAT 161-2, PHY 201, 202. Please visit the appointments page to schedule your appointment.
Try SI!
By: University Learning Center
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is administered by the Division of Student Affairs and we are housed, with the
Writing Center, Learning Services, and Math Services, in the University Learning Center located in DePaolo Hall.
We are partnered with these other programs as the primary location on campus that provides students with peer
academic learning assistance outside of their classes.
What is SI?
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SI identifies historically difficult classes, along with classes in high student demand for Academic
Support. The SI program targets traditionally difficult academic courses – those that have a high rate of D
or F grades and withdrawals – and provides regularly scheduled, out-of-class, peer-facilitated sessions.
What is the Role of the SI Leader?
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SI leaders are students who have demonstrated competence in this or in a comparable course. Their
training covers such topics as how students learn as well as instructional strategies aimed at strengthening
student academic performance, data collection and management details. All SI Leaders are required to
become certified nationally through the College of Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
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SI leaders attend class sessions, meet regularly with the instructor, take notes, read all assigned material,
and conduct three 60-minute or two 90-minute SI sessions each week. SI sessions integrate how-to-learn
with what-to-learn.
Where does SI take place?
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SI sessions normally occur in classrooms near the course classroom instead of in the ULC office in
DePaolo Hall. Sessions are open to all students in the course and are attended on a voluntary basis free of
charge.
Who should attend SI?
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SI sessions are comprised of students of varying abilities, and no effort is made to segregate students
based on academic ability. SI is introduced during the first week of classes and is open to all students in
the class.
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Students who attend SI sessions discover appropriate application of study strategies, e.g., note taking,
graphic organization, questioning techniques, vocabulary acquisition, problem solving, and test
preparation, as they review content material.
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Students have the opportunity to become actively involved in the course material as the SI leaders use the
text, lecture notes, and supplementary readings as the vehicle for refining skills for learning.
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SI participants earn higher course grades and withdraw less often than non-SI participants. Also, data
demonstrate higher reenrollment and graduation rates for students who participate in SI.
For more on SI, watch this video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=573thEFFJDo
The Office of Transition Programs provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to meet the unique
needs of undergraduate students and parents from orientation through graduation. Programs generate an
intentional connection for the students through engaging interactions with other students, faculty and staff.
Ultimately, through this community participation each student is provided the opportunity to improve critical
thinking, problem solving, academic achievement, interpersonal and intrapersonal growth and civic
responsibility.
Office of Transition Programs
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5997
Phone: 910-962-3089
Fax: 910-962-4265
E-mail: transitions@uncw.edu
www.uncw.edu/transitions