Academic Catalog

Admission

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 on-line from the Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus website at http://atu.edu/ozark/admission.

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.

All students at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus are assigned a permanent, randomly generated, student identification number, known as a "T" number.

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. 

All students who hold resident alien status must provide a copy of their resident alien card documenting an unexpired status.

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.

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

Entering Freshmen/New Student

New students to Arkansas Tech University must submit an application for admission, college entrance exam scores, an official record documenting completion of secondary requirements, and proof of immunization documenting 2 MMR vaccinations. If you have concurrent college credit, an official transcript from that institution is required. For Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, original score reports or copies embossed by your high school will need to be submitted prior to credit being awarded. A minimum criterion for exam scores and grade point average for unconditional admission is listed below:

  1. Composite ACT score of 19 or above, composite SAT score of 1010 or above on the RSAT scale of 1600 or a composite SAT score of 1330 on the former SAT exam with a scale of 2400, or a composite Next Generation ACCUPLACER score of 246. Note: The ACT Writing exam is not required for admission purposes.
  2. Completion of graduation requirements from an accredited public or private secondary school, a non-accredited private secondary school, or a home school program documenting a minimum 2.0/4.0 cumulative grade point average, and completion of the university’s secondary school core curriculum, OR minimum GED score of 580.

Freshmen who do not meet unconditional admission requirements will be conditionally admitted with a minimum composite ACT score of 15, composite SAT score of 850 or above on the RSAT scale of 1600 or a composite SAT score of 1060 on the former SAT exam with a scale of 2400, or a composite Next Generation ACCUPLACER score of 229, and by completing college core with a 2.0/4.0 grade point average or minimum GED score of 580.

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 MathematicsFoundations 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 MathematicsCollege 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

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

Transfer students making application for admission to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities where they were officially registered. Students seeking transfer of credit from other institutions may be asked to provide a catalog or course description from the transfer institution.

Students with fewer than 24 semester hours of earned college-level credit must also submit an official final high school transcript and must request current transferable ACT, SAT, or Next Generation ACCUPLACER scores be sent to the University. Exam scores will not be required if the English and mathematics general education requirements have been satisfied with grades of "C" or better.

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.

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

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

Conditional (Prep) Admission / Ability-to-Benefit

Students admitted to Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, who do not meet the university minimum standard, seeking an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, are evaluated and reconsidered as having an ability to benefit.

Required for Conditional (Prep) Admission

  1. Conditional (Prep) freshman will sign a contract defining satisfactory progress and outlining requirements for enrollment.
  2. Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be advised into a minimum number of courses designed to enhance current skill set to include mandated remediation courses and the Arkansas Tech mandated freshman orientation course. All other courses will be selected based on their individual major or degree pathway.
  3. All Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be monitored through the Early Warning System.
  4. All Conditional (Prep) freshmen will be assigned a mentor, and tutoring will be recommended.

Student Notification

A student’s Conditional (Prep) status will be communicated in admission letters and tracked in our student information system.

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

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus serves the general public by allowing individuals to enroll in classes for professional development and self-fulfillment without meeting regular admission requirements. The student admitted under this policy, who later chooses to pursue a degree, must reapply for admission as a degree seeking student and meet standard admission policies. A maximum of 27 credit hours earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied to a degree program. Financial Aid benefits may not be granted to students admitted as non-degree seeking. For more information, call the Office of Student Services at (479) 667-3433.

High School - University Admission

Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus welcomes the opportunity to serve area schools by complementing their programs with special opportunities for students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit by attending Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus. In accordance with the Arkansas Code of 1987 Annotated, paragraph 6-18-223 makes provisions whereby a student who is enrolled in a public school in Arkansas and who has completed the eighth grade is eligible to enroll at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus upon approval of the appropriate public school official, provided the student does not need developmental courses in mathematics, English or reading and has a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.00 or greater on a 4.0 scale, or principal's recommendation. (Students who do not meet admission criteria may be conditionally admitted.)

Once admitted and enrolled, concurrent students do not need to reapply for the concurrent program unless there is a break in fall/spring enrollment. Concurrent students must reapply when changing admission status, for example, from concurrent to entering freshmen. The course(s) agreed upon by the student and their high school must also be approved each term by a university official. The application for concurrent enrollment can be found at http://atu.edu/ozark/admission.

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. Academically qualifying for admission does not guarantee admission.

Testing for Admissions and Placement

Entering students are required to provide Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus with American College Testing (ACT) Assessment or Next Generation ACCUPLACER scores for purposes of admission, academic placement, and the awarding of academic scholarships. Entering students, who have been out of an educational setting for three or more years and who have not taken the ACT or Next Generation ACCUPLACER prior to arrival at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, are encouraged to take the Next Generation ACCUPLACER. The ACCUPLACER is administered on the computer and consists of three tests: writing, math, and reading. Information about the Next Generation ACCUPLACER can be obtained by calling the Office of Student Services at (479) 667-2117.

Student Retention and Graduation Rates

For information about retention and graduation rates at Tech, go to Student Right To Know Information at https://www.atu.edu/righttoknow/.

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.

Undecided Study

Some students entering the University have not chosen a major. Students enrolling as "undecided" majors will be assigned a major of Associate of General Studies and will be advised by the Office of Student Services. The Office of Student Services is located in the Student Services and Conference Center and can be contacted by calling (479) 667-3433.

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.