Pauline Whitaker Library
General Overview
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Library supports student success and seeks to be a center of intellectual activity, providing places where learners can access information through traditional and cutting-edge technologies and develop invaluable information literacy skills to prepare them for lifelong learning.
The NWACC Library has three spaces - the Pauline Whitaker Library and the Learning Commons in Benton County and the Walker Information Commons in Washington County - that function as an academic unit of NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The Pauline Whitaker Library is in Burns Hall, Room 1304, and the Learning Commons is in Burns Hall, Room 1217 in Benton County. The Walker Information Commons is in Washington County, Room 111. Students will find a well-equipped library with over 30,000 physical items like books, DVDs, and study materials, and massive online collections and research tools, offering access to journals, eBooks and streaming media from anywhere with an internet connection. Current NWACC students may use other participating Arkansas academic libraries and borrow items from them through the ARKLink Consortium Borrowing program; visit the Library to get an ARKLink card.
InterLibrary Loan
The Library offers InterLibrary Loan (ILL) services to students enabling them to borrow articles, books, and other media from other libraries, usually at no cost. Most items are delivered to the user within one week. Journal articles usually arrive very quickly and can be delivered electronically.
Library Workshops and More Help
The Library offers a series of Academic Literacy Workshops, and students who attend eight workshops will receive a recognition stamp on their academic transcript. Additionally, NWACC Librarians may visit your classes or join you in Canvas courses to provide information literacy instruction and support you with your research projects. Librarians are available for in-person and virtual appointments with students.
Hours of Operation and Other Services
Library spaces offer students a variety of resources and the opportunity to work in both quiet and collaborative study spaces. Open hours vary by location. Students have 24-hour access to online collections and research tools, as well as the library’s book catalog. All library locations have public computers, ADA accessible workstations and printing. Benton County locations provide Macs equipped with Adobe Suite software and video editing software. Group study rooms are available at all locations, and a silent study room is in the library. A limited number of laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, graphing calculators, and audiovisual equipment are available for students to borrow.
Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring is available in the Learning Commons (BH 1217). Drop in to find tutors, fellow students who can help with various subjects and study skills.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is located in the Learning Commons (Burns Hall, Room 1217) and is staffed by English composition faculty, who consider the Writing Center an integral part of the writing process. Faculty tutors offer their expertise to work one-on-one with students, reading and reacting to student writing, and advising the writer during the writing process.
Students may drop in for a consultation in person during the day, remotely in the evening, or use the online service for assistance with any writing assignment.
See NWACC Writing Center for directions on using services, hours of operation, and links to writing resources. Additionally, the Writing Center presents weekly workshops on writing topics, with times and dates posted on the website.
Math Center
The Math Center is located in the Learning Commons (Burns Hall, Room 1217) and has math faculty available for drop in and/or online tutoring for all levels of math courses ranging from pre-algebra to calculus I. Online tutoring is by appointment only. See Math Center for information on services, hours of operations, and other helpful resources.
Enrollment and Academic Advising
Enrollment and Academic Advising plays an important role in a student’s educational success. Enrollment Services Advisors and Academic Advisors at NorthWest Arkansas Community College are a connection point for students and act as a guide through the enrollment process from the point of admissions through graduation. Advisors collaborate with students to develop and implement academic plans and educational experiences that reflect individual ability and interest through course selection, career planning, transfer planning, success coaching and preparing for graduation. Advisors act as a resource for students and assist them with achieving their educational goals by providing wrap around enrollment services that are individual to each student.
All first-time college students (those attending college for the first time after completing high school or a GED) must meet with an Advisor through New Student Orientation. During Orientation, students will decide on a program of study and choose classes that match their educational plan.
It is strongly recommended that all Students meet with an Advisor each semester to stay on track with their career and transfer goals, financial aid, scholarships, and academic eligibility. Students can schedule an Advising Appointment and find other ways to connect with an NWACC Advisor at www.nwacc.edu/Advising
Students who are on Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and/or Conditional Admission, must see an advisor before each enrollment period to discuss their academic progress.
For more information, contact Enrollment Services: (479) 309-5532 (text only), enrollmentsupport@nwacc.edu
New Student Orientation
All first-time college students (those attending college for the first time after completing high school or a GED) must meet with an Advisor through New Student Orientation. Orientation provides essential information and concepts to support student success in college. After orientation, students will receive academic advisement and can begin registering for classes.
Visit www.nwacc.edu/Orientation for more information.
