Major Fields of Concentration || Optional Minor Fields of Concentration || Degree Programs
General Education Requirements || Post-Baccalaureate Study || Specialized Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Project Ahead || University Honors Program || Academic Honors
Academic Support Services || Other Special Academic Opportunities
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Programs of Study

Major Fields of Concentration

A major field of concentration normally consists of not more than 36 semester hours with a maximum of 24 semester hours of cognate courses, exclusive of any departmental requirements that also satisfy general education requirements. Regulations regarding declaration of the major are listed below; the requirements for each major are found in the alphabetical listing of Courses of Instruction, as are the descriptions of all courses.

A student may major in more than one subject by completing the requirements of each major. A currently enrolled student who has completed the requirements for a double major will receive one degree, according to which major the student considers to be his or her primary field. Double majors will be noted on transcripts. A student wishing two baccalaureate degrees must earn the second degree pursuant to the requirements described in the Second Baccalaureate Degree section of this catalog.

The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. A student may choose a major field of concentration from the following areas:

Accounting (B.S.) Art (B.A., B.F.A.) Atmospheric Sciences (B.S.) Biology (B.A.) Chemistry (B.A., B.S.) Classics (B.A.) Computer Science (B.S.) (B.A.) Drama (B.A.) Economics (B.A.) Environmental Studies (B.S.) French (B.A.) German (B.A.) History (B.A.) Interdisciplinary Studies Industrial and Engineering Management (B.S.)

Literature (B.A.) Management (B.S.) Mass Communication (B.A.) Mathematics (B.A.) Multimedia Arts and Sciences (B.A.) Music (B.A., B.S.) Philosophy (B.A.) Physics (B.S.) Political Science (B.A.) Psychology (B.A.) Sociology (B.A.) Spanish (B.A.)

Courses in Education leading to teacher licensure are also available. In addition, the university offers a range of specialized programs and educational opportunities, including joint degree programs offered cooperatively with other universities, summer instruction and studies abroad. Details about these programs follow the descriptions of undergraduate degree programs.

Declaration of Major

Students may declare majors at any time that they have reached a decision and prerequisites are met. However, after earning 60 semester hours, students are required to declare a major by registering with the chair of the chosen department. The department chair gives written notice to the Registrar and the Office of Academic Advising and assigns the student an advisor within the department. Students proceed according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their formal declaration, although prior work in major fields is not invalidated. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 102 and Library Research requirements. If changing majors or concentrations within a major, students must meet any new requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of the change, subject to such exceptions in favor of the earlier catalog as the chair of the major department and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs may approve. Only enrolled degree-seeking students and post-baccalaureate students seeking a certificate of major may declare majors.

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Optional Minor Fields of Concentration

In addition to the major field of study, a student may choose to complete one or more minor fields of concentration. A minor field of concentration shall require not more than 18 semester hours above the introductory level and not more than 24 total semester hours. One-half of the hours required for the minor must be completed at UNCA. In addition, minors shall require a minimum of 6 semester hours at the 300-400 level to be taken at UNCA. Minor fields of concentration will be recorded along with majors on the student's permanent transcript. Minors are available in the fields listed below:

Africana Studies Art Art History Atmospheric Sciences Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Creative Writing Dance Drama Economics Environmental Studies French German Health Promotion History

Humanities International Studies Literature Management Mass Communication Mathematics Multimedia Arts and Sciences Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Sports Medicine Womens Studies

Declaration of Optional Minor

Students eligible to declare majors may also declare minors in those subjects where minors have been established. Students declare minors by registering with the chair of the chosen department. The department chair gives written notice to the Registrar. Students proceed according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of their formal declaration, although prior work in the minor field is not invalidated. Students are responsible for knowing their minor requirements and for completing them; minor requirements are not listed on graduation checksheets. Minors must be officially declared before the deadline for applying for graduation. Minors are officially recorded on the academic record only upon graduation from UNCA.

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Degree Programs

Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree

Students receiving a baccalaureate degree must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit. Some programs require more credit hours for graduation, and this is indicated in the program description. General requirements that apply to all programs are listed below.

General Requirements

At least 30 semester hours must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above. Each degree candidate is required to complete a senior demonstration of competency offered in the major field as determined by his or her department. In addition, each degree candidate is required to demonstrate oral competency as determined by his or her department. Departments may also require other work. Some departments require their majors to present a senior thesis.

