Testing Center
The North Arkansas College Testing Center (also known as Certification Center) is located in Room L119 in the Library. They offer tests for both paper-and pencil and computer based secure testing for students and professionals. Everyone who works in the Testing Center is a Certified Test Proctor, which means they’ve been through special training by testing companies to professionally deliver tests. Security cameras are installed at every test station and monitored by proctors.
While the Testing Center tries to operate the same hours as the Library, it’s important to call the Testing Center to make appointments. Testers are encouraged to arrive a few minutes before their scheduled testing time to allow sufficient time to check-in. Appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted only if there is a station available for testing.
The Testing Center offers the following services:
• Student testing for makeup testing and online classes
• Accuplacer placement exams
• CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing
• Workkeys testing for Career Pathways
• Professional testing such as Praxis (teaching certification), Pearson Vue (i.e. GED and EMT), and Kryterion (Microsoft exams), and many others. Call the Testing Center for a full list.
• Distance learning exams for area distant learning students enrolled in other colleges
Due to security issues, the Testing Center restricts items students can have in the testing room. A list of items not allowed can be found on the webpage: http://www.northark.edu/student-and-community-services/academic-services/certification-examinations/index.
For more information or to make an appointment, please call the Testing Center at 870-391-3533.
Advising Center
North Arkansas College is committed to nurturing scholastic development by ensuring that students are placed on the correct educational path. All entering students must meet with an institutional advisor to determine their course of study, obtain class schedule, schedule orientation, and obtain Title IX information and additional college navigation tools and resources. After the initial advising session, the student is assigned an advisor depending upon the selected program of study.
Students with less than 30 college credit hours (including transfer work and current semester credits but excluding college preparatory courses) are required to meet with their advisor each semester, however, all students are encouraged to meet with an advisor each semester. An advising hold is placed on the account of the students who have less than 30 hours, by the Registrar’s office prior to registration and may be released by the selected advisor at the time of advising.
American College Testing Program
The ACT and Accuplacer examinations are used for guidance and course placement. Students interested in taking placement exams should contact the Student Services Office for further information.
North Arkansas College has been designated as a regional testing center for the ACT. The examination is administered on specified national testing dates with residual testing available for those unable to take the examination on national dates. Information and registration forms regarding the ACT may be obtained from a high school counselor or the Student Services Office at Northark.
Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative
Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) is a federally grant funded program for parents who desire to improve their employment opportunities through education and/or training. Potential clients/students must be the legal guardian of a child under the age of 21 who is living in the home with them on a permanent basis and are a former or current recipient of TEA cash assistance, or a current recipient of SNAPS (food stamps), AR Kids or Medicaid, or have earnings at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
CPI will provide academic and professional career counseling, remediation in preparation for college entrance exams, tutoring, referrals to outside assistance agencies and coordination with other Northark assistance programs, employability skills, training, and job placement assistance. Career Pathways is also designed to assist with financial barriers such as tuition, childcare, transportation, course related supplies and basic school supplies. CPI believes in wrapping its students with total support utilizing all the resources at hand both on campus and in the communities Northark serves.
Students are invited to see how CPI services can help remove barriers to a better, brighter future. CPI offices are located in suite 201, 2nd floor of the Northark Center Campus at 303 N. Main St. Harrison, AR 72601, or call 870-391-3153.
Bookstore
The North Arkansas College Bookstore is located on the South Campus, near the Bradley Student Center, and on the North Campus in room N21. The South Campus Bookstore is open Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. The Bookstore offers textbooks, study aids, paper supplies, computers, art materials, clothing, drinks, and food items. The Bookstore accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards for books and merchandise. Refund policies are provided at the time of purchase.
Course textbooks and course supplies obtained from the Bookstore may only be charged to awarded financial aid with adequate remaining coverage after any tuition and fee charges or to written, non-revocable payment commitments from approved third-party entities. Students will be required to present a valid photo I.D. Bookstore purchases will not be eligible for any timed installment payment arrangement via e-Cashier.
The Bookstore will only issue a refund for a returned textbook during the semester upon class cancellation by the college or official class withdrawal by the student. Any textbook refund during the semester will be subject to the exact same published refund schedule for tuition and fees.
The college and/or external book dealer may offer to buy back a particular course textbook for a discounted price at the end of the semester. However, this buy-back opportunity is subject to selected book editions and determined book quantities for future academic semesters and is in no way a guarantee by the college to repurchase any course textbook.
