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Greetings and Welcome to UALR
The arrival of new and returning students on campus is an exciting time in the life of a university. Students are embarking on one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences of their lives. The academic world offers great opportunities. To seize them, students must fortify themselves with habits that lead to success. Parents and family members play a critical role in providing the necessary support system.
University College offers many services to help students develop these habits, adjust academically to university life, and enhance their personal development. Entering students will be affiliated with University College while completing the Core Curriculum requirements. During this time, students work toward meeting the admission requirements of their chosen degree programs. If a major has not been declared, ample opportunity exists to examine academic programs. In addition to academic advising and help in choosing a major,
University College offers career development, educational assessment, personal and social counseling, and placement in developmental and college survival courses. The university is committed to service; many departments offer support and assist students through their university careers.
“The Campus Link: a Newsletter for Parents and Families,” is a publication mailed monthly to the families of our new students. Articles include information about what students may experience during the academic year as well as ways families can lend support as the year progresses. Internet web resource information is often included as well.
A specially designed Student Guide will introduce students to UALR and the services the university offers. This guidebook contains brief outlines of these services as well as the many professional, personal, and social opportunities offered at UALR. I hope students will take advantage of what we have to offer and become involved in the many cultural, recreational, and social activities available to them.
Learning is not restricted to the classroom. You have the unique distinction of preparing your college student for the new demands of the 21st century. As we enter into a joint
partnership to enhance learning, I extend best wishes for your success.
Charles W. Donaldson, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor Educational & Student Services and Dean of University College
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University College?
University College is one of the seven undergraduate college areas that comprise UALR. The college provides the first academic home for all entering and transfer students regardless of their intended academic major. University College also offers a variety of services including: developmental academic advising (pre- and post- admission); career development; educational assessment (placement); personal and social counseling; developmental courses (by referral); and the advisement for the associate of arts in general studies degree.
Academic
How does a student register for courses? What is a standard course load?
Registration for courses is by computer. Both the class schedule and the Registration Guide are available online at http://boss.ualr.edu. In addition, there is a printed Registration Pocket Guide. All students must have a PIN (Personal Identification Number). A standard full-time load is 12-16 credit hours. Students electing over 18 credit hours must have approval from the major department.
What general education courses are required?
Courses in the stated minimum core categories are: written and oral literacy 9 hrs.; math 3 hrs.; lab sciences 8 hrs.; art 6 hrs.; world humanities 3 hrs.; world history 6 hrs.; U.S. traditions 3 hrs.; individuals, cultures, and societies 6 hrs. Refer to the UALR Undergraduate Catalog for specific courses and requirements.
How are grades reported?
Grades are available to all students online at http://boss.ualr.edu. They may be mailed with a written request made at the Office of Records and Registration. Because of federal law, the University cannot provide parents or other family members with information on grades without the expressed written permission of the student.
What is the University’s attendance policy?
Attendance requirements are determined by individual instructors and communicated to the student at the beginning of each semester. In addition, the online UALR Registration Guide and the UALR Registration Pocket Guide list critical dates during the semester.
How well must a student do academically to stay in school?
Students are expected to maintain a grade point average of 2.00 each semester and cumulatively. If the student falls below a 2.00 GPA, he or she is placed on probation. After two successive terms of academic probation, if the student’s current term and cumulative GPA are below 2.00, the student will be placed on academic suspension for one semester.
How do students get accepted into a UALR major/minor of their choice?
Students must meet the specific admission requirements for their intended major before admission is granted. Academic advisors will help you plan to meet your specific requirements. Students who wish to request admission into the college of their intended major/minor from either University College or another UALR college need to do so by using the online Change of Major / Minor form at the Online Request menu in boss.ualr.edu.
Financial
How may payments of fees be made?
Payments can be made at the Cashier’s Office, on the web, or over the telephone. The Cashier’s Office is located in the Administration North Building Room 204. The address to pay over the web is boss.ualr.edu. The number to make a telephone payment is (501) 569-8757. The Cashier’s Office accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Web and telephone payments only include Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
Are there payment plans?
UALR tuition and fees may be deferred using an installment payment plan during the fall and spring semesters. Students must sign up for the payment plan on or before the payment due date, and pay 25% down and 25% on the 15th of each month. There are no interest charges but plan users are charged a $26 processing fee due when the plan is established.
What is the average cost of textbooks and supplies?
