Academic Catalog

Admission

Applying For Admission

The Student Services Office at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is committed to supporting new and current student applicants throughout the admissions process and their continued academic journey. Our Admissions Staff is available to provide updates on your application status and assist with any questions or concerns you may have. We offer a range of materials and services designed to ensure a smooth transition into the university and foster your academic success. In alignment with our mission to provide accessible, quality education, and lifelong learning opportunities, we strive to prepare students to be productive members of the workforce, to be lifelong learners, and to contribute to their communities and society as a whole.

The following requirements apply to all students seeking a certificate or degree. All required documents should be submitted to the Office of Admissions (Student Services) prior to enrolling in classes.

•           Submit an Application for Admission

•           Official High School Transcripts or GED Scores

•           Proof of Two (2) Measles, Mumps and Rubella Immunization (MMRs)

•           College Entrance Exams ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer (less than 5 years old)

•           Submit Official College transcripts from any postsecondary institution previously attended

Testing exceptions for Ozark applicants may be granted by the Vice Chancellor of Student Services or Associate Director of Admissions.

Individuals who meet the admission requirements listed below may apply to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. The University reserves the right to reject the application of any individual. Every student must submit an application for admission. Applications and additional information about Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are available from the:

Office of Student Services
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
1700 Helberg Lane
Ozark, Arkansas, 72949

Students may apply online from the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus website at atu.edu/ozark

Submit documents electronically to ozark.recruit@atu.edu

Tech will provide equal opportunity in admission to all persons. This applies to all phases of the admission process. Any demographic information collected through the admission application is on a voluntary basis and is to be used in a nondiscriminatory manner consistent with applicable civil rights laws for reporting and statistical purposes only and cannot affect eligibility for admission.

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus is subject to and endorses both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Disabilities Coordinator can be contacted by calling (479) 667-2117.

Beginning June 1, 2007, all students at ATU-Ozark will be assigned a permanent, randomly generated, student identification number. Student's social security numbers will be used only on applications for admission and solely for the purposes of State and Federal reporting requirements and determination of eligibility for Federal financial aid.

All students born after January 1, 1957, must provide immunizations by way of an official record from another educational institution, certificate from a licensed medical doctor, or an authorized public health department representative. Proof of the appropriate immunizations must be presented to the Office of Admissions upon enrollment to the university.  Students may be exempted from the immunization requirements if there is a medical contraindication or if religious or philosophical belief prohibits immunizations.  Exemptions must be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health by emailing immunization.section@arkansas.gov.

Students who are enrolled in online classes only, and have declared an online major, may request an immunization waiver by contacting the Office of Student Services. 

Entering freshmen must comply with the following admission requirements and freshman placement standards. This includes students who enter with college credit earned prior to high school graduation, during summer following high school graduation, or by advanced placement.

For applicants with Concurrent Credit, an official transcript from that institution must be submitted to the Office of Student Services.

Residual college entrance exams, taken on other college campuses, will not be accepted for admission.

RESIDENT ALIEN/UNDOCUMENTED DOMESTIC STUDENTS

Undergraduate students who possess resident alien status must submit a current green card with a future expiration date to the Office of Student Services prior to admission to the university.

Undocumented Domestic Students: Undergraduate students who are not U.S. citizens, Permanent Residents of the United States, and who do not hold a visa to reside in the United States may be classified in-state for purposes of tuition and fees if the student satisfies the following two requirements:

  • Resided in Arkansas for at least three (3) years at the time of application to ATU; and
  • Either: (i) Graduated from a public or private Arkansas high school; or (ii) Received a high school equivalency diploma in Arkansas.

The student must also satisfy one of the following:

  1. The student personally holds, or is the child of a person who holds, a Federal I – 766 United States Citizenship and Immigration Services-issued Employment Authorization Document, or as it is also known, a work permit;
  2. The student has verified that he or she is a resident legally in Arkansas and has immigrated from the Republic of the Marshall Islands; or
  3. (i)The student’s request for an exemption under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security. (ii)The student’s exemption shall not have expired or shall have been renewed.

NON-ACADEMIC REJECTION
Please note that academic performance is not the sole criterion for admission to the university. The university may evaluate a person's behavior and background to determine their ability to maintain the standards of academic and professional conduct expected at the university. An evaluation may take into consideration current behavior and performance as well as past experiences and actions. Simply qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission. 

