Through Accessibility Services, the university seeks to meet individual needs by coordinating and implementing internal policies regarding programs, services and activities for individuals with disabilities. The office functions as a source of information, educational outreach and advice, as well as a communication link among individuals with disabilities, faculty and staff, rehabilitation agencies and the community at large.
Every effort is made for a smooth transition from military to academic life. Services to veterans include forums throughout the year providing an opportunity to meet and to discuss their concerns. Programs are offered throughout each month to provide networking and support to veteran students.
The Transition Student Program is designed specifically for new UNC Asheville students who fall into any of the following categories: transfer students, veteran students, freshmen not living on campus, students older than twenty four years of age, and first generation students (those who are the first in their family to pursue a postsecondary degree).
The Intercultural Center is a resource to be utilized by the entire UNC Asheville community. Students, faculty, and staff are assured that everyone—regardless of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status—is welcomed in this safe space. Furthermore, the center is multipurpose and students are encouraged to gather, study, and socialize within its corridors.
The Safe Zone program, sponsored by the Department of Multicultural Student Programs, aims to create safe and supportive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, inter-sexed and allied (LGBTQIA) students by increasing awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of the LGBTQIA community. The Safe Zone program offers four tiers of workshops.
The Safe Zone Ally Program focuses on the basic definitions, terms, and concepts related to the LGBTQIA culture. Participants in this tier will learn foundational knowledge about LGBTQIA life and how to serve as an ally to these communities. Ally as Advocate provides in-depth knowledge and awareness of LGBTQIA issues and will focus on how to effectively advocate for the needs of the LGBTQIA community. Participants in this tier will also have the opportunity to examine one or more current societal issues related to the LGBTQIA community. The Transgender Ally Program tier provides education and awareness about issues related to the transgender community. Participants in this tier will be learn how to serve as allies to the transgender community. The final tier, Train the Trainer, focuses on training UNC Asheville students on how to facilitate Safe Zone workshops and training. Participants will become a part of a volunteer group that will help the department of Multicultural Student Programs facilitate Safe Zone workshops across campus.
Each tier can be taken independently, and there is no sequential order for the tiers. If you would like to schedule a Safe Zone training for your office/department, please fill out the request form. For more information, please contact the Intercultural Center at 828.232.2417 or intercultural@unca.edu.