FAQ

Navigating campus and Northwest Arkansas:

 

You can click here for our interactive campus map and building directory.

 

Transit and Parking:

All parking permits are purchased through the Parking and Transit Office. You can purchase permits through your My Parking Portal Account. If you have any difficulty or questions about your permit, please contact their office at (479) 575-7275.

Please note that U of A Cares cannot change permit types or remove parking violation fees.

There are multiple parking permit types and reserved lots on campus. Please refer to the Parking Map or contact Parking and Transit at (479) 575-7275 to discuss the best possible parking options for your permit.

Parking citations may be paid in person at the Transit and Parking Department, by mail, or online at My Parking Account. UA parking violation charges not paid or appealed within 10 business days could result in the violator's enrollment being denied, transcript being withheld, employee payroll deductions for the amount owed, or the violator's vehicle being booted or towed and impounded.

Please note that U of A Cares cannot change parking permit types or remove parking violation fees.

Individuals seeking an Accessible Parking Permit should first seek to receive a state handicap parking placard or license plate. In the event of extenuating circumstances where that is not available, you may contact the Accommodations and Accessibility Services/ ADA Coordinator with Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX (OEOC).

The appropriate permit type, with the addition of an ADA designator, will be issued for the standard fee. The ADA designator will not be issued on a economy permit. The ADA permit allows parking in UA ADA parking spaces and in lots designated as faculty/staff, student and economy. Meter payment is required when parking at a parking meter.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, public transit agencies like Razorback Transit are required to provide curb-to-curb, demand-responsive paratransit service that "mirrors" their fixed-route bus service (in terms of service times and areas). The service is a "safety net" and is only for those persons who do not have the functional capability to access the fixed route bus system. Razorback Transit currently operates 20 accessible buses in peak service on its fixed route system with 4 Paratransit vans in peak service providing comparable service for disabled persons who are prevented from using the buses. Please note the reduced service schedule at specific times during the year.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability alone does not qualify a person to ride paratransit. A person must be functionally unable to use the fixed-route bus service. Paratransit service is provided to the following three general groups of persons with disabilities:

Persons who have specific impairment-related conditions which make it impossible, not just difficult or inconvenient, to travel to or from the bus stop.

Persons who need a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair lift-equipped bus is unable to deploy its lift in a particular location due to physical constraints of that particular bus stop.

Persons who are unable to board, ride, exit or otherwise navigate the fixed route bus system, even if they are able to get to a bus stop.

For questions regarding eligibility or to discuss options for Paratransit, please contact Parking and Transit at (479) 575-7275.

Razorback Transit is the official transit service of the University of Arkansas. Razorback Transit is free to the public and visits the essential locations of Fayetteville and the U of A campus. You can click here to view the current routes and schedules. Those using the transit regularly may want to download the Passio GO! app for real-time updates on bus locations and schedules.

Ozark Regional Transit offers both fixed and on-demand routes for Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville. You can click here to find information for the routes and schedules. Real-time updates for bus locations and schedules can be found on Passio GO!.

The current cost is as follows:

$0.00 Fixed routes run Monday - Friday (Route 20 in Fayetteville runs on Saturday)

$1.25 per rider per trip On-Demand transit runs Monday - Saturday

 

Campus Life:

HogSync provides students opportunities to get involved with the campus community through organizations and events. Students can use HogSync to search through a campus-wide listing of organizations and events.

HogSync provides students opportunities to get involved with the campus community through organizations and events. Students can use HogSync to search through a campus-wide listing of organizations and events.

The mission of University Recreation is to empower students for success through recreation and wellness. UREC (University Recreation) has facilities on and off campus and offers multiple group fitness classes, intramural sports, wellness activities, and more.

Yes! For a current schedule of intramural sports, please visit UREC’s Intramural Sports website.

There may be employment opportunities available for students on or near campus.

RazorTemps is a useful resource for finding temporary on campus employment.

The Offices of Career Connections can help students search and apply for jobs utilizing the Handshake app.

