UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA W I L M I N G TO N Latest News
Tuition
Surcharge
2
A Letter from 3
the Vice Chancellor of Business Services
Spring 2010
Commencement
4
The University 4
Learning
Center
UNCW Health
Resources
5
SGA Election
Results
7
Inside
Healthy
Living:
Eating Healthy
Over the
Summer
Home for the
Summer
Traditions:
Senior Class
Gift Campaign
6
6
2
We’ve Heard
Your Voice:
Housing & Resi- 7
dence Life
Volume
12 ,
Iss u e
2
Spring
2010
Have You Heard About the New
Insurance Requirement?
Beginning in Fall 2010, health insurance
will be required for all UNCW students
in order to enroll for classes. This may be
insurance that students bring with them
(family, employer, etc), insurance they
purchase through the school, or a combination of both plans.
A two-year process involving all 16 of the
UNC campuses has resulted in a systemwide insurance plan that capitalizes on
the combined buying power and shared
risk pool of over 200,000 students. By
working together with the other schools,
UNCW is able to offer a robust plan at a
very competitive price.
Pearce & Pearce has been selected as the
insurance vendor for the entire system.
They are the oldest provider of student
health insurance plans, having been in
business for over 60 years. Our annual
premium will be $673 for students, and
the plan year runs from August 1, 2010
to July 31, 2011.
All students will need to visit the health
insurance
website
at
(www.studentinsurance.com) and make
a choice – to enroll in the campus sponsored plan or to waive out of the plan.
Students who have their own insurance
and do not want to purchase the insurance through the school will need to
complete an on-line waiver each fall,
providing details about their current insurance plan. Any student who does not
waive out of the insurance plan will be
charged the premium and automatically
enrolled in the program.
The deadline for waiving the insurance is
September 18, 2010 – though we are asking all students to go online and make a
choice by July 1, 2010. That will ensure
that the premium is not added to your
fall tuition bill.
Students who wish to enroll in the insurance plan will be able to go online to
complete their enrollment. The student’s
premium will be automatically added to
the fall tuition bill.
Dependent coverage is also available for
a student’s spouse, domestic partner
and/or child(ren). Those arrangements
can be made during the online enrollment process and payment arrangements are made directly with the vendor.
The insurance brochure with complete
plan details will be on-line in early April.
Plan highlights include
• $1,000,000 lifetime maximum
coverage
• $300 deductible, out-of-pocket
maximum $2,000 for individual
in network
• 80%/20% coverage in network
• Coverage for immunizations
($500), prescriptions ($1,000)
and wellness services ($500)
• No deductibles or co-pays at the
Student Health Center, 100% reimbursement
• Evacuation and repatriation –
Student Assist program for those
travelling
• Six months additional coverage
available after graduation
(Continued on page 2)
Volume
12,
Issue
2
(Continued from page 1)
For the first time there will also
be a voluntary dental plan available – an annual premium of
$303.28 will provide up to
$1,000 coverage. All students,
regardless of whether they waive
or enroll in the health insurance
plan, will have the opportunity to
enroll in the dental plan. More
d et ai ls a re av ai la ble a t
www.studentinsurance.com.
Page
Knowing that all students will
have health insurance is reassuring to the staff at the health center.
Too often we see students who
make the decision to delay care
or not get the care they need because they do not have health
insurance. Even worse, some students are forced to leave school
due to medical bills they cannot
afford. Our goal is to help stu-
2
dents succeed at UNCW and this
will be one more tool to help in
that process.
If you have any questions about
the insurance requirement or the
waiver/enrollment process,
please call Director Katrin Wesner at 910-962-4126 or email at
wesnerk@uncw.edu.
Katrin Wesner
Director
Abrons Student Health Center
Tuition Surcharge:
What Does It Mean For My Student?
In 1994, the North Carolina Legislative session approved the implementation of a tuition surcharge. The law requires that each of the 17 University of North Carolina institutions assess a tuition
surcharge on any attempted hours greater than
140. The law applies to all undergraduate, degreeseeking students, whether they are pursuing a double major or double degree, and is a policy all
UNCW campuses must enforce.
The law did not provide for an appeal process. A
change occurred in August 2009, increasing the
surcharge to 50% for the fall 2010 semester. While
there were indications that an appeal process would
be created, it has not been finalized.
The surcharge covers all attempted hours taken
prior to and at UNC Wilmington. Please consult the
website at http://www.uncw.edu/reg/studentstuitionSurch.htm for a listing of the exceptions and
any questions you may have.
This is something that every student and/or parent
should be aware of and prepare for by being conscious of the amount of credits the student is accumulating each semester, in order to avoid or minimize the impact of this law. It often becomes an
issue in a student’s senior year, and when unexpected, can spoil a special time– graduation.
