Office of the Registrar

Senior Citizen (ages 65+) Tuition Benefit Waiver

In Fall 2017, the General Assembly authorized the Board of Governors to enact legislation permitting those who have attained 65 years of age or older and who meet applicable admission standards to audit courses offered without payment of any required registration fee or tuition on a space available basis. (see full Senior Citizen Auditing Policy adopted 5/24/18).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1.  A senior auditor is any person who is:
   1. At least 65 years old as of the start of the applicable term; and
   2.  A North Carolina resident, as determined by the institution
2. Senior auditors must be in good standing with the institution of higher education and must not have any financial holds on any institutional accounts.
3. The constituent institutions may require senior auditors to provide documentation necessary to prove eligibility, for example, proof of age and residence through a driver’s license, state identification card, or other government-issued document. While senior auditors must have domicile in North Carolina, they do not need to be “residents for tuition purposes” as defined in G.S. 116-143.1(b), and do not need to seek a determination through the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
4. A constituent institution may prohibit a senior auditor from auditing courses if it determines that the auditor poses a threat to the health and safety of the campus community. In making such a determination, constituent institutions may make reasonable and appropriate inquiries into the senior auditor’s criminal and school disciplinary background. Such inquiries may include a criminal background check, with the senior auditor’s consent.

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Apply and complete application: Senior citizens age 65 and older who wish to audit a class at Appalachian State University will need to submit an online Non-Degree seeking undergraduate application.
   1. When submitting the application, an application fee of $65 will be requested prior to submission of the application. However, pursuant to the legislation, the application fee will be waived if you select the 'Fee Waiver’ option at the conclusion of the application. This waiver is for the application only.
   2. Once you have selected the ‘Fee Waiver’ option for the application, send an email to processing@appstate.edu with your full name requesting the senior citizen tuition benefit waiver.
   3. If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Admissions.
2. Contact professor to request audit: Senior auditors may only audit courses if there is space available in a course and only after all new and currently enrolled students have had an opportunity to register for the applicable term.
3. Register for course(s) upon instructor approval: Please review instructions for when to register.
4. Complete required audit form for tuition waiver: Senior auditors will need to complete a Request to Audit a Course Form by the end of the drop/add periodfor the semester to receive a tuition waiver. A form is required for each course they wish to take and should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
   1. The form should be submitted prior to the end of the published drop/add period for the applicable term (5th day of class in a fall/spring semester and 2nd day of class for summer terms) but no earlier than one week prior to the start of the semester in which the course is being offered.
   2. Once the form has been processed, the Office of the Registrar will notify the Office of Student Accounts to process the waiver for tuition and fees. Senior citizens who do not request this waiver prior to the published deadline will have regular tuition and fees applied.
   3. This form must be completed in the required time frame above to receive a tuition waiver.

COURSE STANDARDS AND INFORMATION FOR SENIOR AUDITORS:

1. Senior auditors must comply with all current constituent institution course audit policies. Senior auditors shall be held to the same performance standards set by the institution and instructor for similarly classified students, including meeting course prerequisites and other applicable course restrictions.
2. Auditing of courses under this policy is permitted only in lecture-based courses and not in courses that require laboratories, studios, or performances. Auditing is not permitted in online distance education courses, independent studies courses, internships, special topics, or other special courses as outlined in institutional policies.

NORTH CAROLINA IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

Senior auditors must comply with the immunization requirements required under G.S. 130A-155.1, as well as any applicable institutional immunization policy requirements as required by North Carolina state law. Contact Appalachian State's Student Health Services for more information.

ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. Senior auditors will be required to pay for all associated course material fees and books.
2. Senior citizens wishing to park in areas of campus where a permit is required will need to ensure they obtain the proper parking permit.
3. The use of other student services may be limited, not available or may require an additional cost. Check with the appropriate department or office for more information.
4. Senior citizens who wish to take courses for credit must apply through the Admissions Office. Tuition and fees will apply.