Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Academic Information



Academic Grievance

If a student has a grievance concerning an instructor or method of instruction, the student should follow the procedure described below:

  • The student should attempt to resolve the issue with the instructor.
  • If resolution is not possible with the instructor, the student should speak with the chair of the department.
  • Should the student be unable to resolve the grievance with the instructor or department chair, he/she may then speak with the dean of that division.
  • Should the student be unable to resolve the grievance with the dean, he/she may then file a written grievance within five class days with the Northark Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  • If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the student may appeal to the Institutional Standards and Appeals Committee, whose decision is final. Instructions for appeals to the Institutional Standards and Appeals Committee are available from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Attendance

It is the responsibility of faculty members to advise their classes, in writing, of their attendance and makeup policies. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss any absences and the possibility of makeup work with the instructor as soon as possible.

Students are expected to attend all class meetings and officially withdraw from courses they are no longer attending. Faculty will not withdraw students from courses for any reason. (Please see Withdrawing from a class below.)

Students must consult the course syllabus for the attendance policy set by individual instructors.

Audits

Students who audit courses must be officially admitted to the college and pay regular tuition and fees for the course. Those who audit courses will receive a grade of “AU.” Students may audit courses only when class enrollment permits. Students need to consult with the instructor of the courses they want to audit for course work required.

A student may change a course from audit to credit through the 8th day of regular, semester-long classes. For shorter-length classes, please check with the Registrar’s Office. Students may also change from credit to audit prior to the end of the 10th week of regular, semester-long classes. For shorter-length classes, please check the Academic Calendar or the Registrar’s Office.


An auditing student may withdraw following normal withdrawal procedures any time during the withdrawal period and receive a grade of “W.”

Classification of Students

To be considered a member in good standing of a class, a student must have successfully completed the required minimum of work leading to a degree as follows: freshman - 29 or fewer credit hours, sophomore - 30 or more credit hours.

Clemency

Act 1000 of the 1991 General Assembly of the state of Arkansas requires that state colleges and universities establish policies for academic clemency for undergraduate students. North Arkansas College has a policy whereby students who have performed poorly early in their academic careers may petition the college to have their previously earned grades and credits removed from the calculation of their cumulative grade point averages. Students interested in petitioning for academic clemency may do so through the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs whose decision will be final. To be considered for academic clemency, the student must meet the following criteria:

I. Eligibility:

  1. The student must not have been enrolled in any institution of higher education, including Northark, for a period of three consecutive years prior to the term in which Academic Clemency is requested. The request for academic clemency must come in the first semester the student re-enrolls.
  2. During the student’s previous enrollment, his or her grade point average should not have been higher than a 1.99 in the term or terms for which academic clemency is requested.

II. Stipulations:

  1. Academic clemency will be granted only after the student completes 12 hours of credit at North Arkansas College with a grade point average of 2.00 or higher.
  2. Academic clemency can be granted only once.
  3. Academic clemency will cover all credits earned during the term or terms for which it is granted.
  4. While grade point averages will not reflect the credits for which the student is granted clemency and while those credits will not count toward graduation, the student’s transcript will contain the student’s entire academic record.
  5. Academic clemency does not restore eligibility for student financial aid, scholarships, or athletic eligibility.

College Success Courses

Northark offers four courses to improve student success. ORT 1003 - College Success Skills  is recommended for students whose placement scores are below college level. ORT 1201 - College Seminar: A Pathway to Success  is recommended for all new AA and AS students who do not need ORT 1003 . Both courses provide an invaluable introduction to Northark and to college success in general. ALDH 1022 - Staying the Course for Nursing and Allied Health  is an elective course designed to help Nursing and Allied Health students make wise choices for greater success in college; course topics include essential study skills such as reading, note-taking, studying, application, test-taking, and writing for success in college, as well as self-responsibility, self-awareness, personal empowerment, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and self-esteem. ORT 1000 Northark Student Orientation provides instruction in the use of Northark’s learning management system and is a co-requisite for any online or blended course. First-time AA/AS students enrolled full time who fail to achieve a 1.40 GPA in their semester at Northark are required to complete either CT 1003 - Blueprint Reading and Estimating  or ORT 1201 - College Seminar: A Pathway to Success , whichever is appropriate, with a “C” or better by the end of their second semester.

