Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2012
Spring 2012 Commencement is here!
Your Student is Graduating, Now What?
Healthy Fun in the Sun
Association for Campus Entertainment
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Keeping Your Student Safe and Connected
Helping Your Student Prepare for Summer
Spring 2012 Commencement is here!
By: Emily Schroeder, Transition Programs
On May 11 and May 12, UNCW will celebrate the achievements of our graduating Seahawks. There
will be four commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2012. Graduates can invite an unlimited number of
families and friends to join them at commencement. Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Undergraduates and graduate students participate in the ceremony their major, department or school is
representing. Below is the 2012 commencement schedule.
Friday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Cameron School of Business Ceremony
Friday, May 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Watson School of Education & College of Health & Human Services
Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. Sciences, Humanities & Graduate Liberal Studies in the College of Arts & Sciences
Biology & Marine Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, English, Environmental
Studies, Foreign Languages & Literatures, Geography & Geology, Graduate Liberal Studies,
History, Math & Statistics, Philosophy & Religion, and Physics & Physical Oceanography
Saturday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m. Creative Arts & Social Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology, Art & Art History, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, Film Studies, Music,
Public & International Affairs, Psychology, Sociology & Criminology and Theatre
The Alumni Association will hold a pre-graduation celebration on May 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wise
House. The newest members of the Alumni Association will enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres,
refreshments and door prizes. They will also meet the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Parents and families are encouraged to visit the Transition Programs website for information
regarding hotels, parking, receptions, and other important information. Several hotels including Best
Western Plus, Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, and the Surf Suites, are offering special rates for UNCW
families during commencement. Celebrate your student’s achievements with an extended stay in Wilmington
and take advantage of everything the port city has to offer!
Your Student is Graduating, Now What?
By: Ember Roberts, Career Center
According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, the job outlook for college students is expected to
improve by a modest 4 percent this academic year. In these particularly challenging economic times,
students must be creative to expand their job search network. Below are a few suggestions:
Participate in Relevant Professional Organizations: Whether on or offline, these groups can provide
insight, support, and advice regarding the job search. They also can be a source for referrals and job
leads.
Use Social Media: With 85% of companies using LinkedIn to identify potential hires, joining LinkedIn is a
must for all new college graduates. Not only are companies using LinkedIn for hiring, it is an excellent
networking tool. Additionally, following potential employers on Facebook and Twitter can keep you
current with corporate initiatives and hiring trends.
Brought to you by the Office of Transition Programs
In this issue:
Intern with a Prospective Employer. Internships and/or volunteer experiences can be a great “foot-inthe-door” to a potential employer. It is a great way to make an impression on a potential employer while
gaining valuable skills and experience.
In addition to networking, the UNCW Career Center offers a plethora of resources.
 Career counselors are on hand to meet individually with students to assist with all things careerrelated including resume and cover letter development, job search strategies, networking, and
interviewing skills just to name a few.
 SEAWORK is our online resume and job database that students can utilize to search for jobs
and internships locally, regionally, and nationwide.
 Also on our website you can find our nationally recognized “What Can I Do with a Major In?”
section which details potential job titles, career relevant skills, and career planning and job
search links specific to each academic major at UNCW.
 InterviewStream is an interactive online system that allows students to practice interviewing
skills. Whether a student has an upcoming job interview or would like to conduct informational
interviews, InterviewStream is an effective way to gain interviewing skills.
 CareerShift is a brand new job search and career management resource available to UNCW
students through their SEAWORK account. Students can search, select and store job listings from
all job boards and all company job postings. CareerShift compiles valuable up-to-date contact
information (including e-mail addresses) for millions of companies, as well as in-depth
information about contacts and companies posting jobs.
Students may schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor by calling the office at (910) 9623174 or drop in during our Career Express hours daily from 2-4 p.m. and 9-11a.m. Wednesday and
Thursday mornings. It’s a tough job market these days, but UNCW students and alumni have a wealth of
resources through their Career Center to help make the process successful.
Healthy Fun in the Sun
By: Emily Gerstner, Health Promotion Services
What?! Your Seahawk isn’t moving back home this summer? They decided to stay in Wilmington to
take “summer classes”? Isn’t that convenient! Although I am positive your student will spend the majority of
their time studying in their room and taking exams, they may have a second here or there to bask in the
beautiful Wilmington sun. With this comes the responsibility to protect their skin and stay hydrated. Take
a moment to remind your studious Seahawk about sun safety and dehydration.
