Strengthening student success: Student referral process and resources

Sent on behalf of Dr. Shernita Lee, Associate Vice Provost for Student Success, and Judy Haas, Dean of Students

Dear Colleagues,

App State remains deeply committed to student success. Our student referral process connects students with the appropriate campus partners for academic guidance, wellness support or assistance navigating personal challenges. 

How to make a referral

If you know a student navigating academic or personal obstacles, start by reviewing these resources:

Staff managing our two referral pathways — Academic Referral and Care and Concern Referral — work collaboratively and communicate regularly. Only one submission is needed to capture your referral. 

When to refer

When in doubt, please submit a referral. Your referral lets the student know we are focused on their well-being and dedicated to helping them overcome obstacles. 

Before submitting a referral, we encourage you to talk directly with the student about your concerns. Open communication demonstrates care and commitment to their success.

Additional resources and questions

Please review these campus resources periodically and share them with your classes or individual students:

  • AppCares is a comprehensive guide for well-being and safety information, including student and employee resources and a faculty and staff guide. This is a clear place to begin when seeking support options or learning about reporting processes.
  • A full range of campus resources is available on the Student Success website — designed to help students with academic, advising, financial, personal wellness and other services on our Boone and Hickory campuses.
  • In the coming weeks, faculty and staff will see expanded student success initiatives through Navigate360. This platform coordinates student support by tracking referrals, alerts and appointments in one place. Stay tuned for details on how it will streamline collaboration.

Thank you for your continued partnership. For questions about the student referral process or for additional information, contact: 

Published: Aug 20, 2026 1:10pm

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