ADMISSIONS APPEAL

Applicants who do not meet admissions requirements for admission, and have been denied admission, may file a written appeal addressed to the Office of Student Services. The appeal should state the applicant’s grounds for appeal. 

Arkansas Tech University does not discriminate on the basis of color, sex, race, age, national origin, religion, or disability in any of its practices, policies, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admission, employment, financial aid, or educational services. Arkansas Tech University complies with all applicable state and federal laws including, but not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Age Discrimination in employment Act of 1967 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The Affirmative Action Office, Brown Hall, Suite 420, has been designated to coordinate compliance efforts.

Entering Freshmen/New Student

Unconditional Admission

Applicants to Associate programs will be considered for unconditional admission using the following criteria:

  • Graduated from an accredited high school, homeschool, or completed the General Education Diploma
  • Placement Test composite score of ACT 19+, Accuplacer 246+ or SAT 530+

Secondary School Core Course Recommendation

A minimum of twenty-two earned core course credits is required from grades nine through twelve for admission purposes. Two additional units of foreign language are recommended for college preparation. Asterisks indicate core courses required by Act 1290 for unconditional admission:

  • English - 4 units, with emphasis on writing skills, but not to include oral communications, journalism, drama, or debate.1
  • Mathematics - 4 units, including Algebra I and Algebra II, Geometry, and an advanced math course (or 3 units of math and 1 unit of computer science). The fourth unit may be College Algebra or a higher level college math course, as long as three college credit hours are earned. It is strongly recommended that students take a math course during their senior year.1
  • Science - 3 units with lab experience (or 2 units with lab experience and 1 unit of Computer Science).1
  • Biology - 1 unit (all students must have 1 unit in Biology, IB Biology, ADE Biology, ADE Approved Biology Honors, or Concurrent Credit Biology.) 
  • Physical Science, Chemistry, or Physics - 2 units. 
  • Social Studies - 3 units, [one (1) unit of World History, one (1) unit of U.S. History, one half (1/2) unit of Civics.] See note beside economics.1
  • Computer Science - (optional) A flex unit of Computer Science and Mathematics, Essentials of Computer Programming,  AP Computer Science, or IB Computer Science may replace the 4th math requirement or the 3rd science requirement.  Two distinct units of the computer science courses listed above may replace the 4th math requirement and the 3rd science requirement.  If the 4th math requirement and the 3rd science requirement have been met through other coursework, any of the computer science courses listed above may be used for career focus credit.
  • Oral Communications - ½ unit of oral communications.
  • Physical Education - ½ unit of physical education.
  • Health and Safety - ½ unit of health and safety.
  • Economics - ½ unit of economics. May be counted toward Social Studies or Career Focus.
  • Fine Arts - ½ unit of fine arts.
  • Electives - 6 units of career focus electives.
1

Indicates core courses required by ACT 1290 for unconditional admission.

Freshmen Placement Standards

In accordance with A.C.A. § 6-61-110, first-time entering undergraduate students who enroll in baccalaureate degree programs or associate-degree transfer programs must meet the following placement standards prior to enrollment in college-level mathematics, reading, or English composition courses. Remedial courses do not provide credit toward a degree.

English Composition – Students scoring 19 or above on the English section of the ACT or 510 or above on the writing section of RSAT or 248 or above on the writing section of the Next Generation ACCUPLACER exam may enroll in college-level English courses. Students not meeting the standard must successfully complete a developmental program.

Reading – Students scoring 19 or above on the reading section of the ACT, 510 or above on the reading section of RSAT, or 246 or above on the reading section of the Next Generation ACCUPLACER exam will be considered to have met minimal reading skill requirements. English composition may be taken concurrent with or subsequent to any required developmental reading program.

