U of A Cares
By providing referrals, resources, and other information to students in need, we seek to empower students to take advantage of the offices and services that exist on the University of Arkansas campus and in the local community in a manner that allows them to achieve their full potential. If you or someone you know may benefit from this service, please report a concern through our online reporting system (available 24 hours), or via phone or email (checked during business hours with the exception of holidays or inclement weather).
To submit a Cares report, please click here.
For Non-Immediate threats call the University of Arkansas Police Department at 479-575-2222.
By proactively detecting and identifying students in crisis and distress, we believe we can work together to provide a powerful service to our students.
U of A Cares does not provide class excuses for student absences. U of A Cares does send professor notifications in the event a student is unable to do so themselves or to help students connect with a professor regarding academic options. Outreach from U of A Cares is not prescriptive or meant to provide directives to faculty.
Parents, faculty, and staff often have the most direct contact with students and thus may be the first to notice any changes. In order to facilitate early identification of difficulties, listed below are some possible issues that may suggest that a student is in need of assistance.
- a change in class attendance; frequent class absences
- a drop in GPA or academic performance from the previous semester, especially for students who generally perform above average
- withdrawal from social interactions with peers, family, and significant others, and expressions of loneliness
- occurrence of a recent loss or other crisis (e.g., relationship breakup, death of a friend or family member, academic failure)
If you feel a student may be in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is better to be proactive than reactive.
For Non-Immediate threats call the University of Arkansas Police Department at (479)575-2222.
Parents can be of great help in ensuring their student gets the best experience available by reporting unusual behavior or warning signs. In order to facilitate early identification of difficulties, listed below are some possible warning signs that may suggest that a student is in need of assistance.
Please be advised that U of A Cares cannot discuss student records with parents/guardians/family members unless the student has completed a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Waiver. Students can complete a FERPA Waiver by following these instructions.
- a change in appearance (e.g., poor hygiene, weight gain/loss)
- a drop in GPA or academic performance from the previous semester, especially for students who generally perform above average
- increased irritability or agitation
- consistently inappropriate, illogical, or unrelated questions
- distracted or preoccupied thought processes
- withdrawal from social interactions with peers, family, and significant others, frequent class absences, and expressions of loneliness
- fearful responses, such as avoidance or apprehension about being alone
- occurrence of a recent loss or other crisis (e.g., relationship breakup, death of a friend or family member, academic failure, physical illness, sexual assault)
- expressions of hopelessness (statements such as "there's no use trying" or "what's the point?")
- indirect statements or written essays about death or suicide ("I want to disappear," "there's no way out" or "I can't go on") as well as more direct suicidal statements ("I've had thoughts about hurting myself")
- The appearance of any of the above warning signs may indicate that a student is in distress. If any of these signs are observed, especially on a repeated basis within a short period of time (2 to 3 weeks), it is important to talk with your student and refer them for assistance
If you feel a student may be in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is better to be proactive than reactive.
For Non-Immediate threats call the University of Arkansas Police Department at (479)575-2222.
If you would like to request an advocate to assist you through a student conduct or Title IX process please fill out the linked form.
U of A Cares cannot provide excuses for students for absences from class.
Students are advised to make personal contact with instructors regarding any absences. It is at the discretion of the faculty member to determine whether or not a student can make up any missed work. For more information, review the Attendance Policy for Students.
In the event a student has an existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or need for accommodation(s) while on campus, they are advised to consult with our Center for Educational Access (CEA). Students can request accommodations fitting their needs ranging from note-taker accommodations to mobility assistance. To get started, visit CEA's website.
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.
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.
U of A cares significantly about our student population. 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.
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 requirements of their financial aid package.
For specific questions regarding a Non-Resident Tuition Award, inquiries should be directed to NRTA@uark.edu.
For specific questions related to Academic Challenge Scholarships issues through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), review their website.
In some circumstances, students will need to apply for an appeal when Satisfactory Academic Progress is not made. For more information about that policy, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at 479-575-3806.
In instances in which a student wishes to petition for a waiver of academic rules regarding probation, suspension, or other rules and regulations related to academic progress and graduation, they should refer to the Office of the Registrar and consider an Academic Standards Committee Petition. Please be aware of the deadline each month for submitting petitions, which can be found on the Academic Semester Calendar.
We understand that college can be expensive, and students cannot always manage financially. At this time, there are few resources for a student to obtain assistance through the Office of the Dean of Students. However, students should still be encouraged to call the ODOS in the event resources do become available.
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.
For students who may experience food insecurity, there is a food pantry on campus that can help. The Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry can assist students with meal needs. There is also the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in the community.
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. It should be noted 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.
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 is no emergency fund or deposit/eviction assistance program in place for students. We will gladly explore options with a student but please know that there will unlikely be a solution 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 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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.
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 reach out to faculty on their own and determine what the best course of action should be for making up any missed classes or course work/exams. The ODOS cannot determine whether or not a student's absence from class is excused. The faculty of a student's course has the final say in whether or not an assignment can be made up. In the event that a student cannot make up work or has missed too much class due to illness or injury, it is suggested that they consider incompletes or withdrawal from courses. Information for withdrawal can be found here. Please be aware of the deadlines for withdrawal each semester, which can be found on the Academic Semester Calendar.
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.
At times, international students may find themselves in circumstances beyond their control (i.e. losing sponsorship, needing to drop below the required amount of 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.
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.
The U of A cares about the mental health and resiliency of our students. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), located inside the Pat Walker Health Center, is a mental health resource for all U of A students. Students who may be interested in getting connected with mental health treatment in the community can navigate to MiResource or Psychology Today to view a list of clinicians in their area.
Students may experience concerns regarding substance use or abuse during their time on campus. Students who think they may be at risk of abusing substance should contact the Substance Education and Alcohol Resources office to request more information.
Undergraduate students should be aware that there is a policy in place that can assist them with improving their cumulative GPA by excluding up to 9 hours of UA courses in which a grade of D or F was received. In order to do this, a student can navigate to Grade Exclusion, follow the guidelines on the form, and submit it to the Office of the Registrar.