Academic Skills and General Studies Courses

Academic Skills Courses Prealgebra Beginning Algebra Intermediate Algebra Foundations of Algebra Preparing for College Reading College Reading Foundations of Writing Beginning Writing Intermediate Composition Introduction to Life Science College Intensive English Program

Academic Skills Courses:   Through placement and advisement, academic skills courses (ACSK) are credit prerequisites that can be required prior to taking college-level courses at NWACC. Pre-college levels of instruction in reading, writing, and math are designed to match a student ability as determined by one or more of the following: ASSET, COMPASS, or ACT placement scores, past performance in academic skills classes, or additional college transcripts. In accordance with state law, all first-time entering freshmen are directed into courses appropriate for addressing their academic needs and guiding them toward college success. Letter grades earned in Academic Skills classes do count toward a student’s general grade point average, GPA, but do not count in calculations determining honors distinction at graduation. No degree credit is awarded for Academic Skills courses. Successful completion is defined as a “C” or better in the course and establishes prerequisite skill for higher level academic skills courses or for related college level courses. NWACC’s Developmental Performance Report produced by the ASGS Division indicates that students successful in an academic skills course leading to college level work are prepared to succeed in College Algebra, English Composition I, and selected reading intensive college courses at a rate comparable to that of students placed directly into those college level courses. Students completing the specific college level courses formed the basis for the reports. Student learning of core concepts at the course level is measured and contributes to curriculum development. College Intensive English Program:   The College Intensive English program supports English speakers of other native languages who are seeking general admission to enroll in NWACC's college credit courses. A variety of learning approaches is strengthened by the interaction of students from diverse cultures. The goal is to assess and provide proper placement and curricula to strengthen students' English language skills critical to college success. These courses count as institutional credit hours and are used to figure grade point average (GPA) but do not count toward a degree. General Studies:   General Studies courses are credit courses built on student experiences, college resources, practical techniques and self discovery. They can count as elective credit toward certain degree programs at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Periodically courses will appear as pilots.