Admission
North Arkansas College’s OPEN DOOR admission policy reflects the institution’s philosophy of providing educational opportunities for all citizens within the geographic area it serves; however, students may be admitted under special admission requirements.
Students will be evaluated for conditional/unconditional admission in accordance with Arkansas Code 6-60-208, conditional-preparatory (Ability to Benefit) admission, and criminal history admission. Additional information may be obtained from the Admissions Department.
The College reserves the right to deny admission, readmission, or registration to any student who has not complied with College policy or procedures, including the Student Code of Conduct, has a record of misconduct, has been convicted of a felony, and/or have status as a registered sex offender, or been dismissed from a post-secondary institution for disciplinary reasons.
Acceptance to North Arkansas College does not ensure admission to a particular course or to a program of study. Students preparing for admission to a Health Professions program should refer to the Health Professions program requirements on Northark’s website.
Conditional/Unconditional Admissions
In accordance with Arkansas Code 6-60-208, all first-time entering students graduating after May 1, 2002, from an Arkansas public high school, out-of-state high school, homeschooling, private school, or General Educational Development (GED) diploma recipient will be evaluated for the purpose of conditional or unconditional admission to North Arkansas College. Conditionally admitted students must successfully complete the required hours of core academic courses and/or technical courses and any developmental courses by the initial classification of sophomore status (30 semester credit hours). Students who do not successfully complete the required core academic courses, technical courses, and/or developmental courses within the designated time frame will be placed on probation and will be limited to enrollment in core academic, technical, or developmental courses that will complete conditional admission requirements.
High School Transcripts
High school transcripts of degree-seeking students graduating after May 1, 2002, from an Arkansas public school or an out-of-state high school will be evaluated for meeting high school core curriculum.
- English - 4 units with emphasis on writing skills, not to include courses in oral communications, journalism, drama or debate.
- Natural Science - 3 units with labs (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics - only one unit may come from Life Science).
- Mathematics - 4 units including Algebra I and II, Geometry and an advanced math course.
- Social Studies - 3 units including American History (not Contemporary American History), 1 unit of World History - not to include World Culture, World Geography or Global Studies), and at least ½ unit of Civics or American Government.
GED, Home School or Private School Transcripts
Test scores of first-time entering, degree seeking students who received a GED or are graduates of homeschooling or private high schools after May 1, 2002, will be evaluated for conditional or unconditional admission. Students in these categories scoring a composite of 19 on the ACT or equivalent (AccuPlacer - reading) will be admitted unconditionally. Those not meeting the test score requirements will be admitted conditionally.
Conditional Preparatory Admission
Test scores of all first-time entering, degree-seeking students will be evaluated for conditional preparatory admission. Students with an ACT composite score of 14 or below will be re-evaluated with the AccuPlacer equivalent reading score. All students below that score will be admitted as conditional preparatory (Ability to Benefit).
Conditional preparation admitted students will be required to enroll in a Student Success Program. The program will require students to:
- Sign an enrollment agreement outlining the requirements of the program and enrollment consequences for not meeting requirements.
- Develop an individualized degree plan to be signed by the student and advisor.
- Attend new student orientation, if offered.
- Enroll and successfully complete ORT 1002.
- Meet with their academic advisor a minimum of two times (after the initial meeting) each semester.
- Meet with a financial aid advisor for financial counseling, if receiving aid.
- Successfully complete all remedial courses during the first 30 hours. Students will have a myNorthark registration hold and cannot modify their class schedule or register for classes without meeting with their academic advisor.
Students must meet all requirements of the student success contract until they have successfully completed all remedial coursework in the first 30 hours. Students who meet these requirements will be notified of successful completion. Students who do not meet requirements for completion of freshman seminar or meetings with academic advisors and financial aid advisors will be dismissed from the college. Students meeting all requirements other than completion of remedial coursework within the first 30 hours and who are making successful progress will have one (1) additional semester to complete all remedial coursework.
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of General Studies:
- Must complete all remedial/developmental coursework within the first 30 credit hours
- 12 credit hours from the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) chosen from the following:
Conditional Prep (Ability to Benefit) Standards
Students admitted under conditional prep admission will be required to enroll in a Student Success Program. The program will require students to:
- Sign an enrollment agreement outlining the requirements of the program and enrollment consequences for not meeting requirements.
- Develop an individualized degree plan to be signed by the student and advisor.