Credit Earned Outside the Classroom

Students may earn credit in a variety of non-traditional ways. Only one-third (1/3) of the total number of credit hours for a degree can be credit from Articulated Credit, Challenge Exams, various examinations including AP, CLEP, and those for professional certification, or independent studies, all listed below.

Articulated Credit

Northark provides a means for local high school students to receive college credit for secondary school courses that are similar in content and standards to Northark courses. By articulating certain college courses with courses taught in area high schools, Northark helps students make a smooth transition from high school to college without experiencing delays, duplication of courses, or loss of credit. Secondary schools who are interested in developing articulation agreements should contact the Dean of Outreach. Students who have taken courses in high school articulated with Northark should bring that fact to the attention of their academic advisor when enrolling in college or attending the Northark Technical Center.

Challenge Exams

Some introductory courses may be challenged and credit received by successfully passing a comprehensive examination covering academic content and practical skills where appropriate. Students desiring to receive credit through the Challenge Exam process must enroll in the class to be challenged. The course instructor, or responsible Dean/Department Chair/Director, either in person or through the Testing Center will administer challenge examinations. Students desiring to take Challenge Exams must do so no later than the first week of class in a regular semester, the second meeting of once-per-week classes, or the first two days of a summer semester. Students have the option to receive credit for the class with the grade earned on the Challenge Exam or to remain in the class. Should a student fail a Challenge Exam or not desire to take the grade received, course attendance or withdrawal is required during the semester in which the Challenge Exam was attempted. Successful completion of a Challenge Exam will be documented on a Challenge Exam Credit Form. The responsible instructor will certify the student’s enrollment in the challenged class and the grade received on the challenge exam. If it is determined that the student is not officially enrolled in the class he/she is challenging, credit will not be granted. The Challenge Exam Credit Form will be forwarded to the responsible dean for review and then to the Registrar’s Office no later than the end of the second week of classes in a regular semester or end of the first week in a summer session. The Challenge Exam Credit Form will become part of the student’s academic record maintained by the Registrar.

Examinations

College Credit for Advanced Placement, CLEP, or Professional Certification Examinations will not be posted to an academic record until the student has successfully completed at least twelve semester credit hours of work at Northark.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement Program, sponsored by the College Board, offers high school students the opportunity to participate in challenging college-level work. College credit for Advanced Placement will not be posted to an academic record until the student has successfully completed at least twelve semester credit hours of work at Northark. Students can receive credit, advanced placement, or both from many colleges and universities. Northark awards AP credit as shown in the chart below:

AP Exam Minimum AP Score For Credit Northark Credit
Art History 3 ART 1003  
Biology 3 BIOL 1014  
Calculus AB 3
5
MAT 2204  
MAT 2204  & MAT 2304  
Calculus BC 4 MAT 2204  & MAT 2304  
Chemistry 3
5
CHEM 1415  
CHEM 1415  & CHEM 1425  
Economics    
  Macroeconomics
Microeconomics
3
3
ECON 2313 
ECON 2323  
English Language & Composition 3 ENGL 1013  
English Literature & Composition 3 ENGL 1013  or *ENGL 1023  
Environmental Science 3 BIOL 1144  
European History 3
4
HIST 1113  
HIST 1113  & HIST 1123  
Human Geography 3 GEOG 2003  
Physics B 3
5
PHYS 2014  
PHYS 2014  & PHYS 2024  
Psychology 3 PSYC 2003  
United State Government & Politics 3 PLSC 2003  
United States History 3
4
HIST 2003  
HIST 2003  & HIST 2013  
Spanish Language 3 FL 1303  
Statistics 3 MAT 2133  

*If the student has received AP credit for ENGL 1013  or successfully completed ENGL 1013 .

AP credit is not awarded for a course the student has already completed at the college/university level.

AP credit granted at other institutions is not automatically transferable to Northark. Students who wish to transfer AP credit must submit official documentation of earned scores.

Students who establish their eligibility to receive AP credit shall have credit recorded without grade points on their permanent records after they have successfully completed 12 credit hours at Northark.

Those desiring more information or to earn college credit through this program should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means of determining whether or not the knowledge, skills, and abilities a student has gained through prior learning match the knowledge, skills, and abilities a student would gain by completing a specific course. The following PLA venues will be accepted by Northark: CLEP, Professional Certification Exams, and Learning Counts.

