Appalachian State University Undergraduate Bulletin

494 Pages·2015·4.16 MB·English

appalachian state university
Undergraduate Bulletin
2015–2016
volume cII
Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all ap-
plicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and
activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, creed, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual
orientation. The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees.
The Appalachian State University Undergraduate Bulletin is intended for information purposes only and does not
constitute a contract between the University and the student. While this catalog presents policies and programs
as accurately as possible at the time of publication, the University reserves the right to revise any section or part
without notice or obligation.
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Table of Contents
The University ...............................................................................................................3
Mission Statement; History; Accreditation; Assessment
Academic Affairs ............................................................................................................8
Student Life ................................................................................................................ 14
Student Financial Aid ...................................................................................................23
Expenses .................................................................................................................... 26
Enrollment Management ..............................................................................................30
Admissions; Office of Transfer Services; University Scholarships; NCACHE; The Registrar’s
Office
Academic Regulations ................................................................................................ 36
The Undergraduate Program - General Education ........................................................52
Honors College ............................................................................................................62
University College ........................................................................................................64
Orientation Programs; Academic Advising; Learning Assistance Program; Testing Services;
University Documentary Film Services; University Writing Center; Forum Lecture Series;
Office of Student Research; Common Reading Program; Service-Learning & Community-
Based Research; General Education; Writing Across the Curriculum; First Year Seminar
The College of Arts and Sciences .................................................................................74
Anthropology; Appalachian Studies; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Cultural,
Gender and Global Studies; English; Environmental Science; Fermentation Sciences;
Geography and Planning; Geology; Government and Justice Studies; History; Languages,
Literatures, and Cultures; Mathematical Sciences; Philosophy and Religion; Physics and
Astronomy; Psychology; Sociology; Watauga Residential College
The Walker College of Business .................................................................................240
Accounting; Computer Information Systems and Supply Chain Management; Economics;
Finance, Banking and Insurance; Management; Marketing
The Reich College of Education ..................................................................................278
Curriculum and Instruction; Family and Child Studies; Human Development and
Psychological Counseling; Leadership and Educational Studies; Reading Education and
Special Education
The College of Fine and Applied Arts ..........................................................................317
Applied Design; Art; Communication; Military Science and Leadership; Sustainable
Development; Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment; Theatre and Dance
The Beaver College of Health Sciences ......................................................................381
Communication Sciences and Disorders; Health and Exercise Science; Nursing; Nutrition
and Health Care Management; Recreation Management and Physical Education; Social
Work
The Hayes School of Music ........................................................................................ 433
Faculty Register.........................................................................................................451
Faculty Emeriti ..........................................................................................................488
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The University
Appalachian’s Mission
Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities
in creating a sustainable future for all.
Our location in the distinctive Appalachian mountain town of Boone, North Carolina, profoundly shapes who we are. As a constituent
institution of the University of North Carolina, we fulfill our core academic missions of teaching, scholarship, and service in ways
that honor our geography and heritage.
We bring people together in inspiring ways. The transformational Appalachian experience develops individuals who are eager to
acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, to embrace diversity and difference, and
to become contributing members of society.
We create rich environments where students can thrive. Our students are educated broadly and are simultaneously equipped with
strong disciplinary knowledge. Academic learning occurs in a wide range of undergraduate, selected masters and intermediate
programs, and the doctorate in Education offered on campus, at off campus sites, and online.
Faculty and students engage in research and scholarship that advance knowledge and address the problems of our region, state,
and world through creativity and innovation. Learning takes place within formal and informal instructional settings with dedicated
faculty members, in co-curricular programs that enrich classroom experience, in interdisciplinary educational formats, and through
outreach to the local community and beyond. Appalachian cultivates diverse and vibrant arts that enrich the cultural and intellectual
climate of the campus and region.
We promote a spirit of inclusion that inspires students, faculty, and staff to form relationships extending well beyond graduation. Our
students think critically, communicate effectively, make local to global connections, and understand the responsibilities of community
engagement. We embrace our obligation to help create healthy, just, and sustainable societies by equipping our students to live with
knowledge, compassion, dedication, humility, and dignity.
