Academic Advancement Programs
NWACC works with area public high schools to provide seamless education, K-14 and beyond. Five of these opportunities are College and Career Connections Program, Concurrent Enrollment (including Step Ahead), Advanced Placement, Youth Apprenticeship and Upward Bound.
College and Career Connections Program
College and Career Connections Program is a program of studies designed to meet the need for high school graduates to have a more technically oriented educational experience. Through a blending of higher-level academic and vocational courses, College and Career Connection prepares students for the advanced courses required by two-year technical and community colleges.
NWACC has developed articulation agreements with several northwest Arkansas high schools in the area of occupational education. High school students, who are enrolled in technical advanced placement course(s), can earn college credit and begin working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree. For more information regarding courses and degrees, contact the College and Career Connection Coordinator in Admissions.
Concurrent Enrollment and Step Ahead
Concurrent enrollment provides enrichment and academic acceleration for high school students who demonstrate the ability to do satisfactory college-level work while still enrolled in high school. In some cases, students may take concurrent classes on their own high school campus through NWACC’s Step Ahead program. Registration for Step Ahead classes is coordinated with the high school counselors. High school students wishing to take classes on the NWACC campus will register through the Concurrent Enrollment Program.
Upward Bound
The federal TRIO program, Upward Bound, began in 2003 and partners the college with area high schools and junior high schools in delivering tutoring, mentoring and instructional services to selected qualified students during their years in high school. Participating students are exposed to cultural experiences, college visits and a six week summer instructional program.
The intent of the program is to assist students in successfully completing their high school curriculum to graduation and matriculating into college without having to enroll in developmental classes.
Additional information can be received from the Upward Bound office at (479) 619-2270.
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Entrance Examination Board gives students another opportunity to pursue college-level studies while still in high school and to receive credit upon entering NWACC. The national A.P. examinations are offered annually through high schools which participate in this program. NWACC departments have authorized credit for students who present qualifying scores on these exams:
Advanced Placement NWACC Course Min. Credit Score
Exam
English Lang. & Comp ENGL 1013 3
English Lit. & Comp. ENGL 1023 3
Art History ARHS 2913 or 2923 3
Amer. Govt. & Politics PLSC 2003 3
American History HIST 2003 or 2013 3
European History WCIV 1013 3
Psychology PSYC 2003 3
Biology BIOL 1544 3
Chemistry CHEM 1054 or 1104 3
Physics B PHYS 2014 3
Calculus AB MATH 2043 3
Youth Apprenticeship
A Youth Apprenticeship student coming from a state approved Youth Apprenticeship program in an accredited high school may receive a total of three (3) hours of credit for 500 hours of work. This work experience must be during the first year the student is pursuing a related postsecondary AAS degree at NWACC, and the work must be at one of the approved Youth Apprenticeship work-sites.
If the Youth Apprentice continues in the program and continues with the approved Youth Apprenticeship work experience, three (3) hours of tuition will be waived at the beginning of the fourth semester of coursework toward the degree.
NWACC Honors Program
Honors students have a unique opportunity to experience an enriched program of study at NWACC. They will meet bright students like themselves, work with exceptional faculty members, and be introduced to scholars, thinkers, and other professionals who make a difference in their communities.
Criteria for acceptance into Honors Program:
Submit the following documents to Chris Huggard, Honors Program Coordinator:
1) Letter requesting entrance into the program
2) Reference letter of support for applicant
3) Essay explaining reasons for wanting to participate in honors program
4) 3.5 GPA from high school or after 12 credit hours at NWACC
5) Test scores: ACT min. cum. 25; OR
COMPASS 85 (reading and writing)
Requirements to Receive an AA Honors Degree:
To graduate with an honors AA degree, students will be required to complete 12 credit hours of core honors courses, a 3 credit hours honors seminar, and the additional credit hours necessary to complete the Associate of Arts Degree. Graduating honors students will also be required to hold the cumulative GPA to receive one of the following distinctions: Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Summa Cum Laude graduate.
