Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is one of the top priorities in App State’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. At App State, we are committed to cultivating and supporting a welcoming university community and an academic culture of collaboration and respect through education and inclusive practices. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff, and every person on our campus is a valued contributor to this mission.
Region: South | |
City/State: Boone, NC | |
Locale: Small Town (10,000 to 25,000) | |
Student Population (FTE): 20,436 | |
In-State Tuition: $8,152.00 | |
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,148.00 | |
Institution Website: http://www.appstate.edu |
Institution Type: |
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Master's College/University Public/State University |
LGBTQ Student Opportunities
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Colleges and universities want LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to be out and proud as part of the diversity of the campus community. The Campus Pride Index provides campuses the opportunity to come out as LGBTQ-friendly and take responsibility for continually improving their LGBTQ campus climate.
The Campus Pride Index features LGBTQ student opportunities by highlighting the positive work within higher education across the country. Prospective students and families may choose the best LGBTQ campuses searching the tool based on area of study, cost, location, type of campus and LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practice for their college search.
Reminder: Learn more by signing-up for FREE to participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ-friendly National College Fair Program in eight different cities and the Campus Pride National Online College Fair.
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Commitment to LGBTQ Issues

Our Synopsis

We have taken important strides to identify and remove barriers to the success of our LGBTQ+ student communities. These efforts include (1) implementing the Chosen First Name Initiative, which allows students to use their chosen name on a number of campus platforms including their student ID card. (2) Operating the Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Center, which opened during LGBTQ+ History Month in 2008 and currently provides resources, support, information and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. In 2014, the center was named for local couple Bo Henderson ’79 and his late husband, Ed Springs. (3) Hosting Lavender Graduation during Commencement week each year. (4) Offering App Allies (for faculty & staff) and InQueeries (for students) training, a version of safe zone training. (5) Maintaining gender-inclusive bathrooms across campus. (6) Hosting the LGBTQ+ Tailgate event at a home football game in the fall.
Featured Quotes

Why you'll love Appalachian State University
“At App State, I have found a home in the Queer & Trans Staff and Faculty organization. The community, welcoming spirit and LGBTQ+ pride that I have found through the group have made a tremendous positive impact on my experience at AppState, and in Boone more broadly.”
— App State Faculty/Staff Member
Highlights & Organizations

Groups & activities
Admissions

Admissions Office
Appalachian State University Admissions Office
Office of Admissions
Appalachian State University
287 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
Phone: 828-262-2120
Website: https://admissions.appstate.edu/
Admission Application Deadline:
See website
Overall Campus Pride Index Score

The Campus Pride Index has a strong theoretical research foundation in LGBTQ current programs, practices and policies for safer, more inclusive campus learning environments. The index tool has been tested extensively since 2001 and recently updated with new, higher LGBTQ national benchmarks in 2015.
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. Campus Pride commends the campuses participating in the index and their willingness to come out, be visible and actively advocate for improving higher education for LGBTQ people.
Note: Prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to research current state laws for any college/university you are considering. The Campus Pride Index is updated annually and only measures current campus policies, programs and practices. Find information about state laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population on the Movement Advancement Project’s Equality Maps at lgbtmap.org/equality-maps.
Appalachian State University
LGBTQ-friendly break-down by inclusion factors
Sexual Orientation Score | 4.5 of 5 |
Gender Identity/Expression Score | 4.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Policy Inclusion | 4.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Academic Life | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Student Life | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life | 3.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Campus Safety | 3.5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health | 5 of 5 |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention Efforts | 4.5 of 5 |
Sections greyed out mean the campus does not offer those services |
LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card

LGBTQ Policy Inclusion
Non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation | |
Non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity/expression | |
Health insurance coverage to employees’ same sex partner | |
Accessible, simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents | |
Accessible, simple process for students to change their gender identity on university records and documents | |
Students have option to self-identify sexual orientation on admission application or post enrollment forms | |
Students have option to self-identify gender identity/expression on admission application or post enrollment forms |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment
Resource center/office with responsibilities for LGBTQ students | |
Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBTQ support services | |
Ally program or Safe Space/Safe Zone | |
Actively seek to employ diversity of faculty & staff including visible, out LGBTQ people | |
Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ issues | |
LGBTQ alumni group |
LGBTQ Academic Life
LGBTQ studies program | |
LGBTQ specific course offerings | |
Actively recruit faculty for LGBTQ-related academic scholarship | |
New faculty/staff training opportunities on sexual orientation issues | |
New faculty/staff training opportunities on gender identity issues | |
LGBTQ faculty/staff organization |
LGBTQ Student Life
LGBTQ & Ally student organization | |
LGBTQ & Ally graduate student organization | |
LGBTQ social fraternity/sorority | |
Regularly plans LGBTQ social activities | |
Regularly plans educational events on transgender issues | |
Regularly offers educational events surrounding intersectionality of identities for LGBTQ people | |
LGBTQ-inclusive career services |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life
LGBTQ living space, theme floors and/or living-learning community | |
Roommate matching for LGBTQ students to find LGBTQ-friendly roommate | |
Gender-inclusive housing for new students | |
Gender-inclusive housing for returning students | |
Gender-inclusive/single occupancy restroom facilities in campus housing | |
Gender-inclusive/single occupancy shower facilities in campus housing | |
Trains residence life and housing staff at all levels on LGBTQ issues and concerns |
LGBTQ Campus Safety
Procedure for reporting LGBTQ related bias incidents and hate crimes | |
Active ongoing training for hate crime prevention | |
Active outreach to LGBTQ students and student organization | |
Trains campus police on sexual orientation issues | |
Trains campus police on gender identity/expression issues | |
Supports victims of LGBTQ sexual violence and partner violence |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health
LGBTQ counseling/support groups | |
Trans-inclusive trained counseling staff | |
Free, anonymous and accessible HIV/STI testing | |
LGBTQ-inclusive health information and safer sex materials available | |
Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers ongoing counseling services | |
Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers hormone replacement therapy |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention
Annually participates in LGBTQ admission fairs | |
LGBTQ student scholarships | |
LGBTQ mentoring program to welcome and assist LGBTQ students in transitioning to academic and college life | |
Special Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ students and allies | |
Admission counselors receive LGBTQ-inclusive training and resources |