Pauline Whitaker Library
The Pauline Whitaker Library provides the learning/teaching resources needed by the students, faculty, administration, and staff of NWACC. These resources also may be used, on the premises, by the local community. The Library collection now includes approximately 32,000 volumes of books, 18,000 electronic books, 5,500 videotapes, DVDs, and CDs, 100 journal titles in print plus access to the full-text of 4,600 journals online, and selected computer software. The library web page offers access to 26 subscription databases and selected web resources arranged by subject. Listening/viewing stations, copiers, and a microfiche reader/printer are available. All NWACC students, faculty, administration, and staff must present an NWACC ID card for checkout of library materials.
Athena, the electronic library system, makes it easy to search the collection and easy to check out materials. The system is accessible from any computer with an Internet connection via the library web page at www.nwacc.edu/library. Athena enables individuals to review their records and renew their own materials without a trip to the Pauline Whitaker Library.
Librarians work closely with faculty to integrate research skills into course work across the curriculum. They also provide intensive assistance to individuals in the library as well as off-campus through “Ask the Pauline Whitaker Library,” an e-mail reference service on the Library’s web page.
The Information Literacy Online Lab at www.nwacc.edu/infolit was designed to help students, faculty, and staff to develop or improve their information literacy skills, to think critically and creatively about a variety of information sources, and to make efficient, effective, and ethical use of those sources.
The Library is a member of AMIGOS/OCLC, a regional and national bibliographic network, which provides interlibrary loan and cataloging services.
Also housed in the Pauline Whitaker Library is the Professional Development Center where faculty and staff can develop or refine their computer skills with a variety of software programs, preview videos, or browse books and current journals in higher education.
Learning Lab and Math Café - “Support For Success”
Adjoining the Pauline Whitaker Library on the first floor of Burns Hall, the Learning Lab offers individualized and technological assistance outside the classroom to aid students’ efforts to achieve academic success. An open computer lab contains IBM compatible and Macintosh computers with Internet access, laser printing, word processing, and multimedia computer instruction to guide students effectively in their academic pursuits. An independent or group study environment is also maintained with reference materials, large study tables, and a private tutoring room.
NWACC’s Tutor Program is administered through the Learning Lab and certified through the College Reading and Learning Association, a national organization. In the Spring 2003 semester 67% of our tutors had become certified through the College Reading and Learning Association. Qualified peer and faculty tutors are available in areas of math, science and other selected courses. Tutoring occurs during scheduled times each semester in the Learning Lab, the Math Café at the MAT building, and specific program labs, and is open to all students at no cost.
Sufficient study time and proven strategies can make the difference and are crucial to a solid college plan. Word processing is available during all open hours. A dedicated staff of general assistants and professionals strive to constantly expand services, broaden horizons of student experience and assist the student effectively in computer use. NWACC’s Learning Lab mission is to serve all areas of the college with resources and experiences to support academic success, promote student responsibility in learning, and build life-long learning skills.
Writing Center
The Writing Center at NWACC, located in Burns Hall room 1108, is staffed by the composition faculty who consider the Writing Center an integral part of the composition program. However, since writing occurs throughout the college community, they invite all who want to improve their writing to come to the Writing Center for individual instruction. The composition faculty offer their expertise to read, react and direct writers during the writing process. They strive to develop in the writer the skills to recognize good writing and to apply those skills to his/her writing.
Open Access Computer Lab
NWACC offers students access to state of the art computers for work on class projects and personal web surfing. The open access lab is located in the west end of Burns Hall in room 2416. This lab is equipped with 24 computers with the latest software and ultra-high speed internet access. The lab is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and until 4:30 p.m. on Friday during the fall and spring semester. Summer access is available with limited hours. The lab is funded with Student Technology Fees and is available to all currently enrolled NWACC students. The lab is staffed by members of the NWACC student Technology Corps, which is made up of students who receive a tuition waiver in exchange for working six hours per week in the lab. Applications for the Technology Corps are taken in April and November. For more information and details, contact Pat Kelly at 479-619-2220.
Academic Advising
NorthWest Arkansas Community College is committed to a strong, effective academic advisory system. At NWACC, academic advising plays a significant role in the total process of educating students for life. The advisor assists students with course and career planning and reviews individual student academic progress. The advisor serves as a facilitator to assist students in maximizing their educational potential. The advising relationship is dependent on effective communication and the exchange of information. The student is responsible for requesting assistance from an academic advisor.
Initially, students will meet with a counselor/advisor in the Learner Development Center to define their career and educational goals. A program of study will be explored and reviewed. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the degree plan and check the college catalog for course prerequisites/co-requisites. Students will also be given a faculty contact for further information regarding the specific degree program. Ideally, students seek out advising once a semester for these purposes.
