Consumer Information

Guide to Student Consumer Information

In accordance with  federal regulations set forth by the Higher Education Act of 1965, this guide contains a brief description of important information about UNC Asheville, financial assistance, athletic participation, graduation rates, campus security, study abroad, student rights and responsibilities  and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  Specific information about programs and services is available from the University departments.  The guide is available on line or by requesting a paper copy from the Office of Student Financial Aid at www.unca.edu/financialaid

ACCREDITATION, APPROVAL AND LICENSURE

The University of North Carolina at Asheville celebrates eighty years of excellence in higher education, the campus community welcomes new challenges and greater successes as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges.  From its beginnings as Buncombe County Junior College, where 86 students enrolled in 1927 to further their educations beyond high school, the University has valued liberal arts ideals and community engagement.  Its special commitment to student learning and undergraduate education was reaffirmed when it joined the University of North Carolina system in 1969 as the University of North Carolina at Asheville.  The University maintains its liberal arts imperative, as the designated undergraduate Liberal Arts University of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system.

The University of North Carolina is accredited by:

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation

Specialized Accreditation:

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation

Program Participation Agreement with:

The U. S. Department of Education
http://www.ed.gov/

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

In order to comply with federal regulations, the University of North Carolina at Asheville has adopted institutional policies and procedures to be followed with regard to disclosure of information from the education records of current and former students.  The student record policy of UNC Asheville conforms to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-380). Education records are in the custody of the Registrar. A student's UNC Asheville academic transcript is permanently maintained. Other documents are retained pursuant to administrative policies.

Copies of the student's official UNC Asheville transcript are released only on the written request of the student, and only after all obligations to the university, financial and otherwise, have been fulfilled. Transcripts received from other schools are the property of the university and are not copied or released.

Grades cannot be released to parents or guardians without written permission from the student. The university does not permit access to or the release of education records without the written consent of the student except when required.  Students are encouraged to review the policy and understand what is considered directory information as defined at UNC Asheville.  

Students not wanting their directory information released may file a Directory Restriction form in the OneStop Center.  The Directory Restriction form restricts all information on a student.  For example, the university, if contacted, cannot acknowledge whether or not a student is enrolled nor can it include the student in Dean's List notifications or on graduation lists.  Students may revoke the restriction at any time by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar.

Students wishing to release non-directory information to parents or other specified individuals may file a FERPA Release form with the OneStop Center indicating what information may be released and to whom.  Students must sign the form in the presence of a UNC Asheville staff member or, if mailing it in, have the form notarized.  Forms will not be accepted if they:

1.    Are not filled out completely (including the required pass code)
2.    Are not notarized if signed outside the presence of a UNC Asheville staff member

FINANCIAL AID

Descriptions of available federal, state, institutional and private sources of student assistance, application procedures, eligibility criteria, criteria to determine award amounts methods of disbursement, terms and conditions for accepting financial aid, employment opportunities and student rights and responsibilities are available on the Office of Student  Financial Aid web site http://www.unca.edu/finaid.

Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) used to determine student eligibility for federal student assistance is available at the Office of Student Financial Aid Office web site http://www.unca.edu/finaid

Repayment schedules and the necessity of repaying loans is located with the Entrance Counseling sessions at http://www.studentloans.gov

FEDERAL PELL GRANT RECIPIENTS

Below is the categories of gender and ethnicity of enrolled full-time Federal Pell Grant recipient:

Pell Grant Receipients
2010-2011

NET PRICE CALCULATOR (NPC)

Provides prospective students with personalized net price estimates, based on their unique characteristics and your financial aid offerings. With customizable options and broad accessibility, our NPC is a reliable and convenient tool for you and for students.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Applications for voter registration for North Carolina resident are available at the Buncombe County Election Services.  Periodically, the UNC Asheville Student Government Association will hold voter registration drives at various locations across campus.
Nonresident students may find voter information about their specific states through the U.S. Electronic Assistance Commission at www.eac.gov

REFUND POLICIES

1.    A student who leaves school without officially withdrawing from the university forfeits all rights to a refund or to a reduction in his or her account.
2.    Refunds for tuition and fees for the fall and spring semesters (except the application fee and course fees, which are non-refundable) will be on the following basis, provided the student officially withdraws from all courses (exits from the university during that semester). The percentage of refund will be based on the date shown on the official withdrawal form. 

3.    Refunds for the summer terms will be made according to the refund schedule published by the Business Office.
4.    Refunds for residence hall rental will be made from a schedule on file with the Dean of Students, who may make a pro rata refund due to extenuating circumstances.
5.    Refunds for the board plan will be made from a schedule on file with the Dean of Students, who may make a pro rata refund due to extenuating circumstances.

FINANCIAL AID AND THE REFUND POLICY

UNC Asheville students who receive financial assistance, complete registration are subject to the Title IV Federal Refund and Repayment Policy.  www.unca.edu/finaid

UNIVERSITY WITHDRAWAL POLICY

The official university policy on withdrawal from courses is contained in the UNC Asheville Catalog.  (Search Academic Policies and Procedures.)  Students should contact their academic advisor concerning the academic impact of their withdrawal.   They should also contact the Office of Student Financial Aid as to how it will impact their financial aid.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTITUTION

Description of academic programs, degree offerings and instructional personnel can be obtained on the web site www.unca.edu/catalog by selecting the appropriate title.  Description of the instructional facilities and labs are located below (does not include residence halls and "non-classroom" buildings):

The University of North Carolina Asheville is designated liberal arts university in The University of North Carolina system.  An outstanding learning community, UNC Asheville focuses its resources on academic excellence and community partnerships.  The history of the university is available at www.unca.edu/catalog and select About UNCA

The University of North Carolina Asheville welcomes applications from those interested in postsecondary education and academic enrichment.  To accommodate the diverse needs of the population served by UNC Asheville, five admission classifications have been established: beginning freshmen, transfer students, visiting students, post-baccalaureate students and non-degree students.  The requirements and procedures for admission to each of these classifications can be found on the following web site www.unca.edu/catalog and select admissions.

Admission to the University of North Carolina Asheville Master of Liberal Arts Programs is based upon the applicant’s possession of a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, in any field and demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced study in the liberal arts.  Requirements can be found at www.unca.edu/catalog select admissions.

DISABILITIES SERVICES

The University of North Carolina at Asheville is distinctive within the public higher education system of North Carolina in its primary mission: to offer an undergraduate liberal arts education of superior quality for serious students. The mission of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities the advocacy and support for reaching their educational goals.  Information can be located at www.unca.edu/disabilityservices

STUDY ABROAD

UNC Asheville offers a variety of direct exchange opportunities with universities in England, France, Japan and Hong Kong.  Information on Study Abroad Study Away can be located at www.unca.edu/catalog select Study Abroad or visit www.unca.edu/studyabroad

RETENTION RATES

Retention rates of certificate or degree-seeking first-time full-time undergraduates students are located in the UNCA Fact Book published by the Office of Institutional Research.  The Fact Book can be accessed at www.unca.edu/ir/factbook

GRADUATION RATES

Retention and graduation rates can be obtained in The University North Carolina Asheville Fact Book 2011 – 2012 complied by the Office of Institutional Research
http://ierp.unca.edu/sites/ierp.unca.edu/files/reports/factbook/factbook-2011-12.pdf

The 2010-2011 Graduate Profile report is now available:

The report includes facts and figures on UNC Asheville graduates including number of degrees by major, time to graduate, average age, matriculation type,
cumulative hours earned, graduation rates, participation in undergraduate research and service learning. This year's report also includes new tables on the distribution of clusters by major.

http://ierp.unca.edu/sites/ierp.unca.edu/files/reports/factbook/factbook-2011-12.pdf

GRADUATION RATES FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

The graduation rates for student athletes must be provided to every student athlete, parents, high school coaches, and guidance counselors when an athletically-related student aid offer is made.  The NCAA provides this information to high schools.   It can also be accessed on the UNC Asheville athletics web site www.uncabulldogs.com

ATHLETIC PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The annual Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report contains participation rates, financial support and other information on men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs.  This information can be accessed at http://www2.ed.gov/finaid/prof/resources/athletics/eada

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

The University or North Carolina Asheville Librarian oversees the policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement and liabilities students may face for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials.  The XXXXXX

http://www2.unca.edu/libcomm/UNCA_Policies

IMMUNIZATIONS

North Carolina General Statute 130A, Article 6, Part 2, establishes specific immunization requirements for all students enrolled in colleges or universities. Student Health Services monitors student compliance with this immunization law. Students must submit the health form with immunization data signed by a physician in order for Student Health Services to review individual student compliance with the legal and North Carolina requirements. Students should make every effort to submit verification of their compliance prior to registration at UNC Asheville. State law allows a 30-day grace period for compliance. Failure to submit the required immunization information during this time period will result in the cancellation of the student’s schedule.

The immunization form can be downloaded at: http://healthandcounseling.unca.edu/health-services

INSTITUTIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

The University of North Carolina Asheville publishes annually the policy on alcohol and drugs in the University catalog.  This can be viewed at http://catalog.unca.edu under the University Rules and Regulations.   Sanctions are detailed for students and staff who violate this policy.  The Security & Fire Safety Report can be obtained at: http://publicsafety.unca.edu/sites/publicsafety.unca.edu/files/police/2011AnnualSecurityandFireSafetyReport.pdf

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

In the event of an emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees, University Police, after confirmation of the emergency by a University Police Officer on the scene, will notify the campus community by activating all or part of the University’s Emergency Alert Notification system.  Details about these methods of communications are available through the Security & Fire Safety Report: http://publicsafety.unca.edu/police/reports-and-statistics 

CAMPUS SAFETY AND CRIME

As a central part of the university community, the mission of University Police is to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment with a positive social atmosphere where meaningful learning can take place. UNC Asheville University Police is a progressive, problem solving university law enforcement agency. The organizational structure of the department is set up to provide a full range of law enforcement and public safety services for members of the UNC Asheville community.  In compliance with the Federal law, the University Police makes available campus safety and crime statics, a daily log and a fire log on it web site: http://www2.unca.edu/publicsafety/police/index.asp   

Procedures for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus concerning security of and access to campus facilities, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters.  The Security & Fire Safety Report includes statics required by law.  http://publicsafety.unca.edu/police/reports-and-statistics 

The University of North Carolina Guide to Consumer Information is produced by the Office of Student Financial Aid
University Hall
CPO #1330
Asheville, NC   28804
Phone 828-251-6535
Fax 828-232-2294
www.unca.edu/finaid
finaid@unca.edu