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.
Exceptions may be made based on established procedures.
Bookstore
Textbook Returns, Refunds and Buy-Backs
The Bookstore will gladly only issue a refund for a returned textbook during the semester upon class cancellation by the college or official class withdrawal by the student (an official bookstore receipt will be required). Any textbook refund during the semester will be subject to exactly the same published refund schedule for tuition and fees.
Textbooks or codes must be unopened and in exact condition as when it was sold.
Clothing must be in resalable (new) condition.
No returns available on laptops or any electronic items.
As a service to the students, the bookstore and/or external book dealer may offer to buy back a particular course textbook for a slightly 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. Buyback will occur during finals week for the Fall and Spring semesters only.
All you need to do is bring your schedule to the store and we do the rest. Our goal is to make book-buying easy and find ways to save you money. Please note that expenses for books and supplies required for courses are additional out-of-pocket costs for students. Students are responsible to purchase required books and supplies via awarded financial aid or personal payments. Books and supplies expenses are separate from tuition and fees, and thus, should not be included with tuition and fee payments. Expenses for books and supplies are estimated to be $300 to $900 per semester, depending on the availability of rental options verses purchase prices, and depending on a student’s major and class load.
Career Pathways
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 on South Campus, Room M154, or call 870-391-3153.
Career Services
Career services can help each student develop a well thought out career path. The Success Coach or your advisor 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.
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, to provide appropriate documentation or other substantiation of the disability, to follow established procedures to use their Individualized Educational Access Plan (accommodation plan). Accommodation plans are developed based on needs and are intended to ensure access to all aspects of the learning community.
- 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, email kbrecklein@northark.edu, or visit M185.
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 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 Harrison 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 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 federal school code (012261) 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 https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa 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. Once completed, students will be notified of eligibility.
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 $3,500 per year for freshman and $4,500 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 $6,000 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.
State Programs
The state of Arkansas offers a number of financial aid opportunities. Students wishing to apply for state aid should complete the Youniversal Application at https://scholarships.adhe.edu/. Here is a partial list of state aid programs:
1. Arkansas Challenge Scholarship
The Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to Arkansas residents pursuing a higher education. Funded in large part by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, the Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college.
2. Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture)
Arkansas Future (ArFuture), is the newest state grant program. The purpose of this grant is to increase the education and skills of Arkansas’s workforce in an affordable manner. The grant applies to students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) or regional high demand areas of study. The grant will cover tuition and fees for qualifying certificate and Associate degree programs at Arkansas’ public institutions for eligible students. The grant is available on a first come, first serve basis.
3. Arkansas Workforce Challenge
The Workforce Challenge Scholarship was created in the 2017 legislative session and is funded by lottery revenue. The purpose of the scholarship is for workforce training in high demand areas of healthcare, information technology, and industry. Classes are not limited to credit-bearing programs. Non-credit, workforce-training classes.
For a complete list of state programs, visit https://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships-and-programs/a-z/.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
The complete Satisfactory Progress Policy is located in the Student Policies section.
Return of Title IV Funds
The complete Return to Title IV policy is located in the Student Policies section.
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 four tiers.
- Presidential-Platinum Scholarship
- Presidential-Gold Scholarship
- Presidential-Silver Scholarship
- Presidential-Bronze Scholarship
Athletic Scholarships
Basketball scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrated athletic ability and scholastic achievement as determined by the coaches and the Director of Athletics.
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.
Housing
The Student Services Office provides a list of apartments to students. North Arkansas College does not currently offer student housing.
Northark Help
Northark Help is a program designed to assist Northark students through benefit services. The goal is to increase student retention and completion, increase student financial stability, increase employment rates and generate a culture change. AmericCorps Vista, AARP TaxAide, Northwest Regional Housing Authority and the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas have partnered with the college to make this program possible.
Public Benefits
Northark Help offers access to food, healthcare, tax preparation, Workforce Services, Unemployment Insurance Benefits and other services to assist students during their pursuit of higher education. Northark provides an on-campus location to aid in-person application processes for partnering agencies. Contact Beverly Hefley at 870-391-3307 or beverly.hefley@northark.edu.
Pete’s Pantry
Pete’s Pantry is a free supplemental food pantry for currently enrolled Northark students. A division of NortharkHELP, Pete’s Pantry was designed to assist students with food needs while working to further their education. The only requirement to use the pantry is that the student must be currently enrolled in classes.
Students are welcome to visit the pantry twice a month during the fall and spring semesters. Pete’s Pantry is set up on a point system. The number of people in a student’s household will determine the point total for the visit. Students will be allowed to shop through the pantry and select the food for their family.
Pete’s Pantry is located in room M171 on the South campus of North Arkansas College and will be open during the semester for walk-ins Mondays 11 a.m. -2 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or students may schedule an appointment at a different time by calling Beverly Hefley at 870-391-3307.
Pete’s Pantry was established through the Working Student Success Network and is sustained through private donations. Through our partnership with the Food Bank of North Central Arkansas, Pete’s Pantry is able to receive food on average at 10 cents per pound. While we do accept non-expired shelf life food, we ask that if you wish to donate to the pantry please make a monetary donation. To donate please call 870-391-3307 or the Northark Foundation at 870-391-3159.
Financial Coaching
Northark staff assists students in reaching their financial goals. Financial services provided by NortharkHELP include goal setting, learning to budget wisely, saving more money, building your credit, paying off debt and becoming financially stable.
Get help from one-on-one financial coaching sessions, seminars from financial experts and free educational workshop opportunities offered through each semester. Our one-on-one coaching sessions combined with the information learned through the financial literacy course will have students eager to improve their financial situations and be better equipped for life after graduation. Please contact Jennifer Haddock at 870-391-3240 or jhaddock@northark.edu.
Career Coaching
Career coaching is for students who wish to gain a clear picture of where they are going, improve their work satisfaction, change jobs or make a career change. Each session holds a great opportunity to explore what the future holds and set personal career goals while gaining career confidence, insight, encouragement and inspiration. The career coach will:
Try to find out your life/work values, your purpose in life and identify careers which are aligned with this. The closer your job is to these critical values, the happier and more satisfied you will feel.
Help you recognize what jobs you are suited for based on your talents, education, personality and ambition. These can be detected through general discussion, testing and probing questions. The best coaches are very honest and will tell you what you can aspire to and what your limitations are likely to be.
Assist you to clarify your long term career goals and assist you to create an action plan to achieve them. This can take several sessions to complete.
Structure your job search, help with your application documents as well as coach you to present well in job interviews.
To learn more about career coaching opportunities at Northark or to schedule an appointment, contact Rachel Nelson at 391-3546 or rnelson@northark.edu.
Career and Financial Literacy Training
Career and financial literacy training is provided to Northark students through course embedding, new student orientation, Go To Person Campaign, workshops, Northark welcome week, Northark website, publications and benefit agencies Northark campus location. Topics include budgeting, credit, checking and savings accounts, exploration of options for majors and resume and professionalism.
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 M185.
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 .
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