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.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
For transfer students, Appalachian State University offers a seamless transition and a community dedicated to their success
About Enrollment Management at App State
Enrollment Management at Appalachian State University supports all incoming and current App State students by collaborating with campus partners to deliver services and resources that promote enrollment and student success. It is committed to increasing college access, reducing student debt and addressing the evolving challenges of higher education. Enrollment Management comprises the Office of Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Transfer Admissions and Engagement and Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships. Learn more at https://em.appstate.edu.
About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
For transfer students, Appalachian State University offers a seamless transition and a community dedicated to their success