UREC is another option for finding employment on campus; UREC employs around 400 student employees in a variety of program areas.

Graduate assistantships (GAs) are awarded by various departments or units on campus. On 50% assistantships, students work 20 hours per week (in teaching, research, or other areas) or teach up to two 3 credit hour courses. Students on 25% assistantships will work 10 hours per week. To qualify for an assistantship, graduate students must be regularly admitted into the graduate school and accepted into a graduate degree or certificate program.

Students interested in applying for a graduate assistantship or other part-time employment opportunities on campus can find available positions through Workday.

 

Campus Partners:

All medical services provided at Pat Walker Health Center are performed by board-certified & licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and specialists. View our medical providers directory to learn more about each of our providers. University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff can be seen in our medical clinics. To learn more about appointments, view our Appointments page

Pat Walker Health Center’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is committed to supporting the University of Arkansas students with all mental health care needs. CAPS offers critical mental health services such as short-term individual counseling, group counseling, psychiatry, 24/7 emergency mental health services, and case management.

Most services through CAPS are covered by the student health and wellness fee. Only some services, such as psychiatry, have minimal charges. 

The Substance Education, Assessment and Recovery (SEAR) Program provides direct individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis, and other substance related concerns. The Razorback® Recovery Community (RRC) offers support for students in recovery.

Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. The office of Title IX oversees the university's compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

 

The Office of Student Accountability is committed to promoting a safe, healthy, and inclusive community where students can pursue their academic endeavors and grow into productive global citizens. This is accomplished through the investigation, adjudication, and sanctioning as it relates to the behavioral standards as outlined in the Code of Student Life.

Engagement is at the heart of the mission of International Students and Scholars. At times, international students may find themselves in circumstances beyond their control (i.e. losing sponsorship, needing to drop below the required amount of  credit hours, etc.). Students are encouraged to meet with the International Student and Scholars Office prior to seeking assistance from the ODOS. International students should be aware that an official form is required for them to decrease the number of hours required for enrollment or to withdraw from classes completely. For more information, contact our ISS office at (479) 575-5003.

University Housing provides a home for more than 7,000 students. University Housing comprises four areas, each under a director's leadership: Administrative Services; Business and Technology; Residence Education; Residential Facilities.

Students living in University Housing should be aware of the policies and regulations listed in the Residence Hall Handbook. Any questions concerning policies and procedures should be addressed to the residence education staff member in the student's residence.

 

Academics:

Students will sometimes become ill or be injured. In the unfortunate event that this occurs, students are advised to seek medical attention and follow the advice of a medical professional. Students should make contact with their instructors regarding any absences and to determine what the best course of action should be for making up any missed classes or course work/exams. It is at the discretion of the faculty member to determine whether or not a student can make up missed work. For more information, review the Attendance Policy for Students. Please note U of A Cares does not provide excused absences.

It should be noted that the Pat Walker Health Center, located on campus, does not provide a doctor's note to students. Please be advised of this prior to making your appointment. In certain circumstances, the ODOS may be able to confirm a student's absence, but this is very rare, due to HIPAA regulations.

 

In the event of an injury that impacts the ability to attend in person classes, students are encouraged to contact their instructors as soon as they are able to discuss the best options for completing the coursework as they recover.

Students experiencing limitations may also want to connect with our Center for Educational Access (CEA) office to discuss possible academic accommodations.

We understand it can be difficult to know how to word emails to your professors. Here are a few tips for when you need to communicate with your faculty:

-List your first and last name AND student ID number OR the class course code as the subject of the email (example: Student Name - 0000000 or Student Name - ENGL 10000 001)

-Be mindful of your professor’s title for your greeting (Dr., Professor, Instructor)

-Share a few sentences about the situation/question you have for their course

-Include any information important your professor may need (specific assignment names, etc.) and be specific with your question

-Familiarize yourself with your professor’s office hours if you are requesting to meet outside of class

Academic advising services are offered differently across campus to meet the unique needs of the different colleges and their students. You can find your college’s advising office information here: https://advising.uark.edu/

Unsure who your advisor is? Login to UASuccess and check your Success Network.

