Resources

On- and off-campus resources are available to assist students, faculty and staff who are feeling a direct impact or are working to understand the landscape related to matters of immigration and international scholarship and research.

Below you will find a list of resources that have been sourced and vetted by our campus specialists.

On-campus resources

The on-campus resources listed below are available to assist students, faculty and staff who are feeling a direct impact or are working to understand the landscape related to matters of immigration and international scholarship and research.

Academic Affairs

Managing challenges in the classroom? Not sure how to approach a topic that has become high profile and politically charged? Wish you understood what “the administration” is doing about all this or why decisions are being made the way they are? Academic Affairs has a wealth of resources, including Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Dr. Jacqui Bergman, who works closely with the Office of Title IX Compliance, the Office of the General Counsel and Faculty Senate as Academic Affairs’ liaison.

Office of the Chancellor

Chancellor Sheri Everts and her cabinet administer the overall functionality of the institution. You can read all of her official communications to campus and public addresses here, and learn who sits on the cabinet here.

Counseling resources

Trying to process all the national and local dialogue? Is it taking a toll? This is not unusual. Talking it through with someone who can offer solutions to manage stress can make a huge difference in your quality of life — and in the quality of life of those who live and work with you. Here’s where you can go:
Counseling for faculty and staff
Counseling for students

Dean of Students

Your one-stop shop for assistance if you are a student, or if you need help supporting a student. The Dean’s office makes connections across the entire campus to provide assistance or respond to problems faced by students.

Diversity and Inclusion at Appalachian

Key demographic statistics, diversity initiatives, campuswide programming and useful resources.

The Office of Title IX Compliance

Formerly known as the Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance, this office supports the university’s mission of scholarship through the promotion of equity, access and civil rights throughout the campus community, fostering an environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, including sexual misconduct and relationship violence. Concerns involving the aforemetioned misconduct that impact students, faculty, staff, contractors, guests and visitors are encouraged to be reported to the office.

Office of General Counsel

The office that provides legal services for App State so the institution remains in compliance with applicable local, state, federal and international laws; assists in achieving institutional goals within the framework of state and federal laws, as well as policies and plans adopted by the UNC Board of Governors; and provides education and training to App State officers and employees to prevent or resolve disputes affecting university operations. Note that this does not necessarily mean the university’s legal counsel represents faculty, staff and students. There are, however, other resources for that — see Student Legal Clinic and the Office of Title IX Compliance information in this section.

Office of International Education and Development

The primary resource for members of the Appalachian Community who have questions. Whether what you want to know is casual or very specific, OIED is here to help.

Open Door

This is an informal group of Appalachian Community members who commit to being open and welcoming to everyone. A visible emblem signifies that those who display it on their office or window commit to reducing limitations on thought, belief and community and will welcome anyone who enters their space.

Office of the Registrar

This is who you call when you need a transcript or are trying to find out information about graduation or your GPA. It’s also the office that manages student directory information.

Student Legal Clinic

Free and confidential legal advice, information and referrals are provided by a licensed attorney. While immigration law is a specialty area, this is a good place for students with questions to get started.

Off-campus resources

American Immigration Council

AIC is a nonprofit immigrant advocacy organization that works to shape legal policy, advocate for immigrants and educate Americans on the value immigrants bring to our society.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. It's website is packed with information and includes an enhanced search “chat” feature called Ask Emma.

The UNC System's University Council on International Programs

Reporting through the senior vice president for academic affairs, UCIP’s mission is to advise the UNC System president on international matters and policies influencing the support and operation of international programs and global readiness, and coordinate the System’s diverse international efforts to meet the growing needs associated with preparing students and citizens of North Carolina for the 21st century. The senior international officer of each campus sits on the council.

Department of Homeland Security

Find out information about applying for a passport, traveling across borders, becoming a U.S. citizen, locating ports of entry, adopting a child internationally and a host of other information. You can also find information about the terrorism advisory system through DHS.

Immigration Impact

A project of the American Immigration Council, Immigration Impact provides the most recent updates on the president’s March 6 executive order status, as well as due process and humanitarian protection information and a handy guide called “Immigration 101.”

