Academic Policies and Procedures

Students are responsible for scheduling their own classes and for being aware of all schedule changes. The college reserves the right to cancel, combine or change the time, day or location of any class without obligation. The college also reserves the right to change the instructor and/or instructional methodology without obligation.

NWACC enforces all prerequisites as published in the current NWACC catalog. Students must provide proof of prerequisites, in the form of test scores, successful “C or better” completion of the prerequisite course, or submission of transfer work on a transcript to the Enrollment Support Center.

NWACC reserves the right to administratively drop students for failing to meet required prerequisites.

Course Load

A full-time academic load at NorthWest Arkansas Community College during a regular term (fall or spring semester during the academic year) is 12-19 (twelve to nineteen) credit hours. 6-7 (six to seven) credit hours is considered full time for a summer term. Students wishing to register for more than the allowed credit hours are required to obtain the signed approval of the Chief Academic Officer or designee. Summer registration is limited to a maximum of 14 (fourteen) hours.

Within each semester (fall, spring, summer) many sessions may be offered starting and stopping at different times. Students are advised to limit their enrollment in these shorter sessions especially during the summer term.

Refer to NWACC Course Load Overload for Students Policy (3006) for additional details.

Definition of a Credit Hour

The unit of credit awarded at NorthWest Arkansas Community College is the semester credit hour.  Arkansas Department of Higher Education sets the required contact hours per credit hour based on the type of course. Typically, a lecture course taught for 16 weeks valued at three credit hours will meet three periods per week for 50 minutes each period, two periods per week for 1 hour and 15 minutes each period or once each week for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Laboratory, studio, clinicals, internships, and practicums will meet for longer periods of time.  Courses taken shorter academic periods will also meet for longer times.

Student Class Standing

Freshman: A student who has passed fewer than 30 semester hours of course work.
Sophomore: A student who has passed more than 29 hours but fewer than 60 semester hours of course work.

Official Enrollment

Any student who attends a class on a regular basis must be officially enrolled and registered in the college. No student may attend a class if his or her name does not appear on the official class roster.

Registration Procedures

Students should register for classes according to instructions and deadline dates published prior to the beginning of each semester. Students are financially and academically responsible for all classes in which they enroll. If a student registers for classes online or through the Enrollment Support Center, he/she will be charged tuition and fees and receive grades for the classes unless an official drop/withdrawal form has been processed or the student drops or withdraws online. Students with past due obligations to the college may not register for classes until such obligations are resolved to the satisfaction of the college. NWACC may drop students from class for nonpayment of tuition and fees. Students must make full payment of tuition and fees by the payment due date or set up a payment plan. While NWACC does drop for non-payment, do not assume you will be automatically dropped. Monitor your class registration via EagleNet located in My NWACC Connection.

To facilitate online registration, students should make sure any transcripts from other schools containing prerequisites for courses at NWACC have been received and processed.

The college reserves the right to deny registration to any individual who has violated the Student Code of Conduct and is currently suspended from the college or when the college is unable to provide the services, courses or programs needed to assist a student in meeting his/her educational objectives.

After registration officially ends for a term (see dates published in the NWACC Academic Calendar), students will not be allowed to register in courses that have already started.

Future Term Registration Cancellation

When early registration dates for future terms precede the payment deadline for a current term, students with unpaid balances may register for a future term. In such cases, the student will have until the payment due date of the future term to pay their past due balance in its entirety. Failure to make payment in full by the payment due date may result in an administrative drop from class(es).

Students are responsible for monitoring their student bill on a regular basis and for ensuring all fees are paid by the due date.

The Cashiers’ Office attempts to notify students when they are at risk for administrative enrollment cancellation for non-payment.

Refer to NWACC Future Term Registration Cancellation Policy (4005) for additional details.

Administrative Drop and Withdrawal Policy

NorthWest Arkansas Community College students are expected to participate in class throughout the semester. NWACC faculty are required to track student participation in course activities in the college-designated system.

