With North Carolina’s widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, the chances of a return to normalcy at UNCW seemed fairly optimistic. However, such progress came to a halt when UNCW notified students of a COVID-19 cluster in Sandpiper Residence Hall on August 23, 2021. The following day, it was announced that the university would suspend all in-person events and activities that are not related to coursework. On Monday, UNCW extended current guidelines and restrictions until Oct. 15.

Two days before the Fall 2020 semester bill was originally due, UNC Wilmington announced an extension due to inaccurate charges because of changes caused by the COVID-19 virus.