Counseling Services
Counselors are available to students in the Learner Development Center. Counselors can further assist students with selecting a career, transferring to a four year college, improving study skills, developing self-understanding, and resolving personal problems. In addition personal counseling services are provided individually or in group sessions. The counselors may also refer students to appropriate community counseling or mental health agencies. For an appointment, call (479) 619-4324.
Online Orientation
All first time students must complete online orientation, after submitting an application for admission and placement scores. The online orientation program is designed to acquaint students with important concepts related to college. After completing the online orientation, students come to campus to receive one-on-one academic advisement and register for classes. For more information, contact the Learner Development Center at (479) 619-4324.
Online Advising
Online Advising is available to any current or prospective student at NWACC. It is easily accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the web at www.nwacc.edu/onlineadvising/askyouradvisor.php. Academic and career advisors monitor the site daily and respond to inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, contact the Learner Development Center at 479-619-4324.
Transfer Services
The associate degrees that are designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities are the Associate of Science and Associate of Art degrees. Most students can attend NWACC for their first two years and earn one of these associate degrees, then transfer to a four-year institution without loss of time or credit. Even though courses at NWACC transfer to most colleges and universities, students should work closely with advisors at NWACC and the four-year institution to be sure the courses will meet the prerequisite and introductory course in their selected majors or programs.
In addition, program-to-program articulation agreements, based upon Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees, are available. These agreements provide specific advice regarding which general education and elective course students should taken in preparation for transfer. For more information, contact the Learner Development Center at (479) 619-4324 or on the web at: http://www.nwacc.edu/studentservices/transfer.
Career Center
Comprehensive Career Services are available at no cost for all current, future and graduate students. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online through the Virtual Career Center (VCC) at www.nwacc.edu/careerservices/vcc2/index.php. The Career Center is located in the Learner Development Center in Burns Hall 1007, rooms 1011 and 1013.
Personal assistance is available by appointment or on a limited walk-in basis in the Learner Development Center. Students may complete career assessments, explore academic majors and career options, and develop personalized career plans. Other services include seminars and workshops to help students in resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Students seeking employment can explore opportunities with hundreds of employers through the VCC. Full-time, part-time, volunteer, and work-study positions are included. The Burns Hall kiosk (near the Eagles’ Nest) is used throughout the year by employers recruiting on campus. Dates and details are published on the VCC, e-boards and Restroom Rap postings.
Students interested in developing their job skills are encouraged to work with a career counselor to receive assistance in informational interviews and other job search activities. Job search and interview tutorials are available on the VCC. Students may post their resume, browse employer profiles, and conduct a job search online.
To learn more about how Career Center can help you, log on to the VCC or contact the Director of Career Center at (479) 619-4236.
Service-Learning is a program at NWACC that allows students the opportunity to volunteer their time in the community for a non-profit or civic organization in exchange for classroom credit. This program reaffirms our college’s connectedness to the community of Northwest Arkansas, as well as to our larger society, by honoring students’ service efforts in ways that enable them to simultaneously further their education. Service-Learning can be used in any subject area so long as it is appropriate to your learning goal. A list of participating instructors along with other important information is located at http://www.nwacc.edu/careerservices/service-learning/index.php. For assistance, please contact Career Center at: (479)-619-4236 or askcareerservices@nwacc.edu.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Faculty and staff of NWACC strive diligently to ensure all academic and programmatic services of the college are accessible for individuals with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services facilitates services for students with disabilities. Academic accommodations are often made available to enrolled students who have documented disabilities. In order to procure accommodations, students are required to obtain admission to the college and submit a completed Intake Form to the Office of Disability Services located in the Learner Development Center. Students must also supply appropriate medical, psychological, and/or educational documentation diagnosing the disability and detailing academic functional limitations associated with the disability. The final step is to meet with a representative of the Office of Disability Services to discuss eligibility and specific academic accommodations. Students should complete this process as soon as possible after admission to NWACC. For more information, stop by the Learner Development Center, call 619-4384 or visit the Office of Disabilities webpage: http://www.nwacc.edu/studentservices/disabili.php.
Veterans Affairs
Military service veterans and the survivors of deceased or one hundred percent (100%) disabled veterans should contact the Office of Veteran’s Affairs located in the Learner Development Center. Eligible NWACC students may qualify for the GI BILL, vocational rehabilitation, benefits for survivors or other types of Veteran’s Administration (VA) assistance.