• If an instructor chooses to use attendance as part of grading, the specific attendance policy will be distributed with other course information at the beginning of the semester.
• Faculty are required to document student participation in classroom activities used to determine administrative withdrawal. These class activities may or may not be used as part of grading. Requirements for class participation to determine administrative drop (removed from course with 80% refund) (NP) and end of term reporting (FP grade) will be included in the course syllabus and distributed with other course information at the beginning of the semester.

Course Commencement and Drop for Non-participation at Census

• Students should establish participation in required course activities before the census date.
• Students who do not establish participation before the census date will be administratively dropped from the class with an 80% refund. There will be no reinstatement of students who have been administratively dropped for failure to establish participation in course activities.

Refer to NWACC Administrative Drop and Withdrawal Policy (3009) for additional details.

Grading Policy

NorthWest Arkansas Community College uses grading symbols that correlate to quality points used in calculating grade point averages.

Any grade change that occurs after the student receives his/her grade report from the Student Records office must be approved by the Vice President for Student Learning.

* Not included in computation of the grade point average
** Starting with the 2012 Fall semester, transfer work will appear as CR or TA, TB, TC

Participation and Final Grades

Grades of FP (failure to participate) will be issued to those students failing to participate in class activities and failing to officially withdraw from their course(s). Students will be assigned a grade of “FP” if they do not officially withdraw from the course and failed to participate in course activities through the end of the period. FP is used when, in the opinion of the instructor, completed assignments or course activities or both were insufficient to make normal evaluation of academic performance possible. Students who complete the course but fail to achieve the course objectives will be awarded the grade of “F” (failing). The student may be required to repay all or a portion of the financial aid received for the semester. Federal regulations mandate that the Financial Aid Office determine the percentage of the semester the student completed. This calculation will establish the amount of financial aid funds that must be returned to the Department of Education.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average (GPA) at NWACC is calculated as outlined below:

1.  To determine the grade points earned in each course, multiply the number of quality points for the assigned letter grade by the number of credit hours for the course.

   A = 4 quality points	D = 1 quality points
   B = 3 quality points	F = 0 quality points
   C = 2 quality points	FP = 0 quality points

   Note: AU, I, W, WA, WN, S, U, and IP are not considered in GPA; however, the grades may have federal and state financial aid repercussions for unsatisfactory academic progress and you may become ineligible for financial aid in the following semester.

2. Add these grade points to arrive at the total grade points earned during a term.
3. Divide this grade point total by the total number of credit hours pursued that term. The cumulative grade point average is calculated the same way as the GPA for each term except that all of the student’s college work is taken into account.

Sample Computation

Course, Grade, Hours Enrolled x Quality Points = Grade Points

35 (grade points) divided by 16 (hours enrolled) = 2.19 GPA

Incomplete Grades

At the instructor’s discretion, a grade of “I” (Incomplete) may be assigned to a student who has not completed all course requirements but who has met the following conditions:

1. The student (or his/her authorized representative) initiated the request.
2. The student was carrying at least a grade of “C” in the course before the situation arose that prompted the request for the incomplete.
3. The student was in compliance with all course requirements, including attendance and percentage of material covered.
4. The student was unable because of a documented medical reason or other documented circumstance beyond his/her control to finish assigned classwork/papers or to take the final examination.

If the student and the instructor agree that the student is unable to make up missed classwork then they will fill out an Incomplete Contract, which will:

1. Stipulate the specific course requirements to be completed.
2. Stipulate the specific date by which the requirements must be completed.
3. Be signed by the student, the instructor and the appropriate division or department head with copies given to the Registrar.

If the student does not complete the course work by the date stipulated on the contract, then the grade of “I” becomes a grade of “F”. Students who need to attend class to make up incomplete work will need to re-register for the class. It is against college policy for a student to sit in on a class section without being specifically registered for that section.

In Progress Grades

An IP (In Progress) grade may be assigned for course work unable to be completed in a normal semester or term.