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General Education Requirements

All students must meet the following university curricular requirements unless specifically exempted by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Some of these requirements may be satisfied by a proficiency examination when available, under the conditions given in the Examinations and Evaluations section of this catalog. See Competency and Proficiency Examinations.

Arts Courses (4 semester hours)

Students must complete a three-hour interdisciplinary lecture course in the arts (ARTS 310), plus a one-hour laboratory course in one of the arts areas. Students majoring in one of the arts (Art, Literature, Drama or Music) must choose an arts laboratory (ARTS 311, 312, 313, 314 or 315) or program-approved substitute outside their major. Transfer students must take their lab course in a different area from their survey course and their major.

Interdisciplinary Arts Course

The following courses may be substituted for the laboratory portion of the arts requirement if the course is not in the student's major department and is not in the same fine arts discipline as a course transferred for ARTS 310.

In addition, certain special topics courses, approved by the appropriate chair and the director of the Arts Program, may be designated as satisfying the requirement.

English Language (3-7 semester hours)

Students must fulfill the English language requirement by demonstrating proficiency through the level of LANG 102. Depending on performance in the writing placement test, a student may begin the English language sequence with LANG 101 or 102. Through faculty evaluations, students may be required to enroll in LANG 103 in conjunction with either LANG 101 or 102.

English Language Courses

Proficiency in WritingA grade of C or better in any freshman language course will be considered proficiency for that course. Students who fail to demonstrate proficiency must repeat the course.

Foreign Language (0-6 semester hours)

Students must fulfill the foreign language requirement by demonstrating competence through the 120 level or above. This can be done either through a placement exam or through completion of the appropriate level course work.

Students who wish to use French, German or Spanish to fulfill their foreign language requirement, and who have had previous exposure to their chosen language, should take a foreign language placement exam during their first year at UNCA. Placement exams are given during new student orientation in August and during preregistration in November and April.

Foreign Language Courses

Health and Fitness (2-4 semester hours)

Students must complete one course from each of the following headings:

The student may elect to take HF 153, Health Promotion and Wellness (3) or EDUC 319, Teaching of Health and Physical Education in the Elementary School (3) only. Each course incorporates both headings.

Humanities (16 semester hours)

The Humanities Program is a four-course, 16-semester-hour sequence required of all students for graduation. Courses HUM 124, 214 and 324 must be taken sequentially, ordinarily beginning in the spring semester of the freshman year and continuing through the junior year. The final course, HUM 414, is to be taken at some point after the accumulation of 75 semester hours or with permission of the director of the Humanities Program. Check course descriptions for prerequisites at each level.

Humanities Courses

Library Research (1 semester hour)

The understanding and skills of library research are essential for the liberally educated person. Because the library is central to the university's intellectual life and is a primary workshop for students who have a genuine will to know, UNCA endeavors to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to function in this environment and to continue independent, lifelong learning.

Students should complete either LR 101 or 102 in the freshman year. LR is a pre- or corequisite for LANG 102 and prerequisite to declaring a major.

Mathematics (4 semester hours)

All students are required to take four semester hours of Mathematics to satisfy the General Education requirement.

Mathematics Courses

Students may also elect to take the two-course sequence MATH 211 and 215 to complete the General Education mathematics requirement.

Natural Sciences (8 semester hours)

All students are required to take a sequence of courses consisting of: 1) one five-hour course from:

Astronomy, Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies (geology) or Physics; and 2) one three-hour interdisciplinary course from the following lists.

Five-Hour Requirement (select one)

An eight-hour sequence with laboratory from Biology, Chemistry or Physics may substitute for the five-hour course. Students may not receive credit for both ATMS 103 and 105.

Three-Hour Requirement (select one)

Majors in the natural sciences (Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Physics) may meet the three-hour interdisciplinary natural science requirement by taking six or more hours of course work in one or more of the natural sciences outside their major.

Social Sciences (6 semester hours)

Six semester hours are required in the social sciences. Courses must be chosen from two different disciplines to include Anthropology, Economics, Mass Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology or interdisciplinary courses developed from these. A student must select one course that is not required for his or her major.