CLEP

A student may earn credit at North Arkansas College by writing the CLEP examination. Northark accepts both the general and subject examination programs. College Credit for CLEP will not be posted to an academic record until the student has successfully completed at least twelve semester credit hours of work at Northark.

To receive college credit, a student may not have earned college credit nor have ever been enrolled in the course for which he/she is writing the test. Please see the American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations for minimum scores for granting credit available online at http://clep.collegeboard.org/develop/ace-credit. Those desiring more information or to earn college credit through this program should contact the Registrar’s Office.

Professional Certification Examinations

Numerous professional organizations offer rigorous professional certification examinations or licensure requirements that may be used to earn college credit for courses in related areas. The following list provides course equivalents for professional certifications. Credit may be granted toward degree or certificate programs subject to the one-third limit for all non-traditional credit. Those desiring more information or to earn college credit through this program should contact the Department Chair of Business and IT.

 

Certification Course Equivalent
   
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Core Skills  
Certification Title Course
MOS Microsoft Office Access (current version) CIS 2423 - Database Management  
MOS Microsoft Office Excel (current version) CIS 1333 - Spreadsheet  
MOS Microsoft Office Word (current version) CIS 1253 - Word Processing  
   
Adobe Certified Expert  
Photoshop Examination CIS 2863 - Image Editing (Adobe Photoshop)  
Illustrator Examination CIS 2303 - Computer Illustration  (Adobe Illustrator)
Dreamweaver Examination CIS 2833 - Web Design II (Dreamweaver)  
Flash Examination CIS 2843 Foundations of 2-D Animation (Adobe Flash)
   
CompTIA  
A+ Certification CIT 1143 - PC Repair/A+  
Security + Certification CIT 2403 - Network Security II  
   
Cisco Systems  
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) CIT 1103 - Network Fundamentals (CCNA 1) 
CIT 1113 - Routing Protocols and Concepts (CCNA 2) 
CIT 2203 - LAN Switching and Wireless (CCNA 3) 
CIT 2213 - Accessing the WAN (CCNA 4)  
   
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)  
Advanced Routing CIT 2664 CCNP 1 Advanced Routing
Remote Access CIT 2674 CCNP 2 Remote Access
Multi-layer Switching CIT 2684 CCNP 3 Multi-layer Switching
Networking Troubleshooting CIT 2694 CCNP 4 Network Troubleshooting
   
Microsoft  
Any MCSA OS exam such as:
072-271 or 072-270, or 072-210
CIT 1123 - Microsoft Operating Systems I  
   
Any MCSA server exam such as:
072-215 or 072-224, or 072-227
CIT 1133 - Microsoft Operating System II  
   
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support CIT 1144 Microcomputer Systems/A+
Technician (MCDST, 072-271 & 272) CIT 2063 Troubleshooting/Help Desk
   
Microsoft 072-214 Security Exam CIT 2403 - Network Security II  
   
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)  
Engine Repair (A1) AST 1104 - Gasoline Engine Repair  
Manual Drivetrain and Axles (A3) AST 1503 - Manual Drive Trains and Axles  
Suspension and Steering (A4) AST 2704 - Automotive Suspension & Steering  
Brakes (A5) AST 1604 - Automotive Brake Systems  
Electrical Systems (A6) AST 1203 - Automotive Electronics I 
AST 2203 - Automotive Electronics II  
Heating and Air Conditioning (A7) AST 2103 - Automotive Climate Control  
Engine Performance (A8) AST 2304 - Engine Performance II  

Independent Studies

There are sometimes exceptional circumstances in which students may need a special project or Independent Study to complete requirements for a major, certification, or graduation. However, requests to take a course as an Independent Study when the course is on the regular class schedule that same semester will not be approved unless there is approval from the instructor involved, written justification by the appropriate dean, and approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Please note that only 1/3 of the total number of credit hours for a degree can be obtained through Advanced Placement, CLEP, Challenge Test, College Now, Independent Studies, or Professional Certification Examinations. Students must officially register for an Independent Study prior to actually beginning the study. Failure to do so may nullify the Independent Study. Normally, students register for Independent Studies during the designated registration periods; however, no student may register for Independent Studies after the first 30 days of a regular semester or the first 7 days of a summer session.