Grade Changes (Other than Incomplete)

Grades may be changed only under very unusual circumstances. A grade change request must be initiated by the student to the instructor. If approved the instructor submits the grade change form for approval to the Academic Dean. Any grade change (other than I grade) must be changed within the first two weeks of the following semester, excluding summer.

Audit

Students may enroll to audit a course for self- enrichment, or to observe a course before enrolling for credit in it. Students should consult the instructor of a course they want to audit to gain information about course work and examinations. Students may audit courses only when class enrollment permits. Tuition and fees are paid at the same rate as classes taken for credit. Financial Aid will not pay for audited courses.

A grade of “AU” is given for audit enrollment. No graduation or transfer credit is awarded. Students must complete and submit the required paperwork to Student Records in the first week of the 16-week semester in order to audit a class. Students may not change an AU grade to a letter grade during the course.

Repeating Courses/Improving GPA

Sometimes a student may wish to repeat a course for greater knowledge of a subject or for an improved grade. When a student repeats the same course, the highest grade earned is computed in the refigured cumulative grade point average. The initial course grade remains on the transcript along with the new grade.

Refer to NWACC Grading Policy (3008) for additional details.

Withdrawal Policy

A W (Withdrawal) grade will not appear on a student’s transcript if the class is dropped during the refund period designated in the academic calendar. A student who withdraws from a class after the above mentioned refund period will receive a letter grade of “W” on the official transcript if the drop is made within the specified withdrawal time period (see academic calendar).

Students who wish to withdraw from a class or classes should first consult with their instructor or with an academic advisor. It may be possible to make alternate arrangements to avoid the loss of time or credit.

Drop/withdrawal from class should be completed by the student online or in person by completing an official drop form.

A student may petition for a grade of “W” after the designated deadline has expired if one of the following events has occurred:

1. Illness or injury to the student or immediate family member.
2. Involuntary work schedule change or transfer.
3. Death of a member of the immediate family of the student.
4. Jury duty or direct involvement by the student with legal action or military responsibilities.
5. Called to active military duty.

The Late Drop Appeal is to consider grade changes to a W only when extenuating circumstances existed and prohibited the student from officially withdrawing from the course by the appropriate deadline. In no instance does the appeal deal with grade changes which question the professional judgment by the faculty member of the student’s performance in the course. Petitions for a grade of “W” may be submitted only until the end of the next major semester following the semester for which the petition is submitted. A major semester is defined as the fall or spring semester.

Since information concerning procedures and dates for withdrawal is widely publicized, the Appeal Committee will not consider petitions from students who claim they “did not know” withdrawal procedures and dates. Documentation must accompany each petition for the appeal to be considered. Students can pick up the late withdrawal petitions in the Enrollment Support Center on the second floor in the Student Center.

Refer to NWACC Withdrawal from Credit Course Policy (4004) for additional details.

Refund Appeal

Under certain circumstances, students may be eligible to request a tuition refund. If the student’s learning experience was disrupted by one of the following extenuating circumstances, they may be eligible to submit a request for appeal:

1. Military deployment to a theater of operations not conducive to the completion of academic studies.
2. Long-term hospitalization of the student or immediate family member that prohibits successful completion of academic studies.
3. A traumatic event of the student that prohibits successful completion of academic studies.
4. Death of an immediate family member (immediate family is defined as the father, mother, sister, brother, spouse, child, grandparents, grandchild, in-laws or any individual acting as a parent or guardian of the student).
5. A verified error on the part of NWACC.

Refund appeals must be received within one year from the end of the semester for which the student requests. Refund appeals do not positively change or influence a student’s satisfactory academic progress standing with the Office of Financial Aid. Refunds for students receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits will be handled according to all federal regulations, which could result in the student owing back federal funds.

All refund appeals must include a written statement from the student and supporting documentation which is submitted to the Tuition Appeal Review Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Office of Financial Aid, The Treasurer’s Office and the Office of Learner Support Services. The decision of the Tuition Appeal Review Committee is final. A grade of “WA” will be issued for approved refund appeals.

Refer to NWACC Tuition Refund Appeal for Credit Classes Policy (4008.3) for additional details.

Academic Grade Appeal

Recognizing that both students and faculty have rights regarding academic matters, NorthWest Arkansas Community College sets forth the Academic Grade Appeal Policy. This policy is to serve the purpose of providing the student with due process and resolution while protecting faculty rights to freedom of instruction and to provide a mechanism for problem solving and achieving an equitable resolution to academic grade appeals as quickly as possible.

The purpose of the Academic Grade Appeal Policy is to provide equitable and orderly processes to resolve appeals concerning grades by students at NWACC while protecting faculty rights to freedom of instruction without retaliation.

Refer to NWACC Academic Grade Appeal Policy (3008.1) for additional details.

Student Complaint Against Staff

An unresolved complaint is raised to the level of a grievance when the student completes and submits a Student Grievance form. The Student Grievance process must be initiated during the semester the alleged incident or issue occurred or the regular academic semester (fall or spring) that follows.

The purpose of the Student Complaint and Grievance Policy is to provide equitable and orderly processes to resolve complaints and grievances by students at NorthWest Arkansas Community College.

Complaint is defined as a difference or dispute between a student and an employee of NWACC that is related to services rendered.

Harassment complaints are covered by a separate policy and procedure.

Refer to NWACC Student Complaint against a Staff Member Policy (4012.2) for additional details

Academic Grievance

At NorthWest Arkansas Community College instructors have the authority to conduct classes, provide for the discussion of ideas, make assignments or other exercises, require examinations, and render judgments on the performance of students. This authority provides the foundation for an academic relationship between individual faculty members and individual students that is unique to colleges and universities. The relationship between students and faculty is maintained by the interplay of traditional and customary standards of conduct and courtesies, the observance of which is the responsibility of both faculty and students.

Inevitably, issues associated with the faculty member’s responsibilities as a teacher and the student’s responsibilities as a learner may occasionally arise. In order to address these issues, NorthWest Arkansas Community College will provide for the consistent and equitable resolution of legitimate student academic grievances.

An academic grievance is a difference or dispute between a student and faculty member related to academic matters such as classroom behavior and procedures as they affect the student. Resolution of an academic grievance will not change a student’s grade (see Academic Grade Appeal Policy for grade disputes).

The purpose of the Academic Grievance Policy is to provide equitable and orderly processes to resolve complaints and grievances by students at NorthWest Arkansas Community College while protecting faculty rights to freedom of instruction.

Responsibilities

Student should contact the faculty member directly to attempt to resolve the dispute. If resolution cannot be found with the faculty member, the student should seek mediation by contacting the academic division coordinator/chair.

Faculty should meet with the student to attempt to resolve the dispute. Faculty must provide all requested documentation to the appropriate chairperson if asked.

Academic Chairperson will meet with the student upon request to mediate the grievance.

Academic Division Dean must provide an academic grievance form to the students upon request and must review and come to a decision following timeline laid out in the procedures.

Chief Academic Officer or designee shall meet with student, faculty and chairperson to hear grievances and documentation. They will review documentation and make a decision on the resolution of the grievance following time line laid out in the procedures.

Refer to NWACC Academic Grievance Policy (3025) for additional details.

Academic Honesty

Ensuring students understand the core value of academic honesty is an overarching goal of all faculty and staff at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. NWACC expects academic honesty of its students to ensure a quality academic environment.

Academic honesty means that students do their own work and do not represent others’ work as their own. A violation of academic honesty involves misrepresentation, the submission of materials for evaluation that are not the student’s own, or completion of an academic exercise that does not result from individual effort or intellectual production.

Student acts of academic dishonesty cause disruption of the educational process, weaken our College’s reputation, and present challenges for our faculty to fairly assess the student’s academic performance.

If an act of academic dishonesty should occur, an instructor may take action which reflects the seriousness of the infraction, and could range from an informal verbal warning to, but not beyond, the issuance of a grade of “F” for the course.

Faculty are responsible for ensuring that grades are truly indicative of the student’s learned knowledge as exhibited in the classroom and through their coursework.

Students are responsible for submitting their own work for assessment, grading, and citing work or ideas that are not their own in completion of academic assignments.

For institutional policy, procedures and required forms refer to NWACC Academic Honesty Policy (3029).

Plagiarism

Plagiarism results when a student presents the words or ideas of someone else as if they were his/her own. If the words of someone other than the writer are reproduced without acknowledgment of the source or if someone else’s ideas are paraphrased in such a way that leads the reader to believe they originated with the writer, then plagiarism has occurred.

Plagiarism can be either intentional or unintentional. Intentional plagiarism is the knowing, deliberate copying or downloading or buying of information with the intent of passing it off as original with the writer. Intentional plagiarism is a very serious form of academic dishonesty that can lead to suspension from the College. Unintentional plagiarism is the misrepresentation of information through ignorance or carelessness.

It is the responsibility of all NorthWest Arkansas Community College students to understand what plagiarism is, and to learn the proper methods of documentation to avoid this form of academic dishonesty.

Refer to the NWACC Student Handbook for the most current information and Academic Grade Sanctions and Due Process.

Academic Clemency

Students who perform poorly during their early years at college often drop out and return later in life to resume their education. However, their previous academic record may present a major obstacle to their overall GPA and their chances for success.
Arkansas Act 1000 of 1991 gives returning students an opportunity for a new undergraduate start without the handicap of their previous academic record. Students who desire to have their previously earned grades and credits removed from the calculation of their cumulative grade point average may apply for academic clemency according to the following guidelines:

1. Academic clemency may be granted to returning NorthWest Arkansas Community College students who have not been enrolled in any institution of higher education for a period of three years prior to the term for which academic clemency is requested.
2. Academic clemency will cover all credits attempted during the term or terms for which clemency is granted.
3. Courses for which clemency is granted cannot be used in computing the grade point average, for meeting requirements for prerequisites, or for meeting graduation requirements.
4. Academic clemency may be granted for up to four (4) previous terms at NWACC where the semester GPA was below 2.0.
5. Academic clemency may be is limited to a one-time use by NorthWest Arkansas Community College students.
6. Academic clemency is final and irreversible.

Returning students may petition for clemency following one term in which the student demonstrates the resolve to succeed academically by earning a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in six (6) or more credit hours.

To initiate this procedure a student must state in writing the term or terms for which clemency is requested and complete an academic clemency petition form in the Enrollment Support Center. An academic clemency appeal committee will review the student’s request and approve or deny the petition.

Refer to NWACC Academic Clemency Policy (4001) for additional details.

Academic Standing

All NWACC students are expected to make satisfactory progress in all courses taken and are subject to the Academic Standing Policy. A student’s academic standing is determined at the end of each Fall, Spring semester on the basis of credit hours completed and cumulative and/or semester grade point average. A student’s academic standing determines re-enrollment status and establishes conditions associated with re-enrollment or denial of re-enrollment.

Note: The Academic Standing Policy is not the same as the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

For most current information, including definitions, exceptions, and procedures, refer to NWACC Academic Standing Policy (4013).

Honors

President’s List

Highest academic honors are conferred through the President’s List, an honor roll composed of distinguished students who have achieved a grade point average between 3.9 and 4.0 while enrolled for 12 or more fall/spring semester hours. Students will receive via email a letter of recognition from the President.

Dean’s List

Students completing 6 or more semester hours whose grade point average is between 3.5 and 4.0 in the fall/spring semester during the current semester will be placed on the Dean’s List for distinguished scholastic recognition. Students receive a letter of recognition via email signed by the Associate Vice President for Learning/Chief Academic Officer.

