Access & Support
Every Student Belongs Here
Student Engagement is committed to helping every student find community, support, and opportunities to thrive at UNC Asheville. Our Access & Support initiatives recognize that students arrive with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and we strive to ensure that all students feel connected and supported throughout their time on campus.
Through programs, celebrations, student organizations, and campus partnerships, we provide resources and spaces for first-generation students, transfer students, veteran and military-affiliated students, and others seeking connection and support. Explore the opportunities below to learn how you can get involved, find community, and access resources designed to support your success.
First Generation Students
A first-generation student is any individual whose primary supporters did not receive a 4-year college degree. They may also be students who:
- Have a sibling who received a college degree before them.
- Have a parent who received a college degree, but did not have a close or supportive relationship with that parent.
- Have parents who attended college but did not graduate with a degree.
- Have parents who received college degrees, but were raised by other supporters.
- Are the first in either their maternal or paternal side of the family to receive a degree, but not both.
- Generally feel that they are not equipped with the same social capital to navigate through college as the majority of the student population.
First Generation Celebration Day
Each academic year, we hold a First Generation Celebration Day to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This act made key investments in colleges and universities to promote postsecondary access, retention, and completion for limited-income, first-generation college students.
First Gen Graduation Celebration
First-Generation students may choose to identify themselves as First-Generation Graduates by wearing black and green cords during commencement. We will reach out to all graduates as commencement approaches to sign up for cords, but if you have not heard from us or have questions, email us at studentengagement@unca.edu.
First Generation Staff and Faculty
First Generation Staff and Faculty
Many faculty were first-generation students as undergraduates. This list was created to show that you are not alone in your experience as a first-generation student, and there are staff and faculty who want to support you in your journey. Everyone on this list has provided their contact information in the hopes that students may reach out when they are in need of help or just an ear to listen. Please read through some of the personal stories and advice that have been provided, and don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone on this list.
Veteran & Military Affiliated Students
University Honors & Distinctions Ceremony
UNC Asheville’s graduating veterans may choose to be recognized by wearing a red, white, and blue cord at Commencement. These cords, which are worn around the shoulders of graduating veteran students, signify the University’s appreciation for our military and veteran students, as well as for their service and sacrifice. If you are a graduating veteran student interested in participating in this tradition, please email studentengagement@unca.edu
Veteran Center of Excellence
Located on the first floor of Highsmith Student Union across from Alumni Hall, the Veteran Center for Excellence is l. The center opened in spring 2017 to serve as a place for veteran students to meet, relax, and study as well as to gather resources and foster support amongst each other and the campus community.
Rally Point UNC Asheville
Rally Point is a student organization that serves as a point of connection for Veterans, dependents, or any student interested in learning about and/or engaging with issues related to military affiliation. Rally Point meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 12 -1 p.m. in the Veterans Center for Excellence.
Transfer Students
Transfer Involvement Club (TIC)
The Transfer Involvement Club encourages involvement within UNC Asheville’s campus, community, and other UNC Asheville organizations. We are committed to providing a safe space for incoming and returning students to connect with others. We encourage students to be involved in their education while emphasizing the importance of a balance between education and social life. Our goal is to provide lasting connections and promote uplifting and inclusive behavior amongst members and leaders. Transfer Students are 1/3 of the UNC Asheville student body!
Transfer Student Week
We will be holding a Transfer Student Week every academic year to build community and celebrate our Transfer Students. Follow our Instagram account @uncaembark to stay up-to-date on Transfer Student events.
Tau Sigma National Honor Society
Tau Sigma is a prestigious national honor society exclusively for transfer students. Our mission is to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students. Tau Sigma provides its members opportunities to earn scholarships, attend leadership conferences, take leadership positions, and serve others at the university and in the community, all while developing friendships and becoming a more integral part of the campus community.
- You must transfer to UNC Asheville from another academic institution with at least one full year’s academic credits satisfied at the prior institution(s).
- You must be registered in a full-time (12-hour) course of study at UNC Asheville leading to a bachelor’s degree.
- Obtain a 3.5 GPA or greater during your first full-time semester at UNC Asheville. This is not a cumulative GPA.
- Eligibility is limited to the first semester of enrollment at UNC Asheville, when you must obtain a 3.5 GPA, and enroll directly after your first semester (you won’t be able to enroll if you don’t enroll directly after your first semester).
Eligible transfer students will receive enrollment instructions via their UNC Asheville email address. Keep in mind that you must join the society during the specified membership period or your eligibility will be revoked. There is a lifetime membership enrollment fee of $45. If you are interested in joining but are financially unable, please reach out to us.
Contact Us
Student Engagement
Office Location
Highsmith Student Union 301
One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Email: studentengagement@unca.edu
Phone: (828) 232-2417