Student Affairs Operations
Campus Life
While academic achievement leading to graduation is the reason for attending Arkansas Tech University, the experiences that students have outside the classroom prove to have a lifelong impact. Experiences offered through Campus Life enhance maturity, leadership, time management, friendships, career development, and civic engagement along with many other essential life skills.
Campus Life offers programs and services in the following areas: campus recreation, co-curricular experience, facilities, Fraternity and Sorority, leadership programs, new student orientation, outdoor recreation, registered student organizations, service initiatives, spirit squads, and student activities.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/campuslife
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation provides participation in a variety of sport, fitness and recreation events that stimulate student learning and personal development while enhancing the quality of life for Arkansas Tech University students. Campus Recreation achieves this mission by providing opportunities for a diversified population to recreate, exercise and socialize through a variety of programs within intramural sports, fitness, outdoor recreation, club sports, and various special events.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/campuslife/campusrecreation
Civic Engagement
Arkansas Tech University collaborates with community-based organizations to prepare students to be socially responsible leaders and citizens through active service and participation in democracy. Students will learn to build a culture of civic responsibility through experiential learning and volunteerism. Arkansas Tech University broadens and deepens students’ thinking about complex and interconnected social issues affecting our world today.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/service
Commuter Student Services
Commuter Student Services is committed to providing support services to help facilitate commuter student success and foster a connection to the Arkansas Tech University community. Our goal is to ensure that the unique needs of commuter students are acknowledged and addressed by our campus community. In conjunction with OnTrack, we provide quality programming and support to students who don't live on campus.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/campuslife/commuter/
First-Generation Students
Did you know there are thousands of students at Arkansas Tech University who will be the first in their family to graduate college? While being the first to do anything can be a bit scary, going off to college is also a major life milestone. Being a first-generation student is a very proud accomplishment! We recognize that you will face unique experiences as you begin this exciting journey. Thankfully, there are many resources here at TECH that can help you connect and thrive on campus.
There are many ways to define the term "first-generation." At Arkansas Tech University, we define first-generation students as those whose parents or legal guardian did not graduate from college with a four-year degree. First-generation students may be the very first person in their families to attend college, or they may have older siblings who have attended before them. First-generation students make up approximately one-third of our student body! We also have numerous faculty and staff who were first-generation college graduates!
Whether you are a freshman starting your college journey or a junior exploring career options, we are here to help you discover your path, take advantage of resources and become a college graduate. Because at Arkansas Tech University, Every Student Counts.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/firstgen
Fraternity and Sorority Life
By emphasizing academic excellence, active participation in community service and philanthropic activities, ongoing leadership development, and social excellence, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life helps promote fraternities and sororities as an integral and productive part of the Arkansas Tech community. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life provides guidance and support for governing councils (Interfraternity Council, College Panhellenic Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council), and the Order of Omega Honor Society.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/fsl
Leadership
To fully reach ones potential in their chosen field, our students will need a more than a baseline understanding of their personal leadership skills in addition to an understanding of how they function within a group. Programs and services offered in this area will allow students the space to learn and experiment with differently leadership styles to gain a better personal understanding of how they can be most impactful currently and in their careers. Designed for every level of leadership.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/leadership_programs
new student orientation
New Student Orientation is for all new students, first year and transfer, and will take place starting Saturday, August 17-20, 2024. The program is a 4-day (first year students) or one day (transfer students) on-campus experience before classes begin in August. Throughout this experience, students become more familiar with campus, learn about involvement opportunities and campus resources, and meet other new students while connecting with current student leaders. Our mission is to provide a smooth transition for students and their supporters from high school to college.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/orientation
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation exists to provide students an outlet to develop their physical and emotional health in the outdoors. Through being active, students will gain a mutual respect for themselves, one another and the environment. To better experience the natural beauty that Arkansas has to offer, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and other outdoor recreational trips are offered each semester. In addition to free trips, the outdoor recreation department also provides outdoor gear check-outs for mountain bikes, hammocks, tents, canoes and kayaks. Outdoor Recreation brings students from all backgrounds together to play in natural team settings, further promoting the global community at Arkansas Tech University.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/outdoorrecreation
Registered Student Organizations
Arkansas Tech has over one hundred Registered Student Organizations. These organizations are run by students who produce their own programming and initiatives to fulfill their individual purposes. This is an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world experiences.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/rso
Spirit Squads
The Tech Cheer squad is composed of up to sixteen members. The Golden Girls dance team is composed of up to fourteen members. The squads are selected each spring to serve for the following academic year. Tech Cheer participates in all home and selected away football, basketball, and volleyball games. The Golden Girls participate and perform at all home football and basketball games. Both squads participate in pep rallies throughout the year as well as campus and community related events.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/spirit
Student Activities
Fully engaging students in their college experience requires not only academic experiences but also a diverse offering of activities and programs to meet their social and personal needs. Student Activities meets these needs by providing various events throughout the year to include comedians, movies, carnivals, dances, educational speakers, spirit programs, and many more! There are numerous leadership opportunities available through the Student Activities Board.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/sab
Counseling Services
Counseling Services provides free counseling, consultation, and outreach to the Arkansas Tech University community. The counseling staff is committed to promoting the educational mission of the university by working with the campus community to establish and maintain healthy behavior patterns that enhance learning and personal development. The range of services provided includes personal counseling for students in individual, couples, or group sessions. The staff provides consultations to students, parents, staff, and faculty. Presentations and outreach programming are scheduled throughout the year and are available upon request.
