The University of Arkansas, organized under provisions of the Federal Land-Grant Act, was instituted by the General Assembly of Arkansas, March 27, 1871. Fayetteville was chosen as the site, and first students were enrolled January 22, 1872. The purpose of the Land-Grant Act was to provide a system of public higher education which would offer college opportunities to all qualified persons, regardless of their economic or social status. The University of Arkansas, as a land-grant institution, is committed to this policy. Its basic aim is to provide the finest educational opportunities to all students, regardless of race, color, or creed.
The Fayetteville campus covers approximately 420 acres and is situated in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas at an elevation of 1,400 feet.
Seven separate institutions make up the University of Arkansas System: The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (located in Little Rock); the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; the University of Arkansas at Monticello; University of Arkansas Community College at Hope; and Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
The Graduate School was established in 1927. Before that year, graduate work in the University was under the supervision of a Graduate Committee. In 1948 the University established a Graduate Center in Little Rock. Students may earn residence credit there to satisfy the requirements for the Master of Education degrees in vocational education and rehabilitation education. At the Graduate Resident Center for Engineering (University of Arkansas at Little Rock as host campus) all requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) degree may be completed. The University also offers special courses for graduate credit in the field of education through the facilities of the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. All course requirements for the Master of Business Administration degree and the Master of Education degree may be completed at the Graduate Resident Center in Fort Smith.
In addition to the Graduate School, the following colleges and schools are a part of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville: the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; the College of Business Administration; the College of Education and Health Professions; the College of Engineering; the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Architecture; the School of Law; and the Division of Continuing Education. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture includes, in addition to the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.
The University of Arkansas is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1997, North Central continued accreditation through the doctoral level for the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and recommended that the next comprehensive evaluation be made in 2006-07.
This is your University, and this catalog is your guide to successful completion of your degree here. I want to add the goals I hope to fulfill while leading the campus, and I pledge to do everything I can to make them realities while you are studying here.
It was my great pleasure to have the cornerstone of my goals for the University of Arkansas higher undergraduate admission standards approved by the University's Board of Trustees just a few months after I arrived to lead the campus. The answers to the questions above will help you to see how the higher admission standards are being used.
Now that we have sent out the message to the world of our desire to educate the best and brightest, the goals that now head my list are improving our graduation rate and increasing private support. Undergraduate scholarships will be the key to competing with out-of-state public and private institutions, which now attract many of the state's brightest students. Other goals on the list of 10 priorities will enable us to help you succeed here and in your career following graduation.
1. Increased private support. For undergraduate scholarships alone, we need an endowment of at least $100 million to replace the $5 million in state-appropriated funds that we spend annually for undergraduate scholarships.
2. Improved recruiting and higher graduation rate. We want to do whatever it takes to help you succeed here.
3. How we treat our stakeholders. The University must be a friendly, nurturing environment for students, our primary stakeholders.
4. Academic and career advising. Recent graduates have told us we need to improve in these areas.
5. Graduate research and outreach. UA faculty and students in all disciplines need to be involved in outreach throughout Arkansas to help communities and to learn from their experiences. To be a nationally competitive land-grant university and research university, we must have a tenfold increase in the level of externally funded research support.
6. Faculty, staff and student diversity. It is important that students learn to work with and relate to people of different races, genders and ethnic backgrounds. After graduation, students will likely be working with and for people who do not look exactly like them.
7. Campus and student life. Students have told us that campus life needs significant improvement. As a start, we are expanding the Arkansas Union and the Alumni House and have added to Mullins Library.
8. Faculty and staff workload and salaries. An initial comparison with universities in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12 and SEC conferences indicates that we need a larger student body for the number of degree programs that we're offering. The size of our faculty and physical plant also shows a capacity to serve a larger student body.
9. Campus appearance and facilities. Our campus needs to become a laboratory for our students in horticulture, weed science, turf science and landscape architecture. We have completed a campus master plan that includes facility needs over the next 20 years.
10. Information systems and technology. As many of you know, we've made progress by creating for use on the World Wide Web an application for admission, a course checklist for transfer students, and a virtual reality tour of the campus. You'll enjoy your Internet and e-mail access as a UA student and will benefit from course use of the University's considerable online resources.
All of us who work here believe the University of Arkansas is very good. But we know she can be much better. You'll see changes while you're here studying as we examine every process and program and every aspect of the University, to improve it for you and those who follow you. We want your degree to have high value as you seek your first job after graduation; let us know how we can improve.
John A. White,
Chancellor
The library system of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is composed of the David W. Mullins Library (the main research facility on campus) and five branch libraries-the Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Chemistry Library, the Physics Library, and the Learning Resources Center. The combined holdings of the libraries total over one million volumes of books and bound periodicals and over 1.6 million items in microform. The libraries currently receive over 15,000 separate journal and serial publications by subscription, gift, and exchange. Other resources in the collections include approximately 600,000 government documents and several thousand maps, sound recordings, electronic databases, and manuscripts.
The University of Arkansas Libraries maintain a membership in the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council. Through OCLC, the Libraries share cataloging and interlibrary loan information with hundreds of libraries all over the world.
The University of Arkansas Libraries' records are computerized on the InfoLinks library system. Holdings information can be accessed and searched from computers within the library, as well as from computers at homes, offices, or dorm rooms via modem or network connection. Other library catalogs, as well as general and specialized indexing and abstracting databases, can also be accessed through InfoLinks. The library's electronic home page (accessed through UARKinfo at http://www.uark.edu/) provides a wide variety of information services, including a "virtual reference desk."
Anyone with a University identification card may check out materials through the libraries' convenient electronic check-out system. Students may also renew library materials and request holds electronically, without assistance, by using an assigned PIN number to access their circulation record. Loan periods are of various lengths as defined by circulation policies, which are available at the Circulation Desk or through the library home page.
The Reference Department assists users in locating and using library materials. Reference librarians are ready to help students use InfoLinks, the CD-ROM databases, and networked electronic resources. In addition, librarians offer orientation sessions and lectures on research methods to various classes in all the colleges on campus.
The Government Documents Department in Mullins Library assists library users in finding government information. The library is a depository for publications of the federal government and the state of Arkansas. In addition, the library archives selected documents from other states, foreign countries, the United Nations, and other international organizations. Information is available in print, microform, or electronic formats. The Periodicals Room houses equipment for photocopying microforms and offers check-out of microfilm readers for personal use. When faculty members or graduate students need items that are not available in the University Libraries, the Interlibrary Loan Department provides the service of obtaining materials from other cooperating libraries.
The Special Collections Division in Mullins Library acquires and preserves material for research in the history, literature, and culture of Arkansas and surrounding regions. Through this division, scholars have access to a rich assortment of books, pamphlets, periodicals, photographs, maps, and manuscript collections to support their work. Among the more than 12,000 linear feet of manuscript collections available are the papers of J. William Fulbright, David H. Pryor, Joe T. Robinson, Hattie Caraway, John Paul Hammerschmidt, Ed Bethune, Beryl Anthony, Brooks Hays, Orval Faubus, Jeff Davis, Daisy Bates, Edward Durell Stone, William Grant Still and Verna Arvey, John Gould Fletcher, James M. Hanks, Ruth Polk Patterson, Vance Randolph, Elizabeth Huckaby, Alfred E. Smith, Mary D. Hudgins and records of organizations such as the Arkansas Council on Human Relations, the Council of International Exchange of Scholars, Peace Links, and Southland College. In addition, the division maintains a special collection of books written by Arkansas authors, as well as a collection of the articles and books published by faculty members at the University. The division also houses the library's Rare Book Collection and other material.
