Orientation Programs
Orientation helps new students explore Appalachian’s academic and social opportunities and make a smooth transition to life on campus. Orientation services for students are provided in the forms of an online orientation course called Early Registration Advising, an academic on-campus orientation program, and a Welcome Weekend program prior to the start of the fall semester. A Parent & Family Orientation program runs concurrently with the new student on-campus academic orientation program.
New Student Orientation & Orientation Welcome Weekend
www.orientation.appstate.edu
Nikki Crees, Director
Orientation is coordinated by University College and emphasizes academic information, placement testing, advice on course scheduling, University policies and procedures, and registration for classes. The program is required for all entering degree-seeking undergraduate students and takes place throughout the summer, at the beginning of each semester, and at the beginning of each summer school session. Orientation should be completed before the first day of classes but MUST be completed no later than the end of the specified drop/add period. New students may not confirm their class schedule without attending Orientation.
Orientation Welcome Weekend takes place at the beginning of the fall semester for all new undergraduate students. This program focuses on campus engagement, student involvement, and resources for student success. Students also have opportunities to meet professors and to get to know other students.
Parent & Family Orientation
www.parents.appstate.edu
Parent & Family Orientation is coordinated by the Division of Student Development and is held concurrently with the academic new student orientation. This program is designed not only to introduce parents and families to the services and activities available to students, but also to discuss changes parents and families might expect as their daughter, son or family member transitions to college.
Academic Advising
www.advising.appstate.edu
Appalachian views advising students as one of its highest responsibilities and priorities. Academic advising seeks to provide every student with assistance in identifying academic and career interests, developing a realistic and successful academic program, planning an effective career strategy, and addressing personal and social areas of concern. Faculty, administrators, and staff are committed to a comprehensive advising system that addresses students’ needs at each stage in their University education.
University College Academic Advising
Lynne Waugh, Director
Don Presnell, Associate Director
University College Academic Advising serves all first-time, degree-seeking, main campus undergraduate students in their first semesters and through major declaration. Professional advisors educate students regarding University requirements and policies. They assist with academic planning, interpreting University policies, and developing academic majors and career strategies. Advising for undeclared freshmen, first semester transfers, students whose GPA is below a 2.0, and undeclared students with 60 or more earned hours is mandatory. The Advising Center is located in 101 D.D. Dougherty Hall, (828) 262-2167.
Advising in the Colleges/School. When students have completed at least 30 semester hours, including credit for RC 1000 or an equivalent course and credit for or current enrollment in UCO 1200 or an equivalent course, and have obtained at least a 2.0 gradepoint average, they may declare a major unless additional admissions requirements must be met. In this case, their academic records are forwarded from the University College Academic Advising Office to the appropriate degree-granting college/school (College of Arts and Sciences, Walker College of Business, Reich College of Education, College of Fine and Applied Arts, College of Health Sciences, and Hayes School of Music). In some cases, additional requirements must be met to be formally accepted into a college/school. Personnel are available in the dean’s office of each degree-granting college or the School of Music to answer general questions about University graduation requirements, interpret University policy, and review a student’s official record.
Advising in the Departments/Programs. Since advising policies vary at the upper division level, students who have declared their majors should contact their major departments/programs for advising information. As the primary source of advising for the major, the departmental/program advisor helps students in developing realistic and successful academic programs, exploring career opportunities, and staying informed about University and departmental policies and activities.
Faculty members maintain weekly office hours for routine conferences with students. Many faculty will be able to answer general questions about University regulations and requirements, but others will refer students to a department, program, or college/school for both general and specialized advising. When students have personal and social problems, faculty members assist if possible and, if the need is apparent, make necessary referrals to one of the special counseling services on campus.
Advising Responsibilities. In order for academic advising to be constructive and beneficial, it is important that both the student and the advisor recognize respective responsibilities. The advisor is committed and prepared to provide appropriate, accurate, and timely information at every stage of the student’s career. The student, on the other hand, must be willing to accept advice, realizing that the ultimate responsibility for understanding University regulations and for meeting graduation requirements resides with the student. Advising is a shared responsibility between the student and the advisor.
Mandatory Major Declaration. Students who are eligible to declare their majors and have junior status, 60 or more earned credit hours and the completion of one semester at Appalachian State University must declare their majors and move from University College Academic Advising to advising within their colleges/school and departments. A registration hold will be placed on the student accounts of those students who do not declare their majors when mandated. While University College academic advisors advise freshman and sophomore students, juniors and seniors are much better served in their specific major departments/programs as they progress toward graduation.
Learning Assistance Program
www.lap.appstate.edu
To be determined, Executive Director
To be determined, Associate Director
The Learning Assistance Program fosters academic achievement by all Appalachian students. The program provides services to students that include tutoring, learning skills courses and consultations. Specific populations of students are provided a comprehensive system of support which include academic advising, counseling, orientation, instruction, and study skills to enable them to be successful in their academic work.
Following are descriptions of the components of the Learning Assistance Program, located on the second floor of D.D. Dougherty Hall. For additional information, call (828) 262-2291.
Academic Services for Student-Athletes (LAP)
www.ssa.appstate.edu
Stacy Sears, Director
Appalachian State University values academic excellence as well as athletic achievement. The student-athlete is provided a comprehensive academic support system through academic advising, counseling, tutoring, assistance with registration, orientation, academic progress reports, and NCAA eligibility checks. A required study hall is provided for some student-athletes. For further information, call (828) 262-2291.
Appalachian Commitment to a College Education for Student Success (ACCESS)(LAP)
www.access.appstate.edu
Beth Marsh, Director
The ACCESS program offers low-income students from North Carolina a four-year university education at Appalachian State University debt-free. Specifically, the ACCESS program supplements federal financial aid grants, state financial aid grants and scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance with sufficient funds to cover the cost of institutional charges (tuition, fees, room, board) and health insurance costs.
