The Campus

Campus Map

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The University of North Carolina Wilmington is located in the southeastern part of the state on a 661-acre tract on State Highway 132 (College Road) midway between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Wilmington is situated on the east bank of the Cape Fear River about 15 miles from Carolina Beach and 10 miles from Wrightsville Beach. The standard metropolitan area, of which Wilmington is a part, now has a population in excess of 118,000. Several main highways lead into the city, and commercial air service provides easy access to other metropolitan areas north, south, and west.

Ocean breezes and the nearness of the Gulf Stream give Wilmington a delightful year-round climate, and the area’s proximity to the ocean provides unlimited recreational opportunities.

The spacious well-landscaped campus was first occupied by the University in 1961. The number of buildings on the main campus has increased from three in 1961 to 128 today. The buildings on the campus are of modified Georgian architecture, including academic, administrative, student life, residence, dining, athletic, and support buildings, all of which are completely air-conditioned. There are several athletic fields and intramural fields.

Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

(http://www.uncw.edu/diversity/)

In the pursuit of excellence, the University of North Carolina Wilmington actively fosters, encourages, and promotes inclusiveness, mutual respect, acceptance, and open-mindedness among student, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Diversity is an educational benefit that enhances the academic experience and fosters a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is currently comprised of five units: the Upperman African American Cultural Center, The Centro Hispano, The Women’s Studies and Resource Center, the Multicultural Center, and the LGBTQIA Resource Office, all engaged in coordinating the University’s diversity initiative by helping foster an educational climate that promotes intellectual interactions across campus and between the campus community and surrounding areas. The office provides avenues for inclusion for faculty, staff, students, and community members and facilitates collaborative efforts to provide relevant programs and services throughout the year. The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion primarily focuses on the coordination of multicultural community outreach and faculty involvement; the academic success of students; providing assistance in the development of merit-based scholarships; partnering with academic deans to review diversity plans and accomplishments; and an annual review with vice chancellors on diversity initiatives. In an effort to diversify the campus community and facilitate a climate that encourages and supports diversity, programs offer dialogue on social justice issues, appearances by national and international performers in art, film, and music, and presentations by speakers on topics such as civil rights, journalism, literature, and politics.

William Madison Randall Library

The William Madison Randall Library serves as a dynamic instructional and research resource of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Randall Library is named for William Madison Randall, Wilmington College President from 1958 to 1968. Randall Library advances the missions of the University in many ways—through its collections, services, resources, and facilities.

Its collections include more than two million items in various formats, including over one million books, bound journals, and print government documents; over 67,000 print and electronic journals, over one million microform pieces, and more than 85,000 media items (e.g., DVDs, CDs). In addition, the library provides approximately 200 online databases and extensive full text resources. Databases, e-journals and over 30,000 electronic books are available to UNCW students, faculty and staff with Internet access anywhere and anytime. An online catalog and circulation system provides easy, efficient access to most of the library’s collections. The gateway to the library’s resources is its web page: http://library.uncw.edu

The library’s online catalog can be expanded to search the UNC Coastal Library Consortium (UNCW, Fayetteville State University and the University of North Carolina Pembroke) and requests can be placed for those materials directly from the online catalog. The library’s interlibrary loan and document delivery service provides access to information resources held by other libraries around the world free of charge to UNCW students, faculty and staff. Requests are submitted online through the ILLiad system. For more information, visit http://library.uncw.edu/ill.

The library provides a reserve reading service to aid students and instructors in accessing required and supplemental materials for courses. Much of this material is in electronic format, available 24/7. Books and videos for short loan reserve reading/viewing are held at the Circulation/Customer Services Desk. The reserve system can be searched by course, department, instructor or document title or author.

The library’s specialized collections include the Rare Book Collection; the Southeastern North Carolina Collection, devoted to publications by or about residents of the Lower Cape Fear region of North Carolina; Manuscript Collections (diaries, correspondence and other papers); and UNCW and Wilmington College Archives. Special Collections also provides a unique collection of oral history interviews. In addition, the library is a selective depository for United States government publications, receiving 76% of materials made available through the Federal Depository Program (FDLP), and is a full depository for North Carolina documents. The library also provides links to federal and state digital information through the online catalog. The Curriculum Materials Center (C.M.C.), located in the Education Building, is a specialized facility designed to support the teacher education program of the Watson College of Education, providing textbooks and other teaching support materials for pre-K-12 grades. The C.M.C. in cooperation with the Education Lab, provides equipment for creating teaching materials.