Mathematics – Below are the placement guidelines:

  • MATH 1003 College Mathematics: College Mathematics and MATH 0803 Foundations of College Mathematics: Foundations of College Mathematics
    • ACT –Below 19 on mathematics section
    • RSAT –Below 500 on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – Below 250 on the Arithmetic section
  • MATH 1003 College Mathematics: College Mathematics
    • ACT – 19 or above on mathematics section
    • RSAT – 500 or above on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 250 or above on the Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra or Arithmetic section
  • MATH 0903 Beginning and Intermediate Algebra: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra and MATH 0900 : Intermediate Algebra Lab
    • ACT – Below 17 on mathematics section
    • RSAT – Below 460 on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – Below 243 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
  • MATH 1113 College Algebra: College Algebra and MATH 0903 Beginning and Intermediate Algebra: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
    • ACT – 17-18 on mathematics section
    • RSAT – 460-490 or above on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 243-249 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
  • MATH 1113 College Algebra: College Algebra and MATH 1110 College Algebra Lab: College Algebra Lab
    • ACT – 19-20 on mathematics section
    • RSAT – 500-520 or above on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 250-252 on Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section
  • MATH 1113 College Algebra: College Algebra
    • ACT – 21 or above on mathematics section
    • RSAT – 530 or above on the mathematics section
    • Next Generation ACCUPLACER – 253 or above on the Quantitative Reasoning/Algebra section

Students who are required to complete developmental program(s) in mathematics, English, and/or reading, must enroll in the appropriate course(s) during their first semester at ATU-Ozark and in each subsequent semester until the developmental program is completed successfully. A grade of “C” or better is required in all developmental courses before the student may advance to higher level courses.

Former Students

Former undergraduate students who have not attended Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus in the past year or have attended another college or university since last attending Arkansas Tech must submit:

  • a new application for admission and
  •  proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations prior to registration.

Students who have interrupted their attendance at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus for more than one year or who have attended another university in the interim must reapply for admission. Additional documents may be required for readmission. Academic clemency may be granted in accordance with the clemency policy detailed in the Regulations and Procedures section.

Transfer Students

Students who have not attended Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus must submit:

  • application for admission,
  • official transcripts from each institution, and
  • proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations prior to registration.

If less than 24 credit hours are transferable, an official high school transcript and ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER scores must be submitted. Testing exceptions may be granted by the Vice Chancellor of Student Services or Associate Director of Admissions. Transfer students with more than 24 hours who have not completed college level English or math will be required to test or take remedial courses.

In the event that receipt of a student's transcript is unavoidably delayed, as may frequently occur at midyear, a transfer student may be admitted provisionally pending receipt of the official transcript. However, the university reserves the right to require immediate withdrawal if the transfer transcript does not meet admission requirements. Students should be aware that receipt of official transcripts is required for transfer work to be articulated and to comply with scholarship application deadlines.

Applicants for transfer must have earned a GPA of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on all college-level courses attempted and be eligible to re-enroll at the last college or university attended.

Students interested in transitioning from the Russellville campus to the Ozark campus can do so by submitting a Program Transfer form or by submitting an Ozark application.

Transfer Credit

ATU will recognize transfer credit from a U.S. institution provided that the institution is accredited by one of the six U.S. regional accreditation associations, and for courses that are approved for transfer by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) through the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS), and for courses from any institution with which ATU has a formal Memorandum of Understanding regarding transfer credit. Acceptance of course credit may depend on the date that the institution was accredited or the date that a course was approved for transfer by ADHE. Transfer credit for coursework from institutions outside the U.S. will be considered on an individual basis. Students seeking transfer of credit from a foreign college/university must complete a credential evaluation through a Credential Evaluation Service authorized by Arkansas Tech University (a list of approved service providers can be obtained in the International and Multicultural Student Services Office (IMMSO) or in the Registrar’s Office). Transfer credit, although accepted by the university, is not guaranteed to be applicable toward meeting degree requirements for the particular program of study selected by the transfer student. For more detailed information on how transfer credit is determined and applied, please follow this link: https://www.atu.edu/registrar/transfer.php.

The most current available course transfer information on file with the university will be used at the time of advising and/or registration. The student is responsible for having all up-to-date official transcripts on file with the university for use at that time. The student, not the university, is responsible for advising and/or registration issues that may arise due to official transcripts being submitted and placed on file after advising or registration has taken place.

Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission

Students not meeting the requirements for unconditional admission may be granted conditional admission.

Students admitted in this category are:

  • Applicants who score between 13-18 composite score on the ACT or equivalent.
  • Applicants who do not meet conditional admission requirements may be referred to an adult education center for training to enhance their skills. These applicants are encouraged to re-test for unconditional or conditional admission.