Career Services
Career services can help each student develop a well thought out career path. The Career Services Coordinator will add value to your educational experience at Northark by helping with choosing a major, planning a career, internships, preparing resumes, finding employment, re-entering the workforce, and preparing you for success. Services will also be offered through classroom presentation, student workshops, job fairs, and community involvement.
Digital Media Lab
The Digital Media Lab (DML), located in B209, provides computers to students interested in digital media applications; all have the Adobe Design Premium Suite software for graphic and web design. The computers are available for open student use when classes are not in session in B209.
Disability Accommodations
North Arkansas College is committed to ensure that all academic classes, programs, services and activities of North Arkansas College are accessible to otherwise qualified students with disabilities in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The college is committed to full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and subsequent state and federal legislation.
Academic accommodations for admitted students are coordinated by the disabilities services coordinator (DSC). Students are responsible to disclose disabilities to the DSC, provide appropriate documentation, and follow established procedures to use their accommodation plan. Accommodation plans are developed based on needs and are intended to ensure access to all aspects of the learning community.
In order to maintain an environment that is safe and conducive to learning, behavior that is deemed to be dangerous, damaging, harassing or otherwise disruptive to the College community is not allowable, even when that behavior is a symptom or is associated with a disability. For this reason, all students, including those with disabilities, are responsible to comply with the Student Code of Conduct.
- The need for accommodation is verified by the Disability Coordinator based on documentation and student interviews.
- Once a disability has been disclosed and substantiated, the student and the Disabilities Coordinator collaborate to develop an Individualized Educational Access Plan.
- Student disability and accommodation records are protected by FERPA.
To obtain further information on services and policies or to make an appointment, students should contact Kim Brecklein, 391-3338 for TDD call 391-3111, email kbrecklein@northark.edu, or visit M154H.
Educational Opportunity Center
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is a federally funded TRIO program serving residents of Arkansas in Baxter, Boone, Carroll, Fulton, Izard, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, Sharp, Stone, and Van Buren counties. EOC is designed to assist persons 19 years of age or older with the process of enrolling or re-enrolling in any college of their choice. Our EOC Academic Advisors will help with college admissions and financial aid applications, scholarship searches, career counseling, and mastering your finances, as well as connections to other area agencies for additional services not provided by EOC (e.g. GED/ABE classes, Veteran Affairs, Career Pathways, etc.). They travel regularly and can visit with prospective students or agencies anywhere within the 12 county service areas. All EOC services are FREE. The Educational Opportunity Center Office is located in room C207 at the Center Campus of North Arkansas College and is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. after hours and weekends, by appointment only. Call (870) 391-3524 or visit the EOC website at www.northark.edu/eoc.
Educational Talent Search
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded TRIO Program that serves approximately 1350 students, in 30 schools, within a fourteen county area in the northern section of Arkansas. ETS Advisors assist 7-12th graders with career exploration, study/test-taking skills, mastering finances, academic counseling, ACT preparation, college exploration, postsecondary and financial aid information, scholarship searches, assistance with the postsecondary application process, as well as educational and cultural enrichment via field trips. The goal of ETS is to encourage students to graduate high school and enter into a postsecondary institution of their choice. The main office is located in room C305 at the Center Campus of North Arkansas College with satellite offices in Paragould, Batesville, Mountain Home, and Russellville. To contact ETS, call 870-391-3209 or visit the ETS website at www.northark.edu/ets.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
North Arkansas College maintains a comprehensive program of financial aid for students. Northark has been approved by both state and federal agencies to participate in a variety of financial aid programs. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or part-time employment, which may be offered to students in various combinations, depending upon need and requests. The family and student are expected to make maximum effort to contribute toward student educational expenses. To be eligible for financial aid, a student must be accepted for admission and meet all eligibility requirements. All financial aid and scholarship checks are disbursed by the Student Accounts Office. A schedule of disbursement dates can be found in the schedule information on the Northark website. The Financial Aid Office, in accordance with the College’s equal education opportunity policy, administers all awards. Application forms and specific details may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.
Application Procedure
Applicants must use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list the North Arkansas College school code (012261) as a school to receive the information. There is no fee for the application. Students must reapply for financial aid each year, as aid is not automatically renewed. Applicants may complete the FAFSA on the WEB at www.fafsa.ed.gov beginning in October.
In addition to completing the FAFSA, an applicant must complete the Student Data Form, an Application for Admission, and any FAFSA supporting documentation, if required. If the applicant has ever attended another post-secondary institution(s), an official transcript must be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Once all of the requested information is received, processing will begin by the Financial Aid Office. The student will then receive an award notification letter and a copy of the policy on satisfactory academic progress.