Textbook purchase depends upon the number of courses enrolled in and course requirements. Students may purchase used books at a reduced cost and may get refunds and sell books in the Bookstore buy back program.
What financial assistance is available to students?
Financial assistance is available from federal, state, private and institutional sources. Federal programs include the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Various scholarship programs are administered by the State of Arkansas. UALR offers a number of scholarships from a variety of sources. Eligible students may also qualify for veterans’ educational benefits.
Is it too late to apply for financial aid?
No, as long as the financial aid application deadline has not passed. The deadline for most UALR scholarships is the March 1 preceding the fall term. The deadlines for financial aid applications are November 15 for the fall term, April 1 for the spring term, and June 1 for the summer term. Application deadlines for the state programs vary. Students may apply for federal aid on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 501-569-3035 for more information.
If the student has been awarded work study, how does he or she find a job?
When a student is awarded work study, he or she will need to contact Counseling and Career Planning Services for further information.
Safety and Parking
Are public transportation services available?
Yes. The Central Arkansas Transit city bus system has bus route schedules that serve the UALR campus. Local taxi cabs and shuttle services are available.
For emergencies, how do I contact students in class?
Because of the privacy act we cannot give out a student’s class schedule or class location over the phone to parents, family members or friends, even in emergency situations. However, we will be happy to assist by getting a message to the student as quickly as possible. To get a message to a student, please call the Office of the Dean of Students at 569-3328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After regular office hours, you can call the Department of Public Safety at 569-3400 for assistance.
What about safety and security on campus?
The Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours. Student patrols provide escort services, and UALR police officers constantly patrol via Campus Public Safety vehicles. Flashing blue lights identify emergency phones with direct lines to the Department of Public Safety. The phones appear in numerous locations throughout campus. In compliance with the Campus Security Act, UALR provides notice of crimes that take place on our campus. This information is available from the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Dean of Students.
What can I do toward crime prevention?
Encourage students to lock rooms if residing in student housing and to secure vehicles at all times when not occupied. Valuables, such as purses, bookbags, jewelry, money, etc., should be secured in the trunk of a vehicle if the vehicle is left unoccupied.
What immunizations are required for admission to UALR?
Incoming students are required to show proof of immunization for measles and rubella. The immunization needs to have been given after January 1, 1968, as well as after the first birthday. Proof of immunization includes day, month and year the shots were given. Free immunization is available at UALR Health Services.
What happens if someone gets sick or injured during the semester?
The Health Services Office is located in the DSC. Services include an outpatient clinic for health assessments, minor illnesses and injuries, immunizations and screening programs as well as health promotion and disease prevention, personal conferences and information. Most services are free. Referrals to community resources are available.
Does the University have a health insurance policy?
Yes. Health and dental insurance policies are offered on an optional basis to UALR students, their spouses and dependent children. Applications and information are available through the Health Services Office.
If accommodations for a disability are needed, where do we start?
The staff of Disability Support Services will help plan and implement needed academic accommodations and support services.
Miscellaneous
What are the housing and living environments like at UALR?
East Hall is a traditional residence hall offering a support system geared toward first time entering freshman. Students share space with a roommate experiencing a community living setting. In addition to a full schedule of social and academic support programs offered in the building, a student Resident Assistant resides on each floor to help new students transition to college.
North and South Halls are the new apartment style buildings which opened in August, 2006. This community offers a more independent experience for continuing students who want first class amenities plus the convenience of the campus location. Full kitchen, private bedroom with full size bed, and washer/dryer in each unit highlight these apartments.
A new Housing community building features a convenience store, computer lab, study space, home theater, and lounge areas for residents to mix and mingle. Come home to the excitement of campus living.
Are students required to live on campus?
No. On-campus housing is available; however, in metropolitan Little Rock, apartments, duplexes, and houses may be rented.
How confidential are student records and what are student rights?
Under the provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, a student has the right to withhold the disclosure of any or all categories of directory or public information so listed. It is the policy of the University that access to, or release of, student education records other than directory information shall not be afforded to a third party without consent of the student unless authorized by law. A student may request non-disclosure of directory information by completing the request form in the Office of Records and Registration. It should be noted that this request remains active until removed by the student and prevents the release of any information.
Fee Information
Each semester has its own payment deadline. Please check the UALR Registration Guide at http://boss.ualr.edu or the UALR Registration Pocket Guide for the appropriate semester information. Audit Charges - Tuition charges for audit are the same as for credit.
Cashier’s Office - Phone: 569-8757
Hours of Operation: Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm