App Strong. App Resilient.

As the spring semester draws to a close, App State recognizes our resilient students, faculty and staff. Today the university marks the second day celebrating graduates at our 13 in-person Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies. Ceremonies continue today through Wednesday, May 12 — congratulations class of 2021! For those students taking summer classes, first summer session begins May 24.

• May 7-9: Faculty grading period
• Through May 12: Spring Commencement in-person ceremonies and virtual conferring of degrees
• May 24: First summer session begins

For fall 2021, App State continues to prepare for the full return of students, faculty and staff to campus, and we look forward to the continued easing of restrictions as more North Carolinians get vaccinated.

Until that time, get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already and keep following the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash) to continue to protect yourself and others. Additionally, please remember to carefully and regularly review messages from App State as the university continues to monitor and respond to the latest COVID-19 circumstances.

Latest News

Commencement ceremonies

Spring 2021 in-person commencement ceremonies continue today, and May 10, 11 and 12 — all in-person ceremonies will be livestreamed. A virtual conferral of degrees by Chancellor Everts has been posted to the university’s commencement website.

• Graduates were able to pick up their guest tickets in advance. For those who missed the advance opportunity, guest tickets can also be picked up the day of the graduate’s ceremony at the Holmes Center SW ticket booth, located up the ramp at the SW entrance. These students have received instructions via email.

• The university expects to see heavy traffic related to Commencement through May 12. Please plan accordingly and allow for extra travel time to and from campus.

• Visit the university’s commencement website for the Commencement schedule, livestreams, the virtual degree conferral video, information about guest tickets and other details.

Fall 2021 tuition information

Beginning fall 2021, App State will begin billing tuition on a per-credit hour basis for:

• All incoming students, including transfer students, entering the university in fall 2021.

• Continuing students who are not in the NC Fixed Tuition program.

This per-credit hour tuition program is a University of North Carolina System-wide initiative, effective for all UNC System schools beginning fall 2021. The per-credit hour tuition program provides an equitable model whereby students will be charged the tuition rates for the exact credit hours in which they are enrolled. Learn more about the per-credit hour tuition program.

Student Activities and Resources

Upcoming activities

For students who are on campus this summer, App State offers a variety of events and activities. Highlights include:

An Appalachian Summer Festival Series
July 2-31, in-person and virtual events — tickets on sale May 10
An Appalachian Summer Festival will feature live, in-person performances, in addition to livestreamed and virtual programming.

35th Rosen Sculpture Competition and Exhibition
Beginning May 15, self-guided on-campus outdoor sculpture walk
The Rosen Sculpture Competition and Exhibition is a national, juried competition presented annually by An Appalachian Summer Festival and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts that showcases contemporary American sculpture in outdoor settings across App State’s campus. Take a self-guided walk or register to walk with the juror on Saturday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

More Events and Activities:
AppalachianToday • Engage • Campus Activities • University Recreation • Turchin Center

Resources for students

Counseling & Psychological Services (the Counseling Center) will offer telemental health appointments, with limited staff, through May 23. The full schedule resumes for the start of the first summer session on Monday, May 24. 

• Students are eligible for services during the summer if they are:

• Enrolled in at least one of the summer sessions; or,
• Enrolled in the most recent spring semester and in the upcoming fall semester.    

• To Get Started: Call 828-262-3180 to schedule an initial consultation by phone. This initial consultation can help students connect with the center’s services, talk about options for support, or assist with referrals or other resources.

• Self-help resources are always available on the center’s website, including a “Finding Balance During Breaks” PDF with tips for managing routines, emotions, finances, relationships, safety and more.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, there are many people at the university who are here to help you. If you aren’t sure who to ask, here’s where you can start:

• Mental health and wellness resources
• Academic support
• Comprehensive support for students

Additional Resources for Students:
Academic Affairs • Office of the Dean of Students • Mountaineer Emergency Fund • Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store • Student life • Department directory

COVID-19 Vaccines Update and Testing Information

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available and beneficial

North Carolina is vaccinating all adults, aged 16+, and vaccine appointments are free and widely available.

• The next App State clinics — open to everyone in North Carolina ages 18 and over — will be held at the Plemmons Student Union (PSU) in the Blue Ridge Ballroom on the following dates:

  • Thursday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to noon
  • Thursday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to noon
  • Thursday, May 27, from 9 a.m. to noon

  Parking will be available in the East Howard Street lot, behind the PSU. Register now and choose an available appointment time.

• If you’ve received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine and need assistance scheduling your second dose:

• Contact App State’s Vaccine Team at 828-262-6578 or safety@appstate.edu.
• Contact AppHealthCare or your local health department.
• Use the NCDHHS Vaccine Finder.

• As of May 7, the state has administered more than 7.4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and more than 43% of the state’s population, aged 18+, has been fully vaccinated. Review NCDHHS’ COVID-19 dashboard for more information.

• Review guidance for when you’ve been fully vaccinated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about the benefits of being vaccinated. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your doctor.

• App State strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated but cannot unilaterally mandate vaccines for students or employees — view additional details.

Additional COVID-19 Vaccines Resources: 
App State's COVID-19 Vaccines page • Vaccines for COVID-19 (CDC) • COVID-19 Vaccine Information (NCDHHS)

Spring 2021 on-campus COVID-19 testing

A free, on-campus COVID-19 testing event for students, faculty and staff is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Legends parking lot. No appointments required — bring your Banner ID and AppCard. Visit the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for the latest information.

• The May 8 event is the final large-scale surveillance testing event for the semester. Testing will be available for students this summer at Student Health Service. During the break May 10-21, students in need of COVID-19 testing are encouraged to use community resources — visit the COVID-19 Testing page for options.

• You can also visit NCDHHS’ Find My Testing Place page to find no-cost community testing events or testing sites in North Carolina.

Key Metrics

Campus Operations Between Sessions Updates

As we look ahead to the summer, it is important that you continue to check your App State email for information about fall 2021, operations updates and other important news and reminders.

• Students, review the end of semester actions for important reminders — these include returning your rental textbooks and using meal plan balances.

• University Recreation is operating with adjusted facility hours through May 23 — visit the Facility Hours page for details. Summer hours begin Monday, May 24.

• Select Campus Dining venues will operate with limited hours through May 23 — view the schedule for details. The Summer 2021 schedule begins Monday, May 24.

• Student Health Service will operate with limited services May 10-21 — 8 to 11 a.m. for acute and urgent cases only. No elective COVID-19 testing will be offered during this time. 

• Parking permit holders (students, faculty and staff) may park in any open lot, including parking decks, through May 23 regardless of permit type.

Key Reminders and Updates

Save the date for Family Weekend, Sept. 17-19

Family Weekend has been scheduled for Sept. 17-19, 2021. Visit the Family Weekend website for details.

Continued COVID-19 response efforts

Chancellor Everts continues to meet regularly with UNC System President Hans and System leadership, as well as with her vice chancellors and emergency management team. University representatives meet regularly with local public health consult with the NCDHHS COVID-19 response team as needed. Planning for a full return to campus is underway, with more information coming soon. Read more:

Messages from Chancellor Everts • Previous COVID-19 update from App State • App State’s coronavirus website and dashboard • Resources for faculty and staff • Department directory

Information Coming Soon

• Information about planning efforts for a full return to campus in fall 2021.

• Information for employees working remotely about returning to on-campus work in advance of fall 2021.