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
Move-In: Welcome Home to BraveNation!
8 a.m.-2 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. Our team will be there to help you every step of the way as you unpack, get organized, and start your exciting college journey. Let's make this transition smooth, fun, and full of new beginnings!
One-Stop-Shop LAUNCH Check-In
8 a.m.-4 p.m. | UC Annex
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.
Commuter Check-in for LAUNCH
2:15-2:45 p.m. | UC Annex
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.
Smart Cookie Stop: Sweet Start for Commuters
2-3:15 p.m. | Student Center Patio
Pop in for a sweet little pit stop! Decorate cookies, share your recipe for success, and connect with fellow commuters—all while grabbing treats and quick tasty tips to keep you on track. Come for the cookies, stay for the connections!
New Student Convocation
4 p.m. | GPAC
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. ***Small groups will be dismissed following New Student Convocation.
After Hours LAUNCH Check-in
4-10 p.m. | Chavis Student Center Info Desk
Small Group Meeting I
5:15-6:15 p.m. | Small Group Locations
Join us for an electrifying Small Group Meetup, where connections spark and friendships ignite!
Campus Picnic
6-7:30 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
Spark new connections at the Campus Picnic! Join fellow students, families, faculty, and staff for food, music, and a chance to connect with the campus community after move-in. It’s the perfect way to relax, meet new people, and start your UNCP experience with fun and good vibes.
Throwback Mixtape Bingo
8 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
Join for an evening of classic hits and throwback music in a fast-paced bingo game. We invite you to join us to connect, have fun, and win exciting prizes and UNCP swag.
Launch
All-Day | UNCP Campus
One-Stop-Shop
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | UC Annex
Meet representatives from key departments across campus, get your questions answered, learn about important services and resources, and discover everything you need to succeed during your first year at UNCP.
Service Plunge: Dive into Service, Make an Impact
8-11 a.m. | Student Center Lawn
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!
Rotation of Lunch & Sessions
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Multiple Locations
Lunch, Small Group Meeting II, and Academic Session Block
Small Group Meeting III
2-3 p.m. | Small Group Locations
Academic Block
3-4 p.m. | Multiple Locations
Break
4-5 p.m.
Dinner
5-7 p.m. | Dining Hall
Small Group Meeting IV
3-4 p.m. | Small Group Locations
Brave Walk
7:30 p.m. | Quad
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 Robin Gary Cummings as you cross over the bridge, symbolizing your entrance into the UNCP community.
Black & Gold Kick Off
8-8:30 p.m. | Main Gym
Make sure that you're wearing black and gold, and come ready to celebrate the start of your first semester of college!
The Foam Frenzy
8:30-10:30 p.m. | Oak/Pine Courtyard
Feel the adrenaline rush as the foam starts flying. Get lost in the music and lights as you dance all night. Get loud with your new friends, and you will share an experience unlike any other. The foam washes off, but you will never forget the night you had at this party.
Free Play at the HawksNest
10 p.m.-12 a.m. | HawksNest
Small Group Meetings IV and Brunch: Academic Success 101
10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various Locations
Braves Shuttle
2-5 p.m.
The Braves Move-In Shopping Shuttle will shuttle students to Food Lion and Walmart for local shopping needs. Visit the transportation page for stop locations and more information.
Map It Out: Your Class Schedule Walkthrough
2-4 p.m. | Student Center Mall
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.
Scoop on Spirituality and Faith
2-4 p.m. | Student Center Mall
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!
An Afternoon in SOHO (Student Organization Hang Out)
4-6 p.m. Drop-In | Student Center Mall
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.
Dinner
6-8 p.m. | Student Center Cafe
Flight
8-10 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
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.
Braves Shuttle
10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various Locations
The Braves Move-In Shopping Shuttle will shuttle students to Food Lion and Walmart for local shopping needs. Visit the Braves Shuttle page for stop locations and more information.
Brunch
10 a.m.-1 p.m. | UC Annex
One-Stop-Shop
1-4 p.m.
Meet representatives from key departments across campus, get your questions answered, learn about important services and resources, and discover everything you need to succeed during your first year at UNCP.
Welcome to the Neighborhood
3:30-5 p.m. | Various Locations
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.
Feast of Nations
5-8 p.m. | Dining Hall
Join us for a sensory journey around the world, inviting participants to taste, see, hear, and experience the incredible variety of human cultures.
Free Play in HawksNest
7:30-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest
Signature LAUNCH Experiences
Brave Walk
Black & Gold Kick-Off
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.
New Student Convocation
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!
