Cindy Barr, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management
The Division of Enrollment Management is responsible for coordinating the recruitment, scholarship and retention activities of undergraduate students. It is committed to meeting the varied needs of students through an intensely personalized process that identifies and supports their academic interests and needs. It interacts with nearly every agency on campus and within the broader University community and is particularly responsive to supporting the instructional mission of the University.
The Division of Enrollment Management includes the Office of Admissions, the Office of Transfer Services, The Office of Student Financial Aid, University Scholarships, College Access Partnerships (GEAR UP, Upward Bound and Pre-Enrollment Programs), and the Registrar’s Office.
The Office of Admissions
admissions.appstate.edu
Alexis S. Pope, Director
The Office of Admissions coordinates the recruitment and selection of undergraduate students. It is committed to maintaining and improving the current quality of new students and to sustaining the desired number of entering students each year. The office provides information that will help make prospective students and their support groups aware of Appalachian and its offerings.
Admissions
Appalachian seeks to admit students who are capable of mature, college-level work. As a state-supported institution, the University recognizes its obligation to provide educational opportunities to those who will benefit from them. Consideration of classroom space places a restriction on the number of students who can be admitted to the University. For this reason, students are requested to apply as soon as possible after the application is available the year preceding enrollment. (typically early August)
Appalachian admits students at the beginning of the fall, spring and summer terms. Any person who wishes to enter the University during any term - fall, spring, or summer, as an undergraduate (first-year or transfer), returning/readmitted student, or non-degree student, should visit the website admissions.appstate.edu for full information and application procedures.
First-year Admission Requirements
Applicants will be considered for first time admission to the first-year class upon meeting the requirements specified below. Those students who have demonstrated the greatest probability of success will be given priority in the selection of the freshman class
Admission is competitive. Requirements are as follows:
- A properly completed online application for undergraduate admission
- An application fee must be submitted with every application. This fee is neither deductible from the first semester fees nor is it refundable. The application and the application fee may be submitted electronically via admissions.appstate.edu.
- Graduation from an accredited/approved secondary school (If the applicant has not graduated, an equivalency certificate is required.)
- Presentation of a competitive combination of secondary school grades, class rank (if determined), evidence of competitive curriculum, and ACT or SAT score, as evidenced on an official high school transcript and/or test score document(s). Appalachian also “super-scores” the results if a student takes the SAT or ACT more than once. Scores from non-standard SAT or ACT administration for appropriately identified disabled students are also accepted.
- Presentation of appropriate high school coursework as specified in the minimum course requirements (MCR) of the University of North Carolina (see below)
- A Criminal Background Check may be required if conduct questions on the application are answered affirmatively.
- A satisfactory health and immunization record once admission has been offered to the student
- Official college transcript(s) if any college work has been attempted (even if coursework was not completed)
- All applicants claiming to be a resident of North Carolina must request a residency determination through the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) for Undergraduate Admission
(Established by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors)
For applicants less than 21 years of age,
The following high school courses will be required for admission, in addition to an institution’s own specific requirements:
Language, six course units including:
- four units in English emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature; and
- two units of a language other than English
Mathematics, four course units including Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, and a higher level mathematics course for which Algebra II is a prerequisite. (Effective for high school graduates of 2006 and beyond, a fourth unit of mathematics is required for admission.) Mathematics courses that are approved for the fourth unit minimum requirement include the following: AP Calculus*, AP Statistics*, Pre-Calculus (formerly Advanced Math), Discrete Mathematics, IB Mathematics Level II, Integrated Mathematics IV, and Advanced Functions and Modeling. (*College Board, Advanced Placement Program,and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board Entrance Examination Board.) It is recommended that prospective students take a mathematics course unit in the twelfth grade.
Science, three course units including:
- at least one unit in a life or biological science (for example, biology);
- at least one unit in a physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, physics); and
- at least one laboratory course
Social Studies, two course units including one unit in U.S. history, but an applicant who does not have the unit in U.S. history may
be admitted on the condition that at least three semester hours in that subject will be passed by the end of the sophomore year.
For applicants who are at least 21 years of age
Applicants who are (or will be) at least 21 years of age at the point of intended enrollment may be exempted from the UNC Minimum Course Requirements.
Minimum Admissions Requirements (MAR)
(Established by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors)
All applicants for first-year admission must meet minimum high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Students applying for admission must submit either the SAT I or the ACT. The minimum GPA and test scores to be considered for admission:
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Minimum GPA |
2.5 |
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Minimum SAT |
880 |
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Minimum ACT |
17 |
Transfer Admission Requirements
Applicants seeking to transfer from other accredited institutions must submit:
- A properly completed online application for undergraduate admission.