A knowledgeable and helpful staff of 44 full-time employees including 20 librarians and many student assistants provides comprehensive information access and research assistance. The library is dedicated to the goal of educating users, especially students, in the identification, use and evaluation of information in all formats. In addition to providing immediate assistance at the Learning Commons Help Desk and Circulation Desk, the library provides research assistance by live chat, e-mail, phone or in-depth assistance by appointment. The library participates in NCKnows, a 24/7 chat reference service. Information literacy instruction is provided through course-related instruction sessions, credit courses on library and information research skills, and workshops on various topics. A Liaison Librarian is designated for each academic program to provide in-depth research guidance and support.

The library is committed to continuous quality improvement and to maximizing its value to all stakeholders. Librarians establish, assess, and link library outcomes to institutional outcomes related to numerous areas, including, for example, student retention and graduation rates, student success, student achievement, student learning, and student engagement. Various systems for assessment management position the library to collect data on individual library user behavior while maintaining privacy, and to collect information about the impact the library has on its target audiences.

During the academic year, the library is open 24 hours a day, from noon Sunday until 6:00 p.m. Friday, and from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday (132 hours/week). Randall Library provides nearly 900 seats in a variety of environments, including individual study carrels and tables, group study rooms and a quiet study room. A coffee bar provides beverages and food. The Technology Assistance Center (TAC), operated by the UNCW Information Technology Systems Division, is located in the library. Computers are available in the Learning Commons on the first floor and in two graduate computer labs on the second floor. Laptops are also available for students, or students can use wireless Internet access with their personal laptops. Other equipment the library provides to students includes video cameras, portable DVD players, MP3 players, flash drives and presentation practice carts. The library also houses an 80-seat auditorium, the Honors Program Office, Center for Teaching Excellence, Center for Faculty Leadership, Women’s Studies and Resource Center, and a Distance Learning Classroom.

Athletics

The university holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Colonial Athletic Association, and Eastern College Athletic Conference. Varsity intercollegiate teams are fielded for men in basketball, cross country, baseball, golf, soccer, tennis, swimming and diving, and indoor/outdoor track and field. Varsity intercollegiate teams for women are fielded in basketball, cross country, softball, golf, soccer, tennis, swimming and diving, volleyball, and indoor/outdoor track and field.

Mission Statement

Consistent with UNCW’s mission and values, the Department of Athletics provides student-athletes with opportunities for success in NCAA Division I athletics while supporting their personal growth as students, citizens, and leaders.  As a highly visible University resource, Athletics serves to develop, sustain, and advance community relations and the University’s mission of outreach and regional engagement.

Core Values

“Principles and concepts we will never compromise even if it puts us at a competitive disadvantage”

INTEGRITY: We are committed to and intentional about operating with the highest standards of sportsmanship, honesty, trust and respect.

STUDENT-ATHLETE WELLBEING: We are committed to and intentional in our support of the holistic growth, development and overall success of each student-athlete by providing optimal support for their intellectual, physical, and personal growth.

STEWARDSHIP: We are committed to and intentional about responsible use of resources, people, and ideas…valuing relationships and acknowledging support while fostering trust, accountability, and respect.

DIVERSITY & EQUITY: We are committed to and intentional about creating and maintaining an environment that is fair, embracing, and caring, open and accessible to all people.

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act report is available upon request.

Goals and Objectives

1. Create the most powerful learning experience possible for student-athletes.
2. Recruit, retain and develop quality coaches, administration and staff in appropriate numbers.
3. Embrace and enhance equity and diversity throughout the staff, sport programs, culture and community outreach activities.
4. Create an educational and athletic environment that promotes great sportsmanship and prepares student-athletes to become lifelong leaders.
5. Strengthen the athletic department’s community engagement and outreach activities.
6. Enhance the quality and well being of UNCW’s student-athlete experience while providing competitive opportunities in a safe environment.
7. Ensure adequate resources to achieve athletic department goals by increasing private giving and corporate partnership financial support.

Information Technology Systems

Information Technology Systems (ITS) is an innovative team committed to providing a technologically progressive environment for students, faculty and staff. As part of Academic Affairs, ITS is dedicated to leading, collaborating and supporting with cost effective services that promote the mission of the University. ITS is also committed to promoting and sustaining a powerful learning experience by responding to students’ needs through student feedback, student engagement and collaboration with constituent groups across campus.