NOTE: All students admitted as conditional admit status seeking an Associate Degree will be categorized as conditional prep and must complete all required remedial courses during their first 30 hours. Students enrolling in a Certificate of Proficiency or Technical Certificate program will not be placed in conditional prep status. In accordance with state law, scores are required for placement in Math, English, and Reading. Students seeking a degree must meet institutional score requirements.

Students who have been denied admission may file a written appeal addressed to the Vice Chancellor of Student Services seeking conditional admission. The appeal should be made within ten (10) calendar days from the date admission was denied and should state the applicant's grounds for appeal. Students granted conditional admission will be admitted on academic probation.

Conditional (Prep) Admission / Ability-to-Benefit

All students admitted as conditional admit status seeking an Associate Degree will be categorized as conditional prep and must complete all required remedial courses during their first 30 hours. Students enrolling in a Certificate of Proficiency or Technical Certificate program will not be placed in conditional prep status. In accordance with state law, scores are required for placement in Math, English, and Reading. Students seeking a degree must meet institutional score requirements.

Academic Progress

Upon completing 30 hours, conditionally admitted freshmen who make satisfactory progress will be removed from academic probation. A conditionally admitted freshman who falls below a 2.00 grade-point average (GPA) upon finishing 30 hours may be suspended.

Non-Degree Admission

Students not pursuing an undergraduate degree or certificate may be admitted as a non-degree student upon submitting a completed application for admission and proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations prior to registration. The standard admissions requirements are waived for all non-degree undergraduate students. Any student admitted as non-degree who later chooses to pursue a degree must reapply for admission as a degree-seeking student and meet standard admissions requirements.

Students can be admitted as a transient non-degree undergraduate student upon submitting an application for admission, a transcript from the regionally accredited college or university they are currently attending, and proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations prior to registration. Applicants must be eligible for re-enrollment at their current institution.

A maximum of 27 credit hours earned as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree program. Financial aid benefits may not be granted to students admitted as non-degree seeking. Students who are on probation or suspension at another university are not eligible for admission. 

High School - University Admission

The following documents are requested for applicants to be admitted and receive concurrent credit:

  • Reading score from a qualified exam
  • Proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations prior to registration for classes held on a university site
  • Current transcript
  • Memorandum of Understanding

Academic Advising and Selecting a Program of Study

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus encourages students to give serious thought to the selection of a major field of study. They should determine the academic pursuits that lead to the vocations most attractive, not only in financial gain, but in interest as well. They should then examine the program of study most closely related to their interest areas.

Students should meet with an academic advisor for help in selecting a major field of study. The Ozark Campus Academic Advisor works closely with faculty in order to provide assistance to our students. The Academic Advisor is available to discuss major areas of interest, assist in planning for registration, and maintain a degree checklist of requirements to complete for graduation. While an academic advisor can guide the student, it is the student's responsibility to take an active role in their educational process by knowing what courses are required; complying with requirements for graduation application and degree audit; and gaining a general knowledge of requirements to complete their program successfully.

Students who are pursuing a program of study where admission is limited (Cardiac Sonography, Cosmetology, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Paramedic/Emergency Medical Services, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing), will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies or Health Professions until admitted into their selected program.

Students who have scored accordingly on an Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) can earn credit toward graduation at Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus by receiving a qualifying score on the examinations. These credits can satisfy general education requirements. AP, CLEP, and IB scores should be documented on the application for admission. Students must submit official score reports or readable copies embossed by their high school to the Office of Student Services. Students who have earned an International Baccalaureate (IB) should submit their IB transcripts for evaluation. Students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme can earn credit toward graduation at the university.

Procedure for Scheduling Courses

Procedures for registration are available on the university Web site at https://www.atu.edu/ozark/registrar. Prior to enrollment, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to prepare a class schedule and officially register for classes and pay tuition/fees.

Course Information

All courses taught at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are listed alphabetically by subject area in the Course Descriptions area. Course symbols, the four-digit numbers used to identify courses within a department, have the following significance: the first digit of the number denotes the year level at which the course is given; the second and third digits differentiate the course from others in the department; the fourth digit shows the number of credit hours given. Typically an "hour of credit" requires one hour of classroom work per week for the duration of a semester.