 

You can drop a class by logging in to your UA Connect account and following these instructions: https://help-uaconnect.uark.edu/knowledge-centers/student/drop-class.php, or by meeting with your academic advisor. Please be mindful of the drop/withdrawal deadlines each semester by visiting the Academic Semester Calendar­.

You can withdrawal from all classes by logging in to your UA Connect account and following these steps: https://registrar.uark.edu/registration/withdrawal.php, or by visiting your academic advisor. Please be mindful of the drop/withdrawal deadlines each semester by visiting the Academic Semester Calendar­.

 

*Please be aware that withdrawing can affect your SAP calculations and scholarship renewals.

The U of A does not currently have a medical withdrawal policy. It is advised that students schedule a meeting with a case manager in the ODOS to discuss options. Some options include, but are likely not limited to, students withdrawing themselves through UA Connect, obtaining refunded housing/meal plans, refunds on parking permits, requesting a retroactive withdrawal from the Registrar (documentation required), a compassionate refund adjustment through the Treasurer, and/or scholarship deferral. Each situation is determined on a case-by-case basis. Not every circumstance will qualify for the above-listed options.

Students who officially withdraw from all courses may qualify for a cancellation or partial cancellation of tuition and fees based on the official date of the withdrawal (normally defined as the date recorded by web registration). For specific dates during a semester, see the Academic Semester Calendar. You can find the steps for a Treasurer’s Appeal here: https://treasurer.uark.edu/withdraw.aspx.

 

Certain fees are not refundable, such as the New Student Fee, ID Card Fee, and First Year Experience Fee. For detailed information, see Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 518.0.

You can find the dates to drop each semester on our Academic Semester Calendar: https://registrar.uark.edu/academic-dates/academic-semester-calendar/.

You can change your major by meeting with an academic advisor in the college the major is housed in. If you aren’t sure which college advising office to connect with, please refer to the Academic Advising site: https://advising.uark.edu/ or by talking with your current college’s academic advisor.

There may be an option for you to switch your degree to remote classes through the University of Arkansas Global Campus. To discuss the best options for your degree, please contact your academic advisor or the U of A Global Campus: https://globalcampus.uark.edu/.

Please note: U of A Cares cannot change enrollment type or override courses.

In the event a student has an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or needs accommodation(s) while on campus, they are advised to consult with our Center for Educational Access (CEA). Students can request accommodations fitting their needs. To get started, visit CEA's website: https://cea.uark.edu/

In the event a student is hospitalized for any reason (medical or psychological) and unable to notify their instructors, the ODOS will notify instructors of the student’s absence and assist in discussing a timeline of the student’s return. Students and families are encouraged to maintain contact with the ODOS and faculty if they will continue to be away for an extended period of time.

Upon release from the hospital, the student will be encouraged to make an appointment with a case manager to discuss their re-entry into classes. The case manager can ensure follow-up services are provided such as CAPS, CEA, or withdrawal assistance, if it is needed. Please note that the ODOS has the capacity to place hold on a student's account to require a meeting if it is imperative that student meet with an administrator to ensure their well-being.

A mark of “I” may be assigned when a legitimate circumstance has prevented a student from completing all course requirements and if the work that has been completed at the time of assigning an “I” is of passing quality. It is the discretion of the instructor that determines what qualifies as a legitimate circumstance. It is recommended that the instructor, prior to the assignment of an incomplete grade, document the legitimate circumstance and conditions for completing course requirements. An “I” mark may be changed to a grade provided all course requirements have been completed within 12 months after the end of the term in which the “I” was assigned.   If the instructor does not report the grade within the 12-month period, the “I” shall be changed to an “F.” When a mark of “I” is changed to a final grade, the grade points and academic standing are appropriately adjusted on the student’s official academic records.