Services are provided Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm year round. Counseling Services is staffed by licensed counselors and a wellness case manager trained to provide professional counseling and case management services. For additional information, please visit the Health Center in Doc Bryan 119 or call 479-968-0389.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/hwc/counseling
Department of Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety is located at 716 North El Paso Avenue. To report a crime or request information, contact Public Safety at 479-968-0222. In an emergency, call 911. Public Safety maintains direct contact with the Pope County 911 Communications Center for all emergency services. It is the responsibility of Public Safety to investigate all reports of criminal activity and crashes that occur on University property.
Visit Public Safety’s website at www.atu.edu/psafe for information on services provided.
Disability Services for Students
The Office of Disability Services (DS) facilitates reasonable accommodations in programs, services, and activities to enable students with disabilities access to the same opportunities as their peers. Disability Services staff make accommodation determinations based on documentation provided by the student, including medical and psychological evaluations. Students must self-identify through an application process and meet with a Disability Services staff member for determination and facilitation of reasonable and appropriate accommodations. For information on registering with the Disability Services office or to make an appointment with a staff member, please call (479) 968-0302, TTY: (479) 964-3290, email at disabilities@atu.edu, or stop by the office located in the Doc Bryan Student Services Building, Suite 141. An online application for services can be found at https://www.atu.edu/disabilities/
multicultural Student services
The Office of Multicultural Student Services focuses on enhancing and supporting the experiences of students within underrepresented populations and marginalized groups. While promoting a campus environment that welcomes inclusiveness, multiculturalism, and social justice, our office aims to enrich student success from the first-year until graduation.
Multicultural Student Services is the primary support for registered student organizations (RSOs) that represent aspects of underrepresented student populations.
For more information, please visit our website at www.atu.edu/multiculutral or contact us by phone at 479-880-4372 or by email at multicultural@atu.edu. Our office location is Doc Bryan 229.
Health services
Recognizing that optimum health is essential to effective learning, the university maintains health services available to all students and employees. The Health Center, located in Doc Bryan 119, provides confidential treatment of minor injuries and illnesses through a well-equipped facility and within the scope and practice of the nursing staff. The nurses make appropriate referrals to local health care providers when necessary.
Services are free to students through their health and wellness fee, and labs are additional costs billed to the student account. No fees are collected at the time of service. Employees pay a small visit fee for appointments, and this fee is charged to the employee account. The university assumes no financial responsibility for student and employee care other than that provided by the Health and Wellness Center. Students and employees are urged to carry their own health insurance for off-campus health services as needed.
In addition to clinical services, a wide range of health promotion and educational programs are provided in a variety of campus settings.
Clinic hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm year round. Patients are strongly encouraged to make appointments; however, walk-in appointments are available Monday - Friday on a first call or walk-in basis.
The Health Services staff can be contacted by phone at 479-968-0329. More information is available at www.atu.edu/hwc.
International Students and scholars
The Department of International Students and Scholars (ISS) provides support services designed to enrich the college experience for international students. The office provides the opportunity for cultural exchange and aids in helping all Tech students develop global competence to appreciate cultural differences.
The ISS offers a wide range of services for international students, including orientation, immigration updates, cross-cultural programming, and other support services necessary to ease the transition of international students into the U.S. culture.