Students should direct all questions to the Office of
the Registrar at 910-962-3125 or via email at registrar@uncw.edu.
Jonathan T. Reece
Associate University Registrar
Office of the Registrar
Traditions: Senior Class Gift Campaign
Graduates leave their mark at UNCW through academic achievement, social responsibility, and student involvement. The UNCW Senior Class Gift
Campaign is another important part of the University’s tradition. This year, seniors have decided to
make the UNCW Fund the official class gift. The
University can use this gift where it is needed most
and will have the most impact. When donating,
students can apply their donation to any area of
campus they choose, including academic departments and student groups.
In order to recognize the generosity of graduates,
the Division of University Advancement established
the Senior Legacy Walk in 2008, just below the
UNCW clock tower. The Walk signifies the impor-
tance of philanthropy and the spirit of giving that
the University promotes.
Graduates of the Class of 2010 are asked to give a
gift of $20.10 and benefits of donating to the Campaign include a VIP parking pass and an invitation
to a Senior Toast at the Chancellor’s home prior to
commencement.
For more information about the Senior Class Gift
Campaign, visit www.uncw.edu/uniadv/
seniors.html. Parents are also invited to honor
their student’s accomplishments by making a donation to the UNCW Fund. To participate, visit
www.uncw.edu/giveonline.
Heather Baruch
Transition Programs
Volume
12,
Issue
Page
2
A Letter from the Vice Chancellor
of Business Services
Dear Students and Parents,
•
Students and Authorized Users may pay using
WebCheck through the E-bill system. Funds
are transferred from a checking or savings account without a convenience fee.
•
Students can sign up for a Sallie Mae Payment
Plan. This monthly installment plan program
is not a loan and there are no interest charges.
There is a nominal enrollment fee which varies
according to the monthly payment plan selected. To enroll in a monthly payment plan,
please visit tuitionpay.salliemae.com.
•
Students and Authorized Users can print a copy
of their E-bill Statement and mail in a check as
payment along with the copy of their statement.
Effective July 1, 2010 VISA credit cards will
no longer be accepted for payments to the
student billing account.
•
Students and Authorized Users can pay with
cash, check, or money order at the Cashier’s
Office located in the Warwick Center.
Unlike other merchant cards, VISA will not allow
us to charge a percentage convenience fee. MasterCard will continue to be accepted and the university is working on agreements with American Express and Discover Card. We will keep you informed on our progress and will notify you as soon
as possible.
Please accept my apology for any inconvenience
these changes may cause you. If you have any questions or if we can be of any help in working through
this change, please contact our student accounts
office at 910-962-4281 or reach us via email at studentaccounts@uncw.edu.
Given the serious budgetary constraints we are experiencing at UNCW, like other schools in the UNC
system, we can no longer justify the increasing cost
of merchant card transaction fees. As such, the university has made two significant changes to the student payment process that I would like to bring to
your attention so that you can plan accordingly.
Effective July 1, 2010, individuals choosing
to use credit cards to make payments to
their student billing account will be assessed a 2.75% convenience fee. This fee will
automatically be charged to the credit card
and paid as a credit card banking transaction fee.
We would like to encourage students and parents
to consider one of the following payment options
that are not subject to convenience fees:
Sincerely,
Charles Maimone
Vice Chancellor Business Services
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
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
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.
3
Volume
12,
Issue
Page
2
4
Spring 2010 Commencement
The Spring 2010 Commencement ceremonies are quickly approaching! As you and your family prepare for
this very special occasion, here is some important information about commencement:
•
•
•
•
No tickets are needed for any commencement ceremony.
Undergraduates, Master's, and Ph.D candidates participate in the ceremony with which their school/
major is associated.
Students can pick up their cap, gown, and name card at the UNCW Bookstore until Fri., May 7. Students
will need to bring their UNCW One Card with them in order to pick up these items.
Graduates should arrive to Hanover Gym one hour before their commencement ceremony begins. Trask
Coliseum will open to guests for seating one hour before each ceremony begins.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of Transition Programs at 910.962.3089, by
email at transitions@uncw.edu, or at www.uncw.edu/commencement.
Spring 2010 Commencement Ceremonies
Date
5/7/10
Time
School/College
2:00 p.m. Cameron School of Business
5/7/10
5:30 p.m. Watson School of Education & School of Nursing
5/8/10
9:30 a.m. Sciences, Arts, & Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences
5/8/10
1:00 p.m. Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences
Get the Most From the University Learning Center
As finals rapidly approach, students realize they
may not have as firm a grasp on their classes as
they thought. At this point in the semester, the
University Learning Center is busy!
Here are some tips for students who want to improve their learning experience at the ULC:
1. Students should start attending Supplemental
Instruction sessions at least once a week. If students wait for the review session, it may be
crowded and there might not be time to ask individual questions.