 

*Please be aware that an incomplete grade does not have grade points associated with them for SAP calculations or the academic GPA.

 

Academic Policies, Processes, and Appeals:

“As a core part of its mission, the University of Arkansas provides students with the opportunity to further their educational goals through programs of study and research in an environment that promotes freedom of inquiry and academic responsibility. Accomplishing this mission is only possible when intellectual honesty and individual integrity prevail.”

“Each University of Arkansas student is required to be familiar with and abide by the University’s ‘Academic Integrity Policy’ which may be found at http://provost.uark.edu/. Students with questions about how these policies apply to a particular course or assignment should immediately contact their instructor.”

Responsibility for understanding and adhering to the values of academic integrity, including being familiar with and complying with this policy, lies with individual students as members of the University community. The University shall assist students in meeting this responsibility through educational efforts such as training held during both undergraduate and graduate new student orientation, and on-line training modules, and may also include training during program-level orientation and in individual classrooms. The University shall also provide a statement on academic integrity that faculty will be encouraged to include in all course syllabi. Again, however, as developing scholars, students must take the initiative to familiarize themselves with and clarify expectations regarding academic integrity.

Academic Integrity Violations are reported to and investigated by the Office of Student Accountability.

 

The Academic Standards Committee operates under the authority of the Campus Faculty. This Committee recommends policies concerning grading, examinations, academic probation and exclusion and related matters; reviews the enforcement and effectiveness of these policies; and adjudicates petitions for readmission and variance to academic policies.

Ordinarily the Academic Standards Committee meets about one week prior to the first day of registration for each semester and the first summer session to adjudicate petitions. It meets other times as necessary to consider matters placed before it. For more information see the Academic Calendar.

To receive Title IV aid, federal regulation requires that a student must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP). All students enrolled at the University of Arkansas who receive financial aid through the Title IV Assistance Programs must meet the following SAP requirements. Satisfactory academic progress is deemed to have been made by any undergraduate student who meets both the quantitative and qualitative requirements. For more information and the requirements: https://finaid.uark.edu/financial_aid_information/satisfactory-academic-progress.php

If you need to submit an SAP Appeal, you can find the information for that process here: https://finaid.uark.edu/financial_aid_information/satisfactory-academic-progress.php.

 

Students who officially withdraw from all courses may qualify for a cancellation or partial cancellation of tuition and fees based on the official date of the withdrawal (normally defined as the date recorded by web registration). For specific dates during a semester, see the Academic Semester Calendar. You can find the steps for a Treasurer’s Appeal here: https://treasurer.uark.edu/withdraw.aspx.

Please note certain fees are not refundable, such as the New Student Fee, ID Card Fee, and First Year Experience Fee. For detailed information, see Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 518.0.

Students are encouraged to contact their faculty in the event that a concern arises with another student, if there is a conflict with the faculty member or TA of the course, in the event that a student believes they are being treated unfairly, or if a student feels there has been an unequal application of policies. Students should be aware that there is a process for informal and formal resolution. These resolutions should be used in the event of a grade appeal, allegation of harassment or discrimination, failure to provide reasonable accommodations, or variations of policy applications. For more information about this process, please review: Student Grievances and Appeals.

Under the Grade Exclusion Policy, undergraduate students may improve their University of Arkansas (UA) undergraduate cumulative grade-point average (GPA) by requesting that the university exclude up to 9 credit hours in courses taken at the UA in which a grade of “D” or “F” was received. The excluded courses will no longer be used to compute the UA GPA. Students must file a petition with the Office of the Registrar to use grade exclusion indicating which course(s) they choose to grade exclude. The petition must be completed and approved prior to graduation. You can find the petition here: https://registrar.uark.edu/student-records/undergraduate-grade-exclusion-policy.php.