Dean’s List

Full-time students completing 12 or more semester hours, whose grade point average is 3.70 or above for the current semester, will be placed on the Dean’s List for special scholastic recognition. Part-time students who have completed six hours or more semester hours also become eligible upon completion of 12 cumulative semester hours if they have both semester and cumulative GPA’s of 3.70 or above. College Preparatory courses are not considered for eligibility for the Dean’s List.

Definition of Credit Hour

At North Arkansas College, a credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than: (1) one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or (2) at least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other activities as established by an institution, including laboratory work, internships, practical, studio work, and other academic work leading toward to the award of credit hours.

Grade Changes Other Than Incomplete

Any grade change other than an Incomplete (“I”) must be completed within the first two weeks of the following semester, excluding summer sessions. After this date any change must be documented and the documentation approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and submitted to the Registrar’s Office for the change to be processed. The only basis for a grade change will be an error in calculation or recording. A grade that has been allowed to stand unchallenged for a period of five years is considered final.

Grade Point Average

A 4 quality points
B 3 quality points
C 2 quality points
D 1 quality point
F 0 quality points (computed in GPA)

I, IP, P, NC, W, and AU are not considered in determining GPA.

To compute grade point averages, multiply the quality points of each course grade received by the number of credit hours of that course, then divide the sum of those products by the total number of credit hours for which quality points were earned. Grades earned in College Preparatory courses are included in the computation of current term grade point average, but not included in cumulative grade point average.

Grade Reports

Normally, mid-term and final examinations are held in all courses. The mid-term grades are assigned chiefly to aid the instructor and student in assessing growth. Mid-term deficient grades are posted to Northark’s Campus Connect for students to review. Instructors have the option of posting all mid-term grades or only deficient mid-term grades to Campus Connect for students enrolled only for college credit. However, instructors must post midterm grades for all students enrolled for concurrent college and high school credit, and these grades will be reflected as nine-week grades on high school report cards.

Final grades are posted electronically on Northark’s Campus Connect for review. Students can review and print unofficial copies of their current grades and transcripts through the college’s Campus Connect. For official transcripts, contact the Registrar’s Office.

Grading Symbols

North Arkansas College uses the following grading symbols:

A Excellent
B Good
C Average
D Lowest passing grade
F Failing
I Incomplete
IP In progress
AU Audit - denotes a student who registers and participates in a course in the usual manner but does not desire credit. The choice is indicated when registering.
W Withdrawal
P Passing - denotes satisfactory achievement in a course where completion of work is all that is needed. Credits are earned but it has no impact on GPA.
NC No credit - denotes no credit earned. It has no impact on GPA.
CR Credit - denotes credit earned through exit testing, competency testing, or for prior learning.

Graduation

All candidates for graduation must make application by December 1 for fall graduation, March 1 for spring graduation or summer graduates participating in commencement, and July 1 for summer graduation to be sure they have satisfied the requirements for graduation.

To qualify as an associate degree, certificate of general studies, technical certificate or certificate of proficiency graduate from North Arkansas College, a student must:

  1. Complete a graduation application and submit to the Registrar’s Office along with a degree audit completed by advisor, faculty advisor or instructor.
  2. Complete all course requirements for the degree or certificate as outlined in Northark’s current catalog.
  3. Achieve a 2.00 cumulative GPA
  4. Complete through Northark at least 15 hours of credit for an associate degree or technical certificate or complete at least 7 credit hours for a certificate of proficiency.
  5. North Arkansas College limits academic residency to no more than twenty- five percent of the degree requirements for all undergraduate degrees for active-duty service members. Academic residency can be completed at any time while active-duty service members are enrolled. Reservists and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.
  6. Students have the option of graduating under the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment, or any subsequent issue while continuously enrolled, but they must complete all degree requirements and apply for graduation within four (4) years of the catalog selected. This does not apply to programs that have been deleted from the curriculum. In the case of program deletions, those students majoring in these areas will be notified as soon as possible of this action.

Academic honors will be awarded to students graduating with a 3.70-4.00 cumulative grade point average. The cumulative GPA is based on Northark course work taken through the semester in which the degree is awarded.