— The University of North Carolina Board of Governors (2014)
Appalachian State University: A History of Service to Students
The Desire to Educate
The Dougherty brothers founded Watauga Academy in 1899 with the dream of helping children in North Carolina, and this tiny academy
quickly evolved into a school preparing quality teachers to serve our state and beyond. Building on this strong foundation, Appalachian
has grown into a destination of choice for high-achieving, intellectually curious students wanting to be engaged in the community.
The Early Years
Dr. Blanford B. Dougherty and his brother founded Watauga Academy in 1899 with the dream of helping children in North
Carolina’s “lost provinces” discover educational opportunity to match the splendor of the mountains in which they lived. This tiny
academy quickly evolved into a school preparing quality teachers to serve North Carolina.
Known as one of North Carolina’s greatest educators, Dr. Dougherty led the institution for 50 years – from its humble beginnings as
Watauga Academy to Appalachian Training School for Teachers, the two-year Appalachian State Normal School and later the four-
year Appalachian State Teachers College. The pioneering spirit necessary to overcome the area’s isolation and hardships quickly
characterized the institution, giving Appalachian its special niche in higher education.
Growing Into a University
Dr. William H. Plemmons (1955-69) presided over Appalachian’s transformation from a single-purpose teachers college
into a multipurpose regional university. Yet, the precious features that set Appalachian apart – quality teacher training and a
commitment to community spirit, faculty collegiality, and a beautiful mountain setting – remained secure under his leadership.
Known as the builder president, Plemmons oversaw 25 construction projects and strengthened the Appalachian spirit through
enhanced activities for students and alumni, creating an interconnected community called the Appalachian Family.
When fire destroyed the administration building in 1966, it symbolized the demise of the old Appalachian and birth of the new.
Enrollment exceeded 2,400 by 1958, only to double within 10 years. Full-time faculty grew to more than 300 and became more
diverse. During his tenure, Appalachian also began offering master’s-level programs.
Nationaly Recognized for Innovation
The university became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1971 under the leadership of Dr. Herbert W. Wey (1969-
79). He introduced innovations that earned Appalachian national recognition as an institution of change, all while enrollment doubled
to about 9,500.
Under his leadership, Appalachian implemented the student teacher program, College of Business, continuing education program
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The University
and Watauga College, a small residential college within the greater university. It also secured the New York Loft and App House in
Washington, D.C., for off-campus scholarly activities. To ensure the university’s continued innovation and success, Wey created the
Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. to solicit support from individuals, corporations and busineses.
Wey was a prolific writer and researcher. Peers referred to him as the “educational innovator” for encouraging faculty to develop and
practice new theories of teaching and learning.
A Leader in Technology and International Education
Dr. John E. Thomas (1979-93) recruited a first-rate faculty, believing that strong, effective teaching should be supported by
research and community service. With a focus on improving campus technology and blending it into teaching, Thomas also
developed Appalachian’s leadership in distance learning, which expanded in the late 1990s and early 2000s to include a formal
partnership with 10 regional community colleges. Under Thomas’ leadership, Appalachian developed exchange programs in a
dozen countries including China, Germany and Costa Rica.
The focus on international education continued with Dr. Francis T.Borkowski (1993-2003), who entered his chancellorship
with a respectful vision: to create a distinctive learning environment sensitive to rapid world changes, such as technology and
globalization, yet rooted in mountain values and Appalachian’s tradition of teaching, scholarship and service.
In May 2003, President Molly Broad appointed Dr. Harvey R. Durham as acting chancellor after 24 years of service as the
university’s chief academic officer and 14 years prior as professor, department chair and associate vice chancellor. Dr. Durham
served as acting chancellor for the school year 2003-04.
The results of these leaders’ progressive changes garnered recognition for Appalachian in U.S. News & World Report and other
publications as a top comprehensive university. The university’s emphasis on international education led the American Council on
Education to recognize Appalachian as a model institution for international studies, while programs such as Freshman Seminar,
now called First Year Seminar, freshman learning communities and the Summer Reading Program prompted TIME magazine to
name Appalachian a “College of the Year” in 2001.
A Destination of Choice
Under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth E. Peacock (2004-14), Appalachian became a destination of choice for high-achieving,
intellectually curious students wanting to be engaged in the community.
