Q. Is Trailhead a hiking/backbacking trip?

A. No. You might be confusing Trailhead with 1st Ascent, another summer program. They get lost in the woods. We stay on campus. Trailhead is a metaphor... for the place you start your journey in college.

Q. What are the Trailhead Academies, and what is this "Appalachian Legacy"?

A. During the summer, the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership sponsors two "academies".  Each academy has 16 participants who are chosen from among the strongest applicants in the incoming freshman class. These 4-day events are an opportunity to meet and get to know some of your most outstanding new classmates while learning about the kind of contribution you can make to Appalachian in the years ahead. We believe that Appalachian is your legacy and that the person you become while you're here will be Appalachian's legacy. Trailhead is a time to begin thinking about what your legacy will be.


Q. Is there any cost?

A. Yes, minimal. The Trailhead fee is $45, which covers lodging, meals, and activities. Participants should bring some spending money for additional snacks or other items available for purchase. The fee is not due until participants are confirmed for the program.  Obviously, the cost per student is much higher than $45, but consider the rest to be an investment in you.  Over the following 4 years, we will expect big things from you.  And if each participant leaves ASU a little better than they found it, then we got our money's worth.

Q. When will the Academies take place?

A. The first academy begins on Thursday, June 18 and concludes on Sunday, June 21. The second will begin on Thursday, June 25 and will end on Sunday, June 28.  Participants should plan on arriving between 1 and 2 pm on Thursday and can plan on departing by noon on Sunday. Anyone who needs to arrive sooner or depart later, can make arrangements with the Trailhead Academies staff.


Q. Who are the Academic faculty?

A. Each academy is staffed by experienced professionals who work in the area of student development. All faculty members are full-time, year-round employees of Appalachian, and will be available to you throughout the academic year. Four current Appalachian students also serve the Academies as Academy Student Guides.

Q. Exactly what goes on at the Academies?

A. Participants begin on Thursday by getting to know one another, the student guides and the academy faculty through a variety of activities.  We also talk about what each of us wants out of Trailhead.  Friday morning, we talk about the importance of knowing ourselves: our values, strengths, limitations, and goals.  In the afternoon, we focus on how we work in groups.  Saturday, we get a sense of where we fit in the ASU and Boone communities.  Sunday, we talk about the "what next"... how we apply what we have learned in Trailhead to the next 4 years.  Throughout the 4 days the concept of the Appalachian Legacy is introduced through a series of interactive experiences and discussions. Participants will learn how to apply the idea of the Appalachian Legacy (in other words, your contribution to this community) to a wide variety of involvement opportunities open to Appalachian students. There is ample free time for discussion and quiet time, and yes, there is an easy hike with a beautiful view.





More questions? Call Jim Street or Aaron Bachenheimer at (828) 262-6252.