First, encourage your student to wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 to reduce the risk of skin
damage and cancer. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more often if in the ocean or pool.
Some make up products like Chap Stick and foundation offer SPF protection too. These products and
sunscreen can be worn all of the time since sun damage can occur even during brief expose to the sun. If
your student notices any changes in the size, shape, or texture of a mole or birthmark, it is advised for a
doctor to evaluate the situation.
In addition to sunscreen, it is important that your Seahawk wear sunglasses to protect their eyes
from the strong southern sun. Sunglasses that ensure 100% UV protection are a better choice than fashion
sunglasses that are simply tinted lenses. Looking towards the sun and being near reflective surfaces like
the ocean can lead to burned corneas and, eventually, cataracts.
Another common side effect of prolonged sun exposure is dehydration. Humans should drink about
8 glasses of water a day to stay well hydrated. With fun in the summer sun it is important to drink plenty
of water, sports drink, or juice to replace water lost through sweat. Without enough water consumption, the
body may experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Signs that the body is experiencing dehydration
include extreme fatigue, heavy breathing, flushed cheeks, increased internal temperature, and dark yellow
urine.
In addition to encouraging your Seahawk to work hard during their summer classes, remind them to
stay safe while outside by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated.
Association for Campus Entertainment
By: Arianne Beros, Campus Activities and Involvement
The Association for Campus Entertainment keeps rolling out the good times for the UNCW
community. Homecoming 2012 was a great success, with seven fun and free events reaching about 6,000
students.
ACE Films continues to provide exciting and affordable films in Lumina Theater every Friday and
Saturday. On February 11, the committee hosted an interactive showing of Moulin Rouge, where the
audience was encouraged to dress up in costume and sing along with the movie. They also recently hosted
their popular spring event, the 6th annual Hawk-In 24-hour movie marathon on March 31-April 1.
ACE Voice and Concerts paired up to host an Open Mic Night in Hawk’s Nest on February 22.
Twenty students performed in a variety of musical styles, including country, acoustic, and rap. The event
was so well received that the two committees are hoping to host another Open Mic Night before the end of
the semester.
ACE Comedy presented a show by YouTube comedian Miranda Sings on February 26, as well as
“dating coaches” Dave and Ethan on March 20. Their performance included horror-date reenactments,
informative songs, and a kissing tutorial using a kiwi named Maria.
ACE Concerts “Concert on the Commons” series featured the music of Chip McGee on March 21.
The series will continue through the end of the semester, with Emily Minor on March 28, Levi Stephens on
April 18 (a Chancellor’s Installment Week event), and The Billies on April 25.
ACE also hosted Gym Class Heroes on Thursday, March 22 in a sold out Kenan Auditorium. The
band was voted #1 by students on a survey conducted this fall. ACE will survey this summer to determine
an act for the fall.
You can read more about these and more events on ACE’s blog: uncwace.wordpress.com. The
Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) is a student-run organization serving the UNCW campus and
the larger Wilmington community by providing entertainment through diverse programming in concerts,
comedy, film, lectures, and spirit.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
By: Adam Hall, Collaboration for Assault Response and Education
April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is a very busy time for the UNCW Collaboration for Assault
Response & Education (CARE) office, as we host a wide variety of presentations, events, and campaigns.
As the campus resource for interpersonal violence, CARE works to educate the campus and prevent sexual
assault and relationship violence and abuse. We are also a center and resource for those affected by
interpersonal violence. Some of our main events in April include the “These hands are not for hurting”
display, our Clothesline Campaign, Speak Out, and Denim Day.
Stop by the Fisher Student Center to check out our “These hands are not for hurting” display, which
is a creative presentation of hand prints by students who personally commit to a non-violent lifestyle. The
art display will also include the students’ reasons why preventing violence is important to them.
Our annual Clothesline Campaign display will be located in front of Randall Library on April 18-25
where we will feature t-shirts decorated with messages of support for those affected by sexual and
interpersonal violence. Join us April 23 from 6-9 p.m. in the DePaolo Hall conference room to make t-shirts
for the Clothesline Campaign in recognition and prevention of sexual assault and violence.