Early Alert
The Early Alert program is an intervention process that combines the efforts of faculty and Learner Development personnel in assisting students to make better informed decisions. Faculty members refer students with excessive absences or other concerns that may interfere with the learning process to the Director of Retention Services. Students are contacted to discuss options regarding their class or classes, and to offer assistance as needed. For more information, contact the Director of Retention Services at (479) 619-4350.
Testing Services
The NWACC Testing Center, located in the Burns Hall Lobby, offers a variety of testing services to the academic community including COMPASS placement testing, national CLEP testing, and proctoring services for disability accommodations, make-up exams, or distance learning examinations.
For additional information about testing services, please contact (479) 619-4317 or http://www.nwacc.edu/studentservices/testing.php
The Student Information Center (SIC)
The SIC is the information and directory center of the college. The college main switchboard is located in the SIC; all incoming calls to the main number are answered and processed by SIC personnel. All campus communications and activities are monitored through the SIC.
E-Boards (TV monitors), bulletin boards and restroom postings are placed throughout the NWACC facilities. Anyone wishing to post material must first obtain approval. To obtain approval, submit items to the SIC personnel. Items posted in NWACC facilities without authorization are subject to removal.
Campus Activities
The Office of Campus Activities is responsible for coordinating, supporting and implementing extracurricular programs and activities presented throughout the academic year. Activities are planned and implemented by students through their leadership involvement with the Student Ambassador and Activity Board (SAAB) and the registered student organizations. For more information, contact the Director of Student Activities at (479) 619-2224.
Student Leadership Opportunities
The Student Ambassador and Activity Board (SAAB) members represent the student body by acting in an advisory capacity for the administration, faculty, and staff. Members also assist the Learner Development Team with orientation/registration for first time students. In addition, members are responsible for planning campus activities and working with various clubs and organizations. Individual members of the student board are viewed as part of an organization of student leaders at NWACC. For more information, contact the Director of Student Activities at (479) 619-2224.
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.
Annual registration of the group as a student organization is required. Information on becoming a registered student organization may be obtained from the Director of Student Activities at (479) 619-2224. Student organizations are subject to change each academic year.
There are currently 18 registered student organizations at NWACC. 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. Come by the Student Activities Office in the Learner Development Center if you would like to start or join a student organization or contact the Director of Student Activities at (479) 619-2224.
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
SIFE is a nonprofit organization that gives students the tools to learn the free enterprise system in a real working situation. SIFE challenges students on more than 800 college campuses nationwide to take what they are learning in the classroom and use their knowledge to better their communities.
Guided by faculty advisors who are named Sam M. Walton Free Enterprise Fellows I honor of the late Wal-Mart founder, SIFE teams establish a variety of community outreach programs that teach free enterprise. For example, they teach concepts such as budgeting, accounting and supply and demand. They help budding entrepreneurs get their plans off the ground and mentor at-risk students, inspiring them to reach for their dreams.
National Honor Societies
Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society of the Two Year College. The initial requirement for PTK membership is a GPA of 3.5 and 12 hours of completed 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 Director of Student Activities at (479) 619-2224.
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 12 hours of transfer credit. For membership information, contact chapter advisors Dr. Marvin Galloway, Dr. Caroline Burton, or Chaqueta Weston at 636-9222.
Intramural Program
NWACC offers a comprehensive intramural program for students of all ages. The intramural program is more than just team sports. The Office of Intramural Activities offers students an opportunity to participate in lifetime sports activities, club sports, health and wellness activities, family fun activities, as well as tournaments and challenges.
Additional information regarding the intramural program may be obtained from the Intramural Office, Burns Hall, Common’s room 1264 or by calling 619-4138.
Public Safety Department
The Public Safety Department participates in delivering the NWACC mission and strives to create a safe environment conducive to student learning. The Public Safety Department employs contemporary security measures to reduce and prevent crime on our campus and also 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.
Reporting Crimes or Emergencies on Campus
The Public Safety Department can be contacted by telephone, email, and mail or in person twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Telephone contact can be made by calling 479-619-4229 (on campus dial 4229) or by using one of the emergency telephones located throughout the campus. E-mail should be addressed to the Director at rnelson@nwacc.edu. Persons desiring to make personal contact should come to the Public Safety Department in room 1020, Burns Hall.
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.
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 Student Records will determine the best method for contacting the student. After hours the 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.
Reporting Crimes
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report any criminal act to the Public Safety Department immediately at (479) 619-4229. Particular attention should be given to any act of violence such as assault, battery, robbers, etc.
As with other crimes of violence, the prevention of sexual assaults is a priority of the Public Safety Department. Crime prevention information is available at the Public Safety Department office and Officer Escorts are always available for concerned students, faculty and staff.