Major Fields of Concentration || Optional Minor Fields of Concentration
Degree Programs || General Education Requirements || Post-Baccalaureate Study
Specialized Baccalaureate Degree Programs || Pre-Professional Programs
Joint Programs || Asheville Graduate Center || Individual Degree Programs
Project Ahead || University Honors Program || Academic Honors
Academic Support Services || Other Special Academic Opportunities
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 foreign language 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:
| Art (B.A., B.F.A.) | Management (B.S.) Accounting (B.S.) Industrial & Engineering Management (B.S.) |
| Atmospheric Sciences (B.S.) | Mass Communication (B.A.) |
| Biology (B.A.) | Mathematics (B.A.) |
| Chemistry (B.A., B.S.) | Music (B.A., B.S.) |
| Classics (B.A.) | Philosophy (B.A.) |
| Computer Science (B.S.) | Physics (B.S.) |
| Drama (B.A.) | Political Science (B.A.) |
| Economics (B.A.) | Psychology (B.A.) |
| Environmental Studies (B.S.) | Sociology (B.A.) |
| French (B.A.) | Spanish (B.A.) |
| German (B.A.) | |
| History (B.A.) | |
| Literature (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.
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 tracks 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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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 six 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
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
Women's Studies
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. Once a student has earned a minor in a particular department and graduated with that minor designation, he or she may not later earn a major in that same department.
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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 | |
| Arts | 4 semester hours |
| English Language | 3-9 |
| Foreign Language | 0-6 (may fulfill 3-6 hours by proficiency exam) |
| Health and Fitness | 2-4 |
| Humanities Sequence | 16 |
| Library Research | 1 |
| Mathematics | 3-4 |
| Natural Science | 8 |
| Social Science | 6 |
| College Skills Courses-if required (do not count toward graduation) |
0-8 |
| Major Field of Concentration (some concentrations require more hours) |
27-40 |
| Cognate Courses (required in some majors) |
0-24 |
| Electives | 0-45 |
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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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)
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. Students may take only one ARTS laboratory for credit.
Interdisciplinary Arts Course (ARTS) ARTS 310 Arts and Ideas 3 semester hours Laboratories (choose one) ARTS 311 Visual Arts Studio 1 ARTS 312 Workshop in Drama 1 ARTS 313 Workshop in Music 1 ARTS 314 Creative Writing 1 ARTS 315 Workshop in Dance 1The 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.
ART 100 Two-Dimensional Design 3 ART 101 Drawing I 3 ART 103 Three-Dimensional Design 3 ART 215 Watercolor I 3 ART 225 Photography I 3 DRAM 121 Elements of Production I 3 DRAM 210 Oral Interpretation of Literature 3 DRAM 216 Musical Theater Workshop 3 DRAM 317 Creative Drama for Teachers 3 LANG 260 Introduction to Creative Writing 3 MCOM 303 Video Workshop 1 MUSC 101 Class Piano I 2 MUSC 103 Class Guitar I 2 MUSC 105 Class Voice I 2 MUSC 111 Chorus 1 MUSC 121 Concert Band 1 MUSC 122 Jazz Band 1 MUSC 123 Ensemble 1 MUSC 124 Symphony 1 MUSC 125 Jazz Choir 1 MUSC 128 Percussion Ensemble 1 MUSC 129 Jazz Ensemble 1 MUSC 216 Musical Theatre Workshop 3 HF 137 Modern Dance 1 HF 138 Classical Ballet 1 HF 139 Jazz Styles 1In addition, certain special topics courses, approved by the appropriate chair and the director of the Arts Program, may be designated as satisfying the requirement.
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 100, 101 or 102. Students must take either LR 101 or LR 102 before or at the same time as LANG 102.
English Language Courses (LANG)
LANG 100* Writing Essentials 3 LANG 101 Writing as Inquiry 3 LANG 102 Writing and Critical Thinking 3Proficiency in Writing--A 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.
* No graduation credit is given for LANG 100.
Students must fulfill the foreign language requirement by demonstrating proficiency through the 120 level. Students may accomplish this by completing a two-course sequence of six hours in a single foreign or classical language or by performance on the UNCA foreign language exams.
Foreign Language Courses
CLAS 101, 102 Latin for General Education I, II 6 CLAS 103, 104 Greek for General Education I, II 6 CLAS 105, 106 Hebrew for General Education I, II 6 FREN 110, 120 Elementary French I, II 6 GERM 110, 120 Elementary German I, II 6 ITAL 110, 120 Elementary Italian I, II 6 RUSS 110, 120 Elementary Russian I, II 6 SPAN 110, 120 Elementary Spanish I, II 6
Students must complete one course from each of the following headings:
Health and Wellness:
One course from HF 120 (1)
HF 154 (3), or HF 155 (3) 1-3
Fitness Development (Activity):
One course from HF 121-129 1
Option: The student may elect to take HF 153, Health Promotion
and Wellness (3) only. This course incorporates both headings.