For more information, please visit: www.atu.edu/imsso
Center for Academic Advising and Career Development
Rothwell Building, Suite 107
(479) 964-0843
Arkansas Tech University’s Center for Academic Advising and Career Development, which in encompasses Sturgis Academic Advising Center and Norman Career Services, is committed to empowering students to develop the insights, experiences, and connections to forge personally meaningful academic and careers pathways—regardless of their backgrounds, lived-experiences, voices, and perspectives—in which their values, interests, and work align.
Sturgis Academic Advising Center
The Sturgis Academic Advising Center (AAC) within the Center for Academic Advising and Career Development provides academic and career advising to all first-time entering freshmen. Professional academic and career advisors in the AAC continue to advise freshmen (excluding Professional Studies, Honors, and Associates seeking only students) into the semester they will earn approximately sixty (60) credit hours. Academic and career advisors also meet with newly admitted transfer and returning students who have earned less than 50 credit hours or who need additional guidance in selecting a major. All newly admitted transfer and returning students who have earned more than 60 hours are advised through the academic department of their major. Students seeking only an associate degree are advised by the appropriate academic department after their first advising appointment with the AAC. Students seeking only the Associate of Arts in General Education continue to be advised by the AAC. Students are required to meet with an advisor each semester to select classes for the upcoming semester. Advisors also serve as a resource for students who want to know more about a particular major or are having difficulty with a class. Staff in the Center are here to be a resource for students and the campus community.
Norman Career Services
https://www.atu.edu/career/index.php
The mission of Norman Career Services (NCS) is to empower ATU undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni with the skills, knowledge, experiences, and connections to be successful in their futures. NCS believes career development is a vehicle for equalizing social capitals concerning access, equity, and social justice in society. Students are supported in a process of discovering and refining their strengths, choosing a major, outlining a career path, and gaining professional experience — from developing a professional resume, to meeting industry insiders, to applying to graduate school. We envision every graduate is equipped to build the future they want. Our three pillars for learning and growing are as followed:
1.) Professional Development: Students explore different industries, learn about career and life options, attend workshops, and network with industry leaders.
2.) Networking: A community of professionals both inside and outside of ATU giving students an understanding and insight into real-world challenges and opportunities.
Residence Life
The Department of Residence Life exists as a vital part of the educational program and academic support services of the University. The Department of Residence Life strives to provide a clean, well-maintained, and safe living environment that is conducive to study and will foster a meaningful growth experience. Activities and programs presented within the residence halls are designed to develop a community which encourages educational opportunities while promoting maturity, responsibility, and above all, academic success.
Single students between the ages of 18 and 21, and with fewer than 60 earned credit hours of college work, who are University main campus (Russellville, Arkansas) students are required to live on campus, as space permits, in University owned housing facilities. These students are required to purchase a meal plan unless living in the University Commons Apartments. Exemptions to the On-Campus Residency Requirement include: students living in their parent or legal guardian’s permanent home within 30 miles driving distance of the Russellville, Arkansas campus, married students, or students with dependent children. Students under the age of 18 between August 21, 2024 and December 31, 2024 must sign the Arkansas Tech University Waiver and Release of Liability for a Minor Living on Campus prior to being allowed to sign a housing contract and live in On-Campus housing. The Arkansas Tech University Waiver and Release of Liability for a Minor Living on Campus is available through the Office of Residence Life at www.atu.edu/reslife/. Students 17 or under on or after January 1, 2025 are not permitted to live in University owned housing facilities.
Students who are Arkansas Tech University Ozark campus (Ozark, Arkansas) students, who meet the aforementioned requirements, may live on-campus at the University main campus (Russellville, Arkansas). However, Arkansas Tech University Ozark campus (Ozark, Arkansas) students are not required to live on- campus. Online Only students are eligible to live on campus, but are not required.
Applications for University housing, housing contracts, room assignments, and questions concerning housing are managed by the Department of Residence Life.
Students may begin the housing application process online at www.atu.edu/reslife. The Residence Life staff may be contacted by phone at 479-968-0376, or email at housing@atu.edu.
Housing rules and regulations for all students contracted with the Department of Residence Life can be found in the Arkansas Tech University Student Handbook under the section "Rules and Regulations for all Residence Life Facilities," located online at www.atu.edu/studenthandbook. Students residing in any facilities maintained by the Department of Residence Life are responsible for understanding all policies contained in the guide. Questions should be directed to the Department of Residence Life at 479-968-0376 or housing@atu.edu.