In addition to small classes and challenging academics, Appalachian became known for its undergraduate research, internationalized
curriculum, service-learning and sustainability, both in academic programs and campus practices. The university grew significantly
in the areas of healthcare and the nexus of energy, the environment and economics. It received increased national attention for its
academics, as well as its three national NCAA football championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
At the time Dr. Sheri N. Everts joined Appalachian in July 2014, enrollment had topped 17,800 and the university was attracting
international attention with its entry in the Solar Decathlon Europe 2014 competition in Versailles, France, and students’ exhibition
of designs in the Milan Furniture Fair. Appalachian was also preparing to host its third annual Appalachian Energy Summit, at which
leaders from North Carolina’s public and private universities convene to share best practices. Within her first year as Chancellor, Everts
prioritized wellness, health and safety initiatives for our campus, announced new university diversity initiatives and implemented
training for faculty and staff supervisors to recognize and reduce instances of interpersonal violence. Chancellor Everts also oversaw
the successful completion of the $200 million Campaign for Appalachian.
History of the University of North Carolina System
In North Carolina, all the public educational institutions that grant baccalaureate degrees are part of the University of North Carolina.
The multi-campus state university encompasses 16 such institutions, as well as the NC School of Science and Mathematics, the nation's
first public residential high school for gifted students. Chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1789, the University of
North Carolina was the first public university in the United States to open its doors and the only one to graduate students in the
eighteenth century. The first class was admitted in Chapel Hill in 1795. For the next 136 years, the only campus of the University
of North Carolina was at Chapel Hill.
Additional institutions of higher education, diverse in origin and purpose, began to win sponsorship from the General Assembly
beginning as early at 1877. Five were historically black institutions, and another was founded to educate American Indians. Some
began as high schools. Several were created to prepare teachers for the public schools. Others had a technological emphasis. One
is a training school for performing artists.
The 1931 session of the General Assembly redefined the University of North Carolina to include three state-supported institutions:
the campus at Chapel Hill (now the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), North Carolina State College (now North Carolina
State University at Raleigh), and Woman’s College (now the University of North Carolina at Greensboro). The new multi-campus
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University operated with one board of trustees and one president. By 1969, three additional campuses had joined the University
through legislative action: the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and the
University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
In 1971, legislation was passed bringing into the University of North Carolina the state’s ten remaining public senior institutions, each
of which had until then been legally separate: Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University,
Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University, the North
Carolina School of the Arts (now the University of North Carolina School of the Arts), Pembroke State University (now the University
of North Carolina at Pembroke), Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University. In 1985, the NC School of Science
and Mathematics was declared an affiliated school of the University; in July 2007, NCSSM by legislative action became a constitutent
institution of the University of North Carolina. All the schools and universities welcome students of both sexes and all races.
The UNC Board of Governors is the policy-making body legally charged with “the general determination, control, supervision,
management, and governance of all affairs of the constituent institutions.” It elects the president, who administers the University.
The 32 voting members of the Board of Governors are elected by the General Assembly for four-year terms. Former board chairmen
and board members who are former governors of North Carolina may continue to serve for limited periods as non-voting members
emeriti. The president of the UNC Association of Student Governments or that student’s designee is also a non-voting member.
Each of the UNC campuses (listed below) is headed by a chancellor, who is chosen by the Board of Governors on the president’s
nomination and is responsible to the president. Each university has a board of trustees, consisting of eight members elected by
the Board of Governors, four appointed by the governor, and the president of the student body, who serves ex-officio. (The UNC
School of the Arts has two additional ex-officio members; and the NC School of Science and Mathematics has a 27-member board
as required by law.) Each board of trustees holds extensive powers over academic and other operations of its campus on delegation
from the Board of Governors.
Appalachian State University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
East Carolina University University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Elizabeth City State University University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Fayetteville State University University of North Carolina at Pembroke
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University University of North Carolina at Wilmington
North Carolina Central University University of North Carolina School of the Arts
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Western Carolina University
North Carolina State University Winston-Salem State University
University of North Carolina at Asheville
In addition to its teaching role, the University of North Carolina has a long-standing commitment to public service. The UNC
Center for Public Television, the UNC Health Care System, the cooperative extension and research services, nine area health
education centers, and myriad other University programs and facilities reap social and economic benefits for the state and its
people. For additional information, go to www.northcarolina.edu.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
Appalachian State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award
baccalaureate, master’s, intermediate, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur,
Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Appalachian State University. Contact information
for the Commission on Colleges is provided to allow interested constituents to: (1) learn about the accreditation status of the insti-
tution, (2) file a third-party comment at the time of the institution’s decennial review, or (3) file a complaint against the institution
for alleged non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements,
financial aid, educational programs, and educational support services, should be addressed directly to Appalachian State University
and not to the Commission’s office.
