Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  Why are we instituting changes now?

A.  Our first priority is scholarships.  We need to fully fund scholarships for all 19 varsity sports.  Tax deductable donations from Seahawk Club members are the primary source of scholarship funding.  A commitment to full fund athletic scholarships needs to happen now, so we don't fall further behind our CAA competitors. 

Q.  Do I have to give an additional donation beyond the per seat requirements?

A.  No.  Your per seat donation will be sufficient for your Seahawk Club membership.  However, if you would like other benefits associated with a higher giving level (parking, pre-game hospitality, etc.), then you would need to make your donation appropriately. 

Q.  Why do I need to make my donation before Dec. 31, 2013? 

A.  We have changed from a fiscal giving year to a calendar giving year.  The main purpose is twofold:  1. we will run our giving year parallel to the tax year, thus simplifying giving for your year-end tax preparation.  2. this will enable us to get ahead of our giving.  People will be able to get a renewal in January (for the 2013-2014 athletic year) and have a full 12 months to pay their pledge off.  All pledges will need to be in by March 1, 2013, with at least 50% of their pledge paid by July 30, 2013 and 100% by October 31, 2013.  This has become an issue because individuals are receiving benefits before we receive donations, and some don't fulfill their pledges at the end of the year. 

Q.  Do other schools have similar standards?

A.  Yes, many schools have made these changes over the past 15-20 years.  The Seahawk Club researched many institutions' current seating and contributions policies (VCU, George Mason, ODU, College of Charleston, Xavier, etc..) and the SHC staff feels these new policies are fair to UNCW fans and will help improve our programs.    

Examples:

"Bill" wants 4 seats in section 17 - then "Bill" will need to give $800 to the Seahawk Club - if a person wants various parking or other benefits then they will need to give more based on what they want.  Take the Golden Hawk Room for example - "Bill" would need to give an additional $1,200 to gain access to the Golden Hawk Room because that benefit is at the $2,000 giving level.