Social Science Courses

College Skills Program

Although there is no General Education College Skills requirement, some students may be required to take College Skills courses if their academic preparation in the key areas of reading and writing jeopardizes their chances of success in college. Placement in College Skills courses is ordinarily by means of scores on placement tests given during Orientation sessions. In addition, a student may be placed in the College Skills program by the joint recommendation of two faculty members when work in regular courses is impaired by deficiencies in reading or writing skills. College Skills courses count in determining the student's record and contribute to the student's GPA, but they do not count as part of the 120 hours required for graduation. Students placed in College Skills courses must successfully pass these courses before advancing to other courses within the same discipline. The EDUC 102 and 103 courses specifically address the needs of students who require further preparation for liberal arts study. Students who are placed into these courses must pass them prior to taking HUM 124.

College Skills Courses

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Post-Baccalaureate Study

Those who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution have three options for further credentials from UNCA:

1. Second Baccalaureate Degree

This student is considered a transfer student, even if the initial degree was earned at UNCA, and must meet all the conditions of transfer students, with the additional stipulation that at least two-thirds of the courses required in the major department must be taken at UNCA. Approval of the proposed program must be given by the department chair. A bachelor's degree is awarded. Students with a B.A. from UNCA may not earn a second B.A. from the university, but may earn a B.S. or complete requirements for a second major. Students with a B.S. from UNCA may not earn a second B.S. from UNCA, but may earn a B.A. or complete requirements for a second major.

2. Post-Baccalaureate Major

The university grants a Certificate of Post-Baccalaureate Major to those who have already received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution other than UNCA. The certificate is awarded for work done in a major program different from that for which the baccalaureate degree was awarded. Students enrolling for this certificate must complete all the requirements for a major at UNCA, including prerequisites, correlate courses, the demonstration of competency required for the major, and a foreign language (if a specific language is required for the major). Normally, a minimum of 30 semester hours earned after the baccalaureate degree is awarded is required for this certificate. Students must officially declare the major and approval of the proposed program must be given by the department chair. In order to have the Certificate of Major recorded, students must notify the Registrar when the last required course is in progress.

3. Master of Liberal Arts Degree

The Master of Liberal Arts degree is a broad interdisciplinary, liberal studies program at the graduate level. It focuses on the theme The Human Condition, exploring human nature, human values and the quality of human life. This degree program is designed for college-educated adults seeking intellectual stimulation and personal growth. See Master of Liberal Arts for a full description of the program and application procedures.

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Specialized Baccalaureate Degree Programs

The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers a number of specialized degree opportunities to provide more flexible academic routes for its students. Among these are special pre-professional programs in preparation for professional study in law, medicine and dentistry; joint programs with other universities leading to degrees in specialized fields; and independent degree programs.

Pre-Professional Programs

The university provides special advising and individual programs for students who are preparing for entry into medical, dental, veterinary or law schools.

Health Professions. UNCA emphasizes a strong liberal arts curriculum as the best preparation for medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy programs. Accordingly, undergraduates interested in these fields major in a wide range of academic disciplines at UNCA and have gained admission to some of the best professional schools in the nation.

Pre-Law Program. UNCA believes the best preparation for law school consists of developing a quality grade-point average within a solid academic curriculum rather than majoring in "pre-law." Accordingly, undergraduates interested in the law have majored in a wide range of disciplines at the university and have gained acceptance to law schools throughout the nation.

Students interested in one of the pre-professional programs should consult the Academic Advising Office for referral to the appropriate campus advisor. Model programs are available, and students should avail themselves of such aid as early as possible in their studies.

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Asheville Graduate Center

The University of North Carolina has established a Graduate Center on the UNCA campus to coordinate graduate work in Asheville. The director of the center should be contacted about the specific programs being offered through the center by the various branches of The University of North Carolina.

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Joint Programs

A variety of programs allows students to combine work at the University of North Carolina at Asheville with work at other universities, leading to degrees in specialized majors otherwise unavailable. Students interested in one of the joint programs should consult with the Office of Enrollment Services for detailed counseling, information about model programs, and an explanation of requirements.

Bachelor of Science Degree in 13 Engineering Program Areas with North Carolina State University

The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers jointly with North Carolina State University an Engineering Two-Plus-Two Program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 13 degree areas listed below. The purpose of this UNCA/NCSU College of Engineering Two-Plus-Two Program is to offer students the opportunity to complete approximately one half of the NCSU Bachelor of Science degree requirements by attending UNCA and then transferring to NCSU. Many NCSU engineering courses are available at UNCA.