All applications should be filed as soon after October 1 as possible to ensure receipt by the priority date of August 1st for fall. Applications for grant aid (other than Federal Pell Grant) received after the priority date will be considered only if money is available from the respective program.
Eligibility for Financial Aid
To receive financial aid, students must:
1. Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen with a valid social security number
2. Have a high school diploma/GED
3. Enroll in an eligible program as a degree/certificate-seeking student
4. Be registered for the Selective Service, if required
5. Maintain satisfactory academic progress
6. Not owe a repayment on a federal student grant and not be in default on a federal student loan
Federal/State Programs
1. Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. To determine if an applicant is eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula established by Congress. No eligible student will be denied a Pell Grant. Applicants must complete the FAFSA.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
A Federal SEOG does not have to be repaid. These grants are federally funded with each school receiving a fixed amount each year. Funds are awarded to a limited number of undergraduate students with exceptional need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA.
3. Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work Study provides part-time employment to students who have financial need. Students should contact the Financial aid Office to determine eligibility and for placement procedures. Applicants must complete the FAFSA.
4. Federal Direct Loan (subsidized)
Beginning July 1, 2010, all Federal Direct Loans will be issued through the Direct Loan Program. To apply for a Federal Student Loan all students must complete the current year FAFSA, an entrance interview, and a Master Promissory Note. Federal Direct Loans are assessed an original fee and an insurance fee, and borrowers should refer to the promissory note for details since terms and interest rates may vary according to the date the loan was disbursed. The Federal Direct Loan authorizes loans up to $3500 per year for freshman and $4500 per year for sophomores. Students must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and repayment of principal and interest begins no later than six months after the student leaves school or ceases to be at least half-time student. The amount of the monthly payment will be based on the total amount borrowed.
5. Federal Direct Loan (unsubsidized)
The Federal Unsubsidized Loans have the same deferments, interest rates, and application process as the subsidized Loan. Independent students may be eligible for up to an additional $6000 unsubsidized loan per year. Dependent students may be eligible for up to an additional $2000 unsubsidized loan per year. However, the student does not have to be financially eligible for the loan and must either pay the interest while in school or have it capitalized for repayment with the loan principal.
Loan Closing Interviews
All first time borrowers, borrowers with a previous default, and those with over $28,000 in student loan debt will be required to schedule a loan closing interview with a member of the Financial Aid staff. Students required to do a loan closing will be notified by email at the address provided on their loan application.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
In order to be eligible for Title IV Federal Aid, federal guidelines require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while pursuing approved degree and/or certificate programs at North Arkansas College. Regulations require progress be measured with both qualitative and quantitative measures. SAP will be checked prior to the initial period of enrollment and in increments of no longer than half the program length or one year, whichever is less.
Satisfactory Academic Standards
• For the previous semester of attendance, students must have earned a 2.0 GPA.
• For any period of enrollment, students must complete a minimum amount of course-work based on the following scale:
Enroll in 12 + Hours Must complete 8 hours
Enroll in 6-11 Hours Must complete 6 hours
Enroll in less than 6 Hours Must complete all hours
• Students can receive federal financial aid for not longer than 150% of the total hours required for a program (see Northark Financial Aid webpage for list). All courses attempted, including W, I, F, AU, CR and IP, will be counted as attempted hours.
Repeated Coursework: Students can only receive federal aid for a repeated course one time if a passing grade has been earned.
Transfer Students: Transfer students are subject to the same policy regarding length of time and GPA in regard to hours that are transferred to Northark. NOTE: All official transfer transcripts must be received in the Registrar’s Office and must be evaluated before SAP can be determined.
Clock Hour Programs: Academic progress for students enrolled in a clock hour program will be reviewed at the completion of each payment period.
Suspension of Financial Aid
Financial Aid Warning: At the point of SAP review, any student not meeting the minimum GPA or minimum completion requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Warning during the next period of enrollment. SAP will be checked again immediately following the Warning semester. Students meeting SAP at that point will be removed from Warning and placed in good standing. Students not meeting SAP at the end of the Warning semester will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. Students will be given a Warning status only once. Failure to meet SAP for each semester thereafter will result in Financial Aid Suspension.
Financial Aid Suspension: Students who do not meet SAP at the end of a Warning Status or students who exceed 150% of the hours for a program will be placed on Suspension from Title IV aid. Any student that withdraws from all classes or completes the semester with a zero GPA will automatically be suspended for their next term of enrollment. If suspended because of GPA or minimum completion, a student must complete a semester with his/her own finances and meet SAP to regain eligibility. If a student has exceeded the 150% timeframe or academic progress reflects the inability to complete a program within the timeframe, the student will be suspended and the only option for reinstatement of aid is to appeal the suspension.
