Attention: The University Records Center is currently not accepting new sets of records. We anticipate resuming this service in early 2025. Our records retrieval service is still available. For questions, call 828-262-4041.
Please note that some of our services have changed. We will continue to provide boxes and labels *but* offices must arrange to retrieve them from the Special Collections Research Center by calling x2-7204. We will no longer provide delivery or pickup for requested files. Delivery and the return of files must be made by a representative of the requesting office to the Special Collections Research Center on the 4th floor of Belk Library and Information Commons.
The University Archives administers records management services at Appalachian State University, providing university offices and departments with advice about records retention, storage, and retrieval services for their official records.
The records created within Appalachian State University are some of the university’s most valuable assets. They support administrative decision-making and operations, demonstrate compliance, and document the university’s institutional history. The University Records Center provides economic, secure storage and retrieval services for academic, administrative, and/or historical records that offices and department may no longer need on a daily basis but must be retained awaiting final disposition. Final disposition could mean a record type is scheduled for destruction as determined by the State of North Carolina or is scheduled for transfer into the University Archives for permanent retention. Like other university assets, records need to be properly managed.
University Records Center staff provide consultations, records transfer services, and conduct trainings. The basic guidelines are here to help you effectively organize and assess records, improve access to information, comply with legal policies and obligations, and ensure that historical records are captured and maintained over time.
UNC System General Records Retention and Disposition Schedule
As an institution of the UNC System, Appalachian State University complies with the University General Schedule, as issued by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. This is the guiding document which determines a record's life cycle and disposition. The current retention schedule is accessible below.