Opening Doors

Resources and services for greater access
Friday, April 13, 2018

Scholarships, work-study programs and financial aid make it possible for many of our students to attend Appalachian. Common access to a college education is a university priority, and our faculty and staff work diligently to make that a reality. While merit- and needs-based scholarships provide the most obvious assistance — we award more than $4 million each year in scholarships — I’d like to highlight a few additional resources and services:

  • The Office of Transfer Services facilitates students’ transition to the university — from making sure students will be able to transfer the maximum number of credits, to helping students find housing, to securing local employment. Preston MacDonald, a Central Carolina Community College graduate and current Appalachian student, recently told us: “Appalachian State shines in its ability to focus on maintaining a comfortable mentoring environment.”
  • April 9-13 is Student Employment Appreciation Week — an opportunity to share your appreciation with a student worker you encounter. Student employment assists students in obtaining part-time job opportunities on and off campus through the Federal Work-Study and Student Temporary Work programs. On average, more than 4,000 of our students secure on-campus jobs each year.
  • Our students graduate in less time than most college students — 73 percent for Appalachian versus 49 percent nationally. Simply attending summer school can shorten the time required to complete a degree, and there is financial aid available for those who qualify.
  • For some of our students, the unexpected auto repair or family crisis can mean the difference between finishing or not finishing the semester. For these students, the Division of Student Affairs oversees a Student Emergency Loan program and can facilitate short-term loans, gap scholarships or small grant funding to help students through times of crisis.
  • And, for those for whom resources are tight, the Appalachian Community pitches in. The Office of Sustainability maintains a food pantry and free store with food, clothing, basic hygiene items, home goods and school supplies. Resources are stocked by individuals, as well as by student, staff and faculty food drives.

Helping one another is part of the Appalachian Experience. Thursday, April 19, is #iBackAPP Day, an opportunity to pay it forward. This one-day fund drive combines gifts large and small from thousands of alumni, students, parents and friends to support students on Appalachian’s campus with what they need when they need it. These flexible funds have supported students with scholarship support, travel assistance, funding for internships and emergency meal money. Will you back App?

/s/ Sheri Everts

Sheri Everts, Chancellor