- Attend new student orientation, if offered.
- Enroll and successfully complete ORT 1002.
- Meet with their academic advisor a minimum of two times (after the initial meeting) each semester.
- Meet with a financial aid advisor for financial counseling, if receiving aid.
- Successfully complete all remedial courses during the first 30 hours.
Students must meet all requirements of the student success contract until they have successfully completed all remedial coursework in the first 30 hours. Students who meet these requirements will be notified of successful completion. Students who do not meet requirements for completion of First-Year Experience or meetings with academic advisors and financial aid advisors will be dismissed from the college. Students meeting all requirements other than completion of remedial coursework within the first 30 hours and who are making successful progress will have one (1) additional semester to complete all remedial coursework.
Criminal History Admission
North Arkansas College strives to provide a safe campus and learning environment. As a part of that effort, the college inquires into an applicant’s prior or pending criminal history including whether the applicant is required to register as a sex offender. When an applicant has been arrested for, charged with, or found responsible for a felony or is required to register as a sex offender, the college reserves the right to place that student’s application on hold, pending further review by the Criminal History Committee. This committee is charged with reviewing applications for admission and readmission.
Until the review committee approves the applicant, the college shall not act on the application. The Criminal History Committee only determines whether the student’s past behavior should render him/her ineligible for admission consideration. The Admissions Office is responsible for evaluation of the applicant’s academic and other qualifications.
If the felony and/or sex offender question on the application form is checked yes, the applicant will be sent a letter detailing the additional information needed for the application process.
All applicants that check yes will be required to submit the following:
- Criminal History Form
- Police Report of Incident(s)
- Court Paperwork from Court decision(s)
- Letter explaining the incident and why the applicant would like to attend North Arkansas College
- Reference letters (optional)
- Criminal History Check from Arkansas and the state(s) in which the felonies occurred. (Fees may be required to complete this check).
The Arkansas State Check can be completed by contacting:
Arkansas State Police Identification Bureau
#1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 618-8500
www.asp.state.ar.us
Once all the additional information is received by the Office of Admission, the Criminal History Committee will meet to review the information provided. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
The Criminal History Committee will determine if the applicant is eligible for application to Northark. The committee may also recommend the applicant be admitted with or without special conditions related to major selection, course scheduling, and/or involvement in campus activities.
The decision of the review committee is final. Applicants and appropriate departments will be notified in writing of the decision.
Applicants may not reapply for admission in the same academic year that they were denied by the Criminal History Committee unless there has been a change in their information.
Criminal History Committee Structure
The Dean of Students (or his/her designee) shall chair the committee and serve as a non-voting member. Other representatives may be added at the chair’s discretion in order to make an appropriate decision. Directors of the following offices shall appoint standing members as representatives to this committee who shall serve two-year staggered terms:
- Office of Admissions (non-voting member)
- Registrar’s Office
- Advising
- Campus Security
- Faculty Member
No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms without rotating off the committee for a minimum of one year as staffing allows.
Degree-Seeking or Transfer Student
A degree-seeking student is a student enrolled for the purpose of receiving an Associate Degree, a Technical Certificate, or a Certificate of Proficiency from North Arkansas College or transferring to another institution. Students must be classified as degree-seeking to be eligible to participate in institutionally or federally funded student assistance programs.
ALL degree-seeking students applying for admission to Northark must submit the following:
- Completed application for admission and any personal data forms that may be requested by the college.
- Students must submit proof of measles, mumps, and rubella immunization. (Two doses measles and one dose of mumps and rubella.)
- ACT, ACCUPLACER, or other tests required by the institution.
- First-time entering freshmen must submit an official eight-semester high school transcript or GED scores.
- Students will be required to have transfer transcripts on file in the Registrar’s Office under the following circumstances:
- Advisors may require students to present a transfer transcript showing successful completion of a lower level math or English course before allowing them to enroll in upper level math or English courses.
- Also, advisors who do not have a student’s transfer transcript will not be responsible if a student enrolls in a class for which he/she has received credit at another institution.
- A student planning to use credit taken at another institution to fulfill graduation requirements must have an official transcript on file in the Registrar’s Office before consideration of the transfer credit will be given.
- Varsity athletic eligibility certification requires that all high school or GED and transfer transcripts be on file in the Registrar’s Office.