The Two-Plus-Two Engineering Program allows students to complete the first two years of an engineering curriculum at UNCA and to finish their education in two more years at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The program includes the following curricula:

Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Construction Engineering and Management
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

The following curricula are also supported, but must be completed on a 1 1/2 + 2 1/2 schedule:

Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Textile Engineering

Freshman Year for All Engineering Degree Programs:

* The Humanities and Social Science courses should be taken in accordance with the NCSU College of Engineering requirements. A list is available in the Engineering Programs Office on the UNCA campus, which also has requirements for all engineering curricula. Examples follow.

Example 1: Sophomore-Year Curriculum for Electrical Engineering

Example 2: Sophomore-Year Curriculum for Civil Engineering

** Offered by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

Bachelor of Science in Engineering-Mechatronics Concentration Degree from North Carolina State University

The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers jointly with North Carolina State University a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)-Mechatronics Concentration degree from N.C. State University on the UNCA campus. The BSE degree is a unique, multidisciplinary field of study which integrates electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer and control engineering and information technology. A contemporary engineering design methodology is established which involves integrating microelectronics and information technologies into mechanical and electromechanical systems. The BSE is intended to allow students to complete an engineering degree while living and working in the Asheville area. It is designed to be accessible to students employed in local industries through evening and weekend classes and through the use of distance education technology.

The curriculum for the BSE degree follows closely the freshman year for all engineering degrees and follows most closely the sophomore year curriculum for the electrical engineering degree, as shown under the Two-Plus-Two Program. Interested students should inquire at the N.C. State Engineering Programs Office in Robinson Hall at UNCA.

Joint Program with North Carolina State University in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry

The University of North Carolina at Asheville and the Department of Textile Chemistry, School of Textiles, North Carolina State University, have arranged a program that allows students to take three years with a concentration in chemistry at UNCA and one year in textiles and textile chemistry at North Carolina State University. Satisfactory completion of the program will enable students to earn simultaneously a B.S. in Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University at Raleigh and a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Joint Program with the North Carolina State University School of Forest Resources

The University of North Carolina at Asheville and the School of Forest Resources of North Carolina State University offer a program through which students may take two years of work in a pre-forestry curriculum at UNCA and then transfer to North Carolina State University for completion of degree requirements. This program leads to a B.S. degree in one of four degree areas offered by the School of Forest Resources: Forestry, Wood Science and Technology, Pulp and Paper Science and Technology, and Recreation Resources Administration.

For full admission to the transfer program, entering students must meet all entrance requirements of UNCA. UNCA students who have completed the two years of the pre-forestry program will be admitted automatically to the School of Forest Resources if their grade-point average is 2.5 or higher. Students in the Forestry degree curriculum are required to take summer camp immediately after completing the sophomore year.

Model programs and requirements of the four degree areas are available from the Forestry Advisor in the Department of Biology, Robinson Hall.

Joint Program with Western Carolina University in Nursing

The University of North Carolina at Asheville and Western Carolina University offer a joint program of instruction leading to a B.S. in Nursing. Students may take two years of pre-professional study at UNCA under the guidance of a pre-nursing advisor, who acts as a liaison with WCU, then transfer to the WCU School of Nursing for two more years of professional study in Cullowhee and Asheville.

Students who meet UNCA's established admission requirements may enter the two-year pre-professional program at UNCA. After fulfilling this course of study, students may apply for admission to the two-year professional program at WCU. At present, this program consists of a junior year in the Cullowhee area followed by a senior year in Asheville.

Students who complete the pre-professional program at UNCA will be considered for admission to the professional program on an equal basis with those who take the first two years at WCU. When admitted to the professional program, they will not be charged an additional admission fee. The Registrar's Office at WCU makes the final, official determination that graduation requirements have been met and WCU awards the baccalaureate degree. Graduates of the cooperative program may also be recognized by request at UNCA's graduation exercises.

Registered nurses seeking the B.S. in Nursing should consult the WCU Nursing Department for evaluation of their specific requirements under a specialized program designed for RNs. This work will generally be available on the UNCA campus with no requirement to take courses in Cullowhee. The pre-professional program at UNCA consists of the following courses: HUM 124, 214, 324, 414 (or approved substitute); LANG 101, 102; LR 101 or 102; three Health and Fitness courses; BIOL 105, 223, 338, 339; CHEM 111, 132, 143; MATH 155; PSYC 102; SOC 100; additional electives to total at least 68 hours of work by the time of entry into the professional sequence. Some students may need to take courses to prepare for those listed above.

