Resources for Families

Are you a part of our Family Portal? Click here to join the UNC Asheville Family Experience!

Here at UNC Asheville, we understand and appreciate the important role UNC Asheville family members play in their student’s overall success. In turn, we value the opportunity to establish relationships with our UNC Asheville family members.

Through programming such as Family EmBark sessions, Convocation, and Family Weekend, you will experience firsthand the sense of community and pride that exists throughout our campus, as well as meet the faculty and staff who have helped develop this campus into a thriving environment for your student during his/her time at UNC Asheville.

Join the UNC Asheville Family Experience to stay up to date on events and programming happening on campus and learn about resources available to you and your students. Through this portal, you can sign up for newsletters, get alerts about events, ask questions, and much more!

Be sure to visit the National Parents Council page and also check out the message our co-chairs of the National Parents Council share about why UNC Asheville means so much to them.

If you’re on Facebook, check out our UNC Asheville Parents and Families page to connect with other UNC Asheville family members and stay updated on exciting events going on around campus!

Information and Resources for UNC Asheville Families

Safety

For information on UNC Asheville’s crime statistics, safety resources for students on and off-campus, and important contact information for university officials, please view the 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Additional Resources

Giving Back to UNC Asheville

Another way to get involved is through annual giving and the University Excellence Fund. The gifts from this fund help UNC Asheville make a significant difference in the lives of students. Visit the University Excellence Fund for more information on this program.

Exam Bags

The families of all on-campus students are invited to purchase Exam Bags for their student(s). These bags are a long standing tradition within the on-campus community at UNC Asheville. Just prior to exam week, Residential Education will assemble and distribute these special “cheer me up” personalized bags of snacks and treats to those students whose families choose to participate in the project. Some of the items included in the jam-packed bags will be: a note from home; candy, lollipops, and gum; granola bars and other healthy snacks; fresh fruit; popcorn and crackers with cheese; mixed nuts and boxed juice; and a long sleeve shirt designed by the Residential Education staff. These bags are kept a secret from students so that they are a great surprise right before exams.

Letters are sent home around mid-semester with more information about purchasing one for your student. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email Residential Education at reslife@unca.edu and they will be happy to assist you!

Financial Aid

First, the University does not permit access to or the release of education records without the written consent of the student except when required (in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA). However, students who want to release this information to family or other specified individuals (called proxies) may do so through their OnePort account. Once established, proxies are allowed to view an account summary for charges and financial aid information. Your student can also decide as to whether or not to share an unofficial academic transcript and a schedule of classes with proxies when complete the online access form via OnePort.

Families can also assist their students in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. This can begin as early as January 1 of each year, with a priority filing date of March 1. This is how your student begins the process for acquiring federal financial aid, whether it will be grants or loans. Read the instructions carefully; incorrect information or inadvertent omissions can delay the process.

Your student will receive a financial aid award notification via email. The official award notification can be viewed via your student’s OnePort account. Through OnePort, your student can accept the award terms and either the full or partial loan award. Following this, all new and transfer students must complete loan entrance counseling, as well as complete and submit the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

The Financial Aid office at UNC Asheville offers extensive information including consumer information, applying for financial aid, programs for financial aid, and the Financial Aid Handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Financial Aid, or visit the Financial Aid website. The Financial Aid phone number is 828.251.6535.

Housing & Dining Services

One of your main concerns will likely be where your student is living and how they are eating. We aim to provide a brief overview of Residential Education, Housing, and Student Life Operations and Dining Services for you to have the information and to share it with your student.

All first year students must live on campus. Students new to UNC Asheville must apply for housing and submit an enrollment deposit. Housing applications must be submitted by May 1 for the fall semester with housing assignments emailed to your student’s UNC Asheville email account around mid July. There are 8 residence halls on campus, with amenities such as community space, kitchen facilities, cable, internet, computer labs, and inclusive laundry.

Each residence hall has Resident Assistants (RAs) who are specially trained students that provide leadership, assistance, and support to their floor and/or building. They also provide programming throughout the year that focuses on transitioning to college, responsible decisions, diversity, managing stress, emotional changes, and physical wellness. Each residence hall also has a live-in Community Director, which is a a professional staff member who oversees the operations of their respective hall and who provides extra support to the students and the RAs.

Every student who lives on campus also has a meal plan that is billed to their account each semester. Your student will receive correspondence in their UNC Asheville email account in the weeks leading up to the their arrival on campus regarding the process of choosing a meal plan. UNC Asheville currently offers four plans, which all cost the same, but have a different set of meals plus a declining balance associated with them. In short, the declining balance is similar to how a debit card works. Which plan your student decides on depends on their eating habits. There are 5 places to eat around campus, each with something unique to offer, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and other dietary restrictions.