Contact Enrollment Services: (479) 309-5532 (text only) or enrollmentsupport@nwacc.edu for more information.
Transfer Services
The Associate Director of Transfer and Degree Completion educates NWACC students and NWACC advisors about the many aspects of transferring from a community college to a four-year university, college, or pre-professional program. Services provided include:
- Connect students with representatives from regional colleges and universities
- Maintain a website that reflects current information relating to transferring from NWACC to another institution of higher learning which includes transfer institutions, transfer events, planning transfers and scholarship information
- Maintain transfer guides that reflects current information
- Educate students and NWACC advisors about the reverse transfer process
- Develop on campus and/or virtual transfer fairs and when requested coordinate workshops and classroom presentations
In most cases, students can attend NWACC and earn an associate’s degree before transferring to a four- year institution without losing time, money, or college credits. There are several associate degrees offered at NWACC that are designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university. Refer to the advising section of this catalog to learn about transfer degree options.
Although many NWACC courses transfer to colleges and universities, not all of them are deemed equivalent to four-year degree requirements at the transfer institution a student chooses. Students are encouraged to work with their NWACC academic advisor, in conjunction with an academic advisor at their transfer institution, to ensure completed coursework meets prerequisite and introductory major requirements. Additionally, students are encouraged to consult current college catalogs detailing requirements needed to achieve junior standing with a transfer degree. Since the receiving institution determines what courses transfer, students should always stay in close touch with professionals at that school
Reverse Transfer
Students that transfer before completing a degree may earn a degree with NWACC through reverse transfer. Reverse transfer allows students to complete their associate’s degree after transferring to the four-year college/university of their choice. Credits earned while working on the bachelor’s degree will often complete course requirements for an associate degree. When all graduation requirements are met and submitted to the NWACC Student Records office, an associate degree will be awarded. Students will need to contact Transfer Services at transferpathways@nwacc.edu to initiate the process.
Transfer Fair/Events
Transfer College Fairs are coordinated by NWACC’s Transfer Services to bring representatives from other universities and colleges to visit with current students. These representatives spend time on campus educating students about the majors they offer, in addition to informing them about how to connect with advisors on their campus. Transfer College Fairs may also be virtual.
Degree Completion Programs
Online and degree completion programs are excellent options for students who need alternate times and/or locations - offered locally and/or online. The degree completion and online opportunities make transferring to a 4-year school to obtain a bachelor’s degree possible for people who are unable to relocate or attend regular classes.
Note: Some programs may have age and/or work experience requirements.
Transfer Act 182 of 2009 (Roger Phillips Act)
The purpose of Transfer Act 182 is to assist students wishing to transfer credits among public institutions of higher education in Arkansas. This is accomplished by:
- Creating a seamless transfer of college coursework for students who have completed a two-year degree before moving to a four-year degree granting institution;
- Eliminating requirements for additional 1000 or 2000-level college credit hours at the receiving public institutions of higher education unless they are: 1) required by the academic major; 2) required prerequisites for other course work; or 3) required for certification or accreditation for the major.
Resources for Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations are available to enrolled students with documented disabilities who have completed registration with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). This registration process is entirely separate from admissions or enrollment processes. In order to complete the DRC registration process, students must meet with a DRC staff member to discuss any barriers or concerns they have and are required to supply appropriate documentation (typically medical, psychological, and/or psychoeducational evaluation) which supports requests for accommodation. A plan of academic accommodations is then developed based on analysis of the information provided.
Students should complete this registration process as soon as possible after admission to NWACC. Some accommodations require substantial advance notice to coordinate effectively, such as sign language interpretation or books in accessible formatting. While every effort is made to accommodate students regardless of when they request accommodations, advance notice eight weeks prior to the start of semester is required to ensure that accommodations are in place at the start of term.
Accommodation plans are implemented in collaborative partnership between students, faculty and DRC staff. Students have responsibility to appropriately follow DRC procedures in order to make use of their accommodations. Due to the dynamic nature of the accommodation process, procedures may change given individual circumstances, requiring that expectations or next steps may come in the form of guidance directly from DRC staff. For this reason, maintaining good communication is of paramount importance. The PRIMARY METHOD of communication is by email through the NWACC email address which is provided to all students.
Accommodations are available to all NWACC students, including those enrolled in online coursework through Digital Learning. Arrangements may be made to facilitate the DRC-registration process by phone or web-conferencing if travel to campus is infeasible or problematic.
