What has changed with the diversity intensive course requirements at UNC Asheville?
The UNC System Office sent a memorandum to all UNC System institutions, including UNC Asheville, entitled Memorandum Regarding Federal Contracting Compliance. This memo stated that, “effective immediately, all general education requirements and major-specific requirements mandating completion of course credits related to diversity, equity, and inclusion…are suspended.” This resulted in the suspension of the diversity intensive (DI/DI-R) courses as graduation requirements. Prior to the suspension, UNC Asheville students were required to complete two diversity intensive courses for graduation.
Are DI/DI-R classes still required at UNC Asheville?
No. As of February 5, 2025, DI and DI-R designated classes are no longer required classes at UNC Asheville.
Are DI/DI-R classes cancelled?
No. All classes scheduled for this semester will continue to run as originally scheduled.
Am I still permitted to take DI/DI-R classes?
Absolutely! There are no repercussions for continuing in a DI/DI-R class, and those classes will continue to be offered as part of the overall curriculum offerings.
If I’m enrolled in a DI/DI-R class this semester, will it still count towards my degree?
Yes! The majority of DI/DI-R designated classes fulfill more than just the former DI/DI-R requirement. Many of them may also count as options for major/minor requirements and will continue to do so. Even if your class only counts as elective credit, it supports your progress towards your degree because the credit hours count towards the 120 credit hour graduation requirement.
What do I do if I want to withdraw from my DI/DI-R class?
Please use the Hardship Withdrawal form on the registrar’s website to withdraw from the course. In the narrative portion of the form, state that you are withdrawing due the requirement being dropped.
We recommend that you review your GradPlan before submitting the Hardship Withdrawal form to ensure the class is not fulfilling another degree requirement. It might also be helpful to discuss it with your academic advisor or a Student Success Specialist in the Office of Advising for additional information on the potential impact of a withdrawal.
What will be the impact of that withdrawal?
A Hardship Withdrawal does not count towards your withdrawal hours limit (16 credit hours), and it will not impact your GPA.
A Hardship Withdrawal will:
- still be marked with a W on your university transcript, and
- impact your completion ratio, meaning the ratio between your attempted hours (all credit hours you were registered for after add/drop) and your completed hours (all the credit hours you earned at the end of the semester).
Your completion ratio is one factor determining your Academic Standing as well as your Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid. If you receive Financial Aid you might still be required to complete a SAP-Appeal for Fall 2025.
I am a student-athlete. Will this affect my eligibility?
Student-athletes need to stay registered full-time (12 hours) to remain eligible for competition and practice. Please contact Rebecca Nelms, assistant athletic director for student-athlete success, at rnelms@unca.edu before making any decisions about course withdrawals.
Will my financial aid for this semester be impacted if I stay enrolled in a class that is no longer a degree requirement or if I withdraw from the class?
Your financial aid for this semester has been locked as of January 27, 2025, and will not be impacted.
Will my tuition bill change if I withdraw from a DI/DI-R class?
No. Tuition is fixed for 12 credit hours or more and adjustments only occur upon a full withdrawal from all registered courses in accordance with the refund schedule.