ITS provides an array of services to students, some of which include:

• Technology Assistance Center (TAC) in Randall Library UNCW’s help desk (www.uncw.edu/tac)
• ITS Request System for reporting technology issues and requesting services online (https://itsrequest.uncw.edu)
• AskTAC self-service knowledge base (https://asktac.uncw.edu) 
• Binaries Tech Store in Fisher University Union offering discounts on Microsoft
  products and Apple and Dell computers (www.uncw.edu/binaries)
• Free antivirus software (www.uncw.edu/virus)
• mySeaport campus portal (https://myseaport.uncw.edu) 
• TealWare software in the Teal Cloud (www.uncw.edu/tealware) 
• General access computers in Randall Library’s Learning Commons 
• Laptop checkout program in Randall Library’s Learning Commons
• Support of the Graduate Student Computer Lab in Randall Library 
• Browsing stations in Fisher Student Center, Fisher University Union, CIS and Wagoner Hall 
• Wireless access across campus
• Multi-media classrooms (each includes a computer station, media player, projector and projection
  screen)
• Distance education classrooms 

For any computing or technology questions or problems, students may use the ITS Request System to report issues online, or they may contact the TAC.  The TAC provides support via phone, email and in person in Randall Library.  Services provided by the TAC include, but are not limited to, assistance with:  PC and Mac support, wireless connectivity, password issues, Blackboard Learn support, software questions and scanning assistance.  They also offer virus clinics for students.  Further information on the TAC and its hours can be obtained at www.uncw.edu/tac.

ITS offers UNCW email to all students to keep them connected with the university community, their professors and each other. ITS also provides students with their one-stop campus portal—mySeaport. Through mySeaport, students have access to their UNCW email, calendar, class information, online registration, billing information, campus news and additional student resources and services. Furthermore, students may access various educational tools - such as SkillPort computer based training courses and podcasts - through this UNCW portal.

ITS supports online learning via its course management system, Blackboard Learn. Instructors may utilize this tool to deliver fully online courses or as a supplement to traditional face-to-face courses. For more information on ITS and its services go to www.uncw.edu/itsd.

Scholarly Community Engagement

Scholarly Community Engagement facilitates interdisciplinary teams composed of faculty/ student researchers and community organizations, conducting meaningful long-term applied research projects addressing local issues. Engaging the community in scholarly research, faculty and students affect the quality of life of individuals and communities in our region. Students participate in community-based research through internships, directed independent study and faculty-led research projects.

Media Production

Media Production, formerly UNCW-TV, highlights the intellectual diversity of the University by creating educational programming derived from the academic departments of UNCW and delivered by UNCW – TV, through a variety of media. Also, Media Productions serves the University through its Creative Services television production, such as broadcasting events like UNCW Commencement, a variety of award ceremonies, candidates forums, community based television programming and award winning documentaries.

Youth Programs

MarineQuest offers marine and environmental education activities for youth. This popular program includes field activities in local habitats, experience in marine science laboratories and guided travel to international habitats. MarineQuest provides placement for student internships and paid employment. When working with MarineQuest, students majoring in environment studies, marine biology and science education gain valuable “work world” experience as well as exposure to professional networking opportunities. Visit www.uncw.edu/marinequest to learn more.

Herbert Bluethenthal Memorial Wildflower Preserve

The Herbert Bluethenthal Memorial Wildflower Preserve is a 10-acre memorial botanical garden located on the UNCW campus. Established in 1972, its purpose is to provide a place where the university community and the public can learn about and enjoy our native plants and their habitats. Many of the plants are labeled, and maps and trail guides are available at the entrance.

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Ev-Henwood is UNCW’s coastal forest research and teaching station located in Brunswick County. It is only a short 30-minute drive from the university campus and is available for nature study and appreciation, student and faculty research, and class field trips. Included in its 110 acres are oak/hickory woods, pine forests, and low woods along the bordering Town Creek and its branches. Additional habitats such as ponds and fields are available nearby.

Swain Center for Business and Economic Services

The Swain Center for Business and Economic Services in the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is the business research/extension division in the business school. Center staff provide research services and sponsor seminars to provide technical assistance in regional economic development and prepare individuals to develop further their managerial, technical, and personal capabilities.

UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

(http://uncw.edu/cie/about.html)

The mission of the UNCW Entrepreneurship Center is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurship at UNCW and entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, students, entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty and staff, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, educational opportunities, research, internships and jobs, as well as innovation.