Disciplinary Accreditation
In addition to this comprehensive accreditation, other special accreditation by appropriate agencies includes:
AACSB International -The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
American Association of Family and Consumer Science (undergraduate)
American Chemical Society (undergraduate)
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
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The University
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
Council on Accreditation for Recreation, Park Resources and Leisure Services
Council for Interior Design Accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of School Psychologists
National Association of Schools of Art and Design Commission on Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Music
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
National Association of Schools of Theatre
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The University is a member of appropriate state and national associations and organizations to which its professional programs are
related. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
American Association of University Women
American Council on Education
American Counseling Association
American Music Therapy Association
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education
Association for Library and Information Sciences Education
Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development
Association of Teacher Educators
Association for Theatre in Higher Education
Association of University Programs in Health Administration
Broadcast Education Association
Conference of Southern Graduate Schools
Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences
Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology
Council of Graduate Schools
Highlands Biological Foundation
National Association of Business Teacher Education
National Association of Industrial Technology
National Business Education Association
National Collegiate Honors Council
National Communication Association
National Film and Video Association
National Middle School Association
National Organization on Legal Problems of Education
National Recreation and Park Association
National Student Nurse Association
North Carolina Academy of Science
North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
North Carolina Association of Colleges and Universities
North Carolina Association of Summer Sessions
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North Carolina Association of Supervisors in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
North Carolina Conference of Graduate Schools
North Carolina Dance Alliance
North Carolina Middle Schools Association
North Carolina Professors of Educational Leadership
North Carolina Theatre Conference
Professional and Organizational Development
Public Relations Society of America
South Atlantic States Association for Asian and African Studies
Southeastern Theatre Conference
Southeastern University Clinical Educators
Southern States Communication Association
Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities
U.S. Institute of Theatre Technology
Assessment of Student Learning at Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University routinely defines and measures academic and administrative programs and services. To that end, students
should be aware that throughout their careers at Appalachian they will be expected to respond to surveys, complete evaluations, and
provide artifacts that the faculty will use to document the institution’s success in fostering student learning.
In some cases, students' responses to assessment inquiries will be anonymous but in most cases, student responses and artifacts
will bear unique student identifiers that will allow cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of assessment results by program. In
that the aim of assessment at Appalachian is program improvement, the analysis of results will always focus on programs and not
individuals. Students should also understand that this type of information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974 and except in statutorily specified circumstances individual student responses will never be reported without explicit
permission from the student.
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Academic Affairs
Academic Affairs
Belk Library and Information Commons www.library.appstate.edu
Joyce Ogburn, Dean of Libraries
Georgie L. Donovan, Associate Dean of Libraries
John P. Abbott Scott Goldstein Kelly Rhodes McBride Scott E. Rice
John D. Boyd Margaret N. Gregor Kelly McCallister Allan G. Scherlen
Gary R. Boye Frederick J. Hay Pam Mitchem Xiaorong Shao
Greta R. Browning Kenneth W. Johnson Paul Orkiszewski Glenn Ellen Starr Stilling
Elizabeth E. Cramer Megan Johnson Geri Purpur Elizabeth M. Williams
Leslie Farison Andrea Leonard Mary L. Reichel M. Suzanne Wise
Rachel Fleming Alex McAllister Dea Rice John Wiswell
The Belk Library and Information Commons is centrally located on Appalachian’s campus and provides access to a wide range of
information resources and services. The Music Library, located on the second floor of the Broyhill Music Center, supports the curriculum
of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music and the University, and contains books, scores, and recordings.
The Belk Library welcomes over 1.2 million visitors each year and is regularly open 24 hours from 12:30 pm on Sunday to 9:00 pm
on Friday and from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday. Collections include print books, e-books, and access to a wide variety of audio
and video in various formats. The Library also provides access to more than 400 full text and citation databases that support the
curriculum and research needs of students and faculty. The Library provides areas for individual and collaborative study, electronic
classrooms, and a lecture hall. Library faculty and staff are available to assist with research by phone, text, chat, email and in person.
