As we prepare to welcome students, faculty and staff back to our campuses for the start of the fall semester, Appalachian State University is deeply committed to fostering and supporting an environment where every member of our campus community can learn, work and thrive safely and with complete support. The university’s success requires our continued culture of care, mutual respect and personal accountability and our dedication to one another.

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, a campuswide message was shared yesterday regarding personnel actions involving a former faculty member. To maintain a safe learning and working environment, App State upholds a rigorous process for reviewing and responding to allegations, reinforcing our culture of care and standards for integrity and professional conduct in our community. We encourage everyone to review the full statement and accompanying FAQ on our information page.

App State provides numerous resources to support the personal, professional and academic success of our community members. The AppCares website serves as a central hub for wellness and safety information and is an ideal starting place to locate support services and review reporting options. Highlighted below are key resources dedicated to supporting students, faculty and staff in Boone, Hickory and online:

Student resources

• Student Success: Provides academic empowerment and advising to guide students through their educational journeys.
  
  
• Counseling and Psychological Services: Offers confidential mental health counseling, crisis intervention and emotional support for students.
  
  
• Student Health Service: Delivers comprehensive primary healthcare, preventative care and medical services to students.
  
  
• Wellness and Prevention Services: Promotes holistic well-being through health education, peer programming and risk-reduction initiatives.
  
  
• Office of the Dean of Students: Serves as a central advocate for student needs, offering guidance, emergency support and case management assistance.
  
  

Faculty and Staff resources

• Faculty and Staff Guide to helping students: Available on the AppCares site, this resource equips university employees with practical tools to identify behaviors of concern and assist students in distress.
  
  
• Office of Human Resources: Delivers workplace support, benefits coordination and professional employee guidance.
  
  
• Counseling for Faculty and Staff: Offers specialized, confidential psychological support and mental health consultation for employees.
  
  
• Employee Assistance Program: Provides 24/7 access to confidential counseling, financial guidance and work-life balance resources for employees and their families.
  
  

Campuswide resources

• App State Police Department: Provides 24/7 professional law enforcement, safety patrols and emergency response across the university’s campuses.
  
  
• AppState-ALERT System: Sends real-time emergency notifications and safety advisories to the campus community.
  
  
• University Ombuds: Offers an independent, confidential and impartial resource for resolving university-related conflicts and concerns.
  
  
• Office of Access and Opportunity: Oversees Equal Opportunity initiatives and Disability Resources to foster an accessible and welcoming environment across our campus communities.
  
  

Looking out for one another requires active engagement across our entire community. If you observe concerning behaviors or need to report an incident, several direct channels are available:

• Report a Concern: This reporting resource helps students, faculty and staff quickly identify and contact the appropriate campus office for their specific concern.
  
  
• Emergencies: Call 911.
  
  
• Non-emergency assistance: If you need non-emergency assistance anytime, including after-hours, call 828-262-8000 to reach App State Police Dispatch.
  
  
• Anonymous tips and reporting:
  • Students, faculty and staff in Boone, Hickory or online may submit anonymous reports through the Appalachian Safety App.
  • Reports can also be submitted by anyone to the App State Police Department by visiting the department's Report a Crime page.
  • To anonymously report a crime or any suspicious activity in the Hickory area, call the Catawba County Sheriff's Office tip line at 828-466-2847 or visit the Catawba County Sheriff's Office Give a Tip page.
  
  

Our true strength lies in our shared dedication to one another. Please remember that you are never alone and that your App State Community is always here for you. By upholding our core values, remaining vigilant and caring for those around us, we ensure our campuses remain secure, welcoming spaces where every member of our community can truly thrive.

Heather Norris
Chancellor

Neva Specht
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

J.J. Brown
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer

Kristen S. Bonatz
General Counsel and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Integrity