All NWACC students must meet appropriate academic performance and Code of Conduct expectations.
Guests to our campus who have disability-related needs may make requests to be accommodated by contacting the DRC at disability@nwacc.edu or call (479) 986-4076. Please provide advance notice of at least ten (10) business days to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Procedures to report a disability-related grievance are outlined on NWACC 504/ADA Grievance Process.
For more information, please refer to NWACC Disability Resource Center.
Office of Veterans Resources
The Office of Veteran Services mission is to help veterans, current service members, and their dependents navigate their education path regardless of eligibility of GI BILL® benefits. To see if you are eligible for any of the following veteran/military benefits: GI BILL® (CH. 33, 30, 1606), the Veteran Readiness & Employment program (CH. 31), Dependent Education Assistance benefits (CH. 35), any Tuition Assistance programs or other types of Veterans Administration (VA) assistance, please contact the Office of Veterans Resources at 479-619-2273. We are located at the main campus, Student Center 114F.
Note: Please be aware of registration deadlines for using GI BILL® each semester. Activation of GI BILL® benefits can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks. Therefore, students must be registered for classes by Friday, the week before the start of each semester, to ensure timely disbursement of benefits.
Testing Services
The NWACC Testing Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, offers a variety of evaluation opportunities to the academic community including placement testing.
Placement testing requires an appointment and is available during open Testing Center hours. Same day appointment requests will not be honored.
Placement testing requires a $10 fee. Your fee can be paid in the following manner:
Once the test fee is paid, please check the email that was entered on your purchase order for appointment confirmation. Valid photo ID will be required for testing.
For additional information about testing services, contact NWACC Testing Center or call (479) 619-4354. For additional information, refer to NWACC Testing Center Policy (4015)
Student Information Center (SIC)
The SIC is the information and directory center of the college. All Student ID’s and parking hangtags are made at the SIC. The SIC also maintains all game room and recreation equipment that may be checked out and used by students. To check out equipment students must present their student ID to the SIC attendant.
The NWACC Food Pantry is now maintained through the Cox Welcome Desk in Burns Hall. Applications for food pantry assistance should be filled out online. Once a student’s food pantry application has been processed, they will receive an email when their order is ready to be picked up. For any questions or additional information, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
Student Life
Office of Student Life is responsible for coordinating, supporting, and implementing co-curricular programs and activities presented throughout the academic year. Many activities are planned and implemented by different Registered Student Organizations and the Office of Student Life.
For information regarding involvement, see NWACC Campus Life or contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
Lactation Lounge
Private space for the purpose of lactation is available to people who are lactating who are employees, students, or guests. Reservations are required. Please contact the Office of Human Resources by calling (479) 619-3155.
Refer to NWACC Lactation Policy (5007.8) for additional details.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Student Government Association (SGA)
NWACC SGA members are the governing body for the NWACC student body. SGA members promote and maintain an active communication between the administration, faculty, staff, and students; promote unity among the students of NorthWest Arkansas Community College; promote an environment which permits the development of character and intellectual growth; ensures the personal freedom and general welfare of the student body; and are the voice for students in all campus affairs. Individual members of the student board are viewed as part of an organization of student leaders at NWACC. SGA members are elected by the student body. For information regarding NWACC Student Government Association, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-4315.
Eagles Activity Board (EAB)
The Eagles Activity Board (EAB) is a student-led organization responsible for planning and organizing events within the student community. Working in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, EAB aims to enhance the student experience by offering a diverse range of activities and programs. From social gatherings to educational workshops, EAB endeavors to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus culture that encourages engagement and participation among students. The Eagles Activity Board (EAB) is a student-led organization responsible for planning and organizing events within the student community. Working in collaboration with the Office of Student Life, EAB aims to enhance the student experience by offering a diverse range of activities and programs. From social gatherings to educational workshops, EAB endeavors to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus culture that encourages engagement and participation among students.
Student Leadership Position Restrictions
Students with a felony conviction, registered sex offender status, or disciplinary dismissal from a postsecondary institution may or may not be eligible to fill student leadership roles or be a member of any NWACC student club or organization. Student leadership roles may include, but are not limited to the following: NWACC Student Organizations, Student Government Association, NWACC Eagle View, Learning, Improvement, Fun, and Empowerment (LIFE) Program, and Leadership positions in NWACC registered Student Clubs and Organizations.