The principal educational goal of the Library is to improve the information literacy of students. Information literacy is the ability
to find, evaluate and use information effectively, and it is an educational goal for every ASU graduate. To help students develop
information literacy skills, librarians provide classroom instruction and one-on-one research assistance, as well as online tutorials
and reference chat service.
The Library has numerous special collections including the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection, the Stock Car Racing Collection, the
University Archives and Records, and several Rare Book Collections all located on the Library's fourth floor. Selected materials from
these collections are digitized and available on the Library's website. On the ground floor, the Instructional Materials Center contains
resources for teacher education and instructional development. For items not held by the Library, interlibrary loan services and 48-
hour delivery options from UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University are available.
The Belk Library provides wireless access throughout the building and offers 440 computers, both Mac and PC, as well as desktops
and laptops, for student use. All computers provide access to a full suite of software for academic projects across the disciplines. The
Digital Media Studio within the Library provides assistance and access to media creation software for creating digital products, as
well as an Audio Recording Room with dedicated equipment to produce high quality sound files. The Tech Checkout Desk provides a
full range of digital equipment for checkout, including tablets, audio/video equipment, laptops, headphones, hard drive, and robotics
kits. The Assistive Technology Room provides access to software and equipment to accommodate the research needs of students
and faculty with a variety of vision, hearing, learning, and/or mobility impairments.
For additional information, go to the Library’s home page, www.library.appstate.edu or call [phone].
Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs
(To be determined), Executive Director
In cooperation with each of the colleges of the University, the Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs provides access
to a continuum of educational and enrichment experiences for those outside the confines of the residential academic year, through
field-based courses, conferences, camp programs, summer sessions offerings, and professional development programs.
Although the Division of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs does not grant degrees, the offices within the division work
closely with all academic departments/programs and divisions of the University in order to better serve the various groups, individuals
and geographic regions calling upon the University for its services. The offices within the Division of Educational Outreach and
Summer Programs are:
Appalachian State University Greater Hickory Partnership
Office of Conference and Camp Services
Office of Distance Education (including the Appalachian Learning Alliance)
Office of Summer Sessions and Professional Development
North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies
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Academic Affairs
Appalachian State University Greater Hickory Partnership www.ghp.appstate.edu
(To be determined), Director
Appalachian State University Center at Burke
Appalachian State University Center at Caldwell
Appalachian State University Center at Hickory
North Carolina Center for Engineering Technologies
The Appalachian State University Greater Hickory Partnership is a collaborative among Appalachian State University, Caldwell
Community College and Technical Institute, Catawba Valley Community College and Western Piedmont Community College, and has
established Appalachian State University Centers on or near each of these institutions. The purpose of this organization is to better
serve the educational needs of the citizens of these communities. These centers, along with the North Carolina Center for Engineering
Technologies, comprise a four-facility organization focused on identifying and meeting post-community college educational needs in the
greater Hickory North Carolina region. Working collaboratively with leadership on the main campus in Boone, and with government,
civic, and business interests in the region, the director and staff of the partnership investigate and deliver undergraduate degree
completion, graduate degrees, and not-for-credit offerings at each of the four facilities. For more information, please call the Division
of Educational Outreach and Summer Programs at [phone] or toll free at [phone].
Office of Conference and Camp Services www.conferences-camps.appstate.edu
Amy Sanders, Director
The University encourages the use of its resources and facilities by groups that are interested in providing educational and/or recreational
workshops, clinics, camps, retreats, conferences, seminars, and meetings. The Office of Conference and Camp Services is responsible
for the development, coordination, promotion and management of non-credit continuing education programs. Programs are offered
to individuals, utilizing the resources of a diversified faculty and staff and the modern facilities, equipment, and accommodations on
the main campus and the surrounding region.
Increasingly business, industry and professional associations are requiring their members to return periodically to school in order to
maintain a high level of currency in their fields. Appalachian responds to these needs within its service region in arranging for specially
designed non-credit courses and programs and uses the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) as a measure of academic achievement.
For information, contact the director of the Office of Conference and Camp Services, University Hall, Appalachian State University,
Boone, NC 28608. Phone [phone].