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 sophomore 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 (HUM)
HUM 124 The Ancient World 4 HUM 214 The Medieval and Renaissance World 4 HUM 324 The Modern World: Mid 17th to Mid 20th Century 4 HUM 414 The Individual in the Contemporary World 4
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 co-requisite for LANG 102 and prerequisite to declaring a major.
LR 101 Library Research (Course) (graded A,B,C,D,F) 1 LR 102 Library Research (Competency) (graded S,U) 1
All students are required to take 4 semester hours of Mathematics to satisfy the General Education requirement.
Mathematics Courses
MATH 155 Nature of Mathematics 4 MATH 163 Applied Algebra 4 MATH 167 Precalculus 4 MATH 191 Calculus I 4 STAT 185 Introductory Statistics 4Students may also elect to take the two-course sequence MATH 157-158 to complete the General Education mathematics requirement.
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)
ASTR 105 Astronomy 5 ATMS 105 Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences 5 BIOL 105 Principles of Biology 5 CHEM 105 Modern Aspects of General Chemistry 5 ENVR 105 Introduction to Physical Geology 5 PHYS 105 Contemporary Physics 5An eight-hour sequence with laboratory from Biology, Chemistry or Physics may substitute for the five-hour course.
Three-Hour Requirement (select one)
ATMS 103 Introduction to Meteorology 3 BIOL 107 Principles of Biological Evolution 3 BIOL 108 Human Biology 3 BIOL 109 Current Issues in Biology 3 BIOL 110 Plants and Humans 3 CHEM 103 Chemistry for Changing Times 3 ENVR 110 Introduction to Oceanography 3 ENVR 130 Introduction to Environmental Science 3 PHYS 101 Light and Visual Phenomena 3 PHYS 102 The Physics of Sound and Music 3Majors 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.
Six semester hours are required in the social sciences. Two courses must be chosen from two different disciplines to include Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Mass Communication, 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
ANTH 215 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3
ECON 101 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ECON 261 U.S. Economic History 3
MCOM 101 Understanding the News Media 3
MCOM 102 Media Entertainment and American Culture 3
POLS 120 The Individual in the Political World 3
POLS 180 War, Peace and World Politics 3
PSYC 101 General Psychology: Brain and Behavioral
Processes 3
PSYC 102 General Psychology: Personality
and Social Processes 3
SOC 100 Introduction to Sociology 3
SOC 210 Modern Social Problems 3
SOC 240 Evolution, Revolution and Social Change 3
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
EDUC 102 Reading and Critical Thinking in the Liberal Arts 3 EDUC 103 Academic Study of the Liberal Arts 2 LANG 100 Writing Essentials 3Return to the top of the page
Those who hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution have three options for further credentials from UNCA:
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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.
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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." Although the majority of students going on to law school traditionally major in Political Science, History or Economics, UNCA graduates in fields as diverse as Psychology, Mathematics, Literature, Management and Classics have done well in law schools throughout the nation.
Any student who accumulates 90 semester hours of academic credit at UNCA, including the General Education requirements, and is then admitted to an accredited medical, dental or law degree program at another school in the United States, will be awarded a B.A. degree by UNCA when he or she has successfully completed the first year's work in that professional program.
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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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 Enrollment Services Office for detailed counseling, information about model programs, and an explanation of requirements.
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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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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. Seven 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 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:
CHEM 132 General Chemistry 3
CHEM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory 1
CSCI 171 ST: Software for Engineering Majors 1
ENGR 100 Introduction to Engineering 1
LANG 101 Writing as Inquiry 3
LANG 102 Writing and Critical Thinking 3
Humanities and Social Science* 3
MATH 191 Calculus I 4
MATH 192 Calculus II 4
PHYS 221 Physics I 4
HF Health And Fitness 2
CSCI Computer Programming Language 3
or
CHEM 144 Structure and Reactivity 4
(depending on curriculum chosen. See
Engineering Programs Office for more details.)
Total Semester Hours 32 or 33
* 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
DRAM 102 Public Speaking 3 MATH 291 Calculus III 4 MATH 394 Differential Equations 3 ENGR 211 Electric Circuits I 3 ENGR 213 Electric Circuits I laboratory 1 ENGR 274 ST: Fundamentals of Logic Design 4 PHYS 222 Physics II 4 Humanities and Social Science 9 HF Health and Fitness 1 Total Semester Hours 32Example 2: Sophomore-Year Curriculum for Civil Engineering
MATH 291 Calculus III 4
MATH 394 Differential Equations 3
PHYS 222 Physics II 4
ENGR 201 Structure and Properties
of Engineering Materials 3
ENGR 206 Engineering Statics 3
ENGR 208 Engineering Dynamics 3
ENGR 314 Solid Mechanics 3
DFT 170 Engineering Graphics ** 3
Humanities and Social Science 3
Basic Science Elective 4 or 5
HF Health and Fitness 1
Total Semester Hours 34 or 35
** Offered by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
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.
