Launch

Get ready to explore all that BraveNation has to offer at LAUNCH, UNCP's official welcome celebration for new students! Before classes kick off, you'll have the chance to make new friends, meet faculty and staff and explore the campus. All first-year students are required to join in the exciting LAUNCH activities and events. LAUNCH is designed to help students feel connected, confident, and ready to soar into college life.

LAUNCH Schedule

August 14-17, 2025

Move-In: Welcome Home to BraveNation!
7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get ready to settle into your new home at Move-In! Whether you're hauling boxes, meeting your roommate or finding your favorite study spot, this is the first step to making campus feel like home. 

Morning Session: "What’s Next Panel” Adjusting To Your New Reality
Family Session Only
11-11:30 a.m. Upchurch Auditorium, Thomas Hall

Designed specifically for parents to help them navigate the next stages of their student’s college experience. This informative session will cover key milestones to expect throughout the academic year, from course registration to career services and everything in between. You'll learn how to best support your student’s independence, well-being and academic success. Our expert panel will also provide tips on staying connected, understanding campus resources and how to help your student thrive both socially and academically.

Morning Session: Stress Relief for Parents & Family Members
Family Session Only
11-11:30 a.m. | Thomas Hall 225

Join us for a calming Stress Relief Session designed to help families manage the excitement (and stress) of the first days on campus. Learn mindfulness practices, deep-breathing exercises and tips for maintaining a healthy balance in both mind and body. 

LAUNCH Check-In
7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Jones Center

Kick off your college journey at Launch Check-In! Pick up your "Going Gold" water bottle and your exclusive Launch shirt. You’ll also receive your small group assignment.

Meet Your Resident Advisor (RA)
Residential Students | Residents Hall
2:15-2:45 p.m.

Commuter Student-Meet and Greet

2:15-2:45 p.m.

Small Group Meeting I-Meet your Small Group Leader

Join us for an electrifying Small Group Meetup, where connections spark and friendships ignite! 

3-3:45 p.m. | Small Group Meeting Locations

"What’s Next Panel” - Adjusting To Your New Reality- Family Session Only

Designed specifically for parents to help them navigate the next stages of their student’s college experience. This informative session will cover key milestones to expect throughout the academic year, from course registration to career services and everything in between. You'll learn how to best support your student’s independence, well-being, and academic success. Our expert panel will also provide tips on staying connected, understanding campus resources, and how to help your student thrive both socially and academically.

3-3:30 p.m. | Upchurch Auditorium, Thomas Hall

Stress Relief for Parents and Family Members- Family Session Only

Join us for a calming Stress Relief Session designed to help families manage the excitement (and stress) of the first days on campus. Learn mindfulness practices, deep-breathing exercises, and tips for maintaining a healthy balance in both mind and body.

3-3:30 p.m. | Thomas Hall 225

New Student Convocation

Convocation is your official welcome to the university. Join UNCP chancellor, provost, deans, faculty and staff as we welcome you to your new academic community.

4 p.m. | GPAC

BraveNation Welcome Reception

Celebrate the start of the semester with food, music and fellowship.

4:45-6 p.m. | UC Annex

Small Group Meeting II 

Check-in and overview of the next day.

8 p.m. | Small Group Meeting Locations

Movie Night on the Lawn: Thunderbolts

Join us on the Student Center Lawn for a special open-air screening of Thunderbolts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends and settle in for an unforgettable movie night under the stars. Enjoy interactive activities and free snacks all evening long!

9 p.m. | Chavis Center Lawn

Breakfast 

8-9 a.m.

Service Plunge: Dive into Service, Make an Impact 

Meet up with your small group at the Annex. Join us for Service Plunge, a hands-on volunteer event where you'll work alongside fellow students on community service projects. Make a difference, connect with others and start your college journey by giving back to the local community!

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Annex

Lunch 

12-1:30 p.m. | Student Center Cafe

Academic Block I 

1:45-2:45 p.m. | GPAC

Break/Snack

2:45-3 p.m.

Academic Block II

3-4:30 p.m. | GPAC

Dinner

5-7 p.m. | Student Center Cafe

Small Group Meeting III

6:30-7:30 p.m. | Small Group Meeting Locations

Brave Walk

Students, this is your first don't-miss event! Join your fellow students as you are officially welcomed to UNC Pembroke! Students will join Chancellor Gary Robin Cummings as you cross over the bridge, symbolizing your entrance into the UNCP community.

7:30 p.m. | Quad

Black & Gold Kick Off

Make sure that you're wearing black and gold, and come ready to celebrate the start of your first semester of college!