For a second degree at North Arkansas College, the student must meet all requirements for that degree under the appropriate catalog.

Northark automatically awards degree or certificate without student application when the Registrar’s Office can confirm eligibility. To ensure degree or certificate are confirmed and awarded the student should make application for graduation by the proper deadlines.

Incompletes

As a general rule, an instructor will not assign a grade of Incomplete (“I”) unless the student has completed approximately 80% of the course but has not been able, because of illness or other reason beyond his/her control, to finish the work assigned in the course. The student must contact the instructor to request an Incomplete (“I”) and make arrangements for completing the course. The instructor determines the requirements for making the “I.”

A student has one semester (excluding summer session) to make up an incomplete grade. The instructor may extend the time frame by notifying the Registrar’s Office in writing of a later date. The instructor must complete a grade change form for any student receiving an incomplete grade.

Integrity

North Arkansas College’s commitment to academic achievement is supported by a strict but fair policy to protect academic integrity. This policy regards academic fraud and dishonesty as disciplinary offenses requiring disciplinary actions.

Academic fraud and dishonesty are defined as follows:

Cheating: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.

Facilitating academic dishonesty: Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Test tampering: Intentionally gaining access to restricted test booklets, banks, questions, or answers before a test is given; or tampering with questions or answers after a test is taken.

Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly representing the words and ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise.

Cases of cheating and plagiarism at Northark are considered to be serious offenses and are subject to one or more of the following alternatives:

  • No credit for the assignment or opportunity for make-up.
  • Loss of credit and dropped from the course.
  • Permanent suspension from Northark.

Students may resolve disciplinary action by following this chain of command in the order given: the Instructor, Department Chair or Program Director, Dean, and the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Load

A semester hour is earned when students satisfactorily complete class work to which they devote the equivalent of one hour per week in class and the equivalent of two hours per week out of class for approximately fifteen weeks. In laboratory courses it is necessary to spend more time for each semester hour of credit. The normal academic course load of North Arkansas College is 15 semester hours fall or spring semesters. No more than seven semester hours will be allowed during any single summer term. Twelve hours or more is considered a full-time student load and 18 hours is the maximum load, although some technical areas may require more. Students outside these technical areas who wish to take more than 18 hours in a regular semester or more than 7 hours in a single summer term must obtain written permission from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Overrides

Class enrollment limits are set based on a number of factors including availability of equipment to support instruction, maximum number of students an instructor can effectively teach, historical drop and challenge rates, and student safety considerations in laboratory/technical classes. In the event a class is closed due to full enrollment, a student may request an override of the enrollment limit from the course instructor. Overrides will generally be made only when there is no other section of the class available, and the student needs the class in order to complete a degree or certificate program on schedule. Typically, the instructor will consult with the appropriate dean prior to approving an override.

Pass/No Credit Grading Option

The intent of the optional P/NC grading system is to allow a student to explore unfamiliar areas of interest without jeopardizing his or her grade point average. Students may elect to take a course on a P/NC grading basis by filing a form in the Registrar’s Office before the 8th class day of the semester. Students may take no more than one course per semester on a P/NC basis and no more than six credits taken on a P/NC basis may be applied toward graduation. A course taken on a repeat basis may not also be taken on a P/NC basis. Because of the nature and intent of some programs, there are specific courses that should not be taken on a P/NC basis. It is important to consult a counselor or the Dean in whose area the course is located before deciding on this grading option.

Probation

  1. To be in good academic standing, all students must carry the required minimum cumulative grade point average as listed below. Students who fail to meet these standards will be placed on academic probation
  Credit Hours Attempted   Minimum Cumulative Grade Average
  9-17   1.40
  18-30   1.60
  31-45   1.75
  46-60   1.90
  61 or above   2.00
  1. Students on academic probation, not achieving the minimum cumulative grade point as stated above, shall be suspended for one semester (excluding summer session) except as noted in #3 below. Students placed on academic suspension for the second time shall be suspended for one year. Students placed on academic suspension for the third time shall be suspended for a three-year period or may appeal.
  2. Students on academic probation achieving at least a 2.00 grade point average for each semester enrolled will be continued on academic probation until the minimum cumulative grade point is achieved. Any semester a 2.00 is not achieved students will be placed on academic suspension.
  3. Students on current academic suspension at another institution will not be permitted to enroll at North Arkansas College for one semester. Students will enter on academic probation and must achieve the minimum cumulative grade point or be suspended.
  4. Northark will not accept for transfer credit hours earned during an academic suspension period.