To be eligible for the ACCESS program, a student must enter Appalachian as a first-time freshman on the main campus, attend full-time, be a resident of North Carolina, make satisfactory academic progress (as defined by federal regulations), and be from a family with an income at or below the Federal Poverty Level (indexed by family size). In addition to financial assistance, ACCESS students receive a comprehensive program of academic support which includes long-term academic advising, mentors, tutoring, early registration assistance, academic progress reports, career development, and financial planning.
Academic Strategy Instruction (LAP)
www.lss.appstate.edu
Cama Duke, Director
Heather Lippard, Assistant Director
Students can sign up for individual appointments with a learning skills specialist to discuss strategies such as note-taking methods, time management, effective reading and study methods, test-taking skills, test anxiety, organization, and study tips for standardized test preparation.
Academic StrategyInstruction offers a variety of, one credit-hour elective courses in time management, study skills, power reading, and research strategies. Each course is designed to give students the opportunity to identify, practice and reflect on strategies for academic achievement. Workshops can be arranged upon request. For more information, call (828) 262-3044.
As-U-R
www.collegestar.appstate.edu/students
Jamie Inlow, Director
As-U-R is the student centered initiative of College STAR (Supporting Transition, Access, and Retention: A UNC System Project Supporting Students with Learning Differences). As-U-R is a student support program focused on supporting students with executive function challenges (EFCs). Skills related to academic success, such as organization, planning and setting priorities, getting starting and completing tasks, monitoring progress on tasks, and decision-making are referred to as executive function skills. Executive function challenges are defined as chronic difficulties in organizing, planning, and carrying out tasks and can make success in college-level academics much more difficult. Some college students with EFCs may have previously been assessed for or even diagnosed with ADHD or a learning disability, but others may not, despite struggling with such tasks. As-U-R offers intensive accountability, peer mentoring/tutoring, drop-in assistance, quiet study rooms in Edwin Duncan Hall, and access to assistive technology.
Student Support Services (LAP)
www.sss.appstate.edu
Cathia Silver, Director
Christine Davé, Assistant Director
Funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Appalachian State University, Student Support Services is designed to assist students enrolled at Appalachian who have potential for success in college but who may experience some academic difficulties. Students selected for the program must be in need of financial assistance and/or be a first generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree). The program offers academic advising, personal, career, and financial counseling, tutoring, a learning community, a mentor program, learning skills courses, cultural activities, and a scholarship program. For more information, please call (828) 262-2291.
University Tutorial Services/LEAD Tutoring (LAP)
www.tutoring.appstate.edu or www.si.appstate.edu
Jessica Lorello, Director
University Tutorial Services assists students who want to improve their chances of success in their coursework and/or who benefit from discussing course content with peer tutors. The program provides free tutorial assistance in most courses through small group tutoring. Students may sign up for tutoring appointments on Monday through Thursday from 9 AM-7 PM and on Friday from 9 AM-3 PM by going in person to Room 208 of D.D. Dougherty Hall, (828) 262-3060.
LEAD Tutoring is designed to help students master course concepts and increase competency in reading, reasoning and study skills. Successful role models such as upperclass students serve as LEAD tutors and attend course lectures, take notes, and complete assigned readings in order to lead weekly review sessions for students enrolled in these courses. For more information, please call (828) 262-3060.
Testing Services
www.testing.appstate.edu
Merrill G. Hibbs, Director (Computer Based Testing Center)
Ed Williamson, Manager
The Office of Testing Services provides a Computer Based Testing Center for students to take national entrance/certification exams. Students can test at their own convenience at one of the twelve computer stations located in John E. Thomas Hall.
A list of tests/examinations offered include the GRE General Test (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), PRAXIS (national teacher exam), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the MAT (Miller Analogies Test), MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), CLEP tests (College Level Examination Program), and other national examinations, charging fees, when applicable, in accordance with the schedule of fees maintained in the Testing Center. A variety of different certifying exams are also administered through a contract with the Pearson VUE testing company.
In addition to computer-based tests, paper and pencil tests are administered on national test dates throughout the year, usually on Saturdays. They include: PRAXIS, LSAT (Law School Admissions Test), GRE Subject Tests, and NCE (National Counselors Exam).
Testing Services also coordinates placement testing for incoming freshmen and transfers and distance education testing for ASU students enrolled in off-campus coursework. All requests for accommodated testing must be approved through the Office of Disability Services prior to test administration for these tests. For more information, please contact the Office of Testing Services at (828) 262-6801.
University Documentary Film Services
www.doc.appstate.edu
Beth Davison, Co-Director
Tom Hansell, Co-Director
The University Documentary Film Services program teaches, engages in, and presents documentary work grounded in collaborative local and global partnerships that use photography, film/video, audio, and narrative writing to capture and convey memory, life, research, theory, and culture.
University Documentary Film Services:
- Coordinates existing documentary film efforts and resources on campus.
- Provides information and support for producing documentaries.
- Offers classroom instruction and workshops about basic documentary skills.
- Archives and disseminates campus documentary projects.
The University Documentary Film Services office is located in Room 228 of Chapell Wilson Hall.
For more information, please call (828) 262-7715 or (828) 262-6397.
University Writing Center
www.writingcenter.appstate.edu
Elizabeth Carroll, Director
Amy Hansen, Assistant Director
The University Writing Center offers free one-to-one conferences with Appalachian students working on any type of writing project: papers for academic courses, thesis chapters, statements for graduate school applications, and creative writing projects. Consultants work with writers at any stage of the writing process, from inventing topics and revising drafts to editing at the sentence level.
The University Writing Center is located in Room 008 of Belk Library and Information Commons.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (828) 262-3144.
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