Student Organizations
NorthWest Arkansas Community College recognizes that student organizations provide an opportunity for students to develop their own unique talents and interests. Student organizations assist in the development of leadership qualities, critical thinking skills, teamwork, communication skills, and further developing learning. Information on becoming a registered student organization may be obtained from the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-4315. Student organizations are subject to change each academic year. There are many registered student organizations at NWACC. If you don’t see one you like then you can create your own. To become registered, new groups must obtain and complete an application packet. Continuing student organizations must complete an update form annually in order to maintain status as a registered student organization. Certain criteria must be met in order to be a recognized organization. If you would like to start or join a student organization, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
For the most current information, refer to NWACC Clubs and Organizations.
NWACC Eagle View Student Newspaper
The NWACC Eagle View student newspaper and online platforms “shall provide students with a public forum for responsible news reporting and commentary and shall reflect commitment to integrity, truth, and excellence.” Prior experience in media or enrollment in journalism classes is not required to be on the staff of the paper-any student enrolled in a least one-credit hour at NWACC may apply to participate. The paper is published online and in print three or four times in the fall and again in the spring, for a total of six to eight issues per academic year. Additional online content is published throughout the semester. Student staff are given basic training in news reporting and are encouraged to take journalism classes. The various positions available include reporter, photographer, designer, distributor, promotions, social media, and others. Staff application forms along with other information may be found at NWACC Eagle View Student Newspaper.
For more information regarding policy and procedures, refer to the NWACC Student Leadership Position Restrictions Policy (4010.2).
National Honor Societies
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society of the Two Year College. The initial requirement for Phi Theta Kappa membership is a GPA of 3.5 and 12 hours of completed college credit courses. Since the founding in 1918, the purpose of Phi Theta Kappa has been to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship, for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. For additional information, contact Becky Hudson at (479) 986-6682 or ptk@nwacc.edu.
Gamma Beta Phi Society
Gamma Beta Phi Society Gamma Beta Phi Society is a national honor and service organization for college and university students. It is non-secret, non-profit, and co-educational; membership does not exclude a student from membership in any other organization. Members are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of service projects for the college and the community. NWACC chapter members are able to transfer their membership to state and national four year colleges and universities that have a Gamma Beta Phi chapter. The initial requirement for Gamma Beta Phi membership is a grade point average of 3.0 or above and completion of twelve (12) hours of transfer credit. For membership information, contact the chapter advisor Marvin Galloway at (479) 619-4158.
Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD)
SKD’s Lambda Gamma is a chapter of the National English Honor Society for students at two-year colleges and is open to English and non-English majors who enjoy language and literature and want to encourage others to do so through on-campus and community service. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in general scholarship to join and an A or B in at least one college English course. For more information, contact the English Department at (479) 619-4156.
Alpha Eta Society
Alpha Eta is a national honor society for the Allied Health Professions. Northwest Arkansas Community College is a chapter of this society. Each institution must offer three or more Allied Health Programs leading to associate, baccalaureate or graduate level degrees. At least find individuals eligible for membership shall be necessary to establish and maintain a chapter. Students who maintain an average of 3.5 or better are eligible for membership. For additional membership, contact Sherry Slay, RHIT at sslay@nwacc.edu.
NWACC Athletics-NJCAA Sanctioned, Club, and Intramural Sports
NWACC offers a comprehensive athletic program for all students interested in sports opportunities and activities. NWACC is a member of Region 2 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). NWACC currently sponsors NJCAA sanctioned Cross Country (Men’s and Women’s), Track and Field (Men’s and Women’s) and Esports (Co-Ed). NWACC also sponsors a Esports Club Team (Co-Ed) and Cycling Club Team (Co-Ed). Cycling Team participates in both Mountain Biking and Pavement Cycling. Intrmural sports activities are offered each year based on student interests. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to: bowling, pickleball, soccer, cornhole, and flag football. NJCAA sport participation is limited to full time students who have remaining NJCAA elgibility. Club and Intramural sport participants must be actively enrolled as students, either credit, non-credit or concurrent at NWACC in order to participate.
If you are interested in participating in one of the existing activities or have an idea for a new team, contact Brooke Brewer, Athletic Director at athletics@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-2207.
Fitness Center Memberships
The NWACC Fitness Center is located on the 1st floor of Burns Hall. Students, Faculty, and Staff have free access to this area as a campus amenity. Our fitness center has machine weights & free weights to maintain or increase your muscular strength and endurance. Several cardiovascular machines are also available to work on your aerobic fitness. The fitness center also has sports equipment that can be checked out for outdoor recreation. For more information contact Brooke Brewer, Athletic Director, at athletics@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-2207 or see the on-duty Fitness Center Employee.