Residence Life Housing Facilities
Arkansas Tech University offers twelve living facilities for our students. Residence halls and apartments are air-conditioned and are constructed to accommodate two students per room to four students per suite (Caraway, M Street, Nutt Hall, Tucker, and Wilson Hall have some designed single rooms available). All residence halls and apartments are completely furnished. Amenities include wireless internet. Laundry facilities are located in all residence halls and apartments. Laundry fees are included with student housing fees. Arkansas Tech University is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus; this includes all residence hall and apartment rooms.
To be eligible to be a Resident in a University residence hall, a person must carry a meal plan (for residents of University Commons Apartments; a meal plan is optional) and be enrolled at the University campus in a minimum of (9) undergraduate semester hours each semester or a minimum of six (6) graduate hours each semester. The University reserves the right not to contract with persons who are currently violating or have previously violated the terms and conditions of a housing contract or other University rules or regulations, or who have a past due balance with the University.
To be eligible to be a Resident in the University Commons Apartments, a person must be enrolled at the University campus in a minimum of (9) undergraduate semester hours each semester or a minimum of six (6) graduate hours each semester. Initial preference for University Commons Apartment assignments will be given to those students who have earned a minimum of thirty (30) credit hours of college work and have a minimum (2.5) cumulative grade point average. The University reserves the right not to contract with persons who are currently violating or have previously violated the terms and conditions of a housing contract or other University rules or regulations, or who have a past due balance with the University. The maximum number of persons occupying an apartment shall be no more than four (4) persons in a four-bedroom apartment, and no more than two (2) persons in a two-bedroom apartment. No other occupants are permitted.
Photos and descriptions of the residence halls and apartments are available at www.atu.edu/reslife.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination and harassment based on a protected characteristic, and retaliation for engaging in a protected activity. To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program or activity, ATU has developed policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in an allegation of discrimination or harassment on the basis of protected class status, and for allegations of retaliation. Consistent with these values and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, ATU prohibits discrimination against students, faculty, and staff based on sex (gender) in any of its programs or activities. The ATU Equal Opportunity, Harassment (Sexual Misconduct), and Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures may be found online at https://www.atu.edu/titleix/policy.php.
Harassment (sexual misconduct) is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by ATU and by Title IX. Title IX Sexual Harassment, as an umbrella category, includes the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
Complaints or notice of alleged violations of sex (gender) discrimination outlined in the Equal Opportunity, Harassment (Sexual Misconduct), and Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures or inquiries about or concerns regarding this Policy may be made to the ATU Title IX Coordinator, Amy Pennington, via email at apennington@atu.edu or via phone at 479-968-0407. More information about the ATU Equal Opportunity, Harassment (Sexual Misconduct), and Nondiscrimination Policy can be found online at www.atu.edu/titleix.
Testing Services
Testing Services administers standardized and institutional examinations including the ACT, ACCUPLACER, Miller Analogies Test, PRAXIS, TEAS, and credit by examination (CLEP). Testing Services is located in Doc Bryan, Suite 211. Students may contact testing center staff via phone (479) 968-0308 or via email: utds@atu.edu. Tests that require payment through Arkansas Tech University may be paid by credit card in the Testing Services office, and cash payments may be accepted in the Office of Student Accounts, Brown Hall, Suite 241. For additional information regarding testing schedules, students may visit www.atu.edu/testing.
Veteran Services
Veteran's Benefits - Arkansas Tech University is approved by the State Approving Agency (SAA) as a school whereby eligible veterans and veterans’ beneficiaries may use educational benefits while working toward a degree. Eligible students should contact the Office of Veteran Services to obtain information regarding school attendance under the following programs: Title 38, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill®(GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill); Title 38, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty; Title 38, Chapter 32, Veterans Educational Assistance Program; Title 38, Chapter 35, Survivors and Dependents Education; and Title 10, Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill® for Selective Reserves.
All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outline for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. Enrollment certification will not be sent to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs until the person applying for veteran’s benefits has been admitted to the University and prior credit evaluated. Students must request certification for each term to be certified and are responsible for notifying the certifying official of any changes in enrollment status or eligibility. Veterans may be given placement credit for prior military training by providing an official military transcript or DD-214.
All active duty military service persons and veterans eligible under the GI Bill® as determined by the VA who are classified as "out-of-state" for tuition purposes shall receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. Arkansas Tech University complies with Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act. For additional information, please contact the Office of Veteran Services. See also "In-State Tuition for Military Personnel, Veterans and Dependents" in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.