Any exceptions to the above stated admission standards may be appealed to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Repeating Courses

All courses may be repeated. Only the grade earned during the most recent enrollment in residence is computed in the cumulative grade point average.

Standards to Apply for RN and PN Licensure

The practice of Nursing is regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing that has the mission to protect the public and act as a public advocate. In the Nurse Practice Act, the Board outlines the conditions in which a newly graduated RN or PN student may apply for an Arkansas license and the privilege to take the RN licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Even though students may complete a program of study in an RN or PN degree program, this is not a guarantee that the student will be allowed to test or receive a license if the student has ever pleaded guilty, nolo contendere (a plea accepting charges without admitting guilt) to, or been found guilty of offenses listed below (excerpted from the Nurse Practice Act located at http://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/lawsRules/Pages/nursePracticeAct.aspx). Act 1208 of 1999 provides an opportunity to request a waiver of eligibility criteria related to Criminal Background in certain circumstances.

Prospective students must notify the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health of any criminal background at the time of application for an RN or PN program, and may contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing legal counsel for specific questions. All RN and PN students undergo criminal background checks prior to participating in clinical education while in the program, and again with the Licensure Application.

NURSE PRACTICE ACT
SUBCHAPTER 3 - LICENSING
17-87-312. Criminal background checks.

(e)     Except as provided in subdivision (l)(1) of this section, no person shall be eligible to receive or hold a license issued by the board if that person has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of any of the following offenses by any court in the State of Arkansas or of any similar offense by a court in another state or of any similar offense by a federal court:
  (1)   Capital murder as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
  (2)   Murder in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-10-102 and murder in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-10-103;
  (3)   Manslaughter as prohibited in § 5-10-104;
  (4)   Negligent homicide as prohibited in § 5-10-105;
  (5)   Kidnapping as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
  (6)   False imprisonment in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-11-103;
  (7)   Permanent detention or restraint as prohibited in § 5-11-106;
  (8)   Robbery as prohibited in § 5-12-102;
  (9)   Aggravated robbery as prohibited in § 5-12-103;
  (10)   Battery in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-13-201;
  (11)   Aggravated assault as prohibited in § 5-13-204;
  (12)   Introduction of controlled substance into the body of another person as prohibited in § 5-13-210;
  (13)   Terroristic threatening in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-13-301;
  (14)   Rape as prohibited in §§ 5-14-103;
  (15)   Sexual indecency with a child as prohibited in § 5-14-110;
  (16)   Sexual assault in the first degree, second degree, third degree, and fourth degree as prohibited in §§ 5-14-124 - 5-14-127;
  (17)   Incest as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
  (18)   Offenses against the family as prohibited in §§ 5-26-303 - 5-26-306;
  (19)   Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-201;
  (20)   Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-205;
  (21)   Permitting abuse of a child as prohibited in § 5-27-221(a)(1) and (3);
  (22)   Engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print media, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or use of a child or consent to use of a child in a sexual performance by producing, directing, or promoting a sexual performance by a child as prohibited in §§ 5-27-303 - 5-27-305, 5-27-402, and 5-27-403;
  (23)   Felony adult abuse as prohibited in § 5-28-103;
  (24)   Theft of property as prohibited in § 5-36-103;
  (25)   Theft by receiving as prohibited in § 5-36-106;
  (26)   Arson as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
  (27)   Burglary as prohibited in § 5-39-201;
  (28)   Felony violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act §§ 5-64-101 - 5-64-608 as prohibited in § 5-64-401;
  (29)   Promotion of prostitution in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-70-104;
  (30)   Stalking as prohibited in § 5-71-229;
  (31)   Criminal attempt, criminal complicity, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy as prohibited in §§ 5-3-201, 5-3-202, 5-3-301, and 5-3-401, to commit any of the offenses listed in this subsection;
  (32)   Computer child pornography as prohibited in § 5-27-603;
  (33)   Computer exploitation of a child in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-605.
(f) (1) (A) The board may issue a nonrenewable temporary permit for licensure to a first time applicant pending the results of the criminal background check.
    (B) The permit shall be valid for no more than six (6) months.
  (2)   Except as provided in subdivision (l)(1) of this section, upon receipt of information from the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police that the person holding the letter of provisional licensure has pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of, any offense listed in subsection (e) of this section, the board shall immediately revoke the provisional license.
(g) (1)   The provisions of subsections (e) and subdivision (f)(2) of this section may be waived by the board upon the request of:
    (A) An affected applicant for licensure; or
    (B) The person holding a license subject to revocation.
  (2)   Circumstances for which a waiver may be granted shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
    (A) The age at which the crime was committed;
    (B) The circumstances surrounding the crime;
    (C) The length of time since the crime;
    (D) Subsequent work history;
    (E) Employment references;
    (F) Character references; and
    (G) Other evidence demonstrating that the applicant does not pose a threat to the health or safety of the public.
(h) (1)   Any information received by the board from the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police pursuant to this section shall not be available for examination except by:
    (A) The affected applicant for licensure, or his authorized representative; or
    (B) The person whose license is subject to revocation or his or her authorized representative.
  (2)   No record, file, or document shall be removed from the custody of the Department of Arkansas State Police.
(i)     Any information made available to the affected applicant for licensure or the person whose license is subject to revocation shall be information pertaining to that person only.
(j)     Rights of privilege and confidentiality established in this section shall not extend to any document created for purposes other than this background check.
(k)     The board shall adopt the necessary rules and regulations to fully implement the provisions of this section.
(l) (1)   For purposes of this section, an expunged record of a conviction or a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to an offense listed in subsection (e) of this section shall not be considered a conviction, guilty plea, or nolo contendere plea to the offense unless the offense is also listed in subdivision (l)(2) of this section.
  (2)   Because of the serious nature of the offenses and the close relationship to the type of work that is to be performed, the following shall result in permanent disqualification:
    (A) Capital murder as prohibited in § 5-10-101;
    (B) Murder in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-10-102 and murder in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-10-103;
    (C) Kidnapping as prohibited in § 5-11-102;
    (D) Rape as prohibited in § 5-14-103;
    (E) Sexual assault in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-14-124 and sexual assault in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-14-125;
    (F) Endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-205 and endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree as prohibited in § 5-27-206;
    (G) Incest as prohibited in § 5-26-202;
    (H) Arson as prohibited in § 5-38-301;
    (I) Endangering the welfare of incompetent person in the first degree as prohibited in § 5-27-201; and
    (J) Adult abuse that constitutes a felony as prohibited in § 5-28-103.

