University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Answers

Here are some of the most common questions and answers from other students. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, ask us!

Is the campus safe?

Absolutely! The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is one of the safest campuses in the Southern region of the United States. Download the latest annual safety report and find out more.

What is there to do on campus?

You can be as involved in UALR’s rich campus life as you want. We have student government, pre-professional organizations, study groups, fraternities, sororities – the list goes on and on.

Can I live on campus?

UALR has a great residential community. We feature residential halls and new on-campus apartment living, and residents have access to a variety of activities where they can meet students from Arkansas and the world. Visit Housing for more information.

How do I qualify for a scholarship?

The University also offers a variety of private scholarships for all areas of study, and colleges and departments frequently offer financial aid for their best and brightest students. Our application deadline is Feb. 1 of each year. Find out more from Financial Aid or the Office of Recruitment.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Federal financial aid includes everything from Pell grants and state grants to work-study and student loans. Your first step in applying for these is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the easiest way to fill out the FAFSA is online. You will need tax returns for you (and your parents if you’re still a dependent). Be sure to review deadlines and UALR requirements for financial aid. If you have been receiving federal aid (Pell grant and student loans), you may be eligible to receive similar aid at UALR. Be sure to transfer your FAFSA information to UALR.

What is there to do in Little Rock?

As the capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock has tons of activities. We have museums, parks, nightlife and concerts. You won’t be bored here!

What are UALR’s admissions requirements?

UALR’s admissions counselors will review admissions requirements with you to help you achieve your dreams.

Does the university have a meal plan?

UALR does have a meal plan, but it’s not a traditional dining plan where you have to purchase a certain number of meals per week for a certain amount of money. UALR’s meal plan works like a debit card with a declining cash balance. You are able to add up to $400 to your student account for food services use, and then you use your student ID to purchase meals and snacks whenever you choose.

Where do students park?

Most of our students park in open parking lots around the university. Lots 12, 13, 14, and 15 are popular spots. View the campus map to find out where to park.

Does UALR have fraternities and sororities?

UALR currently has nine fraternities and sororities including nationally known Interfraternity Council, National Panhellenic Conference, and National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.

Is there a place to work out on campus?

UALR has a great Fitness and Aquatic Center right in the Donaghey Student Center, and it’s free for students! With aerobic equipment, free weights, basketball courts, racquetball courts, a swimming pool, and an indoor walking track, you’ll be able to get in or stay in great shape.

Does UALR offer tutoring?

UALR has a Math Lab for students who need help with their mathematics homework, and we have the University Writing Center for students who need help writing papers and essays. Both are free services to our students. Other departments on campus occasionally keep lists of their students who are willing to tutor for a nominal fee.

Why do I have to be academically advised?

Academic advising allows students to clarify their desired educational goals in relation to UALR’s degree offerings. For new transfer students, your Advisor will explain the application of the State Minimum Core, UALR partnership agreements, and course equivalency related in context to the individual record and major department requirements. Your Advisor will also ensure proper documentation of your transfer work, review your major eligibility, discuss applicable academic policies, make individualized course recommendations for the upcoming semester, and make other applicable recommendations. After the advising appointment occurs each semester, the advising flag is lifted allowing the student to register.

I have not been fully admitted to the University yet. Can I still be academically advised?

Yes. As long as you have already submitted your official transcripts or can bring a copy (official or unofficial) of your transcript(s), you can call (501) 569-3386 to set up an advising appointment.

Who is my advisor?

When you call to make your first appointment, you may meet with any one of our academic advisors in University College. If you wish, you may request the same advisor in subsequent terms. However, if you are a declared major, have a major that is offered by CyberCollege (i.e. Applied Science, Computer Science, Construction Management, Engineering, or Information Science) then you will be advised within your major department.

Can I be advised in my major department?

Some departments allow students to declare their major as long as the student is officially admitted to UALR, while other departments require that you complete a certain amount of hours at UALR or have met the requirements set forth by your major department. These requirements are listed in the UALR Undergraduate Catalog.

Do I need to schedule an appointment with my advisor?