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Project Ahead

The University of North Carolina at Asheville has joined with the U.S. Armed Services in a cooperative program to assist young men and women in obtaining a college degree. High school graduates or holders of a GED certificate enlisting in the U.S. Armed Services may at the same time apply and be considered for admission to UNCA.

The cooperative program has built-in financial advantages; the participant draws salary and receives tuition assistance benefits (the Army pays 75 percent of the tuition costs for college courses taken while on active duty). Upon the completion of active duty, the GI Bill of Rights provides participants financial support for up to 36 months of full-time study. Those interested in Project Aheadincluding U.S. Armed Services personnel now on active duty, who are also eligibleshould contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

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University Honors Program

The University Honors Program is an enrichment program for bright, eager and active students. Admission is on the basis of an application. Students in the Honors Program are eligible for special sections of General Education classes and special Honors courses including First-Year Experience classes and Special Topics courses at the junior and senior levels. The Honors Program sponsors co-curricular activities including special speakers, films, trips, cultural events and socials. Students are invited to meet with distinguished campus guests. Honors students are expected to be active members of the program, involving themselves in the co-curricular activities including service learning as well as social gatherings, and to maintain outstanding grades.

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Academic Honors

The university awards four kinds of academic honors to its graduating students: universitywide honors of cum laude (with honors), magna cum laude (with high honors) and summa cum laude (with highest honors); Departmental Distinction; University Research Scholar; and University Scholar.

Universitywide Latin honors are granted on the basis of cumulative grade-point average for those courses completed at UNCA. Students must earn at least 75 semester hours at UNCA to be eligible for Latin honors. Students who are readmitted to UNCA under the Conditional Readmission policy are not eligible for universitywide Latin honors. Students must achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.600 to graduate cum laude, 3.750 to graduate magna cum laude, and 3.900 to graduate summa cum laude. Since the work of some students is not adequately represented by grades alone, the Honors Committee solicits recommendations from the faculty that are used for two purposes. The Honors Committee may recommend to the faculty that a student receive a higher honor than the one that would apply automatically; and, in numbers not to exceed 1 percent of the graduating class, the Honors Committee may also recommend to the faculty that students whose grades do not qualify them for automatic honors receive honors at appropriate levels.

Upon recommendation by the major department, Departmental Distinction is granted for outstanding performance in the major program. For this award, each department applies standards approved by the Honors Committee.

Upon recommendation by the Undergraduate Research Council, which applies standards approved by the Honors Committee, the University Research Scholar designation is granted for outstanding performance in undergraduate research.

Students enrolled in the University Honors Program who have successfully completed the program, maintained an overall grade-point average of at least 3.25 and a 3.50 grade-point average for Honors courses may graduate with Distinction as a University Scholar.

The Honors Committee must approve all recommendations and report them to the faculty, which has sole authority to award honors.

The Manly E. Wright Scholarship Award is presented to the graduating student first in scholarship.

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Academic Support Services

Mathematics Assistance Center

The Mathematics Assistance Center, located in 323 Robinson Hall, is an extra-help tutoring service available to all UNCA students without charge. The Math Center is specifically designed to provide assistance with 100-level courses. Assistance with upper-level courses is provided when possible. The Mathematics Assistance Center is a drop-in service, so no appointment is necessary. Hours are extensive and are posted each semester.

Liberal Arts Reading and Study Center

The Liberal Arts Reading and Study Center Lab, located in 017 Karpen Hall, offers free professional instruction to all UNCA students who want or need additional preparation for the required core of liberal arts courses. Staff members help students identify academic problems, learn alternative approaches to problem-solving, and apply these approaches to specific course work in the liberal arts and humanities. One-on-one tutorials and workshops on special topics are offered each semester. The schedule of reading workshops is available at the start of each semester. Lab hours are posted each semester.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides assistance in composition for anyone in the university community. Faculty guidance and peer tutoring are available for problems in drafting, revising, grammar and mechanics. Instructors in courses throughout the university may also require that their students seek assistance with specific writing problems. The University Writing Center is located in 017 Karpen Hall.

Peer Tutoring Program

The Peer Tutoring Program is a helpful, low-cost option available to all students who want or need some extra help with their course work. Tutors are available for most departments and courses. Tutors are fellow students approved by departmental chairs and specific instructors. The office is located in 206 Lipinsky Hall.