Appeals: Students who do not meet SAP and are placed on Financial Aid Suspension. If the student can demonstrate and provide documentation of unusual or mitigating circumstances, such as serious illness or death of a close family member, may appeal a Financial Aid Suspension. An appeal form and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office before it will be reviewed by the appeals committee. The appeal must include what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow him or her to now meet SAP requirements.
Students suspended because of exceeding the 150% timeframe will be required to include an academic plan along with their appeal form.
Appeals submitted without supporting documentation will not be reviewed. Students who appeal and are reinstated will automatically be reviewed following the semester of reinstatement. If SAP is being met, the student will be considered in good standing. If SAP is not met, the student is automatically placed back on Suspension. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee is final; there is no further appeal.
Academic Plans: Students suspended due to exceeding the 150% timeframe will be required to submit a degree plan with an appeal form. The degree plan must be completed by a Northark Academic Advisor. This plan will be used as a guide to determine courses needed for completion of a program. Financial aid will only be granted for courses needed for completion. Enrolling in courses not included in your academic plan will result in your aid being reduced or revoked.
Students are responsible for ensuring that their Major Code is correct with the Advising Office.
Return of Title IV Funds
If a student completely terminates enrollment, stops attending classes, or receives all failing grades or a combination of failing grades and withdrawals before completing more than 60% of the enrollment period, a calculation is performed to determine if a repayment is required. The amount of Title IV aid the student must return is determined by the Federal Formula for Return of Title IV Funds as specified in Section 484B of the Higher Education Act. This law also specifies the order of return of the Title IV funds to the programs from which they were awarded.
Refund/payment to the various programs will be in the following priority within 30 days:
1. Federal Family Education Loan Program
(Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan)
(Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan)
2. Federal Pell Grant
3. Other Title IV programs
A repayment may be required when cash has been disbursed to a student from financial aid funds in excess of the amount of aid the student earned during the term. The amount of Title IV aid earned is determined by multiplying the total Title IV aid (other than Federal College Work Study) for which the student qualified by the percentage of time during the term that the student was enrolled. The date used in the calculation is either the date of the complete withdrawal or the date issued by the instructor if a failing grade is earned for nonattendance. If a date cannot be determined, midpoint of the semester is used (50%).
If less aid was disbursed than was earned, the student may receive a late disbursement for the difference. If more aid was disbursed than was earned, the amount of Title IV aid that must be returned (i.e. that was unearned) is determined by subtracting the earned amount from the amount actually disbursed.
The responsibility for returning unearned aid is allocated between the college and the student according to the portion of disbursed aid that could have been used to cover college charges and the portion that could have been disbursed directly to the student once college charges were covered. North Arkansas College will distribute the unearned aid back to the Title IV program as specified by law. The student will be billed for the amount the student owed to the Title IV programs and any amount due to the college resulting from the return of Title IV funds used to cover college charges.
Copies of the refund calculation are available upon request in the Financial Aid Office.
Official Withdrawal
Students who wish to withdraw from a class or classes must do so in the Office of the Registrar by completing an official “Change of Class Schedule” form. Notification from the Registrar’s Office to the Financial Aid Office is made regarding the student’s date of withdrawal. Federal formula requires a return of Title IV aid if the student received federal assistance and withdrew on or before completing 60% of the semester. The percentage of Title IV aid to be returned is equal to the number of days remaining in the semester divided by the number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days are excluded.
Scholarships
North Arkansas College offers several institutional and private scholarships each year. Specific scholarship criteria can be found on the Northark scholarship webpage at http://www.northark.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/index.
Scholarships (Institutional)
Presidential Scholarships
Presidential scholarships are awarded in three tiers.
1. Presidential-Gold Scholarship
2. Presidential-Silver Scholarship
3. Presidential-Bronze Scholarship
Athletic Scholarships
Basketball scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated athletic ability and schoolastic achievement as determined by the coaches and the Director of Athletics. There are a number of private scholarships available to students.
The FAFSA application, available October 1st, is the official scholarship application. The application priority deadline is May 1st.
Other Sources of Financial Aid/Scholarships
The programs listed below are awarded and administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Further information and applications may be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education web site (www.adhe.edu) or by calling 1-800-54-STUDY.
• Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
• Governor’s Scholars Program
• AR Future Grant
Workforce Investment Act Scholarships (WIA)
The WIA Program provides classroom training scholarships. Funds are limited and federal eligibility guidelines must be met. To inquire about eligibility, visit the Arkansas Workforce Center or call (870) 741-6874.