Center for Marine Science

(http://uncw.edu/cmsr)

The Center for Marine Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches to answering questions in basic marine research. The mission of the center is to promote basic and applied research in the fields of oceanography, coastal and estuarine studies, marine biotechnology and aquaculture, marine biology, marine chemistry, and marine geology. Faculty members conducting marine science research in the departments of Biology and Marine Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and Geology, Physics and Physical Oceanography, and Environmental Studies participate in this program, and Center faculty serve on regional, national and international research and policy advisory groups and thereby contribute to the development of agendas on marine research in the United States and the world. International interactions with labs in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Caribbean, and all regions of the coastal United States augment extensive programs addressing North Carolina coastal issues. By integrating these advisory functions with research programs of the highest quality, CMS enhances the educational experience provided by the University of North Carolina Wilmington for both undergraduate and graduate students in marine science.

The Center for Marine Science occupies a research and education facility located six miles from the main campus on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The modern Marine Science Center at Myrtle Grove has a total of 99,000 square feet of net indoor space including: group meeting facilities for up to 150 individuals; fully equipped research laboratories, classrooms, and marine science laboratories; a greenhouse with running seawater; a radioisotope laboratory; computer workrooms, cold rooms, walk-in freezers; temperature controlled rooms; autoclave and media preparation room; darkroom; chemical storage and balance rooms; fireproof vault for data storage; clean room; central analytic facility; sample processing rooms; aquarium room with running seawater; indoor storage; outdoor storage; shower/locker facilities; and outdoor facility for tanks with running sea water. Core facilities include: harmful algal identification and toxicology; nutrient analysis; DNA sequencing; and NMR and GC Mass spectroscopy. A 770 foot pier with docking facilities for several coastal research vessels is in place on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. The seawater system provides raw, filtered, and purified seawater at flow rates up to 600 liters/min; tank farm services; and aquarium room services. The location of the center provides easy access to regional marine environments such as: tidal marshes/mud flats/sand flats; tidal creeks; barrier islands and tidal inlets; the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway; near shore marine environments; the Gulf Stream; hard bottom communities; and dunes and maritime forests; and both highly developed and minimally developed estuarine environments. The center maintains 22 research vessels ranging in size from thirteen to sixty-five feet and specialized equipment including a Superphantom Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), an ocean environmental sampler (SBE-CTD), and an ADCP current profiler.

The Center for Marine Science serves as host for: an Extension Office for North Carolina Sea Grant; the Marine Mammal Stranding Network; the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve; and UNCW’s MarineQuest Program an extensive community outreach program for public schools and adult education.

Center for Teaching Excellence

The Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is dedicated to assisting the University in fulfilling its commitment to strengthening undergraduate and graduate instruction. The center recognizes that excellence in teaching is achieved through teaching scholarship, which involves continuous scrutiny of course content and methods of instruction, knowledge of modern educational techniques and practices, and analysis of the effects of different teaching methods on student learning. Developing new courses and improving existing ones are fundamental to maintaining the integrity and vitality of the University’s educational programs.

The mission of the Center for Teaching Excellence is to foster a campus-wide climate where teaching is highly valued, as well as provide leadership in the application of scholarship to teaching. The center assumes that the primary responsibility for developing and improving educational programs resides with the faculty who, as teacher/scholars, possess both the knowledge of the disciplines and the skills to evaluate and implement effective instructional practices. The center encourages efforts to achieve excellence in teaching by running programs for course development and improvement, implementing new instructional technologies, and providing support services.

In order to further enhance the resources of the Center for Teaching Excellence and to increase opportunities for professional development in teaching for UNCW faculty, CTE participates in a variety of resource-sharing consortia, both formal and informal within the University of North Carolina system. In addition, CTE participates in statewide and national associations that support the mission of improving higher education through professional development in teaching.

Examples of the center’s services are:

1. assistance with course design and learning assessment,
2. specialized workshops and seminars on teaching and learning for faculty at all levels of expertise,
3. discipline-based teaching circles,
4. assistance in development of instructional technology methods,
5. summer salary support for pedagogy development,
6. participation in UNC system-wide teaching development incentives,
7. publication of a world wide web page at www.uncw.edu/cte/.

The mission of the center is specifically supportive, and participation by the faculty is entirely voluntary. The interaction between center personnel and the faculty is confidential and separate from any formal assessment process of the University.

The UNCW Alumni Association and The Office of Alumni Relations

The UNCW Alumni Association strives to be the lead supporter in the University’s strategic vision. It is our purpose to connect and involve alumni, students, and friends in the promotion and advancement of the University. The UNCW Alumni Association promotes, encourages and supports unity and involvement among out 48,000 alumni, students, the University and friends.

The Alumni Relations Office is located in the Wise Alumni House at 1713 Market Street.

The Alumni Association sponsors two graduate student awards, applications are available at www.uncw.edu/alumni.