Immigrant Justice

A committee of the Watauga NAACP branch, the Immigrant Justice Committee works closely with the local Latino/Latinx community; maintains communication and reports regularly on actions of deportation, intimidation and discrimination; builds, cultivates and maintains positive relationships between the local immigrant community and local law enforcement; and solicits community leaders to assist in carrying out programs and monthly potlucks.

Life After Hate

Life After Hate Inc., created by former members of the American violent far-right extremist movement, works with individuals who wish to leave a life of hate and violence, and helps community, educational, civic and government organizations grapple with the causes of intolerance and racism. The organization's ExitUSA program is dedicated to helping individuals leave the white power movement and start building a new life.

U.S. Department of State

Also known as the State Department. You can find the latest information about visas and status changes here.

Scholarship and financial aid resources

Below are a few resources compiled to indicate the breadth of possible scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to non-North Carolina residents who are not eligible for in-state tuition based on residency and/or citizenship status. For specific information and additional resources, contact App State's Office of Student Financial Aid.

College Board Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students

A compilation of current available resources for students and educators in the states that have passed in-state tuition laws for undocumented immigrants. While North Carolina is not one of the states that offers in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants, this is a solid resource for general information. College Board is a not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.

College Greenlight Guide to 2019/20 State Financial Aid Policies for Undocumented Students

College Greenlight, a free service for any traditionally underrepresented student, is provided by Cappex, a leading college search website that has a working relationship with hundreds of colleges and years of experience helping students achieve their dreams.

TheDream.US scholarships

TheDream.US offers “Dreamer” scholarships for high school or community college graduates and for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Undocumented Students

A free, comprehensive source of student financial aid information, advice and tools compiled by FinAid, a public service resource for students looking for ways to finance their education.

Golden Door Scholars

Golden Door Scholars provides scholarships for DACA students and undocumented students.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Scholarships for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.

MALDEF Scholarships

Often described as the “law firm of the Latino community,” MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights and political access.

Microsoft Careers Scholarship Program

Scholarships for individuals from backgrounds that may historically have been underrepresented in the technical field in computer science and related STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.

NC Society of Hispanic Professionals

A professional membership with a mission to support Hispanic students in their academic pursuits.

Legal resources

The following is a list of potential legal resources. Please be aware these are not official recommendations — simply places to begin your own research.

American Immigration Lawyers Association

A national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice and enhance the professional development of its members. The organization maintains a database of approved attorneys you can access here.

Immigration Advocates Network

A collaborative effort of leading immigrants' rights organizations designed to increase access to justice for immigrants and strengthen the capacity of organizations serving them. Provides free, easily accessible and comprehensive online resources and tools, including a list of all nonprofit organizations that provide immigration services, organized by state.

Immigration attorneys serving Watauga County

A directory of immigration attorneys and law firms serving Watauga County.

ImmigrationLawHelp.org

A searchable online directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. Users can search for organizations by state, county, areas and types of legal assistance provided, populations served and languages spoken.

International House’s Immigration Law Clinic

Provides legal assistance in immigration matters to low-income individuals and families of all nationalities living in the Greater Charlotte area.

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy

The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (formerly known as Legal Services of Southern Piedmont) offers a wide range of civil legal assistance to low-income people in the Charlotte metropolitan area and west-central North Carolina.

National Immigration Law Center

One of the leading advocacy organizations in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants.

Pisgah Legal Services

Located in Asheville, Pisgah Legal Services provides legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina.

DACA general information resources

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Response to January 2018 Preliminary Injunction
Official information and announcements from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Memorandum on Rescission of Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
The memorandum from former Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke, which provides additional details about the background and rescission of the June 15, 2012, DACA memorandum.

President Donald J. Trump Restores Responsibility and the Rule of Law to Immigration
White House fact sheet issued Sept. 5, 2017.

White House talking points on DACA Rescission
These talking points obtained by CNN were reportedly sent to offices on Capitol Hill, according to the news source.

Sarah Sanders White House Press Briefing Conference 9/5/17 DACA Announcement
YouTube video of the livestreamed White House press briefing by former Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Sept. 5, 2017, announcing the end of the DACA program.

What Is DACA? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Program Trump Is Ending
NBC News web feature providing easily scannable, comprehensive overview of the DACA program. Published Sept. 5, 2017.

5 Questions About DACA Answered
National Public Radio web feature with basic facts and data about DACA. Published Sept. 5, 2017.