Office of Distance Education www.distance.appstate.edu
(To be determined), Director
The Office of Distance Education is the administrative unit of the University responsible for the implementation of off-campus degree
credit programs and courses. Through coordination with the academic colleges and departments/programs, institutional resources
are extended into the University’s service region at ASU Centers, at Appalachian Learning Alliance and other community colleges and
at UNC System institutions including the UNC-Asheville Graduate Center. 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 the Office of Distance Education, P.O. Box
32054, University Hall Drive, Boone, NC 28608, call [phone] or [phone], or email [email protected].
Office of Summer Sessions and Professional Development www.summerschool.appstate.edu
Lynette Orbovich, Director
The Office of Summer Sessions and Professional Development coordinates all on-campus academic summer courses instructed by
Appalachian faculty and noted visiting faculty. Summer Sessions includes traditional academic courses as well as workshops and
seminars of varying lengths to allow Appalachian students as well as visiting students from other institutions to fit summer studies
into busy summer schedules. Summer at Appalachian State University offers students many opportunities to add a minor, tackle a
challenging course, graduate early, or study abroad.
On-campus special courses and other programs are offered to teachers and other professionals for both enrichment and the pursuit
of advanced degrees.
For summer school information, view the Summer School website at www.summerschool.appstate.edu, call [phone], or
email [email protected].
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Academic Affairs
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance (EDC) www.edc.appstate.edu
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance (EDC) reports directly to the chancellor with functional reporting to the provost and
executive vice chancellor for the Office of Academic Affairs. EDC programs and services, summarized below, support students, staff,
faculty, administrators, and campus visitors.
Equity
Concerns about impermissible harassment, discrimination or retaliation from any member of the university community are investigated
by EDC staff and, if indicated, brought to resolution. State and federal laws protect individuals from discrimination, harassment and
retaliation based on religion, race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, veteran status and genetic information.
Appalachian extends this protection to include sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Diversity
EDC staff members facilitate workshops in recognizing and preventing impermissible harassment and discrimination, appreciating
differences in others, GLBT issues in the classroom, and creating respectful working and learning environments for any on- or off-
campus class, organization, or unit. EDC sponsors the Open Door program and is a founding sponsor of the annual Diversity Celebration.
Compliance
EDC is responsible for directing and monitoring EPA search and hiring procedures, affirmative action and equal opportunity compliance,
the EPA exit interview process, and Title IX compliance. The associate vice chancellor of EDC is the Title IX coordinator for the
university, as well as its chief diversity officer.
For more information about the EDC services and staff members, visit www.edc.appstate.edu or call [phone].
The Office of Disability Services www.ods.appstate.edu
Consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the policy of
Appalachian State University that no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the
benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance.
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) works diligently to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided equal access at
Appalachian State University. ODS assists eligible students, faculty, staff and visitors with disabilities by determining and coordinating
reasonable accomodations. Reasonable accomodations are determined individually and are intended to minimize the effects of the
impact of specific limitations caused by a disability in order for a qualified individual to have equal access to programs, services and
activities.
Individuals seeking reasonable accommodations due to a disability must complete the applicable procedure outlined at ods.appstate.
edu. ODS will review for eligibility in a timely manner on an individualized case-by-case basis.
ODS is located in Suite 112, Anne Belk Hall. For more information, please visit www.ods.appstate.edu or call [phone].
The Cratis D. Williams Graduate School www.graduate.appstate.edu
Dr. Max Poole, Dean
Dr. Robert Sanders, Associate Dean
With responsibility for graduate education, the Graduate School consists of a Graduate Faculty, represented by the Dean, and the
Graduate Council. The Dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Graduate Education
Graduate study at Appalachian includes encouraging academic inquiry, providing opportunities and facilities for advanced study and
research, and developing or extending academic or professional specializations. Accordingly, the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School
offers programs leading to master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees, as well as selected graduate certificates.
As part of its responsibility for graduate education, the Graduate School oversees all graduate work carried out in the departments,
schools, and colleges of the University by evaluating and approving applicants for graduate study, qualifications of candidates for
graduate degrees, graduate curricula and programs, and graduate faculty credentials; and administering assistantship, scholarship,
and fellowship programs.
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