FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We have an answer
Membership to the Appalachian Alumni Association is free and open to all graduates and many former students of the university. As of May 2006, the Alumni Association is more than 85,000 members strong and continues to grow. All alumni have free access to the Gold Book, the Appalachian Online Community. It includes the alumni directory, class notes, your contact information, and more. Register with the community here.
If you have questions not answered below, e-mail the McKinney Alumni Center at alumni@appstate.edu
1. How can I get involved with the Appalachian Alumni Association?
Attend alumni events, such as Homecoming, Black & Gold Reunion, chapter events, receptions and other activities. Alumni are also encouraged to volunteer to lead an alumni chapter, help with Freshman Move-In Day, or become an AFN leader. If interested in these or other opportunities, contact the McKinney Alumni Center via e-mail at alumni@appstate.edu or call toll-free (866) 756-ALUM.
Also, to receive free mailings and information on alumni and university events, update your contact information in the Gold Book.
2. Does it cost anything to become involved with the Alumni Association?
You are automatically a member once you graduate from Appalachian. There is no annual fee charged. Some Alumni Association events will require ticket or meal purchases.
3. How can I find a former classmate?
All alumni have access to the Gold Book, our online alumni community. It can be used to locate friends and roommates. You can also update your personal contact information, submit Class Notes, upload photos to your profile, bookmark the profiles of friends and create an e-mail forwarding address with the suffix "@alumni.appstate.edu".
We also provide an alumni locator service called, "Alums Looking for Alums." Contact the McKinney Alumni Center at (866) 756-ALUM to utilize this service.
4. How can I update my address and information?
The Gold Book, our online alumni community, is a quick and easy way to access and change your personal and professional information. By keeping your current information updated, you will receive Alumni Association updates and notices of special alumni events. You may also update your information by calling the McKinney Alumni Center at (866) 756-ALUM or e-mail alumni@appstate.edu.
5. How do I know when it is my reunion year?
Please contact us at (866) 756-ALUM or visit our website throughout the year for more information on your reunion year and Homecoming information. The Alumni Association provides activities during Homecoming for 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th reunions. Each summer anyone who has already celebrated their 30th reunion is invited to the Black & Gold Reunion weekend in July.
7. How can I purchase Mountaineer alumni merchandise?
The alumni online store offers several items for sale. The University Bookstore on campus is also accessible by alumni. For more information, call the McKinney Alumni Center at (866) 756-ALUM or The University Bookstore at (828) 262-3070.
8. How can I start receiving AppDate or Appalachian Today?
Visit the APPdate website to subscribe to AppDate, the university's e-newsletter. All registered members of the Gold Book with valid e-mail information receive it.
Appalachian Today magazine is published by the Office of Public Affairs twice annually and is funded by gifts to The Appalachian Fund. To receive Appalachian Today, simply make an annual gift in any amount to the Appalachian State University Foundation.
9. How can I make a gift to Appalachian and where does the money go?
Visit the Appalachian Fund website at www.give.appstate.edu to pledge or give online.Your annual gift, whether in support of academic or athletic excellence, supports teaching and learning opportunities at Appalachian not funded by the state. Such gifts make an Appalachian education special for today's Mountaineer, while enhancing the university's stature among comprehensive universities in the state and region.
10. Can alumni use Belk Library?
Alumni are eligible to use the Belk Library to check-out books, research materials and journals for a minimal cost of $10. For more information, please call the library help desk at (828) 262-2818. For online resources visit www.library.appstate.edu.
11. When Is Homecoming?
Homecoming 2007 is October 6. Gardner-Webb is the opponent. Events are planned for Friday and Saturday. For more information on Homecoming, visit our web site at www.homecoming.appstate.edu.
12. How do I request a copy of my transcript?
To request a copy of your college transcripts, please contact the University Registrar at its website or call the office at (828) 262-2050.
13. How do I make reservations at the Washington App House or the New York Loft?
Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends can stay in Appalachian housing while visiting our nation's capitol and/or New York City. If you are interested in utilizing one of these facilities, please contact ITC at (828) 262-2132, apphouse@appstate.edu or visit www.ny.appstate.edu for availability and rate information.
14. I would like to be identified by a year other than my graduation year for reunions. How do I make that change?
Please call our office at (866) 765-ALUM or e-mail the McKinney Alumni Center and request your preferred reunion year.
15. I noticed you have a page called "What's hAPPening?," which is described as the Alumni Office blog. What is a blog?
The Appalachian Alumni Office blog "What's hAPPening?" started in February 2005. It is a page on our website which is updated daily during the week with alumni profiles, Appalachian news and other items of alumni interest.
The blog is also used to direct alumni to new content on our website, as well as keep alumni up-to-date with upcoming events such as Homecoming and the Alumni Awards Luncheon.
The page also celebrates our Appalachian family by posting photos submitted by alumni and directing readers to alumni in the news.
16. Can alumni use the Quinn Center or the Student Recreation Center?
On campus recreation facilities are open only to students, faculty and staff. Alumni are prevented from using these facilities due to N.C. law, specifically the Umstead Act.
17. When does my student e-mail account expire?
Student e-mail accounts are deleted from campus servers no earlier than 60 days after a student graduates. After 60 days, the account could become inactive at any time. New graduates are encouraged to register with the Gold Book. It allows registered users to create a permanent forwarding e-mail address with the suffix "@alumni.appstate.edu." A destination e-mail account is required, and can be altered as often as needed.