For information concerning collections and services, as well as information on carrel space, group study rooms, seminar rooms, reserve policies, book and journal ordering procedures, or any other library matter, inquire at any public service desk or at the Director's Office in Mullins Library.
The University Museum has been an integral part of the Fayetteville academic community since 1873. It develops and maintains extensive collections in archaeology, ethnography, geology, history, physical anthropology, and zoology. The entirety is generally available for exhibition, research, education, and/or loan. Many of the collections are more suitable as educational and research tools rather than exhibition materials. Only a small fraction of the collections is exhibited at any one time, but exhibitable collections not included in the regular exhibits are used in traveling and other specialized exhibits to give greater exposure of the collections, to provide variety and interest for viewers at various locations in the community, and to enhance area educational programs.
The University Museum provides facilities and personnel support for specialization in anthropological museology within the M.A. degree program in anthropology. Appropriate Museum collections are assembled on request for University classes in the natural and social sciences, art, and classics. Museum specimens and their associated documentation are available for comparative and research purposes by University faculty, qualified students, and visiting scholars. Some Museum staff members have research or administrative responsibilities in their areas of specialization, teach in the museology program offered through the Department of Anthropology, or serve as guest lecturers in University courses.
The University Museum fulfills its public service and outreach mission with loans of collections to other institutions for exhibit, consultation services to other museums, conservation advice to the public, interpretive tours for visiting groups, discovery classes for students, field trips and workshops for adults, discovery room for school groups and general visitors, and public information services. The Museum Building houses exhibits, exhibit preparation shops, discovery room, educational areas, and administrative offices. Registration and curatorial facilities are in Vol Walker Hall where all the study collections are kept. Research and special laboratories are located in University House. The University Museum is a unit of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
The department of Computing Services supports research, academic, and administrative computing on the University of Arkansas campus. Computer operations are staffed to provide access to the computing facilities and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A variety of host systems and servers are available for academic use. The primary host for academic and research computing is comp.uark.edu, a Sun Ultra Enterprise 5000, using the Unix operating system Solaris 2.5.1 Comp supports statistical packages (SAS, SPSS), programming languages (C++, FORTRAN, Pascal), e-mail software (Pine), and other Internet applications.
All students are automatically assigned an account on comp.uark.edu. Additionally, web development is available from comp (personal home pages) or via other specialized servers for faculty/instructor or departmental publications. Access to some student information, course schedules, schedule of classes, etc., is available through these systems. Mainframe accounts are also available for special purposes, including batch processing. Operating systems include: IBM's VM/SP, CMS, and MVS/ESA. Some departments participate in Computing Services' Novell file service, gaining access to PC and Mac-based software through these servers. Additionally, the General-Access Computing Labs maintain software via a networked-server, allowing access to the same products in multiple labs. Faculty also have access to the administrative computing systems for advising purposes, roster generation, and grade reporting. Host peripherals include disk storage, tape systems, and laser printing.
UARKnet, the campus's backbone network, is managed by Computing Services. This network enables communication among networks, computers, and servers on campus, as well as on the Internet. Virtually all departments, as well as all our labs, are connected to the campus network. Network access is also available via phone dial-up and modem. Dial-up access requires an ID and password.
General-Access Computing Labs offer approximately 220 network-attached PCs and Macintoshes for use by University users. These labs are located in the Gibson Center, the Administrative Services Building, the Business Administration Building, and the Science Engineering Building. The labs are open day and evening hours and weekends, with the lab in the Administrative Services Building open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the Gibson Center also offers long open-hours. In addition to being Internet connected, a wide variety of products are supported on these machines, including web applications (Netscape), word processors (MS Word and WordPerfect), databases (Access), and spreadsheets (Excel). Laser printing is available from all supported software. Scanning facilities are available in the Administrative Services Building and the Gibson Center.
Computing Services offers free, non-credit short courses every month on a variety of computer and internet-based applications, including operating systems, e-mail, word processing, home page development, Internet navigation, presentation tools, etc.
For faculty, a MultiMedia Resource Center provides access and training for computers and applications that can be used to develop programs and presentations, typically used for playback and authoring. Presentation equipment is available for check-out. The Research Data Center provides researchers assistance with data design, analysis, and other needs, such as billable staff support for projects.
The Computing Services office is located in the Administrative Services Building
(ADSB), 155 Razorback Road. Computing Services staff specialists offer assistance with operating systems, application programs, virus scanning, modem communications, internet tools, research projects, general troubleshooting, etc. For more information, call the Help desk at 575-2905, open MondayFriday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit the web site at http://www.uark.edu/campus/compserv/.
Educational expenses will vary according to a student's course of study, personal needs, and place of residence. All fees, charges, and costs quoted in this catalog are subject to change without notice.
Financial obligations to the University must be satisfied by established deadlines. Payment may be made at the Student Cashier's Office in the lobby of Silas H. Hunt Hall by cash, personal check, money order, certified check, or VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit cards.
Acceptance of payment for fees does not imply academic acceptance to the University or to the Graduate School.
Estimates of necessary expenses for one semester of the 1998-99 academic year for a typical graduate student taking nine credit hours per semester at the University of Arkansas:
Tuition University Fees TELE Fee SUBTOTAL Room and Board TOTAL |
Graduate Resident $1,449.00 ($161/hr) 128.00 98.00 $1,675.00 $2,015.00 $3,690.00 |
Graduate Non-Resident $3,447.00 ($383/hr) 128.00 98.00 $3,673.00 $2,015.00 $5,688.00 |
A. University fees comprise the following:
Health, physical education and recreation fee (HPER) $15
and the following student-initiated and student-approved fees:
Student Activity fee (ACTY) 15
Student Health fee (HLTH) 48
Media fee (SMED) 6
Arkansas Union fee (ARKU) calculated at $2/credit hour with a $24 maximum. 18
Technology fee (TECH)
calculated at $2/credit hour with a $24 maximum. 18
Transit fee (TRST) 8
B. Teaching Equipment and Laboratory Enhancement fee. The TELE fee is an averaged fee weighted by enrollment and by college. The fee provides and maintains state-of-the-art classroom and laboratory equipment.
C. An average expense for living in a residence hall, double occupancy, with an unlimited meal plan. Actual room and board fees vary from $1,958 to $2,121 per semester.
Other variable costs per year
Books, supplies, and lab fees $ 500 to 1,000
Personal expenses and travel $1,000 to 2,000
When paying tuition, room and board, and associated fees, anticipated financial aid for a current semester may be deducted when adequate documentation is provided to the Student Cashier's Office. Adequate documentation includes, but is not limited to, award notices, guarantee notices, scholarship letters, and promissory notes.
The latest information regarding costs and other aspects of University life may be obtained by calling or writing the Office of Graduate Admissions, 119 Ozark Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, (479) 575-4401.
Students classified as "in-state" for fee payment purposes are assessed tuition fees. Students classified as "out-of-state" for fee payment purposes are assessed additional tuition fees.