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.
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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Students have an opportunity to pursue individual degree programs that are outside the normal list of major programs and combine features of more than one major. A student interested in pursuing an individual degree works out a course of study jointly with his or her faculty advisor and the chair of the major department most closely associated with the program. The proposal for an individual degree must be supported by a persuasive educational rationale in harmony with institutional aims and objectives. The student submits the proposed program to the Registrar's Office, where it is evaluated to determine if it meets all graduation requirements. It will then be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for consideration, and if deemed appropriate, he or she may waive fixed University major requirements and approve the proposal for an individual degree. The individual degree will be identified on the UNCA transcript but will show on the commencement program as the major most closely related to the individual program.
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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 G.I. Bill provides participants financial support for up to 36 months of full-time study. Those interested in Project Ahead--including U.S. Armed Services personnel now on active duty, who are also eligible--should contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
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The University Honors Program offers academically talented and motivated students an honors curriculum that complements the General Education and major requirements. The universitywide program welcomes freshmen, transfers and continuing students from all academic departments.
The Honors Program also offers a range of extracurricular activities designed to foster community and leadership among participants. Honors students have the option of living with other honors students in special group housing.
Additional educational opportunities include independent study, internships, and creative or research activities with faculty mentors. Honors students have the opportunity to graduate with Distinction as a University Scholar.
Admission to the University Honors Program for freshmen is based upon SAT scores and high school performance. Transfer students may also apply for admission if they have earned a 3.5 grade-point average on all their transfer hours, and continuing UNCA students may apply if they have maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.0. For information about specific program requirements, see the Honors listing under Courses of Instruction. For additional details, contact the director of the University Honors Program.
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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 honors are granted on the basis of grade-point average on all courses taken at UNCA (original grades from courses which have had grades replaced by the Registrar are excluded) using the method described under Quality Points; students who are readmitted to UNCA under the Conditional Readmission policy, which removes poor academic work from their grade-point average calculation, are not eligible for Universitywide honors. Only UNCA grades count toward the grade-point average used for the determination of honors, and a student must have earned at least 75 semester hours at UNCA to be eligible for Universitywide honors. Students ranking in the top 1 percent graduate summa cum laude; the top 4 percent, magna cum laude; and the top 9 percent, cum laude. The base for computing these percentiles is the combined UNCA grade-point average of the last three years' graduates. The Honors Committee will annually calculate the required grade-point average for these honors. In addition, because the work of some students is under-represented by grades alone, the Honors committee solicits from the faculty, prior to each commencement, recommendations that are used for two purposes. The Honors Committee may recommend to the faculty that a student receive a higher honor than the one which would apply automatically. Secondly, in numbers not normally to exceed 1 percent of the graduating class, the Honors Committee may additionally recommend to the faculty that students whose grades do not qualify them for automatic honors receive honors at whatever levels seem appropriate.
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 3.00, a 3.50 grade-point average for Honors courses, and a 3.50 grade-point average on the last 60 hours of college credit 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 offered by Mrs. Manly E. Wright and awarded to the graduating student who is first in scholarship.
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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.
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.
The 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. Attendance at the Center is required of students enrolled in LANG 100. Instructors in other courses may also require that their students seek assistance with specific writing problems. The University Writing Center is located in 017 Karpen Hall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 828/251-6445.
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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.
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.
The University conducts a Summer session consisting of one three-week
miniterm and a six-week term 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 session 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 session are printed in the calendar in
this catalog; however, they are subject to change. Information
about admission to the summer session may be obtained from the
Admissions Office. The schedule of summer courses is announced
by the Registrar's Office.
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. Information on dates, cost, courses and application may be obtained from the director of International Studies. A Semester Program in Santander, Spain, with courses in Spanish language, literature, history, art and geography is offered every Fall. An exchange opportunity at the Universidad del Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador, is available, as are programs in almost any country in the world. See the director of International Studies for more information on study abroad opportunities.
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.
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.
In addition, the Office of Special Academic Programs coordinates summer conferences. The office 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.
The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement is an integral part of the University, providing educational programs to retirement-age individuals. The Center serves as a laboratory for leadership, peer and intergenerational learning, wellness, voluntarism and retirement planning. In addition, the Center conducts research projects and sponsors regional and national public issues forums.
The Center has a two-fold mission: to enable mature adults to continue to learn while supporting opportunities for older persons to serve their communities. Its comprehensive program and defined social purpose make the Center unique in the nation.
Certain programs of the Center are open to UNCA undergraduates. Specified courses in the College for Seniors are designed for intergenerational dialogue. The Senior Academy for Intergenerational Learning (SAIL) matches undergraduates with retired professionals in mentor, tutor and career counseling activities. These are arranged on a departmental basis.
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:
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.
Colleges and universities across North Carolina are linked through the high-speed microcommunications 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:
Additional information is available from the Teleconference Video and Facilities Manager in Robinson Hall.
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