Speak Out is an event, inspired by Take Back the Night, where the campus and community are
invited to share how sexual assault, relationship abuse, and other forms of violence have impacted their
lives. Many have found that sharing their story in a safe setting, such as Speak Out, can be empowering
and healing to survivors and to loved ones of survivors. Conversely, those who attend, but do not choose to
share their experiences, can receive important education and, if they themselves have been victimized, can
feel validated and less isolated simply by hearing other people’s stories. Putting words to experiences of
interpersonal violence can break down the shame and stigma that often surround these issues and give the
power of speaking out back to victims. The event will be held in the UNCW Amphitheater April 24 at 8
p.m.
Each year we ask the campus and community to wear jeans and join us and the world in Denim Day
on April 25 to make a visible statement against misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. The movement
began in protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim
wore tight jeans. Women in the Italian Legislature wore jeans following the decision and the protest
spread throughout the entire world. In April 1999, California established the first Denim Day in the United
States and wearing jeans during Sexual Assault Awareness Month has since become an international
statement.
Keeping Your Student Safe and Connected
By: Jennifer Clark, Seahawk Perch
April is a busy month at UNCW. In addition to wrapping up classes and studying for exams,
students are often searching for housing for the summer or fall and digging out gear to enjoy the sunshine.
Whether engaging in more outdoor activities or trying to find an apartment/roommate, students should
know there are a variety of resources available on campus to help them stay safe and end the semester on
a positive note.
Bike and Skateboard Safety
UNCW students are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and
skateboarding, throughout the year not only because it is environmentally friendly, but because it promotes
physical well-being. With the onset of spring, however, it becomes increasingly apparent how many
students put their health at risk by not following simple safety protocols, especially when it comes to biking.
Here are some tips for biking that will keep your student safe.
Please remind your student to:
1. Always wear a helmet.
2. Always walk your bike through a cross-walk.
3. Use hand signals, especially when turning left.
4. Use a rear-view mirror on your bike.
5. Don’t listen to music or talk on your cell phone while biking.
6. Install a headlight for biking at night.
7. Ride as if you were invisible. Remember that most motorists are not aware of cyclists, which
increases the likelihood of collision because they don’t see you. Always ride defensively and be
aware of your surroundings.
Making the Move Off Campus
The decision for your student to move off campus during their college career is tough, requiring
maturity, accountability, and planning. At UNCW, we understand that shopping for apartments or finding
a roommate can be a hassle, not only when considering the time spent scanning the internet, driving to
properties, comparing prices, and meeting people; but also the psychological burden that stress of finding
a housing fit or a compatible roommate can create for you and your student. In addition to organizing
housing fairs each semester, the Seahawk Perch provides assistance with off-campus housing and roommate
searches. Please visit us online at www.uncw.edu/offcampushousing or drop by the Seahawk Perch desk on
the first floor of the Fisher Student Center.
While your student may enjoy the sense of independence and freedom when living off campus,
they can also begin to feel “out of the loop” with the campus community. We want your student to feel
that they are a Seahawk through-and through. In order to stay connected, students can keep track of
UNCW events using the University calendar and the Hawk E-news. In addition, the Seahawk Perch creates
programming for off-campus students throughout the year, including free coffee breaks most Wednesdays
from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Visit www.uncw.edu/seahawkperch for the most current information about events
and programs.
Helping Your Student Prepare for Summer
By: Kevin Kleitches, UNCW Career Center
As the spring semester winds down, students often look forward to a summer of free time with family
and friends. What many students don’t realize however, are the many benefits of working a summer job
or internship to gain valuable experience in their field. Working a summer job or internship allows
students the opportunity to build their resume which they may not have time for during the fall or spring
semesters. Here are some useful tips to guide your student on their hunt for the right summer job or
internship.
What skills do you want to learn? Students should ask themselves what the purpose of their summer job
or internship will be. Make a list of skill-sets that would help you market yourself upon graduation, and
seek out employment that will allow you to cultivate those skill-sets.
Consider your options. Economic times are tough. As a result of this, internships may be unpaid or not
available in your immediate location. Students should consider whether or not they’re willing to relocate or
work an unpaid internship throughout the summer.
Start early. Many job and internship postings will begin searching for qualified candidates weeks or even
months before the hiring date. Students that start the job search earlier are more likely to catch job
opportunities that others might miss.
Students can do all of their job hunting through UNCW’s dedicated jobs database:
www.myseawork.com. In addition to SeaWork, Internships.com is another great resource to research
internships across the nation. This resource can be found inside SeaWork as well. Check out the other
internship resources on our web site.
Office of Transition Programs
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5997
Phone: 910-962-3089
Fax: 910-962-7151
E-mail: transitions@uncw.edu
www.uncw.edu/transitions
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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.