Get ready to take flight and explore all that BraveNation has to offer at LAUNCH! 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 from Thursday, August 14, 2025, through Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Don't miss out on this amazing start to your college adventure!

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Thursday, August 14
Time
Event
Location
7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Move-In: Welcome Home to BraveNation!
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!
DRIVE THRU
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
"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.
Thomas Hall Auditorium
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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.
Thomas Hall 225
7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
LAUNCH Check-in
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.
Jones
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Residential Students
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Meet your RA/Floor Meeting
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RA will direct you to Small Group
Residence Hall
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Commuter Student
Meet and Greet
TBD
3 p.m.-3:45 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!
Small Group Meeting Locations
3-3:30 p.m.
"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.
Thomas Hall Auditorium
3-3:30 p.m.
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.
Thomas Hall 225
4 p.m.
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.
GPAC
5 p.m.
Campus Picnic and Family/Friends Send Off
Celebrate the start of the semester for food, music and friendship.
SC Lawn
8:00 p.m.
Small Group Meeting II
Check-in and overview of the next day.
Small Group Meeting Locations
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Friday, August 15
Time
Event
Location
8 - 9 a.m.
Breakfast
9:30 a.m. - noon
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!
Annex
Noon -1:30 p.m.
Lunch
Student Center Cafe
1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
Academic Block I
GPAC
2:45 - 3 p.m.
Break/Snack
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Academic Block II
GPAC
5 -7 p.m.
Dinner
Student Center Cafe
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Small Group Meeting III
Small Group Meeting Locations
7:30 p.m.
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 Robin Gary Cummings as you cross over the bridge, symbolizing your entrance into the UNCP community.
Quad
8 - 8:30 p.m.
Black and 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!
Main Gym
8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
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!
Student Center Lawn
8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Free Play at the HawksNest
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Saturday, August 16
Time
Event
Location
10 a.m. - 12 p.m
Brunch Beats/ Small Group Meeting IV
An unforgettable brunch event featuring delicious food, great company, and an energetic vibe! Enjoy a build-your-own waffle bar, and signature breakfast items, all while grooving to the beats spun by a live DJ.
Student Center Cafe
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Small Group Meeting IV
Academic Success
2 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Drop In
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.
Student Center Mall
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Drop In
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!
Student Center Mall
6 - 8 p.m.
Dinner
Student Center Cafe
8 - 10 p.m.
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.
Student Center Lawn
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Sunday, August 17
Time
Event
Location
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Brunch
Student Center Cafe
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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.
1:00 p.m. -1:45 p.m.
Small Group Meeting V - Final group meet
2 - 4 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!
5 - 6 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.
GPAC
6 - 8 p.m.
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.
Student Center Lawn
7 - 10 p.m.
Hawks Nest - Free Play
HawksNest
All Day
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.
Signature Events and Experiences




LAUNCH is a collaborative and immersive experience co-sponsored by Enrollment Management, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. For questions about LAUNCH please contact New Student Programs at orientation@uncp.edu or 910.521.6243.