- An application fee must be submitted with every application. This fee is neither deductible from the first semester fees nor is it refundable. The application and application fee may be submitted together electronically via admissions.appstate.edu.
- Students with fewer than 30 hours of transferable credit will be reviewed based on their high school GPA, completion of the Minimum Course Requirements (MCR), as well as SAT or ACT scores. Your official SAT or ACT scores and your official final high school transcript are required.
- Final/official transcripts from all colleges attended (even if coursework was not completed).
- A Criminal Background Check may be required if conduct questions on the application are answered affirmatively.
- A satisfactory health and immunization record once admission has been offered to the student.
- Transfer applicants must be currently eligible to return to the last institution attended.
- All applicants claiming to be a resident of North Carolina must request a residency determination through the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
Coursework with a “C” or better (grades of “C-” and below will not transfer) from a regionally accredited institution that is comparable to the course offerings at Appalachian State University is acceptable as transfer credit. ASU accepts credit under the guidelines of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. See “Transfer Credit Policy” at transfer.appstate.edu. Students must have completed 30 transferable semester credits; or be in progress of completing a total of 30 transferable semester credits, to be considered for admission as a transfer student. The minimum cumulative transfer GPA for admission is a 2.25 on all previous college work attempted.
Because requirements for admission to particular programs of study at Appalachian are sometimes different, transfer applicants should refer to the requirements listed for that program of study within the specific college/school or academic department/program. As an example, applicants for admission to any of the academic programs offered by the Hayes School of Music must also successfully audition with the Hayes School of Music for acceptance into one of the music programs.
Students with Veteran and Military Service
All Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist, Veteran and Retired military students should apply as a Transfer Student. In addition to the general transfer admission requirements, students should submit the DD214 or the Leave and Earnings Statement, as well as the Joint Services Transcript. Students with 3+ years of active duty service who have completed less than 30 transferable semester credits are not required to meet Minimum Course Requirements (MCR).
Non-Degree Students
Non-degree applicants must complete the online application and pay a nonrefundable application processing fee. Applicants who have a satisfactory record of experience and education may be admitted to courses though they do not plan to pursue a degree. Non-degree students are admitted for one term only (space permitting), and must be re-admitted at the beginning of each subsequent term. An individual who has been denied admission as a degree-seeking student may not enroll as a non-degree student during the academic year.
Non-Degree Teacher Certification Students
Non-degree teacher certification applicants must complete the online application and pay a nonrefundable application processing fee. Applicants must receive approval form from the Reich College of Education; applicants must hold a four-year degree from an accredited institution and must provide that transcript to the Office of Admissions. Non-degree teacher certification students are accepted on a space available basis.
Second Degree Applicants
Second degree applicants are those students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution and are seeking an additional bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University. They should apply as a transfer student and must provide a copy of the transcript from their bachelor’s degree-granting institution to the Office of Admissions. They will be reviewed and considered for admission as a transfer student, based on space availability.
Graduate Student Admission
For admission and graduation requirements, see the catalog for the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School.
International Student Admission Requirements
An international student wishing to apply for undergraduate admission should first make arrangements in her/his own country to take one of the following tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
- SAT
- ACT
A student whose native language is not English may not be approved for admission as an undergraduate student (even if she/he meets all other requirements) until sufficient evidence of English proficiency from one of the above tests is received. International students must submit these test scores, official transcripts with English translations, and a financial statement if they need an F-1 student visa. To support international students interested in applying for admission, Appalachian has conditional acceptance partnerships with the American Language Academy (www.alaenglish.com), INTERLINK (www.uncg.interlinkesl.com), ELS (www.els.edu), and New Mind (www.newmindedu.com).
Once admitted, documentation to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover the estimated expenses for one year of study at Appalachian will be required prior to issuing the immigration documents needed to apply for a student visa. International students are considered out-of-state students for tuition purposes and pay tuition and fees based upon out-of-state/non-resident rates. Funds for financial assistance to international students are limited.
Any questions regarding immigration documents, international student orientation and pre-arrival materials, programs for international students, etc. can be answered by International Student and Scholar Services at isss@appstate.edu. For more information on the admissions requirements for international students, please go to admissions.appstate.edu.
