Enrollment Management

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

Kimberly Holley, Sr. 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:

1. A properly completed online application for undergraduate admission.
2. An application fee must be submitted with every application. This fee is neither deductible from the first semester fees nor is it refundable.
3. Graduation from an accredited/approved secondary school. If the applicant has not graduated, an equivalency certificate is required.
4. Presentation of a competitive combination of secondary school grades, class rank (if determined), evidence of competitive curriculum, essay, and  ACT or SAT score presented 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.  Recommended materials include an interest statement and list of activities.
5. Presentation of appropriate high school coursework as specified in the minimum course requirements (MCR) and minimum admissions requirements (MAR) for those under 21 years of age.
6. A criminal background check may be required if conduct questions on the application are answered affirmatively.
7. A satisfactory health and immunization record once admission has been offered to the student.
8. Official college transcript(s) if any college work has been attempted (even if coursework was not completed).
9. All applicants claiming to be a resident of North Carolina must request a residency determination through the Residency Determination Service (RDS).

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:

Transfer Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking to transfer from other accredited institutions must submit:

1. A properly completed online application for undergraduate admission.
2. An application fee must be submitted with every application. This fee is neither deductible from the first semester fees nor is it refundable.
3. 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.
4. Final/official transcripts from all colleges attended (even if coursework was not completed).
5. A criminal background check may be required if conduct questions on the application are answered affirmatively.
6. A satisfactory health and immunization record once admission has been offered to the student.
7. Transfer applicants must be currently eligible to return to the last institution attended.
8. 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. Any students who wish to take courses at Appalachian concurrently with their high school courses must also submit additional approvals from you high school administrator, the faculty member teaching the course and from your parent/guardian at the time of their application.

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.

Online and Transfer Services

Jeni Wyatt, Director

The Office of Online and 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 and online student advising, mentoring, transitional support, engagement and retention. Recognizing the diversity of transfer and online students and the wide spectrum of questions and needs, the office helps students transition and acclimate to Appalachian through various programming, technology, and dedicated customer service support.

App State Online Programs 

Through coordination with the academic colleges and departments/programs, institutional resources are extended into the University’s service region at Appalachian Centers at Hickory, Caldwell, and Burke, as well as at Middle Fork Academy and the Appalachian Learning Alliance with other community colleges. In addition, many programs are offered online.

Appalachian offers undergraduate degree completion programs in either part-time or full-time formats. Off-campus graduate degree offerings have been available to the citizens of North Carolina for more than fifty years.

For additional information about credit and programs offered off-campus, please contact App State Online, P.O. Box 32054, 400 University Hall Drive, Boone, NC 28608, call (828) 262-3113 or (800) 355-4084, or email online@appstate.edu, or visit www.online.appstate.edu

Transfer Credit from Another Institution

Coursework with a grade of “C” (2.0) or better from a regionally accredited institution that is comparable to the course offerings at Appalachian State University is acceptable as transfer credit (grades of “C-” (1.7) and below will not transfer). Appalachian accepts credit under the guidelines of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement. (see Appalachian’s “Transfer Credit Policy”

External Credit by Exam

AP, Cambridge AS & A Level, CLEP and IB credits may be accepted.  Visit the Office of Online and Transfer Services external credit by exam page to find the courses and acceptable scores for transfer purposes.

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 Agreement in Spring 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).

Visit the CAA Website for more detailed information regarding the CAA.

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

Visit our Transfer Equivalency Course Search to search for courses from other institutions and determine how they transfer to Appalachian. This is not a comprehensive listing. Contact the Office of Online and Transfer Services if a course is not available.

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 Online and 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, visit our Course Petition link.

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 Online and 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 Online and 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. Go to our Visiting Coursework page for detailed instructions and access to the form.

Study Abroad - see international.appstate.edu.

Office of Student Financial Aid

www.financialaid.appstate.edu

Wesley Armstrong, 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.studentaid.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 apply for financial aid each year by completing or renewing the FAFSA. Additionally, financial aid funding does not automatically 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.

Further information may be obtained at www.financialaid.appstate.edu.

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Dala Gant, Director

University Scholarships in the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for awarding all institutional scholarships to Appalachian students enrolled or planning to enroll at Appalachian State University. 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. 

Information about scholarship opportunities can be found at scholarships.appstate.edu.

College Access Partnerships

www.gocollege.appstate.edu

James Beeler, GEAR UP Director
Aaron Gersonde, Upward Bound 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: manage the development of the course schedule of classes for each term; plan and implement registration for classes; compile and maintain the academic record; provide official 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; maintain the University’s degree audit system and undergraduate bulletin; receive, process, and track applications for graduation at the undergraduate level; and process undergraduate 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.