Suggested Honors Curriculum:
First Semester
ENGL 1013H English Composition I Honors
WCIV 1003H Western Civilization I Honors
PHIL 2003H Introduction to Philosophy Honors
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology Honors
Second Semester
ENGL 1023H English Composition II Honors
WCIV 1013H Western Civilization II Honors
PSYC 2003H General Psychology Honors OR
SOCI 2013H General Sociology Honors
PHIL 2033H World Religions Honors OR
HUMN 1033H Humanities Honors OR
ARHS 1003H Art Appreciation Honors OR
MUSI 1003H Music Appreciation Honors
Third Semester
MATH 1204H College Algebra
HIST 2003H History of the American People to 1877 Honors
ENGL 2213H World Literature I Honors
MATH 2554H Calculus I Honors OR
PHYS 2034H College Physics II Honors
PSYC 2003H General Psychology Honors OR
SOCI 2013H General Sociology
Fourth Semester
HIST 2013H History of the American People Since 1877 Honors
ENGL 2223H World Literature II Honors
CHEM 1124H College Chemistry II Honors OR
PHYS 2034H College Physics II
BOTY 1614H Plant Biology Honors
Special Topics: Honors Seminar
College Credit for Prior Work or Learning
NWACC realizes that the classroom is not the only place where learning occurs. Many students bring to NWACC a wealth of knowledge they have gained from previous military or other training or education and from work experience. Because students should build on what they have already mastered, NWACC has in place policies and procedures to measure previous learning and determine credit equivalencies.
Standards for Awarding Credit Through Prior Learning:
1. To petition for credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), students must enroll in the three credit hour course, Prior Learning Assessment. As an outcome of this course, students assemble an experiential learning portfolio petitioning for at least three credits of college level coursework. The portfolio will include an autobiographical essay (Personal Learning Theme), an essay petitioning for credit for a particular course, and documentation to support the petition.
2. Each PLA document submitted must address the outcomes/content of a specific course description for a specific NWACC course.
3. Non-degree seeking students may not petition for PLA credits. An exception to this policy will need approval of the division Dean.
4. The learning experience demonstrated and verified through PLA must have the academic equivalence of college-level learning. Developmental, remedial, or self-help courses are not comparable to college-level courses.
5. The learning experience for a PLA petition must have taken place following the student's graduation from high school.
6. Learning must be clearly differentiated from experience in the writing of the PLA essay. Credit is not awarded for experience alone but for demonstrating knowledge and the application of that knowledge.
7. There must be adequate documentation to verify the authenticity and appropriateness of the learning experience being assessed.
8. The student must be able to demonstrate college-level writing skills throughout the PLA process. Correct use of standard English including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and organization in written work is essential.
9. According to NWACC requirements, credits earned though PLA do not fulfill residency requirements nor do the meet eligibility for financial aid or loan deferment.
10. Students who do not pass a NWACC Challenge Exam for a specific course may not petition for credit through the PLA process for the same course.
11. NWACC does not guarantee that another college or university will accept PLA credit in transfer. Students interested in transferring to another college should check with that school about their transfer policies.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
NWACC has established minimum CLEP scores which are equal to or greater than the minimum scores recommended by the American Council of Education (Last Revised 9/24/03).
Conditions for Granting CLEP credit:
• If a course is completed and CLEP credit is later granted for the same course, both grades will be reflected on the NWACC transcript but only the higher grade will be calculated in to the GPA.
• If CLEP credit is awarded while enrolled in same course, the course grade will override CLEP unless the course is formally dropped.
• Transfer of CLEP credit is subject to individual institutional guidelines.
See the CLEP Credit chart on the following page
Veterans: Physical Education Credit
Veterans may, at their written request, receive physical education (PE) credit for military experience. Two (2) hours of PE credit will be granted for the successful completion of basic training and advanced individual training or the equivalent. Application for this credit should be made through the NWACC Director of Veteran Affairs. The veteran affairs office is located at the Learner Development Center in Burns Hall.
Elective Credit
Opportunities for elective credit may be granted through four options beyond classes listed in the College catalog. Students who wish to consider these options for elective credit applicable toward an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or Associate of Science (A.S.) should consult with the appropriate Division Chairperson or the Vice President for Learning.
1. Elective credit granted through distance learning. Up to 12 hours of elective coursework taken through a form of independent distance learning at any accredited institution may be granted, providing the courses are freshman/sophomore level, and the student meets the residency and all other requirements for graduation from NWACC.
2. Elective credit granted through Interdisciplinary Study. Up to 9 semester hours of elective credit may be granted for interdisciplinary honors study. The student arranges a project with at least two faculty members and the Vice President for Learning. Students must have completed 30 hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
3. Elective credit granted through Public Service.
Up to 6 semester hours of elective credit may be granted through active participation in public service arranged with local agencies, faculty and the Vice President for Learning. Students must have completed 30 hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to participate.
