The mission of the Alternative Service Experience program at Appalachian State University is to provide learning opportunities by engaging in meaningful service and dialogue
The Four Pillars of ASE
- Service Together
- Participants engage in mutually beneficial relationships with community partners to complete service that has the potential to be transformational for oneself and the partnering community.
- Full Engagement
- Participants actively engage in service and reflections while abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and excessive use of technology as a means to allow for full immersion in the experience.
- Thoughtful Dialogue
- Meaningful conversations are encouraged through the inclusion of varying perspectives and daily reflections encompassing social justice issues, personal growth, and active citizenship in communities.
- Simple Living
- An alternative lifestyle is approached in these programs, encompassing the principles of carbon neutrality, vegetarianism, and living on a limited budget for housing and meals.