2. Students should visit the Math Lab regularly.
They can do their homework and ask questions.
3. Students who have to write papers should
schedule an appointment with a Writing Center
tutor, even if they haven’t started writing. Students can set appointments up to two weeks in
advance, and tutors will help brainstorm. Plan
on seeing a writing tutor more than once – doing so can only strengthen papers!
4. Student who want a review on exam preparation such as memorization, time management,
reviewing, and test preparation, can sign up for
an appointment with our Study Skills Consultant.
As the semester winds down and the work starts to
pile up, it can be very frustrating when students
can’t get the help they need. That’s why it is important for students to connect with the University
Learning Center as early as possible. Next semester,
encourage students to get to the ULC early in the
semester – preferably during the first month of
classes. The University Learning Center is located
in Westside Hall Room 1056.
Will Wilkinson
Associate Director
University Learning Center
Volume
12,
Issue
Page
2
UNCW Health Resources:
The Connection Between Home and Campus
From common bumps and
bruises, to treatment and therapy for a range of more serious
issues and conditions, parents
have been party to the ins and
outs of your student’s life prior
to coming to UNCW. So what
happens when students leave
home and start their college
life? If your student needs to
have continuity of care that will
help them be successful during
and after the transition to college, do they have a plan?
While you realize that geography and a fresh start won't
magically "cure" whatever ails
them, it is a good idea to meet
with your student’s care providers prior to coming to UNCW to
develop a care plan. Has your
son or daughter played a role in
the discussion of the plan, and
are they committed to following
it? Have you and your student
been intentional about seeking
out
UNCW
resources
and describing your student’s
medical history to the appropriate UNCW officials?
We know that the role of a parent changes when the student
reaches the age of 18 and leaves
for college. In the eyes of the
law, the student is an emancipated adult and responsible for
their decisions.
For years, parents were there
to remind students of doctors
appointments and accompanied
them to their medical visits.
They also made sure they took
their medications and were conscious of keeping themselves
healthy.
Now these responsibilities have
shifted to the student, with your
support from afar.
UNCW expects its students to
independently manage their environment while accessing appropriate UNCW and local resources. "Independent management" means tending to medical/mental health and other
health care issues, engaging in
proper eating and sleeping habits, and making good decisions
associated with one’s health and
well-being.
While college may provide the
fresh start that will make students improve their mental
health, often the stress associated with being a college student today complicates the progress the student may have
made addressing various issues
before coming to campus.
Moreover, some conditions may
be exacerbated by the college
experience, fraught with periods of high stress, meeting new
people, peer pressure, financial
challenges, and decreased parental supervision and influence. Family changes influenced
by the current economy have
further confounded the stress
level of today's students.
Monitoring your student from
afar is challenging, but using
your parental intuition about
how they are doing will serve
you well. This, coupled with observing them in person when
they are home for visits, can
help provide periodic updates
on how your student is doing.
As you speak to your student by
phone or visit with them in person, be aware of their behavior
and ask yourself some questions. Do they seem happy? Are
they taking care of themselves?
Do you notice any shifts in behavior? Are they using more alcohol than before, and doing so
at a risk to themselves? Are they
doing well academically? Are
they engaging with others on
campus and getting involved?
Are they optimistic about what
the future holds for them? If
they are supposed to be engaged
in medical treatments or therapy or supposed to be following
a medication regimen, are they
doing so?
Having a sense of the answers to
these questions will give you a
barometer as to how your student is doing, and whether you
should encourage them to access UNCW resources. You may
also think about reaching out to
someone at UNCW on your student's behalf. Below are some
key points of contact for you to
connect with to help ensure you
are giving UNCW the best
chance to have a role in helping
your student stay on track while
enrolled at UNCW:
Abrons Student Health Center
910-962-3280
University Counseling Center
910-962-3746
Office of the Dean of Students
910-962-3119
Campus Police 910-962-2222
Michael Walker
Dean of Students
5
HEALTHY LIVING
Page
6
Eating Healthy Over the Summer
Summer is just around the corner and a lot of people begin to
re-evaluate their diet and eating habits. Here are some tips
to help your student eat
healthy over the summer!
•
•
•
Don’t skip meals! Make
sure your student is eating
on a regular schedule every
3-4 hours in order to keep
your metabolism going
strong throughout the day.
Meals should include a
good carbohydrate source
(whole wheat bread, fruit,
whole grain crackers, etc.)
and a protein source (dairy,
meats, beans, nuts, etc.).
The carb will aid with energy and the protein will
make you feel more satisfied and keep you full for
longer.
Use the plate method to
guide your choices: ½ of
your plate fruit and vegetable, ¼ protein, and ¼ carbohydrate.
