Department Highlights

Creating a Culture of Evidence 

Assessment, Research, and Planning advanced data-driven decision-making across Student Affairs through several key initiatives. A fall 2024 undergraduate student survey captured 1,747 unique responses, providing critical insights into how main campus undergraduate students perceive Student Affairs and identifying opportunities to enhance the campus experience. 

In spring 2025, a High-Impact Practices (HIPs) survey evaluated divisional student employees’ perceptions of competency development, aligning with a divisional priority to prepare students for future success. 

To establish a culture of evidence, the office launched the Assessment Council, bringing together representatives from multiple units. The council developed an assessment overview, engaged in data visualization training, collaborated on major projects, and showcased assessment efforts through presentations.

Student Spotlight

“Working in the Student Affairs Assessment, Research, and Planning department strengthened the skills I need for future success. From working on coding projects to background research to slide decks, I honed my communication, organization, and prioritization skills.” 

Katie Lynch 
Graduate Student 
Major: Master of Science in Psychology

Offering Something for Everyone

From national championships to innovative programs, Campus Recreation delivered transformative experiences that inspired Seahawk pride. A major highlight was the UNCW Men’s Rugby Club winning the national championship, a historic achievement that reflects the strength of UNCW’s Club Sports Program and dedication to competitive success.

Aquatics expanded access to life-saving skills through a Swim Lesson Grant from the Association of Aquatic Professionals, providing free group swim lessons to eight international students in the fall. In the spring semester, Aquatics partnered with University Advancement, MarineQuest, and New Hanover County Schools to deliver the New Hanover Community Grant, enabling 39 school-aged children to receive critical swim instruction.

Competitive Sports had another dynamic year of Intramural Sports, hosting leagues, tournaments, and drop-in events. In addition to traditional offerings like flag football and soccer, the introduction of new sports such as Wheelchair Rugby stood out as a milestone in adaptive recreation. 
Personal Training achieved its highest client retention and unique client numbers since 2019, while Group Fitness collaborations with the UNCW Library and Health Promotion unit successfully engaged new participants and strengthened campus partnerships.

Honoring 25 Years of Impact

The Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center turned 25 years old this year. This milestone was celebrated during the Student Affairs Homecoming Reunion. Counting all participations since opening was an astonishing 6,361,946!

Student Spotlight

“The culture [of Campus Recreation] fosters both personal and professional growth, encouraging each of us to broaden our horizons. Many of the leadership skills I gained were developed in real time, requiring me to think on my feet and confidently handle professional tasks, skills that will continue to benefit me for years to come.”

Sean Carey 
Undergraduate Student 
Major: Psychology

Inspiring Involvement for Impact

Collaboration for Assault Response and Education (CARE) expanded prevention programming and student engagement opportunities to create a stronger culture of awareness and advocacy on campus.

A new CARE Ally program launched, welcoming 16 students who participated in monthly meetings and awareness events—offering a flexible involvement option for those passionate about interpersonal violence prevention. Peer Educators and Allies also collaborated on Denim Day, leading to a successful clothing drive where 115 pounds of denim were collected for donation.

The Healthy Masculinity program grew significantly, adding five new programs and increasing outreach to student - athletes through a Kindness Campaign that reached 416 Seahawks. Large-scale awareness events had record participation including Take Back the Night, which saw a 92% increase in student attendance from the previous year.

In addition, the CARE office was honored with the Community Partnership Award from the UNCW Police Department, which acknowledges the strong collaboration and shared dedication to campus safety and support.

Student Spotlight

“As a student returning to college later in life, with kids closer in age to my peers than I am, I have found the CARE office to be an unexpected source of connection and growth. Supporting people through the moments that are often isolating or overwhelming has been incredibly meaningful. I’m honored to be part of this work and this community.” 

Slim Barrows 
Undergraduate Student 
Majors: Psychology & Anthropology

Making Campus Feel Like Home

Housing and Residence Life enhanced the residential experience through improved processes and dynamic programming. In coordinated partnership with the UNCW Police Department, a  revamped Move-In process streamlined arrival for students, families, and guests, creating a smooth and welcoming start to the year.

The department fully launched the Anchor co-curricular program, hosting more than 1,000 programs with strong participation—over 75% of on-campus residents attended at least one Anchor event.

New signature programs brought students together for memorable experiences, including the inaugural Pumpkin Patch, Boardwalk at the Dub, and Frost Fest, each designed to foster community and connection among residents.

A Focus on Facilities

Housing and Residence Life invested in significant upgrades to enhance comfort and functionality across campus residences. Interior repainting was completed in all three Seahawk areas and common spaces in Pelican, Sandpiper, Loggerhead, and Terrapin.

Additional improvements included new dehumidifiers in Seahawk Crossing apartments, updated furniture in Innovation and Keystone, and new flooring in Schwartz, Belk, Graham, and Hewlett.

These updates reflect an ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, well-maintained spaces for students, with further enhancements planned in the upcoming year.

