Caring for the planet and its people

BOONE, N.C. — The Appalachian Community is known for being united in doing important work to affect the future in positive ways.

Three major events in April — Climate Justice Month, Earth Month and the Diversity Celebration — highlight Appalachian State University’s commitment to inspiring students to become engaged citizens who make a difference in the world and who care for the planet and its people.

The discussions, films, community activities and other experiences scheduled as part of these events explore themes of sustainability, and diversity of thought, belief and community.

Climate Justice Month

April 4 - 25, 2018

Climate Justice Month events spotlight the stories of lives and livelihoods disrupted by climate change. The series is designed to motivate participants to engage in efforts to address climate justice issues, now and in the future.

Learn more

Earth Month

April 4 - 27, 2018

Part of the national Earth Month effort, this initiative is designed to bring greater awareness of the fragility of the world through sustainability themes such as zero waste, climate disruption, alternative energy and technology, local food and food insecurity, conservation and social justice.

Learn more

Diversity Celebration

April 8 - 15, 2018

This year’s weeklong Diversity Celebration continues Appalachian’s tradition of celebrating cultures — through art, entertainment, discussions and more.

Learn more

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a Just and Sustainable Future

The Strategic Plan of Appalachian State University
July 2014 through June 2019

“The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a just and sustainable future,” provides direction for the campus over the course of the next five years. The plan serves as a recognition that the primary focus of the campus is to transform the lives of our students. We believe that this transformational Appalachian Experience results in engaged citizens who understand their responsibility to society. Our students leave with a clear charge to make a difference and to care for the planet and its people.

Read the plan