College Records

Official NWACC student transcripts and personal records are confidential information, which are in protective custody in the Student Records Office. Digital copies of records are considered original transcripts may be released to officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, without student consent.

Transcript requests for institutions of higher education in the state of Arkansas will only be transmitted electronically when available. Paper transcripts will only be sent to those institutions not yet set up to accept electronic transcripts. Transcripts going to the Arkansas Department of Education will also be sent electronically.
Refer to NWACC College Records and Transcripts Policy (4009.1) for additional details

Records on Hold

Students with records placed on hold for any reason are not permitted to complete the following actions pending removal of the hold:

• Drop or add a class within the semester.
• Enroll in courses in subsequent semesters.
• Obtain a transcript or other academic record.
• Receive a diploma or certificate.

In the event of extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student, exceptions may be granted by the Chief Academic Officer, Chief Student Affairs Officer, or the Chief Finance and Administration Officer.
Refer to NWACC Student Records on Hold Policy (4009.4) for additional details.

Change of Address or Name

Students are expected to keep the Enrollment Support center informed of their current residence, mailing address and telephone number. A student whose name is legally changed should notify the Enrollment Support Center as quickly as possible.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

NWACC complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. These rights include:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education record within 45 days of the day the college receives a written request for access.
  A student should submit a written request to the Registrar that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the Registrar, the student shall be advised of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
• The right to request an amendment to the student’s education record when the student believes the record is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
  A student who wishes to ask the College to amend a record should write the college official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it should be changed.
  If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. Note: FERPA is not intended to provide a process to be used to question substantive judgments that are correctly recorded. The rights of challenge are not intended to allow students to contest, for example, a grade in a course because they feel a higher grade, or withdrawal, should have been assigned. FERPA is intended to ensure the factual and accurate nature of the information in students’ education records and students’ rights to verify that information.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA or any superseding law authorizes disclosure without the student’s consent.
  The College discloses educational records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College.
  
  Release of Information applies to students who wish to file a standing request to release information to a particular person or agency may submit the Consent to Release of Academic Information Form to the Enrollment Support Center. Students must show their photo ID when submitting this consent. If a third party is returning this form on behalf of the student, the form must include the student’s signature and be accompanied by a photocopy of the student’s photo ID. This authorization will allow the designated person or agency access to the information identified on the form and will remain in effect until the date stated on the form.
  
  Directory Information defined by the College, may be released without a student’s written consent and may be subject to public disclosure.
  
  The College designates the following as directory information:
  • Student’s name
  • NWACC Email address
  • Dates of Attendance
  • Degree(s) Awarded
  • Enrollment Status (Full-Time, Half-Time, ¾ -Time, Less than Half Time)
  • Program of Study
  • Previous institution(s) attended

This information will be subject to public disclosure. Students who wish to prevent disclosure of directory information must submit the Authorization to Withhold Directory Information Form to the Student Record’s Office (2nd floor Student Center). Students who submit this form should note that this action will exclude their name from certain college publications.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
  Family Policy Compliance Office
  U.S. Department of Education
  400 Maryland Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC 20202-8520 (202) 260-3887

Refer to NWACC Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Policy (4009.3) for additional details.

Graduation

NWACC awards diplomas three times per year: at the end of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Commencement is held annually in May. Diplomas are mailed to the graduates following verification of the completion of all degree or certificate requirements by the Student Records Office.

Refer to NWACC Time of Official Graduation Policy (4002.2) for additional details.

Graduation Application

Students who believe they are within seven hours of completing a degree and/or certificate are encouraged to submit an application for graduation. Sometimes in the course of completing their duties, other offices on campus will discover students they believe may be eligible for graduation and will submit those names to Student Records. Thus, it is possible for a student to be awarded a degree and/or certificate without completing a graduation application themselves. However, to ensure you are awarded your degree and/or certificate in a timely manner, please submit your graduation application.

