Beyond Academics
Get out and have fun. Get a treat for yourself in downtown Boone. Head outside and take in the fresh mountain air (by foot, snowboard, or paddle). Pursue your interests through on of the 300 student organizations. Immerse yourself in art, theatre, or music. Go to one of the hundreds of concerts, parties, films, and other events scheduled each year. Blow off some steam by playing on one of the 45 intramural teams. And most definitely cheer for the NCAA Division I Mountaineers. At Appalachian, you won't run out of things to do.
What's Happening
Outdoor Adventures - Appalachian's Outdoor Programs offers more than 30 trips and clinics each semester that let you explore nature and challenge yourself. Offerings include: caving, hiking, climbing, paddling, and adventures.
Appalachian Traditions - Some happenings have become true traditions. Homecoming, for instance, includes a pep rally, bonfire, fireworks, lip sync contest, and parade. During February's Polar Plunge, more than 200 students leap into the frigid waters of the Duck Pond to raise money for Special Olympics.
Music - Most of the big-name concerts are organized by the student-run Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS) and have included Jimmy Buffett, Allison Krauss, Bela Fleck, Outkast, and more.
Films - Forget the high-priced movie tickets. Go to I.G. Greer Auditorium any weekend and catch a movie for only a buck. And take in screenings at the state-of-the-art Greenbriar Theatre, also only a dollar. [ Films at Appalachian ]
Visual and Performing Arts - The Turchin Center features nationally and internationally known artists. An Appalachian Summer Festival offers a mix of symphonic, chamber, jazz and popular music, plus dance, theatre, and visual arts programs. The Performing Arts Series features dance, theatre, and music. The Catherine J. Smith Gallery, has work by student, regional, and nationally known artists.