If a student questions the fairness or accuracy of a grade, there is recourse through a student grade appeal structure. Disagreements shall be heard that allege the instructor’s policy was not applied consistently to all students, differed substantially from the announced policy, or that a policy was not announced. All grievances concerning course grades must be filed within one calendar year of the end of the term in which the grade that is being appealed was assigned. You can find the full Grade Appeal Structure here: Student Grievances and Appeals

A mark of “I” may be assigned when a legitimate circumstance has prevented a student from completing all course requirements and if the work that has been completed at the time of assigning an “I” is of passing quality. It is the discretion of the instructor that determines what qualifies as a legitimate circumstance. It is recommended that the instructor, prior to the assignment of an incomplete grade, document the legitimate circumstance and conditions for completing course requirements. An “I” mark may be changed to a grade provided all course requirements have been completed within 12 months after the end of the term in which the “I” was assigned.   If the instructor does not report the grade within the 12-month period, the “I” shall be changed to an “F.” When a mark of “I” is changed to a final grade, the grade points and academic standing are appropriately adjusted on the student’s official academic records.

 

*Please note that an incomplete grade “I” does not have grade points associated with them for SAP calculations or the academic GPA.

 

Financial Aid/Scholarships:

Federal and state aid regulations and laws require institutions to establish a Cost of Attendance (COA) for each student receiving any kind of financial aid or student support. The COA is derived from direct costs such as tuition, fees, housing, and food and indirect costs such as books, supplies, personal miscellaneous expenses, and transportation costs. Institutions use the Expected Family Contribution as calculated by the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a student's COA to determine the student's financial need.

 

Students have a personal obligation to understand and maintain the requirements of their financial aid and scholarships. Students should contact Financial Aid to make sure they understand all the requirements of their financial aid package. Each scholarship you receive may have its own renewal criteria.

For scholarships through the University of Arkansas, please review the Scholarship Award and Renewability Information. For specific questions regarding a Non-Resident Tuition Award, inquiries should be directed to NRTA@uark.edu.

For scholarships through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE) such as the Academic Challenge Scholarship, please log in to your Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) account to review your scholarships and the criteria. For private scholarships, please contact the provider directly.

In some circumstances, students will need to apply for an appeal when Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is not made. For more information about this policy, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at 479-575-3806.

Who should I contact for questions regarding a scholarship I receive through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE)?

Please refer to ADHE’s Frequently Asked Questions. You may contact the ADHE via phone at (501) 371-2000 or via email at finaid@adhe.edu for additional information/questions about your scholarship(s).

For questions relating to student loans, please contact our Financial Aid office at (479) 575-3806 or connect directly with your loan provider.

 

Emergency Funding/Living and Housing Resources:

We understand that college can be expensive, and that students cannot always manage financially. There are a few resources for a student to obtain assistance through the Office of the Dean of Students. Please be mindful that eligibility for emergency funding is based on your current enrollment in the semester and Cost of Attendance (COA).

If the financial situation is a short-term issue, the U of A Cares Student Emergency Fund may be a good resource to pursue. The purpose of the U of A Cares Emergency Fund is to assist University of Arkansas students with short-term emergencies. These funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a consistent supplement. Emergency situations could include but are not limited to: death or serious illness of a parent, spouse or child, housing fire/flood, or other extenuating circumstances. This fund cannot be used to provide tuition support and has a maximum award of $300. Please expect a response via email within 2 weeks of submitting your application.

The Needy Family Graduate Student Emergency Fund is another resource geared towards students currently enrolled in the University of Arkansas Graduate School. The typical award for this fund is $250 and cannot be used to pay tuition or fees, costs for exams or preparation materials.

The International Education Catastrophic Fund is a resource for international students and scholars enrolled at the University of Arkansas. The typical award for this fund is $250 and cannot be used to pay tuition or fees, costs for exams or preparation materials.

 

Yes, there are resources available on campus and in the Northwest Arkansas community for students experiencing food insecurity.

The Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry on campus can assist students with meals and some personal care needs. All pantry orders are placed and managed through PantrySoft, the pantry’s inventory management system. To place an order, you will first create a PantrySoft account and then select your order type. You can view a tutorial on how to register through PantrySoft here.

The Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in the community offers a mobile pantry which serves Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and multiple surrounding cities (Prairie Grove, Hiwasse, Berryville, Westfork, Decatur, Lowell, and more). The NWA Food Bank also has a community resource list available.

Housing needs can vary from case to case. It is encouraged that students first attempt to meet with a housing representative (if on-campus) before coming to the ODOS.

At this time, there are no emergency housing funds or deposit/eviction assistance programs in place for students. We will gladly explore options with a student, but please know that there will unlikely be a solution for housing made by meeting with a Case Manager or Dean.

If you are looking for housing assistance off-campus that is not contracted with the university housing, you may review the following resources:

 

Uark Off-Campus Housing

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Fayetteville Hearth Program

Hark NWA

 

Student Emergencies and Losses:

In the case of a family emergency, we are here for you. Please notify your professors as soon as possible if you will be out of classes and contact our office for supportive resources and advocacy.

We at U of A Cares know that many things can occur during a student’s time here. In the difficult event a student experiences the death of a family member, the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) will make every effort possible to assist the student with addressing personal family matters while continuing their educational pursuits. The ODOS can assist with instructor notification if the student is unable to make notification on their own behalf due to bereavement. We do ask that students contact us directly but understand that some circumstances do not allow for this. We wish to express that we cannot share any student information under the constraints of FERPA but will gladly take information from callers and distribute that information, as is appropriate, to faculty and other appropriate staff.

The U of A community cares significantly about our students. In the unfortunate event of a student death, the ODOS will begin the process as followed in the Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 502.0 Guidelines. On behalf of the University, the Associate Dean of Students for Student Life will contact the family to offer condolences and support, as needed/requested. Designated campus partners will begin contacting all necessary departments. The UA campus and Division of Student Affairs (CAPS, CRO, Campus Ministry, etc.) will be made available and notified for all purposes needed for affected students and staff. If appropriate, University Relations will send a media statement.

 

Campus Emergencies and Communications:

Safety Warnings are issued when crimes have occurred on or near campus and are considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, but do not necessarily require immediate action. Safety Warnings (defined as “timely warnings” by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act) include the time, location, type of crime, and available description of the suspect(s), if available, and contain any information needed to allow people to protect themselves, if necessary. Safety Warnings, like RazALERT notifications, are automatically sent to all campus phones, email addresses and available personal cell phone numbers.

 

SafeZone is a free phone app that turns a cell phone into a personal safety device. The app connects you directly to the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) when there is an emergency on campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can update your contact information by logging into your UAConnect Student Center profile, selecting “Student Homepage”, and selecting “Profile”. On the lefthand sidebar, you will see “UA Campus Alerts” and you can enter your updated number for “Emergency messaging should be sent to:”. Make sure to hit “Save” before exiting from the page. More information about RazALERT preferences can be found here.

RazALERT (pronounced raise-alert) is the primary emergency and inclement weather notification system for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Arkansas. RazALERT messages are sent automatically to all campus landlines and email addresses, and to personal cell phones when that information has been provided to the university in UAConnect and/or Workday.

RazALERT emergency messages are issued if immediate attention is required of the campus community due to a dangerous situation currently occurring on campus or imminently threatening the health or safety of the campus community. This includes tornado warnings when campus is in the trajectory of a tornado.

WxALERT notifications are the most common messages sent through the RazALERT system. These are sent when snow, ice, or heavy rain forces the university to cancel or postpone classes and close or delay business operations.

There is no need to sign up to receive RazALERT or WxALERT notifications. However, if you aren’t receiving these notifications, please check to make sure your cell phone is listed correctly either in UAConnect or Workday. Learn more about how and where to check your contact info on our RazALERT Preferences and Contact Information page.

The U of A’s Communicable Disease and Outbreak Committee works to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and address the needs related to communicable disease outbreaks. Updates on any current communicable disease(s) can be found here.