•
•
Grilling is a great, healthy
way to prepare meat!
Stay well hydrated! Remember a minimum of 64
ounces of water is recommended daily and if it is
hot and humid outside, you
will need to drink more.
Snacking can be good for you
and can boost food energy between meals. Healthy snacks
are typically between 100-200
calories and contain a carbohydrate, protein, and fat source.
Try some of these suggestions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1/2 Bagel with 1 teaspoon
of reduced fat peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese
Medium fruit with a handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts, peanuts, or mixed
nuts)
Low-fat yogurt with a medium fruit
String cheese and 1 English
Muffin
Baby carrots, celery, broc-
coli with a low-fat salad
dressing
Granola bars around 150200 calories or a protein
bar
¼ cup Low-fat granola
with low-fat yogurt
1 cup Low-fat cottage
cheese with ½ cup canned
fruit in light syrup
Hummus with 5- 10 crackers or pita bread
¼ cup Tuna, chicken, or
egg salad made with light
or fat free mayonnaise and
whole grain crackers
Smoothie: 1 Banana, 1 cup
skim milk, 1 tablespoon
peanut butter, ice. Blend
until smooth.
Students can always schedule a
FREE nutrition consultation
just by calling our office at 910
-962-4135. Have a healthy
summer!
Alice Merritt, MPH, RD, LDN
University Nutritionist
Health Promotion
Students Home for the Summer
A student’s return home for the summer can
be jarring as the differing expectations of students and parents clash. Here are some ideas
for making the transition a little easier.
•
•
Expect things will be different. Trying
to make each other fit into established
roles may result in friction.
As students discover who they are
their discoveries might not align with
their parents’ hopes and expectations.
Acceptance and support as they chart
their own course will lead to positive
relationships.
•
Conflict doesn’t mean they don’t care.
Students may react defensively to perceived threats to their newfound sense
of autonomy. Stepping back and assessing the true source of conflict will
help sort things out.
•
Open communication is essential to
developing healthy adult relationships
with your student. Peaceful coexistence means having some flexibility
while maintaining certain limits.
Jim Dolan, Ph.D,
Staff Psychologist,
The Counseling Center
Volume
12,
Issue
2
Page
7
“We’ve Heard Your Voice” in
Housing and Residence Life
Incorporated into the mission statement of Housing and Residence Life is the goal to facilitate each
student's personal and academic growth by providing and maintaining a clean and safe living environment. The office also strives to create opportunities for students to attain a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural and lifestyle
differences, as well as leadership and selfgovernance.
The office also strives to expose students to what it
means to be a part of a community. Thus, residents are expected to accept responsibility for
their actions and understand the natural and logical consequences of their behavior, as it impacts
themselves and those who reside around them.
One of the more significant issues that arose from
the “We’ve Heard Your Voice Initiative” was students’ and parents’ desires to ensure safety in oncampus housing. Many students and parents specifically asked whether the security and safety systems in the housing complexes have been kept upto-date.
In response, UNCW installed new fire alarms and
sprinkler systems during the summer of 2009 in
Belk, Graham, and Hewlett Halls, as well as new
security screens on all the first floor windows in
Galloway, Belk, Graham, and Hewlett Halls.
As UNCW has compared its own practices and resources for promoting safety on campus, it has discovered that we are far above the curve in comparison to other housing and residence life practices across the country.
Another issue both students and parents focused
on was the technological upgrades of on-campus
housing. Wireless signal strength and television
channel options were frequently pointed out as
services for which the quality could be improved.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life installed
additional routers in Belk, Graham, and Hewlett
Halls—the halls where the highest frequency of
complaints originated.
Also, more premium
channels have been added, and Residence Life
Cinema now offers eight movies per month.
On-campus students have also wanted to be more
involved in sustainability initiatives. To become
more environmentally friendly, the newly created
Housing and Residence Life “Green Team” manages a growing recycling program and offers educational programming regarding sustainability.
Also, the housekeeping company has switched to
using more environmentally conscious cleaning
products in all UNCW residential facilities.
Finally, some students and parents indicated they
were concerned about the ease of access to Housing and Residence Life officials and staff. In response, an office space was created for the Residence Hall Association (RHA) in Building #2 of
Seahawk Crossing. Now students and parents can
have access to information of ongoing activities
and a place to visit to have questions answered regarding Housing.
Nathan Lindsay, Jonathan Peterson, and
Andy Jarachovic
Student Life Assessment
Student Government Association Election Results
President
Matt Victory
Junior Class President
Ronda Jackson
Vice President
Jenna Roney
Sophomore Class President
Sammy Pisano
Senior Class President
Matthew Faulkner
For more information about SGA, visit
www.student.uncw.edu/org/sga