Returning Students/Readmission
Any previously enrolled Appalachian undergraduate student who has not been enrolled in classes in a major term (fall/spring) or has had a break in enrollment must apply for readmission to the university. For more information on how to apply and deadlines for readmission, please visit the Office of the Registrar’s website at registrar.appstate.edu and click on Readmission.
The Office of Transfer Services
Jane M. Rex, Director
The Office of Transfer Services provides the knowledge and resources necessary to empower students through their Appalachian journey by advocating and collaborating to build the bridges necessary for student transition, integration, and success. The office provides services for credit evaluation and credit acquisition, transfer advising, mentoring, transitional support, engagement and retention. Recognizing the diversity of transfer students and the wide spectrum of questions and needs, the Office supports student’s transition and acclimation to Appalachian through various programming, technology, and dedicated customer service support.
Transfer of Credit
Coursework with a “C” (2.0) or better (grades of “C-” (1.7) and below will not transfer) from a regionally accredited institution that is comparable to the course offerings at Appalachian State University is acceptable as transfer credit. Appalachian accepts credit under the guidelines of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. See “Transfer Credit Policy” at www.transferservices.appstate.edu
Types of Credit
AP, Cambridge International, CLEP and IB credits may be accepted. See the Office of Transfer Services website to find the courses and acceptable scores for transfer purposes. transfer.appstate.edu/prospective-students/transferring-credits/transfer-credit-policy
Foreign Coursework
To receive transfer credit from a foreign university, transcripts must be evaluated in English by a credentialing agency such as: World Education Services (www.wes.org), Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org/), Josef Silny & Associates (www.jsilny.com) or Global Credential Evaluators (www.gceus.com), etc. and the student must provide course descriptions or syllabi (in English).
Military Credit
Military training and experience will be evaluated upon receipt of the Joint Services Transcript with recommendations from the American Council on Education (www.acenet.com) used as a resource to award credit. See “Academic Regulations ” for additional information.
North Carolina Community College Articulation Agreement (CAA)
The North Carolina Community College System and the University of North Carolina System revised the Comprehensive Articulation in Spring of 2014 with implementation in the Fall of 2014. The CAA enables students to meet the lower level general education requirements at UNC system institutions by completing the Associate in Arts, or the Associate in Science degree with a GPA of at least a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all CAA courses. Although the Transfer Core Diploma was excluded from the new revisions, students enrolled in the Transfer Core Diploma curriculum prior to the fall of 2014 may be awarded the Transfer Core Diploma at their community college and meet the general education requirements at Appalachian State. Degrees awarded prior to 1997 will be evaluated on an individual basis. Students who earn the Associate in Arts, the Associate in Science, the Associate in Fine Arts, defined by the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement are exempt from the UNC Minimum Course Requirements (MCR’s).
For more detailed information regarding the CAA go to: http://www.northcarolina.edu/?q=content/nc-community-college-transfer
Evaluation of Out-of-State Associate’s Degree - see the “Academic Regulations ” section of this catalog.
General Education Completion at UNC System Institutions - see the “Academic Regulations ” section of this catalog.
Course Equivalency Information
The following link will allow you to search for courses from other institutions and determine how they transfer to Appalachian. This is not a comprehensive listing. Contact the Office of Transfer Services if a course is not available. www.bannerweb.appstate.edu/pls/PROD/bzsktran.P_Select_term
Petition for Equivalent Credit
A student may petition transfer credit for Appalachian courses that are designated as “elective credit” after the initial credit evaluation is completed by the Office of Transfer Services. The student may petition to have the course equated to a specific Appalachian course, by initiating the Transfer Coursework Petition process.
For detailed instructions and access to the form, go to transferservices.appstate.edu/current-students/petition-credit-0
Petition for General Education Credit
A student may petition transfer credit for the purpose of meeting general education requirements after the initial credit evaluation is completed by the Office of Transfer Services. A student may petition to have the course reviewed for theme or designation credit. Requests for general education credit must be submitted directly to the Office of General Education with the required syllabus/course documentation. For additional information, contact the General Education Office at (828) 262-2028.
Visiting Coursework
Once an undergraduate student has enrolled as a degree-seeking student at Appalachian, she or he should NOT enroll as a visiting student at another collegiate institution unless prior approval has been received from Appalachian. A student who wishes to attend another collegiate institution should contact the Office of Transfer Services and consult with an advisor to confirm that the course is applicable to the major. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in the coursework being deemed unacceptable for transfer to Appalachian. For detailed instructions and access to the form, go to http://transferservices.appstate.edu/current-students/visiting-coursework-0
Study Abroad - see international.appstate.edu.