Computer Center

The UNCA Computer Center makes available a variety of services to all UNCA students. The most popular of these services are: access to campus microcomputer laboratories, Internet accounts on the campus central computer, and microcomputer purchase programs for personal computers and Macintoshes.

Microcomputer Laboratories

The Computer Center operates seven microcomputer laboratories which are open, free of charge, to all students. Students will find available PCs and Macintoshes, and a wide variety of personal productivity software that is suitable for the preparation of assignments for many disciplines. Labs are kept open on evenings and weekends to ensure adequate student access.

Internet Accounts

Students may obtain Internet accounts at no cost on UNCA's central academic computer, a UNIX system. The accounts provide comprehensive Internet applications-electronic mail, Telnet, FTP, Gopher and the World Wide Web. In addition to the Internet, students may access specialized software products, such as the statistical programs SAS and SPSSX (used for analysis of research data), and they may connect to the on-line catalog of Ramsey Library.

Microcomputer Purchase Programs

Students may purchase PCs through the Computer Center. Computer Center staff members consult with students to help them configure and order a system-either PC or Macintosh-that best meets their academic needs. No discounts are available for PCs but Computer Center staff members help students find good options in the PC retail market. Macintoshes are available at educational prices from the UNCA campus bookstore. Further information on described services is available from the Computer Center, 013 Robinson Hall.

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Other Special Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Program

The Undergraduate Research Program at UNCA seeks to encourage the establishment of faculty/student research pairs who work together on a project of mutual interest. Research may be performed in any discipline on campus. The mentoring relationship developed through the research process is beneficial to the student and to the faculty member. Students have the opportunity to participate in the research from beginning to end, to go beyond the classroom experience and investigate an idea in great depth and to learn about the excitement (and frustrations) of research.

The Undergraduate Research Program provides academic-year and summer student research and travel grants. These are monetary awards given to students for research and/or travel expenses. Students apply by submitting a brief description of the research project and a budget plan to the Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Council. Projects to be funded are selected by the Council. Forms for grant submission are available from the Undergraduate Research Office, 126 Karpen Hall.

First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience Program is specifically designed for first-year students and supports the university mission of providing the best possible opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to pursue educational and professional goals. The purpose of the program is to provide first-year courses and seminars along with programming that supports student involvement, integration into the campus community, selection and commitment to an appropriate major, and timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Each course is built around a traditional or special topic and has an academic theme with a common core that is central to all First-Year Experience courses. This common core includes building a sense of community with classmates, students, faculty and the campus community; and identifying individual abilities, strengths and weaknesses while developing a style of working and interacting with others. A limited class size provides maximum opportunity to acquaint students with the challenges and demands of higher education while supporting them in their transition to the university. Courses are open to first-year students, students transferring 12 or fewer hours, or with permission of instructor or program director.

High School Enrichment Program

Enrichment courses are offered during the summer to qualified high school juniors and seniors who are recommended by their high school teachers. Three hours of UNCA transcript credit can be earned from each of the courses.

Summer Sessions

The university conducts a Summer semester during which a limited selection of courses from the regular schedule is offered along with special courses, workshops and institutes. All degree-credit courses offered in the Summer semester are the equivalent of those offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer school courses are billed on a per-credit-hour basis.

The dates of the Summer semester are printed in the calendar in this catalog; however, they are subject to change. Information about admission to the Summer semester may be obtained from the Admissions Office. The schedule of summer courses is available on the UNCA Web site, http://www.unca.edu.

Study Abroad

The University of North Carolina at Asheville offers, through the International Studies Program, a variety of organized educational opportunities in foreign countries, involving classroom instruction at fixed locations and travel for educational purposes. Courses in such academic areas as literature, art, history and political science are offered annually in the month of July at St. Benet's Hall, Oxford University, England. The Oxford Program is operated jointly by UNCA and North Carolina State University. Lecturers and tutors from Oxford and other European universities teach the courses, and students also travel to sites of scenic, cultural and historic interest. Courses carry three semester hours of credit, with a maximum load of six semester hours. Students who are not regularly enrolled at UNCA may register for these programs as visiting students and have their transcripts forwarded on request to their home institutions. Students in good standing at any college or university are eligible for admission. Other summer programs are available in Cambridge (United Kingdom), Ecuador and Greece. A semester program in Santander, Spain, with courses in Spanish language, literature, history, art and geography, is offered every Fall. Exchange opportunities in England, France, Ecuador, Germany, Finland, Australia and Mexico are readily available, as well as programs in almost any country in the world. See the Study Abroad Coordinator for more information on study abroad opportunities. Up-to-date program information is available on the UNCA Study Abroad Web page.

