An aerial view of Appalachian State University’s Appalachian Panhellenic Hall, which the university has designated for transfer students beginning fall 2021. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Beginning this fall, students who are transferring into Appalachian State University will have the opportunity to live in the university’s first residence hall designated for transfer students.
“We are committed to supporting the distinct needs of both new and continuing transfer students,” said App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. “Our transfer students enrich campus with varying perspectives, backgrounds and experiences, and they have distinct needs as they pursue their educational goals. We actively work to streamline and expand transfer-specific services, including housing, and these efforts support our strategic enrollment and retention initiatives identified as part of the University of North Carolina System’s strategic plan. Importantly, for some of our transfer students, a strong residential component is central to their academic experience.”
The transfer hall — currently known as Appalachian Panhellenic Hall — can accommodate 248 students in hotel-style rooms. It features laundry facilities, air conditioning, a large lobby, meeting spaces, a communal kitchen and a university-owned market. The building is slated to be re-named.
“With Chancellor Everts’ support, we have prioritized increasing our housing options for transfer students,” said J.J. Brown, App State’s vice chancellor for student affairs. “We want our transfer students to have a true and meaningful Appalachian Experience. Providing a shared community is a natural extension of the intentional services and resources we provide to help them make App State their home.”
In the past, App State offered transfer students living quarters in two smaller Residential Learning Communities (RLC) located within larger residence halls. In a survey of transfer RLC residents, students shared insights about the benefits of that experience:
- “I know for a fact that my outlook on this semester would not be near as cheery without this RLC. I have made great friends all because of this.”
- “I felt at home even before my classes started, so I didn’t have to worry about my social life and could focus on new academic challenges.”
Cindy Barr, associate vice chancellor for App State’s enrollment management, said Online and Transfer Services (OTS) plans to expand transfer student programming within the new hall to foster greater support for residents and to provide increased access to campus resources. For example:
- Public areas of the residence hall will be open to all on-campus transfer students, allowing residents to connect frequently with many of their peers.
- An on-site OTS staff member will be on hand to assist transfer students as they transition to App State.
The residence hall will house 20% continuing transfer students and 80% new transfer students. Students can visit University Housing’s website to learn more about the residence hall and how to apply to live there.
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For transfer students, Appalachian State University offers a seamless transition and a community dedicated to their success
About the Division of Enrollment Management
The Division of Enrollment Management at Appalachian State University is responsible for planning, implementing, assessing and providing services and programs that promote student success — from pre-enrollment through graduation. The division comprises the Office of Admissions, Office of Transfer Admissions and Engagement, Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships, and College Access Partnerships. Learn more at https://em.appstate.edu.
About the Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The 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 to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
For transfer students, Appalachian State University offers a seamless transition and a community dedicated to their success