University Scholarships
Leah Beth Hubbard, Director
The Office of University Scholarships works with university partners to award scholarship funds to students. Currently enrolled students should contact their department, college/school, or program of study for information about specific scholarships available to them. Graduate students should contact the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School to inquire about scholarship opportunities.
Incoming students both transfer and first-year, are able to apply for scholarships by completing the scholarship application once they submit an application for admissions. The deadline for scholarship submission and information about scholarship opportunities can be found at scholarships.appstate.edu Applicants are expected to provide evidence of superior academic performance, leadership, service and more.
In recognition of students with special talents, the University provides grants and scholarships in fields of activity such as drama, art, forensics, industrial arts, music, and athletics. In addition, many departments have their own scholarship funds for which students should inquire by writing to the department chair. Athletes should contact the coach of a specific sport.
Office of Student Financial Aid
www.financialaid.appstate.edu
Adam McCourry, Interim Director
Through student financial aid programs, Appalachian State University makes every effort to assist students in meeting their educational expenses. With the exception of certain Appalachian academic scholarships, all students interested in receiving financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student, and at least one parent of a dependent student, must have a U.S. Department of Education FSA ID to complete the FAFSA. Obtain an FSA ID at www.fsaid.ed.gov. Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
In order to receive priority consideration for certain state grants, all students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 and before Appalachian’s priority deadline of March 1 for the upcoming school year. The FAFSA may be completed after the priority deadline but the student will not receive priority consideration for need-based grants.
Students must reapply for financial aid each year. Financial aid funding does not transfer from one institution to another. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about Appalachian’s financial aid application procedures for the academic year or for summer sessions.
Appalachian State University offers grants, loans and work opportunities to eligible students once the FAFSA data have been received.
The University is approved for training veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans, as well as members of National Guard/Reserves, under the select programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Persons eligible to receive such benefits must process an application to utilize VA Education Benefits or to transfer their established benefits to Appalachian from another school. Applications can be accessed online via the GI Bill website: www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/apply.asp. Additionally, eligible individuals must complete an Enrollment Data Sheet and Statement of Understanding in order to receive their benefits at Appalachian State. These forms can be obtained online (www.financialaid.appstate.edu) or in the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students pursuing only these VA benefits are not required to complete the FAFSA; however, they are encouraged to do so to ensure consideration for other federal, state, and institutional forms of educational financial assistance.
the following programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs:
Further information may be obtained at www.financialaid.appstate.edu.
College Access Partnerships
www.gocollege.appstate.edu
Anthony P. Jones, Interim Executive Director
College Access Partnerships, a member of the Appalachian Higher Education Network (AHEN), is a collaborative for college access programming, public schools, and higher education in western North Carolina. The office serves as a clearinghouse of information and activities related to improving access to higher education by providing the following: a Directory of College Preparation Opportunities; a list of funding opportunities for K-12 schools in North Carolina; and Pre-Enrollment Programs. Housed at Appalachian State University, the College Access Partnerships office serves the Appalachian region of North Carolina and provides opportunities for middle and high school students in the twenty-nine NC Appalachian counties to enter college better prepared.
GEAR UP, Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math Science are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and are designed to assist middle and high school students in preparing academically and personally for post-secondary education. The students selected for the project receive academic support services, personal and cultural development opportunities and participate in summer residential programs on campus. The projects serve participants from 12 area school districts: Ashe County, Avery County, Watauga County, Wilkes County, Burke County, Alleghany County, Graham County, Swain County, Clay County, Madison County,Yancey County, and Rutherford County.
For further information, visit the College Access Partnerships website at www.gocollege.appstate.edu.
Office of the Registrar
www.registrar.appstate.edu
Debbie Race, University Registrar
The Registrar’s Office serves as the official custodian for all academic records, undergraduate and graduate. In maintaining the academic record, the Office seeks to insure accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality. Specific responsibilities assigned to the Registrar’s Office include the following: plan and implement registration for classes; compile and maintain the academic record; provide both official and unofficial transcripts of the academic record to students and appropriate third parties; certify enrollment at the University; process official withdrawals from the University; plan and manage the University’s commencement ceremonies held at the end of the fall and spring semesters; receive, process, and track applications for graduation at the undergraduate level; and process readmission applications for former students wishing to re-enroll at the university. In addition to those responsibilities, the Registrar’s Office is also formally involved in the consultation, development, and implementation of effective and secure electronic solutions requiring access to and/or the use of student data.
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