8-8:30 p.m. | Main Gym

Silent Disco

Experience a one-of-a-kind dance party where the music is in your control! Don't miss this high-energy event – it's the perfect way to wrap up your day and make new friends!

8:30-10:30 p.m. | Student Center Lawn

Free Play at the HawksNest

8:30-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest

Small Group Meetings IV and Brunch: Academic Success 101

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various Locations

Braves Shuttle

The Braves Move-In Shopping Shuttle will shuttle students to Food Lion and Walmart for local shopping needs. Visit the Braves Shuttle website at uncp.edu/bravesshuttle for stop locations and more information.

2-5 p.m.

Map It Out: Your Class Schedule Walkthrough

Get a head start on your first week by exploring your class locations before the semester begins! Join the Peer Academic Leaders on this guided tour to walk your schedule, locate key academic buildings, and learn insider tips on navigating campus efficiently.

2-4 p.m. | Student Center Mall

Scoop on Spirituality and Faith

Join us for Scoop on Spirituality and Faith, a casual and welcoming event where you can enjoy free ice cream while exploring different faith-based organizations on campus. Connect with student groups, learn about spiritual resources, and engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting. Whether you're looking for a faith community or just curious, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and discover what campus has to offer!

2-4 p.m. | Student Center Mall

An Afternoon in SOHO (Student Organization Hang Out)

Stroll through interactive booths, meet student orgs and explore opportunities to express yourself and get involved. Whether you're drawn to art, activism, culture or community, SOHO is your space to connect, create and chill — all with music, snacks and that downtown vibe.

4-6 p.m. Drop-In | Student Center Mall

Dinner

6-8 p.m. | Student Center Cafe

FLIGHT

Enjoy a night of fun, food and music as we celebrate your first night on campus as well as the rich culture of Pembroke and surrounding area.

8-10 p.m. | Student Center Lawn

Brunch

10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Student Center Cafe

Braves Shuttle

The Braves Move-In Shopping Shuttle will shuttle students to Food Lion and Walmart for local shopping needs. Visit the Braves Shuttle website at uncp.edu/bravesshuttle for stop locations and more information.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Small Group Meeting V-Final Group Meet

1-1:45 p.m.

Play Fair

You have never experienced anything like it. Playfair is the perfect way to meet people, have fun, and start building real connections. No pressure! Just laughs, good vibes, and new friendships waiting to happen!

2-4 p.m.

Housing Meeting

Hosted by your awesome resident assistants (RAs), this meeting is your first step to settling into your new home! Get to know your hallmates, learn the ins and outs of campus living, and start building a community right where you live.

5-6 p.m. | GPAC

Dinner - Feast of Nations

Celebrate the diverse cultures of our campus community at the Feast of Nations! Enjoy a vibrant showcase of global traditions, music, and performances while sampling delicious cuisine from around the world. 

6-8 p.m. | Dining Hall

HawksNest-Free Play

7-10 p.m. | HawksNest

Get ready for the First Day Of Class (FDOC)

Look for Welcome Tents around campus on Monday and Tuesday if you have questions, need directions etc.

All Day

Signature LAUNCH Experiences

These aren’t just events — they’re milestones! Each Signature LAUNCH Event is designed to welcome you into the UNCP community. Get ready to make memories, meet new friends and feel what it means to be a part of BraveNation.
Freshman crossing the bridge during Brave Walk

Brave Walk

Start your journey with purpose. During Brave Walk, you’ll cross the bridge near the water feature—symbolizing the beginning of your time at UNCP. When you graduate, you’ll walk the same bridge in the opposite direction, marking your journey’s completion.
Students with cell phone lights cheering at UNCP's Black & Gold Kick-Off

Black & Gold Kick-Off

Bring the energy and wear your school colors! This high-energy pep rally is your chance to meet student leaders, get hyped for the year, and show off your BraveNation pride.
UNCP student riding the mechanical bull at FLIGHT

FLIGHT

Get ready for adventure! FLIGHT is a series of fun and interactive activities that help you make friends, build confidence and feel right at home on campus from day one.

UNCP students at Convocation

New Student Convocation

The official start of your academic journey at UNCP. Join university leaders, faculty and fellow students in a formal celebration that marks your entrance into college life.

Want to stay on top of everything happening during LAUNCH? We’ve got you covered!

Download the LAUNCH Checklist for a complete schedule of events, times, locations and must-do activities. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss a moment of your first big week at UNCP.

Tip: Print it out or save it to your phone so you’re always in the know!

Download the LAUNCH Checklist
Students at the Foam Drop Party