Regarding Off-Campus Degree Programs

Note: Off-campus students 'DO' have the privilege of using the Appalachian State University Library.
See Library Resources.

Are the off-campus courses any different from the on-campus courses?

Appalachian faculty offer the same courses in off-campus programming as are offered on campus. The only difference between the two is location of the classroom. Instruction is primarily conducted through face-to-face contact or via two-way audio-video transmissions to the community college site.
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How are off-campus academic programs chosen?

Academic programs are chosen to be placed at the community college sites according to the expressed educational needs of those individuals residing within those geographic areas. Typically, surveys or individual inquiries provide the best means for Appalachian and the community colleges composing the Appalachian Learning Alliance to assess the educational needs. (“Appalachian Learning Alliance” is the name given the cooperative educational efforts of Appalachian State University and ten community colleges in northwestern NC.)
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At the undergraduate level does Appalachian offer a full four-year program off campus?

No, Appalachian offers only the upper-division (i.e., junior and senior years) courses in an off-campus undergraduate program. The community colleges are well equipped to take care of the lower-division (i.e., freshman and sophomore years) course needs. Appalachian and the community colleges within the Appalachian Learning Alliance work together in providing information about what courses to take at which institution. In general, we recommend that a student take the college transfer program courses (i.e., those courses leading to the AA or AS degree) prior to the beginning date of Appalachian's off-campus program.
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How can a student obtain a list of exactly what courses need to be taken in order to enter a certain program?

The Office of Extension and Distance Education will be happy to assist in getting transcripts reviewed in order to provide details about what courses will need to be taken outside Appalachian's off-campus program.
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What if an undergraduate student cannot get all of the preliminary courses completed before the off-campus program begins?

We do allow concurrent enrollment at the undergraduate level (i.e., enrollment in Appalachian plus another institution during the same term) so long as a student's schedule will allow it. Bear in mind that Appalachian's courses will generally take 2 nights per week, so there will be limited possibilities for taking other classes during evenings hours only. Additionally, some courses Appalachian will often have pre-requisites so a student must be careful to ensure that pre-requisite courses are completed by the proper term; otherwise, there could be problems in advancing in the program.
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What about courses taken many years ago? Will there be a problem transferring that credit?

Generally, there isn't a problem except when course content has changed considerably. For example, if a computer course were taken in excess of 10 years ago we're probably not going to be able to transfer the course because there have been such drastic changes in the course content. What about courses taken on the quarter system? They are considered for transfer. Basically, for every 3 quarter hours we issue 2 semester hours' credit.
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Can veterans gain course credit for their military experience?

Yes, 8 semester hours are generally granted (6 hours for military science and 2 hours of physical education), and there could be more depending on the completion of certain military schools. The Veterans Affairs Coordinator in Student Financial Aid (828-262-2190) can help determine what paperwork must be submitted to have the credit entered on the Appalachian record.
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What are the tuition costs and are significant increases expected in the future?

Current tuition and fee costs are shown at http://www.ext-dl.appstate.edu/tuition_feesu.html. Because UNC schools are funded by State monies, exact tuition and fees for the upcoming year are usually not available until the summer preceding the fall term. According to our current information, we anticipate modest increases in the costs from year to year.
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What about textbooks?

Textbooks are available through the University Bookstore. Textbook information is listed in the online schedule information for each term.

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What about advising?

All academic records are carefully tracked and students are notified of missing courses. Each cohort has an academic coordinator who serves in an advising role for the students within the group.
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What about honors distinctions?

Most of the programs have honors organizations which a student who has earned a certain grade point average may be invited to join. Additionally, the distinction of “graduation with honors” (i.e., summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) is bestowed on those who have earned distinguished gpa's. Any student who is enrolled full time with Appalachian is eligible to be listed on the Dean's List.
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What about graduation?

Majors require at least 122 semester hours (some up to 128 semester hours) for graduation. A student who is well aware of their progress as a result of advisement will know when they'll be graduating. At the beginning of an undergraduate student's last term, graduation information is mailed to them. Appalachian's graduation ceremonies are held on campus in May and December of each year.
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How does a student know which off-campus courses to take, and how does s/he register for them?

The off-campus programs are in a lock-step sequence, meaning that Appalachian offers only certain prescribed courses per term and those courses are sometimes pre-requisites for later terms' courses. Should a student miss a term within the given cohort, it is their responsibility to make up the course(s) missed--and that may mean coming to campus to acquire the course(s). It is important to note that ALL of the Appalachian courses to be delivered at a certain site are offered only 1 time. The Office of Extension and Distance Education takes care of informing you about registration. The first registration for a site-based program will be completed face-to-face.
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What if a student must drop a course or withdraw from school?