Commencement

Although students may graduate three times during the school year (Fall, Spring, Summer), NWACC holds only one commencement ceremony annually.

May Commencement is an important tradition at NWACC because it allows the college community an opportunity to celebrate with the graduates and their families and to recognize publicly those graduates who have achieved a goal that not all adults achieve - a college degree.

Calculation of GPA for Graduation

The grade point average (GPA) for graduation includes all classes completed at NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Students who have earned at least a 3.5 on 24 (twenty-four) or more credit hours of coursework completed at NorthWest Arkansas Community College are eligible to apply for graduation with honors.

Refer to NWACC Calculation of Grade Point Average (GPA) for Graduation Policy (4002.1) for additional details.

Cum, Magna Cum, or Summa Cum Laude

Degree-seeking students who have completed 24 hours or more with NWACC by the end of their graduating semester and have a 3.5 grade point average or higher are entitled to wear an honor cord during graduation. Students designated as Summa Cum Laude graduates will have a 4.0 GPA on 24 or more credit hours; Magna Cum Laude, a 3.5-3.9 GPA on 24 or more hours; Cum Laude degree-seeking graduate who have a 3.0-3.49 GPA on 24 or more hours.

Certificate students will graduate “With Special Distinction” if they have earned all a 4.0 GPA and “With Distinction” if they have a 3.5 -3.9 GPA.

Refer to NWACC Academic Honors Policy (3011) for additional details,

Students Right To Know: Graduation Rate

In 2022-23, the completion or graduation rate for students who entered NorthWest Arkansas Community College in the fall of 2019 as first-time, full-time, degree seeking students was 25%. Out of this same cohort of students, an additional 17% transferred to another college or university and 10% were still attending NWACC in Fall 2022.
For more information, see NWACC Institutional Research.

General Degree Requirements

At NorthWest Arkansas Community College, the following degree requirements apply to any degree granted by the College:

1. Completion of at least 15 semester hours at NorthWest Arkansas Community College for degree completion. (Certain professional programs may have more specific and/or extensive requirements).
2. Completion of at least 25% of the required hours at NorthWest Arkansas Community College certificate completion. (Certain professional programs may have more specific and/or extensive residency requirements).
3. Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 out of a possible 4.0 in all courses submitted for graduation.(Some degree programs, governed by law and or accrediting bodies require higher than a 2.0 GPA for graduation.)
4. A student may attempt a course for credit multiple times, but no course will be counted more than once for graduation. Some professional programs that lead to licensure or certification may have stricter standards on repeating classes. 
5. Satisfactory settlement of all financial obligations.
6. Some degree programs, governed by law and or accrediting bodies, require a minimum score on a standardized testing instrument for graduation.
7. Catalog year: The student may fulfill the graduation requirements listed the catalog year at the time they enter the institution or any catalog year in which the student is continuously enrolled. Continuous enrollment means the student has no enrollment gap of two or more major semesters. Students returning to NWACC after two or more major semesters must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at time of re-enrollment.
   
   Catalog year for students applying for professional programs that lead to licensure or certification is determined by the academic year they are accepted into the program. 
   
   A change of degree/certificate plan will update the student’s catalog of record to the current catalog year. 
   
   Continuous enrollment means the student has no enrollment gap of two or more major semesters.  Students returning to NWACC after two or more major semesters must meet the requirements of the catalog in effect at time of re-enrollment.
8. A student who has taken at least 15 credit hours in residence at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and transfers to another accredited institution may upon successful completion of all degree requirements be awarded the associate degree from NorthWest Arkansas Community College. Certain professional degree programs may have more specific and/or extensive residency requirements.The transferred student wishing to graduate from NorthWest Arkansas Community College would send Student Records an official transcript from the transfer college showing the completion of the remaining courses. The student would then apply for graduation. 
9. A student not currently enrolled in credit courses may apply for non-declared degree/programs one semester after the last semester of enrollment.

Refer to NWACC General Degree and Other Certificate Requirements Policy (3003) for additional details.