4. Elective credit granted through Cooperative Education and Internships. Up to 6 hours of elective credit may be granted for a cooperative vocational academic project supervised by a local employer, a faculty member and the Vice President for Learning. Students may also receive up to 6 hours of elective credit for approved internships. Participating students must have previously completed 15 hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Independent Study
Credit may be awarded through Independent Study at NWACC to students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Independent Study options are available in all areas. A student interested in Independent Study should discuss a topic with an instructor in advance of registration. Final approval is then granted by the appropriate Division Chairperson.
Distance Learning
NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers courses via distance learning delivery technologies for those students who cannot take classes on campus for a variety of reasons (for example: work schedule, health, physical distance from campus). These courses use a variety of technologies and methods to facilitate communication and interaction among the instructor and students. All classes (except compressed interactive video on campus and all sections of interactive video Step Ahead classes) are charged a $22 per class fee. More information can be found at http://www.nwacc.edu/disted.
Compressed Interactive Video
The compressed video classes use an interactive videoconferencing system with monitors and cameras at multiple sites to allow students and instructors in different locations to communicate with one another in real time. This means that students at one location can participate in a class being conducted in another location. The students at the first site can see, hear, and speak with their instructor at the second. Papers, texts, and other materials are transferred from one site via mail, FAX, or carrier. Compressed video courses are identified as (DL) or (DL-location) in the course schedule.
Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study classes are independent study classes where students work on their own, guided by the instructor of the class and supported by materials provided by the instructor and college. The students must complete regular assignments and communicate with the instructor on a regular basis by phone, e-mail, FAX, or in person. A printed guide is generally included in self-directed study classes with a schedule of assignments, readings, and other pertinent information. A class web page is available. Self-Directed Study classes are identified as (DL-SDS) in the course schedule.
Web-Based Courses
Web-based classes are those that are offered either primarily or completely via the World Wide Web. They utilize software licensed by NWACC and made available to anyone with a compatible web browser (see http://www.nwacc.edu/disted/tutorial/wcttut2.php for details). The majority of materials are web-based. Textbooks are used, as with any class, although some texts may be in online form (on the World Wide Web). Testing procedures are at the discretion of the instructor but may include proctored testing in addition to online testing. Proctored testing can occur either on the NWACC Campus or via an off-campus proctor approved in advance by the instructor for the course. Instructor Consent is required for some Web-Based Courses. Web-Based courses are identified as (DL-WWW) in the course schedule.
Online Associate of Arts
NWACC now offers an online Associate of Arts degree. Delivery of the classes in this degree is via the World Wide Web. In some areas of the degree there may be a limited number of courses to choose from to complete degree requirements. Science courses taken online are currently not recommended for Science majors. Some courses will require proctored examinations at an approved site. More information can befound at http://www.nwacc.edu/disted under the link “Associate of Arts Degree Online”.
ACCESS Arkansas
The Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges (AATYC) has formed a consortium for the delivery of web-based classes. These classes are freely transferable from one two-year school to another in Arkansas. Students can enroll in these classes from around the state, but it is recommended that they enroll in the college nearest to them when possible. More information is available at http://www.aatyc.org/accessark
ACTA - Arkansas Consortium for Teaching Agriculture
The Arkansas Consortium for Teaching Agriculture offers regular classes via Distance Learning, including compressed interactive video. For classes delivered by compressed interactive video to the NWACC campus students register for ACTA classes through NWACC, pay NWACC tuition, and receive NWACC credit. For Web-Based and other DL delivery, students will enroll with the institution offering the course.
Academic and Student Support for Online Students
NWACC offers a wide range of online services for Distance Learning students, including online tutoring through the Learning Lab, Library resources, advising, registration, and other services.
Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST)
NWACC, with EAST Initiative assistance, will develop a unique integration of EAST pedagogy into the two-year college curricula.
Overall program objectives for implementing EAST technology
• Prepare learners for life after college
• Engage learners in critical thinking process through hands-on contact with content so to work directly with community and business “stakeholders” in designing/delivering service projects.
• Develop/refine learner's critical thinking skills through collaboration on project-based teams
• Improve communication skills
• Establish network of internal and external educational partners within community
Potential course applications of EAST at NWACC
• Infuse EAST pedagogies in Math for AAS, First Year Experience (FYE), Physics for Elementary Teachers, and other offerings from various disciplines
• Link EAST with specific Honors Courses
• Coordinate EAST with Service Learning projects
• Develop Interdisciplinary Special Topics, and embed EAST pedagogies in current NWACC course offerings
Opportunities which EAST opens for NWACC students
• Environment which is technology-relevant and powerful
• Access to emerging technologies in area industries
• Community connections and outreach for EAST "graduates" & community partners