NWACC Police & Public Safety Department
The NWACC Police and Public Safety Department participates in delivering the NWACC mission and strives to create a safe environment conducive to student learning. The Police and Public Safety Department is staffed with both certified police officers and Security Officers. Campus Police Officers are duly commissioned law enforcement personnel whose police authority is derived from Arkansas state statute #25-17-304, which grants them the same powers as any municipal, county or state police agency. Currently officers are assigned to NWACC locations in both Benton and Washington Counties. The Police and Public Safety Department employs contemporary security measures to reduce and prevent crime on our campus and works closely with neighboring Police Agencies. Crime and violence prevention is our priority and we are dedicated to working with faculty, staff and students to ensure a safe and secure environment. For institutional policy, refer to NWACC Department of Public Safety Policy (9003).
Reporting Crimes or Emergencies on Campus
The Police and Public Safety Department office is located in the Center for Health Professions 1042, with satellite offices throughout the NWACC campus. DPS can be contacted at departmentofpublicsafety@nwacc.edu, (479) 619-4229 or by using one of the emergency telephones located throughout the campus (on campus, dial 4229), or in person twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. E-mail should be addressed to the Director of Campus Safety, Chief Cecil White at cwhite24@nwacc.edu.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.nwacc.edu/administrativeservices/campussafety/default.aspx.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. It is not necessary to dial 9 prior to dialing 9-1-1 on college telephones. After completing the call to the 9-1-1 operator the student should immediately notify the Public Safety office at (479) 619-4229 and advise the officer on duty of the emergency.
Reporting Crimes
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report any criminal act to the Police and Public Safety Department immediately at (479) 619-4229, Center for Health Professions 1042. Any act of violence should be reported immediately to DPS.
Additionally, the prevention of sexual assaults is a priority of the Police and Public Safety Department. Information regarding registered sex offenders is available at the DPS Office or at the Arkansas Crime Information Center, www.ACIC.org. Crime prevention information is available at the Police and Public Safety Department office and Officer Escorts are always available for concerned students, faculty, and staff.
Parking
In accordance with A.C.A. 25-17-307 and the Board of Trustees, NWACC has the authority to establish rules and regulations for the registration, operation, and parking of all vehicles including fines and penalties. The established rules and regulations are binding on all employees, students and all others utilizing any and all lands owned or controlled by NWACC.
For institutional policy, refer to NWACC Parking Policy (9004).
Emergency Telephone Messages, Access to Students
Notification of an emergency can be made by calling the Student Records at (479) 619-4398 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling (479) 619-4229 after regular hours. After speaking with the person requesting contact, the Enrollment Support Center will determine the best method for contacting the student. After hours the Police and Public Safety Department will make the appropriate contact if it is determined that the request is directly related to educational reasons or presents a health or safety emergency.
Clery Act Annual Security Report
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Annual Security Report is provided to current students, prospective students, staff, and faculty as part of the College’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the NWACC community. The Annual Security Report is published every year by October 1 and contains three years of selected campus and non- campus crime statistics, and certain campus security policy statements in accordance with the Clery Act. Enacted in 1990, The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act was designed to assist students in making decisions which affect their personal safety and to ensure institutions of higher education provide students, prospective students, staff, and faculty the information they need to avoid becoming victims of campus crime. The Higher Education Act of 1998 and the subsequent amendments of the implementing regulations significantly expanded institutions’ obligations under the Act. The Act was also renamed the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act” (hereafter the “Clery Act”).
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Departments of Public Safety (DPS), and Emergency and Risk Management are committed to providing a risk averse, sustainable, and resilient environment that enhances the learning experience and supports the College’s educational mission. NWACC Clery and Campus Safety Report is published annually in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f), 34 CFR 668.46).
Student Handbook
Disciplinary measures will be applied to any student whose conduct adversely affects the NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s pursuit of educational objectives. The Student Handbook provides information on all policies and procedures regarding student conduct, NWACC conduct violations, and the full conduct process.
Violators of public law may be referred to civil authorities for appropriate action and also may be subject to disciplinary action through the NWACC conduct resolution process.
For the most current and up to date information, refer to NWACC Student Handbook in the NWACC policy database.
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