It depends. If you are meeting with an Advisor in University College (i.e. are an undeclared major), then yes. You can either make an appointment in person (Ross Hall, Room 406) or call (501) 569-3386. If you are meeting with an advisor in your major department, you should call them to see if they prefer walk-ins or appointments.

How often do I have to be advised?

You are required to meet with an Advisor two times a year (once for the summer/fall term and once for the spring term). University College’s advises year round. Advising for the next semester usually begins on the third week of classes. We encourage students to get advised early. Early advising prepares you to register as soon as possible, when the selection and availability of courses is the greatest, while allowing you to put the next academic step into perspective.

How and when will I know whether or not my courses transferred?

UALR accepts work in transfer from any regionally accredited institution. If you are attending a 2 or 4-year college or University within the State of Arkansas, you can view the Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide to determine whether or not your courses will transfer, as well as, what they will transfer as (i.e. course equivalency). Transfer credits will be evaluated only after a complete application for admission and all required documents including all final transcripts have been received.

What is the 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. Students may complete specified General Education courses anywhere in the public system as well as many courses in the degree/major that have been pre-idenitfied for transfer. Check with an academic advisor to ensure the proper transfer of courses identified on the ACTS system in compliance with ACT 472 and UALR policy. Most of this information and a link to the ADHE ACTS is on the Records and Registration Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide if you find this helpful.

I made a ‘D’ in a course. Will it transfer?

Typically, only undergraduate courses with grades of ‘C’ or greater from a regionally accredited institution will transfer to UALR. However, the UA Board of Trustees ruled in December 2003 that students may transfer up to six credit hours of courses with grades of ‘D’ if a grade of ‘D’ would be accepted for credit in the corresponding courses at UALR [Transfer of D Grades Policy].

If I enroll and do not pay for my classes, will UALR drop me for non-payment?

If you enroll after the ‘Cancellation of Classes’ date for non-payment or non-deposit of your tuition/fees, the University will not drop you from classes. You will still be responsible for tuition and fees. The cancellation date can be found in the Registration Pocket Guide.

Where do I go if I need help adjusting my schedule?

UALR has created an excellent guide to show you how to use BOSS at www.ualr.edu/success. Academic Advisors and the staff in the Administration South Building (ADS) [campus map] can also assist students with schedule adjustments. However, it is the student’s responsibility to learn how to use BOSS.

How do I withdraw from my classes once I am enrolled in it?

BOSS will allow you to drop all enrolled classes prior to the last day to register, add, or adjust schedules (check the Registration Pocket Guide for date). After that date, you will need to go to the Office of Records and Registration to fill out a withdrawal form.

How do I declare a major?

When you feel ready to declare a major/minor and have met the requirements set forth by your major department, which are listed in the UALR Undergraduate Catalog, you will need to follow these steps to officially declare your major/minor.

1. Go to the UALR BOSS system.
2. Select Enter the Secure Area option.
3. Enter your Student Identification Number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you are a new student to UALR, you will receive this information in the mail on your Admissions Letter from the Admissions Office.
4. At the main menu, select the Student Services and Financial Aid Menu.
5. Select the Student Request Menu option.
6. Select the Change your Major and/or Minoroption
7. You will see a Primary Curriculum area that will list your current major/minor status. To the right will be a New Program display. Under the drop down menu, choose your major, if applicable.
8. Select your new First Minor from the drop down menu (if applicable).
9. Select your new Second Minor from the drop down menu (if applicable).
10. Repeat steps 7-9 for a Secondary Curriculum if applicable.
11. Select Submit.
12. Review and verify the information to be made and select to finish.
13. After you have completed this procedure, the request will be sent to the departments for approval. Under the Student Request Menu, you can choose the View your Online Requests to track the progress of your Change of Major.

Upon acceptance into your major(s), you will be advised in that academic department. Your academic department will then develop a Degree Plan which indicates all course work required for the degree.

I am having trouble getting into my e-mail, what should I do?

UALR’s Computing services has created an excellent Guide for the UALR E-Mail System. If you have further questions, you can also call the Computing Services Help Desk at (501) 569-8720.

What If I have other questions?

If you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our advisors, please call or come by the Office of Academic Advising.

Still have questions? Let us know! Contact Recruitment.