Veteran’s and Service Members Educational Benefits
The VA School Certifying Official for Military Educational Benefits is located in the Advising Center on the South Campus of North Arkansas College. Contact information is 870.391.3223 or http://www.northark.edu/tuition-and-aid/financial-aid/veteran-benefits/index. This office certifies students’ educational or training programs and class schedules that are eligible to receive Military Educational Benefits to include: Post 9/11, Chapter 35 DEA, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31, Montgomery GI Bill Chapter 30 and 1606. All service members and/or dependents can contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Muskogee, OK for information regarding their qualification for these programs by calling 1.888.442.4551 or visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/apply.asp .
Housing
The Student Services Office provides lists of apartments to students. North Arkansas College does not currently offer student housing.
Student Resource Center
The Student Resource Center is a drop-in tutoring center on the South Campus that offers free services to Northark students. These services include:
- Tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, English, Science, and other subjects
- Use of computer lab and printer
- Use of laptops, Wi-Fi and wireless printing
- Individual and group study areas
- Academic, career and financial literacy based workshops
- Access to public benefits
- Free coffee
Tutoring is offered on a drop-in basis rather than by appointment. The Student Resource Center is open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. It is located in M154 in the middle of the main building, just across the hall from the Little Theatre. Please contact Sharla Hellen for more information: 870-391-3560 or shellen@northark.edu
Library
The North Arkansas College Library is open to all faculty, staff, students, and community members within the area served by the college. The Library staff is available to offer one-on-one assistance in using Library resources, whether print, audio-visual, or electronic. The Library uses the Library of Congress classification system for their print collections, and a single online catalog provides simultaneous searching of resources. The online catalog is accessible through the Library website at: http://www.northark.edu/services/library.aspx and on the Library’s portal page.
The combined print collection is approximately 10,000 volumes, and the Library also provides access to several e-book collections. Students and faculty are encouraged to use the Inter-Library loan services provided by the Library for research materials not available locally.
The Library subscribes to several online databases that have replaced physical periodicals. Students can search on virtually any topic within these databases. There are thousands of periodicals covered, with many full text. The Northark Library also offers off-campus access for students and faculty to most of the subscription databases through the campus portal system. Any authorized user of the Northark computer network may access online Library materials on-campus. Library staff can provide assistance in using these resources.
The Library, is located at 1515 Pioneer Drive, and is the study and research center for the college. Its resources support the two-year curriculum of the college and provide a variety of services. Over 30 computer workstations are available for student needs in an open computer lab. Within the limitations of software licensing agreements, student-usable versions of all software taught on campus are available on at least some of the workstations in the Library. The Library has wireless internet access, allowing users to bring in their own wireless-capable laptops and link to the internet through the college’s wireless service. In addition to the above mentioned services, the Library has a large selection of DVDs, as well as some popular fiction books and graphic novels for check out. Students can also check out graphing calculators for the semester. Text books, headphones, and laptops are available to check out for in-Library use only. The Library also offers individual and group study rooms that can be reserved for student use. Please contact Michelle Palmer for more information: 870-391-3356 or mpalmer@northark.edu, or call the Library main number at 870-391-3368.
Library Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30 am - 7:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Closed weekends & holidays
Photo/Video Release Agreement
North Arkansas College uses photographic, video, and/or digital images taken of students on college property and at college events, as well as quotes provided by students, in publications, advertisements, promotional materials, and audiovisual productions associated with marketing and/or student recruiting.Currently-enrolled students may request not to be photographed or videotaped by sending written notification to Enrollment Services by October 1 of the fall semester and February 15 of the spring semester. North Arkansas College assumes that failure to request in writing not to be photographed or videotaped demonstrates approval for the college to use images in its marketing and/or student recruitment materials.
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) enhances the academic success and enriches the college experience of its 200 qualified participants. These participants enjoy the following enhanced or otherwise unavailable services:
- Scheduled one-on-one tutoring
- Assigned advisors who help chart each participant’s path to graduation and beyond
- Assistance with course selection and scheduling
- Advisors usually available without an appointment
- Financial information to help participants retain funding through graduation
- Personal finance information to help participants avoid student debt
- Equipment borrowing and reserved computer lab
- Free on-campus printing
- Cultural activities and trips to area universities
- Students Supporting Students student organization
- Helpful workshops and seminars
- Special online resources
- Support navigating college offices and resources.
Northark’s TRIO-SSS project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in the amount of $317,068 annually. Students who would like to become a part of TRIO-SSS should contact Kim Brecklein, 870-391-3338, kbrecklein@northark.edu or visit M154H.
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