High Country Times

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System has introduced new policies to simplify the transfer process for undergraduate students. The aim is to reduce the waiting period for transcript evaluations, which traditionally required input from multiple departments and could be lengthy.

UNC System President Peter Hans stated, “Transfer students bring extraordinary talent to our universities and to our state. We should never allow bureaucratic hurdles to stand between ambitious students and the opportunities they’ve earned.”

Under the new policy, any student submitting three or fewer transcripts can expect an evaluation within 15 business days. For those submitting four or more transcripts, including international ones, evaluations will be completed in 30 business days. This policy is based on best practices from within the system's institutions.

Eric Fotheringham, assistant vice president for transfer student success and partnerships, emphasized that transfer solutions are a priority for improving access to education. He noted that many transfer students are adults with careers or families and may find a complicated transfer process discouraging.

The UNC System plans to fully implement this policy by spring 2026. The objective is to provide accurate information to help students make informed decisions about their education without wasting time or resources.

In fall 2024, over 17,000 students transferred into UNC System institutions. More than half came from North Carolina community colleges, with nearly 40% being underrepresented minorities and over 30% adult learners.

Appalachian State University (App State), part of the UNC System, supports more than 5,000 undergraduate transfer students through its Transfer Admissions and Engagement office. The university offers various resources such as scholarships, faculty mentors, and dedicated residence halls for these students.

App State is recognized for its commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. It enrolls over 21,000 students across its Boone and Hickory campuses as well as online platforms.