If there is a change in enrollment the student must notify the Office of Extension and Distance Education immediately. The student may e-mail their cohort program manager, write them, or call them at 800/355-4084. Information regarding withdrawal and the refund policy is available at the beginning of each off-campus schedule of courses.
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What if a student must repeat a course?

Courses within a cohort are offered only once, so if a student needs to repeat a course on-campus enrollment may be the only alternative. Be aware that there are different charges for on-campus courses. And, if a student is registered for more than 4 semester hours for the term, with at least a portion of the credit through on-campus courses, an immunization record must be presented and the student must meet the immunization requirements as specified by the State of North Carolina. Further, the student must be familiar with the University repeat policy (see: http://www.registrar.appstate.edu/faq/faq_s.html#Repeats)
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Can a student accelerate finishing the undergraduate degree by attending both on- and off-campus courses?

Because the vast majority of the distance education students are seeking only part-time enrollment and aren't able to come to Appalachian's campus, we have not sought to construct our programs for activities at both sites. The combination of two sites could conceivably be possible, but with the off-campus program being very focused in the courses to be offered and the progression of them it could be mind boggling for a student trying to juggle on-campus courses around off-campus offerings. We recommend that if a person wishes to complete degree requirements as quickly as possible they should enroll as a full-time student on campus.
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Must a student own a computer to be in an off-campus program?

A home computer is not required but many students find it handy.  If you are considering purchasing a computer you may wish to check Academic Computing Services' recommendations at http://www2.acs.appstate.edu/personalmicrohl.htm. Computer resources can be arranged on the program site, as well.
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Must a student know very much about using computers?

A minimum level of computer skills will be essential to your success as an off-campus student. If you are uncomfortable with your current level of computer skills, consider taking an introductory-level computer course at the community college to boost your skills and confidence. During the orientation held at the beginning of each program students are made aware of their University computer account and given a basic introduction to use of the account.
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Are there library resources available to off-campus students?

Appalachian’s off-campus students are entitled to library services and resources equivalent to those provided for students and faculty in the traditional campus setting. The University Library’s Distance Learning Library Services Team is dedicated to encouraging and facilitating library use among off-campus students. Resources and services for off-campus students are described at Library Support for Distance Learners website.

To access library databases a student must be registered for the current term. An enrolled student experiencing difficulties in accessing online library resources may contact the Office of Extension and Distance Education for assistance.
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What about the Appalachian Student ID and entitlement to all student privileges?

All Appalachian students have ID's. Photos are usually taken for off-campus students during the program orientation. Off-campus students pay only tuition and the fees for which they receive services. Those fees associated with facilities and such areas as Athletics are not charged, therefore, off-campus students do not pay for the privileges to use certain facilities (such as the on-campus Quinn Recreational Center, the on-campus Medical Center, etc.) or to receive free home athletic event tickets. (Athletic tickets may be purchased at student rates, though.) Off-campus students DO have the privilege to access the Library.
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What about credit for life experience?

CLEP scores are considered, but only in subject areas (general CLEP exams are not). Some Appalachian departments, also, offer credit by exam in certain courses. There is a charge for a credit by exam testing, so a student needs to be sure to investigate course content before requesting a proficiency exam.
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How long will it take to finish Appalachian's off-campus program?

Off-campus undergraduate programs will usually take about 3-4 years because only 6-7 semester hours are typically offered per term. The programs run year-round (including summers).
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Why only part-time offerings?

Most students who enter Appalachian's off-campus programs have full-time jobs, and it would be difficult for them to assume full-time study for an extended period of time. Two courses per term will necessitate some reshuffling of priorities, but most people find two courses manageable.
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When should one apply?

The application and supporting transcripts should be submitted to Extension and Distance Education at least 3 months prior to the beginning of a program. Generally, application deadlines are set for each undergraduate program as well as a cap for cohort enrollment; and, accepted applicants are allowed to enter the off-campus cohort on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission notification is usually within 1 month following submission of a complete application.
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Is financial aid available for students enrolled in off-campus programs?

Yes, so long as the student has qualified to receive federal financial aid. Anyone seeking federal financial assistance should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 15 (after completing the federal tax return). For more information about the FAFSA visit the web site at: www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FEDAID. A student eligible to receive federal financial aid who must take classes at both Appalachian and the community college for a given term (as a part of the program requirements) can have hours taken at both institutions reported for financial aid purposes through a Consortium Agreement.
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