The Office of Veteran Services is located in the Doc Bryan Student Services, Suite 104. Students may stop by the Office of Veteran Services or call (479) 968-0445 if they have questions or need assistance in applying for their benefits.
Service Member and Veteran Scholarships
Arkansas National Guard
Act 82 of 2005 provides a tuition and waiver assistance program for soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard. Members of the Arkansas National Guard should contact the Student Accounts Office for information.
Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver Program (formerly G-TIP)
The Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver program provides a tuition and fees-only waiver to Arkansas residents who are active members of the Arkansas Army/Air National Guard that have not already obtained a Bachelor's degree. Applications and additional information may be obtained from the unit commander or online at https://arkansas.nationalguard.mil.
Military Activation
Students who cease attendance at Arkansas Tech University without completing and receiving a grade in one or more courses due to military activation or deployment may receive compensation for the resulting monetary loss as provided by Act 85 of 2005. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for information.
Military Dependent’s Scholarship
The Military Dependent’s Scholarship Program provides a waiver of tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board, minus three (3) months of Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) or Chapter 35 benefits, to full-time students at any public college, university, or technical institute in Arkansas for dependents and spouses of Arkansans who were killed or missing in action or who were prisoners of war or who are totally and permanently disabled. All applicants must also apply for and show acceptance or denial of the Federal dependent's Educational Assistance Program. Application deadline is June 1.
Academic Operations
Study Abroad Office
The Study Abroad Office enables students to gain global experiences through several types of international and national study opportunities, including faculty-led programs, exchange programs, and internship abroad programs. Applicants must have good academic standing. Foreign language requirement varies by the host university. Costs include, but are not limited to, Arkansas Tech tuition and fees (students are exempt from the host university's tuition), transportation, and living expenses. For more information, please contact the Study Abroad Office, Dean 116E, phone (479)964-0527; studyabroad@atu.edu.
Tech Learning Center (TLC)
The Tech Learning Center (TLC) offers a variety of services in a welcoming environment that helps ATU students achieve their goals. Through peer-tutoring, academic coaching, workshops, and one-on-one consultations, the TLC is designed to holistically assist students in their academic and professional development.
Tutoring
The TLC’s peer tutors provide free support in over 90 courses. Centrally located in the Ross Pendergraft Library, appointments are available Sunday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. Online appointments are available to students not on campus.
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching helps any ATU student looking for a personalized plan for academic success. Peer and professional coaches help students create study plans, improve note-taking and study skills, interact with professors, take advantage of resources on campus, and recognize their own ability to succeed in college. Academic Coaching is a voluntary program that last as long as the student feels the need for support.
For more information on any of TLC’s programs or services, stop by our office in RPL 124 (behind the reference desk), call (479) 968-0249, email tlc@atu.edu, or visit https://www.atu.edu/tutoring/.
Administrative Operations
Textbook Brokers
Your campus bookstore is located in the Doc Bryan Building. Textbook Brokers carries all required course materials, including textbooks. Here, you can buy, rent, or digitally download most titles. The Bookstore has a large selection of Tech gear and apparel. School supplies, electronics, and graduation regalia are also available.
Textbook Refund Guidelines
The Bookstore will issue full refunds in the original form of payment for textbooks purchased at the Bookstore if returned in the original condition, with an original receipt and within the first week of classes. Within 30 days of the first day of classes, textbooks will be refunded with an original receipt and with a valid proof of add/drop.
BuyBack/Rental Return Information
The Bookstore will buy back some textbooks at any point during the semester. Rentals are due at the end of each semester they are issued, on the Friday after finals end.
Please visit our website at https://www.atu.edu/bookstore for the most up-to-date information about the bookstore.
Office of Events
Arkansas Tech University offers a centralized office to both external and internal users for scheduling events, camps, and conferences. The Office of Events is the primary point of contact for all departments, groups, and individuals who are interested in reserving the use of facilities on the Arkansas Tech campus. By centralizing the reservation process, we are able to provide efficient and effective service for scheduling an event.
The Office of Events works with students, faculty, administrative staff and external customers to reserve space on campus for their events and to plan all camps and conferences. This office reserves the most appropriate space for each event based on location, anticipated attendance, and time of year and day. This office also maintains the University Master Calendar.
As of January 2, 2018, Arkansas Tech utilizes Ad Astra Scheduler for all space reservations on campus. Please use Firefox or Google Chrome as your browser. For more information or to schedule an event, go to www.atu.edu/events/index.php