Student Spotlight

“During my time working for Housing and Residence Life (HRL), I have gained better leadership skills, communication skills, and time management skills that I can take with me once I graduate from UNCW. Anchor Programming has tremendously improved the HRL experience from an employee and student perspective.”

Madeline Heller 
Undergraduate Student 
Major: Psychology

Empowering Student Success

During the year, the Office of the Dean of Students implemented several impactful initiatives. In Student Conduct, the introduction of the final probation sanction replaced the previous practice of extending disciplinary probation, creating a clearer progression between probation and suspension. Student Conduct cases also declined by 5.4%.

Medical amnesty was expanded to protect all students involved in seeking medical assistance, ensuring eligibility for amnesty during the conduct process.

Emergency funding played a vital role in supporting students during unexpected challenges. The Moseley Opportunity Fund and UNCW Emergency Fund provided essential assistance throughout the year, helping students remain enrolled and engaged. Applications to the Moseley Opportunity Fund increased by 76.9%, and the UNCW Emergency Fund saw a 54.8% rise—growth that underscores the importance of these resources in promoting student resilience, safety, and success. 

Student Spotlight

“I’ve learned that this job [at the Office of the Dean of Students] has been one of the fewer jobs that I’ve actually been able to work collectively as a team. I feel like a lot that I do is very individualized... But I definitely feel like working with two students that are older than me and have different interests has definitely grown me [and]  how I react with people in my major.”

Katie Purvis 
Undergraduate Student 
Major: Communications

Connections that Matter

Participation in Transition Programs events continued to grow across all areas. Family and guest involvement soared to new heights, with 3,157 guests joining Orientation, 2,134 family members participating in Family Weekend, and approximately 20,000 guests attending Commencement, reflecting a strong desire for connection with the campus community.

Online engagement continued to grow through the Seahawk Family Hub portal. Since February 2024, the platform expanded to 5,162 families, with 89% actively engaged, representing an increase of 44% from the previous year. In January 2025, a collaboration with University Advancement introduced the Parent Giving Dashboard within the portal, further strengthening opportunities for family involvement and connection.

Efforts to support transfer students also advanced during the 2024–2025 academic year. Initiatives included transfer-specific social events, celebration of National Transfer Student Week in October, meetups, and digital communication through email, GroupMe, and electronic newsletters.

Seahawks First: Supporting First-Gen

Seahawks First partnered with campus departments throughout the year to deliver programs that support first-generation student success.

In fall 2024, UNCW introduced a first-generation–focused section of UNI 101 for first-year students, providing tailored resources and guidance. In spring 2025, 79 graduating students participated in UNCW’s inaugural First-Generation Pinning Ceremony, celebrating their achievements and honoring their journey as the first in their families to earn a college degree.

All in all, Seahawks First hosted 20 events, drawing 221 participants (excluding the pinning ceremony) to workshops, lectures, conferences, and networking opportunities designed to foster connection and growth.

Advancing Student Learning

The University Learning Center achieved significant milestones this year, advancing academic support and fostering deeper student engagement. More than 4,300 students—representing 27% of UNCW undergraduate—made nearly 19,500 visits to the University Learning Center.

74% of users opted for in-person, drop-in assistance. In an era when artificial intelligence readily provides easy solutions to academic questions and problems, maintaining this level of student engagement with personalized peer support is a significant achievement.

Strategic enhancements, including targeted TracCloud messaging, increased participation in Academic Mentoring and Writing Services. Expanded Study Sessions, Supplemental Instruction, and Writing Lab hours met rising demand and strengthened access to essential resources.

A Year of Growth & Collaboration

As UNCW’s central hub for academic support, the University Learning Center’s signature initiatives strengthened student connection and fostered a vibrant academic community.

The inaugural Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) brought together campus partners to help students prepare for finals with comprehensive support across writing, STEM, foreign languages, and study skills. Funded by a Taking Flight grant from Student Affairs, the event featured food, giveaways, and collaborations with the UNCW Library and Student Government Association. Approximately 85 students participated, 62 of which were first-time University Learning Center users, underscoring the event’s impact in expanding access to academic resources.

A new Student Marketing Committee also launched to lead peer-focused outreach and build community among student staff. Committee members promoted services, organized events, and even hosted a baking competition to strengthen internal connections.

Student Spotlight

“The dedication, expertise, and commitment to student success displayed by my Academic Peer Mentor, Kate, made a significant impact, and I want to acknowledge and celebrate her contributions. As a student who has benefited directly from her tutoring, I can attest to her ability to explain complex concepts clearly and patiently. Kate’s guidance has been invaluable, and I genuinely appreciate the time and effort she invested in helping me succeed. Her positive attitude and encouragement created a supportive learning environment, which made a real difference in my understanding and confidence. Kate’s efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the academic success and overall wellbeing of UNCW students.”

Barrett Alan Kahl 
Undergraduate Student 
Major: Social Work