- A student receiving financial aid must have all transfer transcripts on file before financial aid will be awarded.
Non-Degree-Seeking Students
A non-degree-seeking student is a student enrolled for the single purpose of personal enrichment who does not plan to receive an Associate Degree, a Technical Certificate, or a Certificate of Proficiency from North Arkansas College. Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible to participate in institutionally or federally funded student assistance programs.
All non-degree-seeking students applying for admission to Northark must submit the following:
- Completed application for admission and any personal data forms that may be requested by the college.
- Students must submit proof of measles, mumps, and rubella immunization. (Two doses measles and one dose of mumps and rubella.)
To change from a non-degree seeking to degree seeking student, a status change form must be completed in the Registrar’s Office by the end of each semester.
International Students
North Arkansas College admits F-1 international students. International students must adhere to all College admission policies and may be required to provide additional documentation as a condition of admission.
An International Student is a foreign-born individual who has been granted F-1 visa status and holds a Certificate for Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) also known as Form 1-20 issued through North Arkansas College.
A Resident Alien is a foreign-born individual who has been granted Temporary Resident Status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
A Visiting Student is an international student who currently holds a valid F-1 visa and a Certificate of Eligibility of Nonimmigrant Student (F-1), also known as Form I-20 from another institution.
A Permanent Resident is a foreign-born individual who has been granted Permanent Resident Status by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Permanent Residents are NOT considered international students and are exempt from this policy.
- Students covered by the International Student Admissions Policy may not be officially registered for classes until admission requirements have been fulfilled. All foreign students applying for admission to North Arkansas College must submit the following before an I-20 is issued:
- Completed application for admission and any personal data forms that may be requested by the college with a $35 non-refundable application fee, which will not apply toward any tuition or registration fee. All applications and supporting documents are due by June 1 for fall enrollment, November 1 for spring enrollment, and April 1 for summer enrollment.
- Provide Proof of Financial Stability of $18,800 U.S. dollars for one year of studies.
- High school transcripts, college/university transcripts, and statements of financial standing.
- TOEFL score of 500 (paper based), 173 (computer based), 63 (Internet-based), or proof of graduation from an Intensive English Language Program in the United States (waived for native English speakers only), as well as ACT or other tests required by the institution.
- Proof of health insurance in the United States.
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. (Two doses measles and one dose of mumps and rubella.)
- Full tuition must be paid at the time of enrollment.
- All students covered by this policy must be degree-seeking students.
Concurrent Enrollment Admission Policy
ACT 1097 of the Arkansas General Assembly (AC §6-18-223) provides for students who are enrolled in a high school and meet the admission standards of North Arkansas College to enroll concurrently for academic courses. AHECB Policy 5.16 also defines concurrent enrollment regulations.
Students who are in grades nine through twelve may enroll concurrently for college courses. Northark considers those students who have successfully completed the eighth grade and who have not graduated from high school as falling under the provisions of this policy. Concurrently enrolled students must meet these criteria:
- The student must have completed the eighth grade and be enrolled in a secondary school or home school.
- The student must complete an application for admission and provide qualifying test scores (ACCUPLACER or ACT). Home-schooled students must also provide a copy of the Notification of Intent to Home School Form, which is on file with the local school district.
Only students who are qualified and enrolled in the college course may attend the course; high school students cannot attend the course to receive only high school credit. North Arkansas College may stipulate additional qualifications for admission to concurrent student status. Northark Concurrent Enrollment Program staff will determine concurrent student placement score attainment and eligibility at the time of registration.
Concurrent Enrollment Rules & Regulations:
- A concurrently enrolled student will be classified as non-degree seeking.
- A concurrently enrolled student may not enroll for more than nine semester hours during any semester exclusive of courses taken at the high school campus or secondary center during regular school hours. Exceptions may be made by the high school administration in collaboration with Concurrent Enrollment program staff.
- Students enrolled concurrently must maintain a cumulative 2.00 GPA each semester of Northark enrollment. Students failing to achieve a 2.00 semester GPA will be placed on academic probation for the following semester if the cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. Students will remain on academic probation as long as their semester GPA is 2.0 or higher and their cumulative GPA is less than 2.0. Students will be placed on academic suspension if, while on academic probation, they fail to achieve a 2.0 semester GPA and the cumulative GPA continues to be less than 2.0. Students may not re-enroll at Northark until they are classified as a degree-seeking student, typically following high school graduation or completion of a GED credential. Exceptions will require the approval of the Academic Leadership and Student Success Team.