Student Conduct

The Board of Trustees of North Arkansas College has the authority to establish rules and regulations which will facilitate the operation of the college, and which are in the best interest of the college community. North Arkansas College assumes that, by the act of registering, the student agrees to obey all rules and regulations set forth by the college.

The administration reserves the right to deny participation in the internal life of the college community to any individual or group that knowingly and deliberately violates any campus rule with which they disagree. Students do not have the right to invade the privacy of others, to damage the property of others, to disrupt the regular and essential operation of the college, or to interfere with the rights of others.

The jurisdiction and discipline of the college shall apply to conduct that occurs on property owned, occupied, or used by the college; while a student is attending or participating in any college-related activity; or in any location if the conduct adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the college community or is detrimental to the interests to the institution.

Violation of these policies may result in probation or suspension from any classroom activity. Visitors to Northark’s campuses are subject to the same standards of conduct as Northark students; violation may result in visitors being denied access to Northark campuses, services, and events.

Students who are victims of or witnesses to a violation of any of the following policies should fill out an Incident Report Form and return it to office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Vice President of Student Services.

  1. Cellular Phones and Pagers
    The use of cellular phones and pagers in the classroom is prohibited at Northark.
  2. Cheating, Plagiarism, Test Tampering
    (Please see “Integrity,” above.)
  3. Firearms and Weapons
    Carrying and using firearms, ammunition, knives, clubs, or any other assault weapon on college property is prohibited by state statute. Firearms and weapons may not be kept in the building or in vehicles on campus. Discharge of firecrackers or any other type of firework is prohibited.
  4. Gambling
    Any form of gambling on campus or at any college-sponsored activity is forbidden by state statue.
  5. Inappropriate Use of Computers
    To maintain the highest level of computing service to Northark’s students and staff, Northark asks that all adhere to the Computer Use Policy.