Special Topics Courses

Special Topics courses are those planned to meet a specific academic need at a particular time. They provide flexibility beyond the catalog offerings to take advantage of available teaching talent and to assess new areas for program development. Special Topics courses may be offered on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis only with the approval of the department chair/program director and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Independent Individual Courses

Students may arrange to meet an academic need which cannot be satisfied through the regular schedule of courses provided a faculty member is willing to assume the responsibility of teaching an "Independent Course" and the department chair/program director approves. The appropriate forms are obtained from the department chair/program director or from the Registrar's Office. Completed forms must be presented during the registration period for the term in which the course is offered.

Special Academic Programs

The Office of Special Academic Programs designs and develops courses that are offered for personal enrichment and intellectual enlightenment. Courses that complement the liberal arts mission of the university are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters. Literature, history, science, art, business affairs and computer science courses provide individuals an opportunity to explore areas of intellectual interest while simultaneously keeping them abreast of the latest developments in their respective fields. The courses are designed to prepare individuals to participate more fully in the cultural, civic and political life of the world community.

Special Academic Programs offers non-degree-credit programs, courses, workshops, seminars, and lectures, both on and off the campus, to individuals and special-interest groups. It coordinates summer conferences and has the responsibility of serving as the liaison between conference coordinators and department heads in charge of campus facilities and services. Special Academic Programs also serves as the Office of Grants and Contracts. Its responsibilities include keeping the faculty informed of grant opportunities, serving as faculty support for the University Research Council, assisting faculty in the preparation and processing of grants, coordinating internal reporting forms with General Administration, and working with the Financial Affairs division to establish accounts for funded projects.

North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement

The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement is an integral part of the university, providing an array of educational programs to retirement-age individuals. The center has a twofold mission: to enable mature adults to continue learning while supporting opportunities for older persons to serve their communities. Its comprehensive program and defined social purpose make the center unique in the nation.

The center fosters active participation of retirees in learning and community involvement through peer classes, periodic credit-bearing intergenerational courses within the regular UNC Asheville academic schedule, leadership training, facilitated discussion groups and community outreach. The center serves the academic community and the professional aging field through research projects and sponsorship of regional and national public issues forums.

By providing retirees with opportunities for meaningful social interaction in a university context and by documenting and research of its own efforts, the center has established a national reputation for helping both to define and to understand the evolving role of our society's maturing population.

Asheville Area Educational Consortium

Degree-seeking students enrolled at UNCA may enroll for credit in courses offered at Mars Hill College and Warren Wilson College through the Asheville Area Educational Consortium. Credit hours will be awarded by UNCA. Students interested in participating should contact the UNCA Registrar for approval and for registration information.

Participation guidelines:

1. Full-time degree-seeking students may take a total of four courses within their degree program under the consortium agreement. Enrollment is limited to Fall and Spring semesters.
2. In any semester of full-time status, a student may take up to six additional hours of credit through the consortium agreement.
3. Students may not normally cross-register for courses available on their home campus.
4. Regular UNCA tuition and fees will be charged.

For specific cross-registration procedures and forms, UNCA students should contact the UNCA Registrar. Other students who wish to enroll in UNCA courses should contact the registrar at their school.

North Carolina Research and Education Network

Colleges and universities across North Carolina are linked through the high-speed microcommuni-cations system NC-REN (North Carolina Research and Education Network). Instruction is provided through teleconference by the faculty at the sponsoring institution. Work will be assigned and graded by the course instructor. Titles and topics will vary each semester.

Participation guidelines:

1. Participants must be enrolled as degree-seeking students at UNCA. Non-degree students must be admitted at the sponsoring institution.
2. Students will be registered at UNCA in courses designated with the departmental prefix MCNC. Tuition is calculated in the same manner as other UNCA courses; special course fees must be paid by the student directly to the sponsoring institution.
3. UNCA students must obtain permission from the Registrar. To be approved, courses must be appropriate for the student's degree program and may not be available at UNCA.
4. Courses completed through NC-REN will be designated with the departmental prefix MCNC on the UNCA academic record. Grades and semester hours will be included in the computation of the UNCA grade-point average.

Additional information is available from the Teleconference Video and Facilities Manager in Robinson Hall.

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