- All arrangements of third-party payment of tuition and fees are the responsibility of the student.
- To be eligible to enroll in general education/transfer courses listed below for college credit, a concurrent student must achieve the following minimum ACT scores based on 12th grade norms (or comparable ACCUPLACER score):
| ENGL 1013 - English Composition I |
ACT English, 19 or Next Gen. Accuplacer Writing, 255 &
ACT Reading, 19 or Next Gen. Accuplacer Reading, 255 |
| MAT 1223 - College Algebra |
ACT Math, 21 or Next Gen. Accuplacer QAS, 255 &
ACT Reading, 19 or Next Gen. Accuplacer Reading, 255 |
| MAT 1223 - College Algebra |
ACT Math, 19 or higher or Next Gen. Accuplacer QAS, 249* &
ACT Reading, 19 or Next Gen. Accuplacer Reading, 255 *With qualifying Math Index Score |
| All other courses in the State Minimum Core Curriculum |
ACT Reading, 19 or Next Gen. Accuplacer Reading, 255 |
- Northark academic programs have oversight for transcripting concurrent college credit that follows HLC standards for student learning outcomes, faculty credentialing, etc.
Application for Readmission
Students who wish to return to North Arkansas College after an absence of one regular semester or longer (not including summer terms) must submit an application for readmission.
Change of Schedule (Add/Drop)
Students officially enrolled may drop courses through the extended registration deadline. Failure to complete the established procedure will nullify either action. Additional fee charges or reductions may result. The deadline for adding courses or changing courses or sections is provided in the Academic Calendar.
A student may drop a higher level course and add a lower-level course in the same division or vice versa through the fourth week of classes provided permission is granted by the appropriate instructor(s).
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. Also, dropping may affect future financial aid due to Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements.
College Success Courses
Northark offers a college success course called ORT 1002 Northark First Year Experience (FYE). All first-time entering Associate of Arts and Associate of General Studies degree-seeking freshmen will be required to complete the First Year Experience course as a graduation requirement. This course is designed to transition students into college life, providing skills that are necessary for success in college-level study. Students are introduced to campus resources as well as given the tools to develop academic skills such as critical reading, note-taking, studying, test-taking, and writing for success in college. In addition, students develop life skills such as financial literacy, self-responsibility, personal empowerment, and gaining knowledge that will help them thrive in the current job culture and in a diverse society. Exceptions to taking the course may be made based on established procedures.
Directory Information on Students
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) assures confidentiality of education records containing information directly related to presently enrolled students, former students, or alumni.
The institution, according to the Act, may make public directory information about a student including the following: The student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major, and field of study, classification by year, number of hours enrolled in and/or completed, degrees and awards, parents’ or spouse’s name and address, marital status, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance (including matriculation and withdrawal date), the most recent previous education agency or institution attended, and photograph.
The college may, at its discretion and without a student’s written request, release confidential information to the following:
- College officials having a legitimate educational interest
- Officials from other institutions in which the student seeks enrollment
- Federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Immigration, Treasury, Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc.
- Private or public agencies regarding application for or receipt of financial aid, including guaranteed student loans
- Organizations conducting studies for education agencies or institutions developing, validating, or administering tests, student aid programs, or educational improvement programs;
- Accrediting organizations
- A court in compliance with a judicial order
- Others in emergencies affecting the health or safety of the student or other persons.
Students may request to suppress from public disclosure “directory information.” To do so, a student must file a form with the Registrar’s Office, before the end of the first week of classes each semester. This request does not restrict the release of information to the individuals and agencies listed above.
Placement Test Requirements
In accordance with Arkansas law, first time, degree-seeking students are tested in Math, English, and Reading and are placed in classes based on test scores and other criteria. North Arkansas College adopts appropriate placement measures which are supported by student success data. North Arkansas College develops an institutional placement plan for Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The College accepts ACT, Accuplacer, COMPASS and ASSET scores for placement purposes. In addition, high school GPA and duration from last mathematics and English courses are also considered. Northark requires that full-time, degree-seeking students who are placed into college preparatory classes register for those classes upon initial enrollment at the college.
Students interested in taking the ACCUPLACER placement exam should contact the Northark Certification Center for further information or to schedule a testing appointment.
North Arkansas College is a designated regional testing center for the ACT. The examination is administered on specified national testing dates throughout the year with residual testing available for those unable to take the examination on the scheduled days. Information and registration forms regarding the ACT may be obtained from a high school counselor or from the Advising or Admissions Office at Northark.
Below is the Placement Guide for placing students in classes based on test scores and other criteria.
Placement Guide 2022
Registration
For registration dates and deadlines, consult the academic calendar online, in the Northark catalog, or the Student Handbook.
Students are required to register during the period designated for that purpose. A student may not attend any class until individual registration is complete. Students permitted to enter courses after classes have begun will be responsible for all work prior to their entrance. Registration is not officially completed until all admission materials are received and approved, registration forms and course enrollment completed, and applicable tuition and fees paid by the payment deadline.
Schedule Changes
Students officially enrolled may drop courses through the extended registration deadline. Failure to complete the established procedure will nullify either action. Additional fee charges or reduction may result.
A student may drop a higher-level course and add a lower level course in the same division or vice versa through the fourth week of classes provided permission is granted by the appropriate Dean.
Student Identification Card
All Northark students are eligible to receive a student identification card. The student ID card enables students to check out books from Northark libraries and to obtain free admission to the Northark basketball games, other designated Northark events, and discounts at some restaurants in the Harrison area. Student ID cards are available free of charge in the Admissions Office. Lost or damaged ID cards may be replaced for a fee of $5.00 and payable in the Student Accounts Office, M182.
Transfer of Credits
- The Registrar’s Office shall determine the general transferability of credit, and each department may determine credit as fulfillment of specific degree requirements. Credit is not granted for work that is remedial in course content. Only those courses with earned credit of C or better will be accepted for transfer.
- Credits earned at other institutions will not be calculated in grade points earned at North Arkansas College.
- Course work earned at another college will be transferred to Northark if the institution is regionally accredited.
- Course work taken at institutions not fully accredited by a regional accrediting agency may be denied completely or provisional enrollment may be granted subject to successfully completing 12 semester hours at Northark with a C or better in each course.
Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS)
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. This system is designed to assist in planning from the high school level through the adult workforce. If the report states “No Comparable Course,” the course is not guaranteed to transfer. Contact the transfer officer at the receiving institution for further information as it is possible that the course will transfer. Additionally, courses with a “D” frequently do not transfer and institutional policies may vary. ACTS may be accessed online at http://www.adhe.edu/students-parents/colleges-universites/transfer-info.-for-students/.
Transfer to Bachelor’s Degrees
Articulation agreements are formal agreements, or partnerships, between two or more colleges and universities to simplify the process of transferring from two-year institutions to four-year institutions. Students can transfer to many different colleges and universities, but to make that process easier, Northark has entered into articulation agreements with several institutions.
For students who cannot find the specific transfer guide they desire, a Northark advisor can work with them to customize a plan to guide their transfer to the college/university and major of their choice. Students may contact Northark’s Advising Center at AdvisingVoicemail@northark.edu or call 870-391-3115 to request a customized transfer guide.
For a complete list of Northark partnerships with four-year institutions, see the North Arkansas College website at www.northark.edu/academics/bachelors-degrees/index.
Tuition: Residency Classification and Requirements
For fee purposes, a legal resident of Boone County is one who has lived in Arkansas for the past six months and in Boone County for six consecutive months preceding the beginning of the semester. Any applicant or student with less than one year’s residency in Arkansas must provide proof of residency.
A student who is a legal resident of Arkansas, but who has not lived in Boone County for the past six months, is an out-of-county resident.
A non-resident of Arkansas is one who has not lived in Arkansas for the past six consecutive months.
A student living in Stone, Taney, Ozark or Barry counties in Missouri for the last six months is considered a contiguous county resident.
The following documents are proof of residency: a voter’s registration, assessment of taxes or payment of taxes, or driver’s license. Any one of the above documents dated six months prior to the beginning of a semester or a certified letter from an employer on business stationery and signed by the personnel officer, stating student’s name, social security number, address, and date of initial employment, will serve as proof of residency. The letter must prove six months of employment prior to the start of classes.
All documentation for determining fee status must be on file in the Registrar’s Office by the end of the registration period - refer to Academic Calendar. No change of fee status will be made after the end of the registration period. Submitting a change of address form does not change a fee status; students must also submit supporting documents.
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