    This policy helps to enforce national, state, and local laws regarding the use of computers, the Internet, and email. Any misuse of the college’s computers could result in a loss of computing privileges. The Information Technology Department monitors the use of each computer and takes the appropriate action when the policy has been violated. For more questions about the Computer Use Policy or to report malicious or suspicious computing practices, please see Rick Williams, Room M149, on the South Campus or call 391-3233.
  6. Intoxicants and Drugs
    The use or possession of drugs, intoxicating liquors, and/or beer while on college property is strictly prohibited by state statue. Entering the campus under the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquor is likewise prohibited.
  7. Physical or Verbal Abuse
    Physical or verbal abuse of any person on the property of North Arkansas College or disregard for the physical well-being or rights of any person on Northark-owned property, or any conduct which threatens or endangers the health, safety, or well-being of any such person is prohibited.
  8. Sexual Harassment
    Sexual harassment will not be tolerated at North Arkansas College. Please visit the Northark Student Handbook for details of the Sexual Harassment Policy.
  9. Stalking
    Arkansas state statute defines stalking as a purposeful “course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the intent of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury of his or her immediate family.” Stalkers use several methods and instruments to harass and threaten their victims: telephone, computer (Internet/E-mail), fax, letters, gifts, following (walking/transport), going to the victim’s home or place of employment, vandalism.
  10. Student Dress
    Northark students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for responsible adults in an educational setting.
  11. Theft
    Theft, vandalism, defacement, or damage to property of North Arkansas College, its premises, or to the property of other students or members of the Northark community is prohibited.
  12. Threats
    Any act of threat, including profane or abusive language, perpetrated for the purpose of harassing or submitting any member of the college to pain, discomfort, or indignity, whether in or on Northark property is prohibited.
  13. Tobacco
    North Arkansas College is committed to providing its students and employees a safe and healthy environment. Because of this commitment, on October 1, 2005, all college campuses became tobacco free. As of this date, tobacco consumption is no longer permitted on any college property.
  14. Vandalism
    Students are expected to respect the property of college and that of others. Damage to or destruction of such property is prohibited.

Title IX

Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

North Arkansas College is committed to providing an educational and work environment for its students, faculty, and staff that is free from sexual discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence. No form of sexual discrimination will be tolerated. See the full North Arkansas College Title IX Policy and Procedures for the specific definitions of sexual harassment and sexual violence, including examples of such conduct.

Policy Statement

To assure Northark provides an educational and work environment for its students, faculty, and staff that is free from sexual discrimination including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence, it is the policy of the College to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in the College’s educational programs and activities, and also prohibit retaliation for asserting claims of sex discrimination.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the College to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on sex in the College’s educational programs and activities. Title IX and its implementing regulations also prohibit retaliation for asserting claims of sex discrimination. The College has designated the following Title IX Coordinators to coordinate its compliance with Title IX and to receive inquiries regarding Title IX, including complaints of sex discrimination:

DESIGNATED TITLE IX COORDINATORS
Lead Coordinator: Dr. Doug Gere, Academic Advisor,
South Campus Room.184B, Harrison, AR 72601
(870)391-3204 dgere@northark.edu

Kris Greening, Director Human Resources
303 N. Main, Center Campus, Room 401, Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 391-3215, (870) 754-4578 kgreening@northark.edu

See Northark’s website for Title IX Policy and Procedure.

Withdrawals

Students who wish to withdraw from a class or classes must do so in the Office of the Registrar. For withdrawal dates and deadlines, consult the academic calendar online, in the Northark catalog, or in the Student Handbook/Planner.

Students withdrawing from a class prior to the withdrawal deadline date listed on the academic calendars in the front of the catalog will receive a “W.” Students withdrawing from a class that differs from the fifteen-week regular semester or a five-week summer session will have the same percentage of time to withdraw with a grade of “W.”

Without the instructor’s written permission, students may not be re-instated into a class from which they have officially withdrawn. No reinstatement may be made after the final examination period has begun.

Caution: Financial Aid recipients should take note that dropping some/all classes may partially reduce or revoke financial aid and could result in a significant account balance due or, if financial aid residual has already been received, some repayment may be required.