Official policies of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees provide the basis for classifying students as either "in-state" or "out-of-state" for purposes of paying student fees. Board policies relating to residency status for fee payment purposes are included in Appendix A of this catalog. Out-of-state students who question their residency classification are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions, 200 Silas H. Hunt Hall, at their earliest convenience for more information about residency classification review procedures.
Graduate students enrolling in nine hours are assessed tuition fees of $1,449 each semester. Students classified as out-of-state are assessed additional nonresident tuition fees of $3,447 for nine hours each semester.
Graduate students are assessed tuition fees of $161 per credit hour (less $5.00 reduction for activity fee for enrollment over 6 hours). Students classified as out-of-state are assessed additional nonresident tuition fees of $383 per credit hour. Graduate students enrolled in more than 12 hours per semester are not charged additional tuition.
Graduate students are assessed tuition fees of $161.00 per credit hour. Students classified as out-of-state are assessed additional nonresident fees of $383 per credit hour. There are no maximum caps for tuition fees during the summer sessions.
These fees provide and maintain state-of-the-art classroom equipment and instructional laboratory equipment. These fees vary, based upon the student's college of enrollment.
During the regular fall and spring academic semesters, these fees are assessed on a per credit hour basis up to a maximum amount. During the summer sessions, these fees are assessed on a per credit hour basis with no maximum amount.
College or School Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Architecture Arts and Sciences Business Administration Education and Health Professions Engineering |
Per Credit Hour Fee $ 5.40 7.00 4.90 14.80 5.60 23.90 |
Maximum $ 64.80 84.00 58.80 177.60 67.20 286.80 |
University Programs are funded by the student activity fee. Students are admitted free to numerous programs presented throughout the year, except major, promoted concerts.
Academic Year
During the regular fall and spring academic semesters, students enrolling in six or more hours are assessed a $15 student activity fee each semester. ($5.00 will be deducted from tuition fees).
Summer Sessions
During the summer sessions, students are assessed a student activity fee of $1 per credit hour up to a maximum of $10.
This is a Board of Trustees mandated fee supporting various physical education activities including intramural programs. Students are allowed access to gyms, the pool, fitness center, sauna, racquetball courts, and the indoor track.
Academic Year
During the regular fall and spring academic semesters, students enrolling in six or more hours are assessed a $15 HPER fee each semester.
Summer Sessions
During the summer sessions, students are assessed a HPER fee of $1.50 per credit hour up to a maximum of $15.
The student health fee covers the cost of office visits by physicians, registered nurses, and other health professionals, medical evaluations, women's health visits, and counseling and psychological services visits. Other services covered by the health fee include health promotion and education and 24-hour emergency care for counseling and psychological needs.
Academic Year
During the regular fall and spring academic semesters, students enrolling in six or more hours are assessed a $48 student health fee each semester.
Summer Sessions
During the summer sessions, students are assessed a student health fee of $6.00 per credit hour up to a maximum of $36.
The University's student publications, specifically the Arkansas Traveler newspaper and the Razorback yearbook, are partially funded by the media fee. Students reserving a copy are provided with a Razorback yearbook.
Academic Year
During the regular fall and spring academic semesters, students enrolling in six or more hours are assessed a $6 media fee each semester.
The Arkansas Union fills the role of the community center of the campus. This fee supports the renovation, expansion and partial operational costs of the Union.
Academic Year
During the regular fall, spring, and summer academic semesters, students are assessed a fee of $2 per credit hour up to a maximum of $24 per semester.
This fee provides improvements in computer access for students: increasing dial-up ports, network access, lab support, training programs and improvements in computing facilities.
Academic Year
During the regular fall, spring, and summer academic semesters, students are assessed a fee of $2 per credit hour up to a maximum of $24 per semester.
The Transit Fee helps fund the Razorback Bus Transit System, which services the campus and neighboring community year round.
Academic Year
During the regular fall, spring, and summer academic semesters, students are assessed a flat fee of $8.
Fifth-year student internship fee (Education majors only) $200.00
Special Education Practicum (SPED 532V) 25.00
OTHER FEES
Graduate application for admission fee $ 40.00
Late payment fee:
Last day to receive 100% fee cancellation 25.00
December 1, May 1, and July 31 for fall, spring and summer,
if payment has not been made 50.00
International student (nonimmigrant) application fee 50.00
International student service fee
Per semester 35.00
Per semester hour in summer session 3.50
Mandatory international student health insurance per year 510.00
Transcript Fee
Official Copy 3.00
Unofficial Copy 1.00
Graduation fee for master's or specialist degrees 30.00
Graduation fee for doctoral degree 80.00
Renewal of Graduation Status Fee 5.00
Parking Permit (per vehicle)
On campus 26.00
Off campus 16.00
Commuter 5.00
Installment Payment Plan Fee 25.00
Returned Check Fee 20.00
I.D. Card fee (first card and each replacement) 10.00
Residence Hall application fee for new students 15.00
Testing Fees
All student testing fees will be based upon the actual cost of the test to be administered plus a standard handling charge not to exceed $15.00 to be added to the University's cost for each individual test administered.
Academic Year
Students who officially withdraw (dropping all classes that have not been completed up to that time) from the University of Arkansas during the regular fall or spring semesters receive a cancellation of fees as follows:
Official withdrawal on or before the fifth day of classes 100%
Official withdrawal on the sixth day of classes through the tenth day of classes 50%
Official withdrawal on the eleventh day of classes and thereafter None
For students dropping below a total of 12 hours, on or before the fifth day of classes, but who continue to be enrolled, 100% of the tuition, and associated fees will be canceled for each hour less than 12. No adjustments are made for courses dropped after the fifth day of classes.
Summer Sessions
Students who officially withdraw from a summer session or who drop classes in the summer receive a cancellation of fees as follows:
One- to four-week courses
Prior to start of classes 100%
After classes have begun None
Five- or six-week courses
Up to and including second day of classes 100%
Third through fifth day of classes 50%
After fifth day of classes None
Seven to nine-week courses
Up to and including third day of classes 100%
Fourth through seventh day of classes 50%
After the seventh day of classes None
Ten- or twelve-week courses
Up to and including fifth day of classes 100%
Sixth through tenth day of classes 50%
After the tenth day of classes None
Waiver of Fees for Senior Citizens
Students who are 60 years of age or older and show proper proof of age may have the fees waived. This waiver is limited to credit courses and admission and enrollment under these conditions is open only on a "space available" basis in existing classes. Enrollment during Priority Registration periods is not allowed.
University Housing
(Rates are subject to change)
Single freshmen under 21 years of age are required to live in University residence halls, fraternity or sorority houses, or with their parents, unless permission to live off campus has been obtained through the Department of Residence Life and Dining Services. Permission to reside off campus is granted on a semester basis and must be obtained prior to enrolling, or prior to the semester in which off-campus residency is desired.
Costs of room and board in University residence halls for one semester during the 1997-98 academic year range from $1,958 to $2,121 for double occupancy rooms and with an unlimited meal plan. Single rooms are an additional $300 per semester and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is an additional $25 activity fee for residence hall tenants.
Housing for married students, students with family status, nontraditional, graduate, and law students is limited and requires early application. Carlson Terrace two-bedroom unfurnished units with utilities paid cost $320 per month. Terrace Manor one-bedroom furnished units with utilities paid cost $390 per month (phone & cable not included).
Summer rates for room and board in University residence halls with unlimited meal plans for 1999 summer sessions are $18.16 per day for double-occupancy room and $20.96 per day for a single. Charges start on the requested move-in day and run through the date of check-out.
Specific questions concerning on-campus living may be directed to Residence Life and Dining Services (501-575-3951). Specific questions concerning sorority and fraternity living may be directed to the Office of Greek Affairs (501-575-4001).
Off-Campus Housing
Students eligible to live off campus may contact the Off-Campus Student Association for referral sources in room 517 of the Arkansas Union or by telephone at (479) 575-4001.
Checks tendered to the University are deposited immediately. Postdated checks not accepted. Checks returned for "insufficient funds" (NSF checks) are generally presented for payment a second time without notice to the check maker. Each check returned by a bank for any reason will be assessed a returned check fee. The University may, at its discretion, verify available bank funds for any checks written for payment of indebtedness before accepting a check.
The University of Arkansas reserves the right to withhold transcripts or priority registration privileges, to refuse registration, and to withhold diplomas for students or former students who have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the University. These services may also be denied students or former students who fail to comply with the rules governing the audit of student organization accounts or to return property entrusted to them.
Requests for exceptions to University's fees, charges, and refund policies must be made in writing. Instructions for submitting requests for exceptions to the various fees, charges, and refund policies of the University may be obtained as follows:
· For residence life and dining services fees, charges, and refund policies contact Residence Life and Dining, Hotz Hall, 9th floor.
· For parking services fees, charges, and refund policies contact: Parking and Transit, Administrative Services Building, 155 Razorback Road.
· For all other fees, charges, and refunds, contact the Treasurer's Office at 205 Administration Building, Attention: Treasurer.
Students receiving financial aid are strongly encouraged to have sufficient personal funds available to purchase books and to meet necessary expenses for at least one month at the start of school as some aid funds may not be available for disbursement.
Students are allowed to have automobiles at the University, although parking is quite limited. There is a parking permit and registration fee ranging from $6 to $64 for each vehicle, depending upon the parking option selected.
The University has many programs and services geared to meet the various needs that students may have while they are on the Fayetteville campus. They range from the services that every student requires such as food, housing, and books, to the special needs of minority groups, the handicapped, or those with specific health or academic problems.
Services for International Students
The International Programs Office assists international students and scholars in meeting their personal and educational goals while at the University of Arkansas. The office provides an orientation for newly admitted international students each semester including the Peer Educator Program, which offers one-on-one contact and group activities for new international students during their first semester on campus in an effort to assist them in their adjustment to both the academic and local communities. The office also provides immigration advising, workshops, retreats, programs and a support network to help them make their time at the University productive and enjoyable. The office is located in Holcombe Hall, Room 104.
The office administers a Friendship Family Program, a Language Partner Program and a Speakers' Bureau. These programs give students the opportunity to learn about American life, while the campus and local communities also learn from the students about other cultures.
The International Students Organization is a cultural organization for American and international students. Its activities include annual projects such as the international bazaar, international banquet and welcome parties. In addition, there are presently 18 other cultural organizations which provide activities for specific country or cultural groups.
Services for International Sponsored Students
The International Agricultural Programs Office (IAP) offers a program to sponsors of international students to facilitate the admission, support, and return home of sponsored students. IAP, on request, will coordinate admission, third-party billing, housing, special orientation, academic monitoring and reporting, sponsors' campus consultations, and travel arrangements. Full program description and management fees are available through IAP, 300 Hotz Hall; telephone 501-575-6857 or FAX 501-575-5055.
Judicial Affairs
The judicial system at the University of Arkansas provides a just and equitable process for dealing with alleged infractions by students of University rules, regulations, and/or laws. This system is informal and non-adversarial, and is intended to be part of the total educative process of the University. Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions and to be accountable for their actions. Peer review is an integral part of the process, and membership on the judicial boards is comprised mostly of students.
The Judicial Coordinator, located in Room M-405 of the Arkansas Union, advises students, faculty, and staff on matters related to student discipline and the judicial process.
For more information, see the Student Judicial System in the Catalog of Studies.
Multicultural Student Services
The Office of Multicultural Student Services, located in room M405 of the Arkansas Union, provides counseling, assistance, and referral information to minority students. The office staff seeks to provide for the social, cultural, and academic presence of minority students, as well as faculty and staff members. The staff assists in the area of retention and programming in addition to serving as a liaison between the University and its academic departments for the implementation of effective and meaningful multicultural programs.
Services for Disabled Students
All services, programs, and activities at the University are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Campus Access, located in Room 116 of the Arkansas Union, offers specific information on disabilities, campus services, and related resources. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend new student orientation on the date recommended by the Office for Campus Access whenever possible.
Accommodations provided for students are based on individual need. For further information, call 575-3104.
Non-Traditional Students
Increasing numbers of older students and other "non-traditional" students are attending the University. A non-traditional student is defined as one who is 25 years of age or older, one who has interrupted his or her education, or one who has dependents. Recent figures indicate that more than twenty-six percent of UA students are over 25 years of age.
The Office for Non-Traditional Students (ONTS) is dedicated to providing support and services that meet the unique needs of non-traditional students. The office provides an information resource center, assistance with University procedures, referrals to campus and community resources, and workshops on topics of interest to non-traditional students. ONTS is located in room M410 of the Arkansas Union, telephone 575-4200.
In addition, several Student Services areas are providing programs for older students. Orientation has two summer sessions for transfer and adult students. Carlson Terrace and Terrace Manor apartments provide low-cost housing for student families; special wings in residence halls are set aside for older students. Residence Dining Services offer individual meals or meal ticket programs for off-campus students. Career Services has extended office hours beyond 4:30 p.m. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a number of workshops and support groups designed to meet the special needs of adult learners. Information on child care services is available in the Office for Non-Traditional Students.
Services for Students with Children
There are two services administered by the School of Human Environmental Sciences that can benefit young children whose parents are students at the U of A.
The Infant Development Center, located at 536 N. Leverett, provides care for children age three months to three years. At least one parent must be a U of A student and priority is given to undergraduate parents, single parents, and families where both parents are students.
The Nursery School, located in the Home Economics Building, provides care for children from the entire community who are between the ages of three to five years.
Enrollment in each of the programs is limited and no provision is made to accommodate "drop-ins." For costs and other information, call the School of Human Environmental Sciences at 575-4306.
Special Projects and Services Group
The Special Projects and Services Group, in the Division of Student Services, provides a variety of services to students and potential students of the University. In addition to testing services, other programs include tutoring, academic monitoring and cultural enrichment activities. Several programs provide academic enrichment and career-directed activities for participants. The programs that make up this unit are Educational Talent Search, Multicultural Center, Testing Services, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), and Y.O.U. Follow-up.
Career Services and Cooperative Education
The staff of the Career Services and Cooperative Education Office provides a comprehensive career development program designed to meet the needs of University students, alumni and faculty. This department provides individual and group career advising sessions; a one-hour credit career course; workshops on resume preparation, interviews, and job search techniques; vocational testing; and a career library. Programs such as the Part-time Job Referral Service assist students in obtaining valuable work experience while they are in school. Cooperative Education enables students to earn academic credit while working full-time or part-time in a paid, professional position related to the student's chosen career field.
Approximately 100 companies and organizations visit the campus each year to interview graduating students for full-time positions. On-campus recruiting is scheduled through this office during the spring and fall semesters. In addition, students can make employment contacts at the annual Career and Summer Job Fairs. Alumni may also receive career assistance by subscribing to an Alumni Vacancy Listing and participating in a registry by which their résumé is referred to requesting employers. Publications are also available to students informing them about academic programs, careers, employment trends, and salary data.
For further information, contact Career Services and Cooperative Education, 411 Arkansas Union, telephone (479) 575-2805.
University Health Center
The University Health Center provides medical and mental health care, and is an advocate and resource for health promotion and education for students, spouses of students, and employees of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
The Health Center offers the following services: outpatient medical care; an allergy clinic; international travel immunizations; a women's health clinic; sports medicine; Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS); substance abuse prevention; health education classes and programs; clinical laboratory, x-ray, and pharmacy. The medical staff is comprised of six board-certified physicians. The professional staff also includes full-time nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses; health educators, psychiatrists, a psychologist, counselors, psychiatric social workers, registered lab and x-ray technicians, and licensed pharmacists.
Students taking six hours of course credit or more in any semester pay a semester health fee which covers professional office visit charges. Students taking fewer than six hours a semester and student spouses may pay the health fee on an optional basis.
The University strongly recommends that all students have health insurance. A policy endorsed by the Associated Student Government is available to all students, student spouses, and their dependent children. Students may enroll in this plan at the Student Health Insurance Office at the University Health Center.
Residence Life and Dining Services
Residence Life and Dining Services serves the University of Arkansas and the community at large by providing quality living, dining, and learning programs in an ethical, professional, and financially responsible manner.
Each residence hall has a resident director or Head Resident Director chosen for their academic credentials, their interest in helping others, and their ability to work well with college students. Every area or floor is staffed by a resident assistant (RA), an upperclass student with training, experience, and knowledge to answer questions, and more importantly, help students find their own answers. Full time, master's degree level, residence life professionals called area coordinators live on campus with responsibility for three to six residence halls. Access to halls is provided by use of electronic card readers which allow only residents of that building and escorted guests to enter. Residential living includes several options: apartments for non-traditional students and families; and male, female, graduate, and co-ed residence halls. Rooms are available for visually and hearing impaired students as well as those who are physically challenged. Special interest living options are also available for students whose interests are: wellness, honors programs, global issues, architecture, and engineering areas.
The dining facilities provide a natural setting for socializing with friends and enjoying a wide variety of high quality, nutritious meals. Each of the three separate dining facilities located on campus is managed by a professional staff. Students living in residence halls have several meal plans available. All students living in the residence halls are required to have a meal plan except students living in Futrall or residing in summer school housing.
Arkansas Union
The Arkansas Union serves as the community center of the University for all members of the college family. The Union provides services, conveniences, and amenities to the campus community. Included in the Union are meeting, reception, and banquet rooms; lounges; a games room; a ballroom; a theater; a video theater; and an art gallery. Food service is provided at a cafeteria providing hot foods, Mexican specialties, baked goods, soups, and salads. Food is also provided by a snack bar, a pizza shop, a frozen yogurt and submarine sandwich shop, and by a complete catering operation. In addition, the Union houses the University Bookstore, a U.S. Post Office, a hair salon, the Quick Copy Center, the Razorback Shop, a computer store, and a travel agency. For reservations, catering information or additional information concerning Union services call 575-2146.
The Arkansas Union is the center of much student activity and is a perfect place to get involved on campus. The Campus Activities Center provides space and resources for student organizations. Many student events are provided by University Programs. These activities are planned, organized and presented almost totally by students. Typical programs are major concerts, symposium speakers, theater production, video programs, fine arts programs and art gallery exhibits.
The I.D. Card system, the Razorbuck$ program, and the Information Center are administered by the Arkansas Union. Offices for Student Services, Associated Student Government, Career Services, Campus Access and other programs are located in the Union.
The Campus Activities Center (CAC), located on the fifth floor of the Arkansas Union, is the central location for student organizations and activities for the University of Arkansas. The main goal for the CAC is to provide all students with opportunities for involvement and to enable students to learn and practice leadership and management skills which complement classroom learning. Campus Activities is responsible for the oversight and administration of three major areas:
Registered Student Organizations
Student organizations, including living groups, must register annually with Campus Activities. This registration information is kept on file to assist students and administrators in learning more about particular organizations. CAC provides student organizations with assistance and services to help them succeed, including the annual Student Involvement Fair, facility reservation and fund-raising forms, mailboxes, lockers and file space. CAC also assists student organizations in event planning and presentation. Limited office space in the Arkansas Union is awarded annually to organizations by the Union Governing Board.
Leadership Development Office
The Leadership Development Office (LDO) is designed to help students gain and refine leadership and management skills. Several programs, developed by a Leadership Advisory Committee, are offered free of charge to students. Some require an application and/or a small fee. Programs include: Emerging Leaders, Leadership Conferences, the Leadership Resource Area, and the Student Development Transcript. The Volunteer Action Center, a part of the LDO, serves as a clearinghouse of information to enable willing volunteers to provide service in the community. The staff is available to assist students in planning for training needs and to serve as presenters on various leadership topics.
University Programs
University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for coordinating and planning over 350 events annually for the campus community. CAC staff serve as advisers to University Programs.
University Programs provides University of Arkansas students with cultural and educational experiences, entertainment and fun. Eight committees, committee chairpersons and two executive officers select, schedule and produce events such as concerts, movies, lectures, fine arts performances, gallery exhibits and much more for the U of A community. University Programs provides excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills and to gain practical experiences in a variety of areas.
Some annual events include Merchants' Fair, Welcome Week, Make a Difference Day, Academic Festival, and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
An integral part of a University education is what can be gained through the worthwhile use of leisure time. Students are encouraged to balance involvement with their academic pursuits and interests. There are organizations, intramural sports, spectator sports, lectures, concerts, theatrical offerings, and other activities in which the student is encouraged to participate. The Northwest Arkansas area represents one of the prime recreational resources in the nation.
Organizations
Student organizations vary from those in professional fields to those representing extracurricular activities. They include religious organizations, community-oriented outreach programs, political interest groups, student publications, minority groups, departmental and professional organizations, social/fraternal organizations, and various honorary and recognition societies.
Fifteen or more religious organizations conduct programs of spiritual guidance and social activity at the University of Arkansas and many have student centers near campus.
Sports and Recreation
The University is a member of the Southeastern Conference with competition for men in football, basketball, cross-country, baseball, golf, swimming, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track. The winning tradition is a way of life for the nationally known Razorbacks. Intercollegiate athletic competition for women is available in basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, and cross country.
The intramural/recreational sports at the University of Arkansas involve more students than any other single program on the campus. The program consists of more than 100 activities including flag football, tennis, golf, badminton, table tennis, racquetball, bowling, swimming, frisbee, pool, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, handball, waterpolo, softball, track, horseshoes, and free-throw shooting.
The sports club program offers a variety of clubs. Some of these-soccer, rugby and judo, for instance-compete on an intercollegiate basis.
The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Building is the center of recreational activity on campus and contains four gyms, an indoor jogging track, two ultra-modern dance studios, ten racquetball courts, a fitness-weight training center, and a uniquely-designed Olympic-sized swimming pool. The Outdoor Recreation Center, located on the first floor, provides camping and sporting equipment, trip and outdoor recreation information, and seminars on various outdoor sports and activities.
Other recreational facilities include an outdoor track; 18 outdoor tennis courts; multi-purpose fields for softball, soccer, and football; and game rooms in the Union and residence halls.
Fayetteville is in the heart of one of the best outdoor recreational areas in the nation. The Buffalo National River, recreation areas in the Ozark National Forest, lakes, and state parks are all near Fayetteville, and they offer opportunities for canoeing, backpacking, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and water skiing.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are as follows:
1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records, with some exceptions under the Act, within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar's Office written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The appendix to Universitywide Administrative Memorandum 515.1 provides a list of the types and locations of education records, the custodian of those records, and copying fees for each individual campus. The University official 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 University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. A sample form, which may be used in making this request, is contained in the appendix to Universitywide Administrative Memorandum 515.1.
If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her 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 and is also contained in the Universitywide Administrative Memorandum 515.1
3. The right to withhold consent of disclosure of directory information, which information: the student's name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; nationality; religious preference; major field of study; classification by year; number of hours in which enrolled and number completed; parent's or spouse's names and addresses; marital status; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance including matriculation and withdrawal dates; degrees, scholarships, honors, and awards received, including type and date granted; most recent previous education agency or institution attended; and photograph.
This information will be subject to public disclosure unless the student informs the Registrar's Office in writing each semester that he or she does not want his information designated as directory information. To prevent publication of name in the printed student directory, written notice must reach the Registrar's Office by August 31 of the Fall semester
4. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent): a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the University also discloses education records without consent to officials for another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC 20202-4605
6. Universitywide Administrative Memorandum 515.1 is available on request in the main library on campus.
The University is proud to publish and display photographic and video images of UA students, their activities and accomplishments. Any student who does not wish to be represented in such photographic and video images by the University should notify the Office of the Registrar, Hunt 146, in writing before the end of the first week of classes each semester. The request will be honored for all publications and communications undertaken during the remainder of any semester when notification has been received.
The Graduate School of the University of Arkansas recognizes that there may be occasions when a graduate student, as a result of dissatisfaction with some aspect of his or her academic involvements, has a grievance.
It is a declared objective of this University that such a graduate student may have prompt and formal resolution of his or her personal academic grievances and that this be accomplished according to orderly procedures. To this end are hereby established and stated below the procedures to be utilized when a graduate student has a grievance concerning some aspect of his or her academic involvement.
Definition of Terms
Graduate Student - Under this procedure, a graduate student is any person who has been formally admitted into the Graduate School of the University of Arkansas and who is/was enrolled as a graduate-level student at the time the alleged grievance occurred.
Grievance - A grievance means a dispute concerning some aspect of academic involvement arising from an administrative or faculty decision which the graduate student claims is unjust or is in violation of his or her rights established through formal prior agreement. "Grievance" under this procedure shall include all alleged violations of the affirmative action plans of the University as related to academic policies and regulations, as well as disputes over grades, graduate assistantship employment agreements, course requirements, graduation/degree program requirements, and thesis and dissertation committee and/or advisor decisions.
Decision - A "decision" means a written determination that the grievance issue or issues were, or were not, in violation of the graduate student's legitimate expectations of fair practice and/or academic rights. An analysis of the issues and the reasons for the determinations shall be included in the written decision. If a dissatisfied party finds either the decision or the response to a decision unsatisfactory, he/she may appeal that decision or the lack of an effective response to a decision, to the next level of review as stated in these "Procedures." Decisions are to be considered as recommendations and are not binding on the parties involved.
Appeal - An "appeal" is made when one of the parties to the grievance is dissatisfied with the most recent decision and wishes to have the grievance considered at the next level of review as outlined in these "Academic Grievance Procedures." All appeals must be made within ten working days of the dissatisfied party's receipt of that decision and must be made by means of a written request presented by the dissatisfied party to the person whose decision is being appealed. It is then the responsibility of the person whose decision is being appealed to forward the request for further review and all pertinent information to the person(s) being appealed to, at the next level of review.
Working Days - Working days shall refer to Monday through Friday, excluding official University holidays.
These procedures confer authority to include with a grievance, or within a recommendation or decision concerning the grievance, any amendment, deletion, addition to or modification in or to existing department, Graduate School, or University academic regulations, policies and practices as such. Any such recommendation or request for consideration of existing departmental, Graduate School, or University academic regulations, policies, and practices should be forwarded in writing to the appropriate University committee or office, and should include reference to the grievance which may have prompted such recommendation or request.
Procedure
Individuals should attempt to resolve claimed grievances first with the person(s) involved, within the department, and, wherever possible, without resort to formal grievance procedures. A graduate student having a grievance regarding academic concerns is entitled to have the issue considered in the following manner:
1. The graduate student discusses the grievance with the department head, chairperson, or other immediate administrative superior of the department in which the alleged violation has occurred (hereafter called "the respondent"), and, if pertinent, with any relevant departmental faculty member or committee. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of all parties concerned by discussions at the departmental level, the graduate student is encouraged to discuss it with the academic dean of the college in which the alleged violation has occurred (hereafter called the "academic dean") and/or with the Dean of the Graduate School. If the grievance is satisfactorily resolved by any of the above discussions, the terms of the resolution shall be reduced to writing and signed by the graduate student, and respondent, the person(s) involved in the alleged violation, and the dean(s) if he/she was involved, if any of the involved parties desires to have such a written statement.
2. If the grievance is not resolved by the above discussions and the graduate student then chooses to pursue the matter further, the issue must be reduced to writing promptly by the graduate student and sent immediately to the respondent, who will forward copies to the Dean of the Graduate School (for information only) and to any person(s) involved in the alleged violation or named in the grievance. Within ten working days after receipt of the written statement, the person(s) involved in the alleged violation shall provide the respondent with a copy of his or her written response. Within ten working days of receipt of this response the respondent shall prepare a written decision on the matter and forward copies to the graduate student and to the person(s) involved in the alleged violation. The respondent is at liberty to and is encouraged to use any appropriate method of investigation, including personal interviews and/or referral to an appropriate departmental committee for recommendation.
3. If the grievance is not resolved satisfactorily by the decision of the respondent, the dissatisfied party (hereafter used to refer to either the graduate student or the person(s) involved in the alleged violation) may request to have the matter considered (or reconsidered), as described in either (3a) below, that is, by an appropriate departmental standing committee, if such a committee exists, or by the graduate faculty in that department, if such a committee does not exist; or in (3b) below, that is, to have the matter appealed to the Dean of the Graduate School, as described in (3b) below.
If a dissatisfied party chooses not to request consideration under (3b) (appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School) he/she relinquishes any further consideration under (3a).
Full departmental review is available to the dissatisfied party under Steps (2) and (3a), and persons making an appeal under these "Procedures" are strongly encouraged to use both of these options.
a. If the dissatisfied party requests it, the respondent shall at once refer the request, together with all statements, documents, and information gathered in his or her investigation, to the applicable departmental group (standing committee or all graduate faculty of the department). The reviewing body shall, within ten working days from the time its chairperson received the request for consideration, present to the respondent its written recommendations concerning resolution of the grievance. Within ten working days after receiving these recommendations the respondent shall provide all parties to the dispute with copies of the reviewing body's recommendation and his or her consequent written decision on the matter.
b. If the grievance is not resolved satisfactorily by the respondent's decision following Step 2 or Step 3 above, the dissatisfied party may appeal that decision to the Dean of the Graduate School. The Dean of the Graduate School, after consultation with the academic dean, shall determine whether the grievance should be referred to the academic dean or to a Graduate School ad hoc grievance committee. If the grievance is primarily concerned with matters over which the academic dean normally has direct responsibility, the appeal shall be referred to the appropriate academic dean. All other appeals will be considered by the Dean of the Graduate School through an ad hoc committee of graduate faculty.
4. Appeals referred to the academic dean. The academic dean shall make an effort to resolve the grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner, but in any event shall, within ten working days after receipt of the file, prepare a written decision on the matter and forward copies to the Dean of the Graduate School, the graduate student, the respondent, and the person(s) involved in the alleged violation. The academic dean may refer the matter to an appropriate college committee for advice. If such a referral is made, the ten-day period is extended to twenty working days. The committee may make a written report on the matter, in which case that report shall become part of the record which is included with the report on the dean's decision to the Dean of the Graduate School, the graduate student, the respondent, and the person(s) involved in the alleged violation.
If the grievance is not resolved satisfactorily through this appeal, the dissatisfied party may appeal the academic dean's decision to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Such appeals must be submitted as described in (6), below.
5. Appeals to be reviewed by the Dean of the Graduate School. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Dean of the Graduate School shall, within ten days, appoint and convene an ad hoc Grievance Committee to investigate the matter and to make a decision regarding the appeal. The committee shall consist of the Dean of the Graduate School (or his designated representative) as chairman, without vote; a secretary appointed without vote by the Dean of the Graduate School from among the voting members of the Graduate Council; and five members of the graduate faculty, two to be voting members of the Graduate Council and three to be selected at large, but excluding persons from the department in which the alleged violation has occurred. The committee shall have access to witnesses and records, may take sworn testimony, and make a record by taping the hearing if it so desires. Its charge is to develop all pertinent factual information through informal inquiry in which fair procedures are used and, on the basis of this information, to issue a decision which either supports or rejects the appeal. The committee's written decision and a copy of its complete written record shall be forwarded to the person(s) making the appeal within twenty working days from the date the committee was first convened; copies shall be sent simultaneously to other parties involved in the grievance, to the dean of the college in which the alleged violation occurred and to the respondent; a copy shall be retained in the student's permanent Graduate School file.
6. Campus Administration. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved through Step 5, an appeal in writing and with all relevant materials may be submitted for consideration and a joint decision by the Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Any appeal at this level shall be on the basis of the complete written record only. The Chancellor of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs shall make a decision on the matter within twenty working days from the date of receipt of the appeal. Their decision shall be forwarded in writing to the same persons receiving such decision in Step 5, including the Dean of the Graduate School. Their decision is final pursuant to the delegated authority of the Board of Trustees.
(Campus Council, May 4, 1989)
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will pursue allegations of research misconduct. This pursuit will involve an inquiry of the allegation; an investigation if the inquiry indicates one is warranted; and imposition of sanctions if justified.
I. Definitions of Terms
Research misconduct means (1) fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, deception, or other practices which seriously deviate from those commonly accepted within the research community for proposing, conducting, or reporting the results of research; (2) material failure to comply with federal, state, or local requirements for protection of researchers, human subjects, the public, or laboratory animals, or other requirements which relate to the conduct of research; or (3) failure to meet other material legal requirements governing research. The term research misconduct as used in this document does include such improper activities as plagiarism of original literature and unauthorized copying of original artwork.
Inquiry means information gathering and initial fact-finding to determine whether an allegation or an apparent instance of research misconduct warrants an investigation.
Investigation means the formal examination and evaluation of all relevant facts to determine if research misconduct has occurred.
The appropriate office of research administration for the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is either the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs or the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
The date of initiation of the investigation is the day the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is notified by the Chair of the Research Council that an investigation is necessary.
II. The Inquiry
A. An inquiry is not a formal hearing; it is designed to separate allegations deserving further investigation from frivolous, unjustified, or clearly mistaken allegations. The inquiry must result in either dismissal of the allegation or a call for an investigation. A suspected criminal act will result in the suspension of the inquiry until the appropriate law enforcement agency allows it to continue.
B. Allegations of research misconduct will be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and should be as specific and detailed as conditions permit. These allegations will normally be submitted in writing and signed by the complainant(s). When the complainant(s) elect(s) to not submit a signed document, the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs shall exercise discretion as to whether the information presented warrants an inquiry. Whenever possible, the Vice Chancellor shall counsel confidentially with the complainant(s).
C. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will immediately charge the Chair of the Research Council with conducting an inquiry into the allegation of research misconduct. The inquiry will then be conducted by the Research Council. All members of the Research Council must disclose potential conflicts of interest to the Council which will determine if conflicts exist and excuse member(s) from the inquiry as appropriate. In the event the Chair of the Research Council has possible conflicts of interest, the Research Council will elect a chair of the inquiry from its membership. That person will perform the same duties detailed for the Chair of the Research Council.
D. The inquiry must be initiated immediately upon receipt of an allegation of research misconduct by the Chair of the Research Council. The inquiry should be completed within 60 calendar days of the date the chair received the allegation. If circumstances clearly warrant a period of longer than 60 calendar days for the inquiry, the reasons for the extended time period shall be submitted in writing to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
E. If criminal conduct is suspected, the appropriate authorities will be notified and the inquiry will be suspended until those authorities notify the Research Council that it is appropriate to reconvene the inquiry.
F. A written record must be kept of the inquiry including, if necessary, the reasons for an extended inquiry period. The safety and security of the record will be assured. The Chair of the Research Council will assume responsibility for the written record and other materials acquired during the progress of the inquiry. The materials and record will be kept in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Members of the Research Council wishing to view those materials and/or the written record at times other than when the Council is in session (for purposes of conducting the inquiry) must go to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Only the Chair of the Research Council or those designated by the Chair may remove the record or materials and then only to bring to the Council for the purpose of conducting the inquiry.
G. During the inquiry stage, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will protect the confidentiality of all parties involved to the maximum extent possible. Whether a case can be reviewed effectively without the involvement of the complainant(s) or the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct depends upon the nature of the allegation and the evidence available. Cases that depend specifically upon the observations or statements of the complainant(s) may not proceed without the involvement of that individual; other cases that rely on documentary evidence may permit the complainant(s) to remain anonymous. It may be necessary to involve the person(s) alleged to have been involved in research misconduct during the inquiry. In such instances the person(s) must be advised of the allegation of research misconduct.
H. The complainant(s) and the person(s) alleged to have been involved in research misconduct shall supply information and material as requested by the Research Council.
I. Both the complainant(s) and the person(s) charged in the allegation may seek legal counsel. Such counsel will not be allowed to be physically present during the inquiry sessions.
J. The completion of an inquiry is marked by the Research Council's determination of whether or not an investigation is warranted and the preparation of written documentation to summarize the process and conclusion of the inquiry. The Chair of the Research Council will provide a written report of the findings of the inquiry to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. If an investigation is needed, the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs will so notify in writing the complainant(s), the person(s) alleged to have been involved in research misconduct, the appropriate deans and chairs, the appropriate office of research administration, and all other persons who have been informed of the inquiry by the Research Council or University officials. If the allegations have been found to have no substance, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will immediately notify in writing only those persons informed of the inquiry and move to restore all situations to as close to their original conditions as possible.
K. If the need for an investigation is determined, any agency sponsoring the research will be immediately notified in writing by the appropriate office of research administration. The funding agency may be informed before the inquiry is complete if (1) the seriousness of alleged misconduct is apparent; (2) immediate health hazards are involved; (3) the funding agency's resources, reputation, or other interests need protecting; (4) federal action may be needed to protect the interests of a subject of the investigation or of others potentially affected; or (5) the community or the public should be informed. If at any point in an inquiry criminal violations become apparent, the funding agency will be notified within 24 hours if at all possible. The appropriate legal authorities will also be notified. The funding agency will be notified if the alleged research misconduct is going to be publicly announced by the University.
L. During the inquiry, interim administrative action may be taken by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs when justified by the need to protect the health and safety of research subjects, the interests of students and colleagues, or the University. Administrative action may range from slight restrictions of activities, reassignment of activities, or suspension of all research activities of the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct. Interim administrative action will be taken in full awareness of how it might affect the individuals and the ongoing research within the institution.
III. Rights of the Complainant(s) and Persons Alleged to have Committed Research Misconduct
A. The proceedings of an inquiry, including the identity of the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct, will be held in strict confidence to protect the parties involved. If confidentiality is breached and the inquiry finds the allegation to be unsupported, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will take reasonable steps to minimize the damage to reputations which may result from inaccurate reports.
B. If an allegation is found to be unsupported but has been submitted in good faith, no further formal action will be taken other than the notifications required by paragraphII.J above. Allegations that have not been brought in good faith will lead to appropriate disciplinary action. Complainants should be aware from the outset that their confidentiality will not be maintained if the Research Council determines that the complaint is maliciously motivated and false. Such complaints will be considered to be research misconduct.
C. Where a complaint has been brought in good faith even if mistaken, the University will protect the complainant(s) against retaliation. Individuals engaging in acts of retaliation will be disciplined in accordance with the policies of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
IV. The Investigation
A. The investigation's purpose is to explore further the allegations and determine whether research misconduct has been committed. The investigation will focus on accusations of research misconduct as defined previously and examine the factual materials of each case. The investigation will look carefully at the substance of the charges and examine all relevant evidence.
B. Once the Research Council has determined an investigation is required, it must be conducted. The person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct does not have the right to challenge the initiation of the investigation.
C. The Research Council will determine the composition of the investigative committee and insure that it has the appropriate expertise to evaluate the evidence. It may be possible to utilize an existing committee, the presence of which may be mandated by federal agencies. For example, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee may be the appropriate body to investigate an allegation of mistreatment of laboratory animals. Members of the investigative committee may come from within or outside the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will provide the necessary resources for outside experts when sufficient expertise does not exist at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The minimum number of committee members will be five. The Research Council will appoint the chair of the investigative committee.
D. Conflicts of interest must be avoided. Those investigating the allegations will be selected and serve with full awareness of the closeness of their professional or personal affiliation with the complainant(s) and/or the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct. Any person appointed to an investigative committee who may have a conflict of interest in a given case must disclose potential conflicts to the Chair of the Research Council in writing within one week. The Research Council will determine if a conflict exists and rescind or continue the appointment as appropriate.
E. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct will be notified in writing by the Chair of the Research Council as to the composition of the investigative committee.
F. The person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct shall have an opportunity to respond to the allegation. Any initial response to the allegation should be received in writing by the Chair of the Research Council within 15 calendar days following the date of the notification letter described in IV.E. The Chair of the Research Council shall immediately forward any response to the chair of the investigative committee.
G. The investigation will be conducted as expeditiously as possible. In most cases the investigation will be completed within 120 calendar days of its initiation. In certain cases 120 days may be insufficient. In such cases the investigative committee will prepare an interim written report by the 120th calendar day after the initiation of the investigation to report progress to date, including reasons for the extra time required for the completion of the investigation. The chair of the investigative committee will distribute the report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct, the appropriate office of research administration, and the Chair of the Research Council.
H. Written records and all other materials pertinent to the investigation will be kept in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and will be available only to individual investigative committee members. Only the chair of the investigative committee or his/her designee may remove the records and material.
I. In the course of an investigation, additional information may emerge which justifies broadening the scope of the investigation beyond the initial allegations. Any such change in scope will be immediately reported in writing by the chair of the investigative committee to the Chair of the Research Council who will notify the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the complainant(s), the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct, and the appropriate office of research administration. The appropriate office of research administration will report significant new developments during the investigation to any sponsor(s) of the research as they occur.
J. The person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct must provide information requested by the investigative committee. All involved parties are obligated to cooperate with the investigative committee in providing information relating to the case.
K. Throughout the investigation, the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct may, at the discretion of the investigative committee, be advised of the progress of the investigation and afforded the opportunity to respond and/or provide additional information to the investigative committee.
L. The person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct will be allowed to submit written statements from others, to appear before the investigative committee and make an oral statement, and answer questions. In any appearance before the investigative committee, the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct may be accompanied by one person, who may be an attorney, to advise him/her. The adviser shall not address the investigative committee, speak on behalf of the person, or otherwise participate actively in the investigation. The person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct may not be present during testimony of other witnesses or during committee deliberations, nor may he/she have access to committee records.
M. In the event criminal actions are discovered during the investigation, the proper authorities will be notified and the investigation will be suspended until those notified authorities approve its resumption.
N. During the investigation, interim administrative action may be taken by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs when justified by the need to protect the health and safety of research subjects, the interests of students and colleagues, or the University. Administrative action may range from slight restrictions of activities, reassignment of activities, or suspension of all research activities of the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct. Interim administrative action will be taken in full awareness of how it might affect the individuals and the ongoing research within the institution.
O. The investigation into allegations of research misconduct may have any number of outcomes, including but not limited to a determination that:
1. no research misconduct or serious research error was committed;
2. no research misconduct was committed, but serious research errors were discovered in the course of the investigation; or
3. research misconduct was committed.
P. The investigative committee will provide a draft report to the Chair of the Research Council who will provide copies to the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct, the complainant(s), and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for their comment prior to preparation of the final written report. This report will contain the tentative findings of the investigative committee with its rationale. The investigative committee will allow at least 15 calendar days from the date the report is mailed to the Chair of the Research Council for input from any of the parties receiving the draft report before preparing the final report. Copies of the final report will be distributed by the Chair of the Research Council to the person(s) alleged to have committed research misconduct, the complainant(s), the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the appropriate office of research administration.
V. Procedures Once the Investigation is Complete
A. The Research Council will conduct a substantive review of the findings and rationale of the investigative committee within 15 calendar days from the date of the final report of the committee. The Research Council may accept or modify the findings of the investigative committee and shall recommend corrective or disciplinary action, if appropriate. The Chair of the Research Council will report in writing the action of the Research Council to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the chair of the investigative committee, the complainant(s), those alleged to have committed research misconduct, the appropriate office for research administration, and others notified of the investigation.
B. No Finding of Research Misconduct: When the investigation finds no support for allegations of research misconduct and the Research Council concurs, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will retain the findings of the investigation in a confidential and secure file in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The Chair of the Research Council will notify in writing all persons informed of the investigation that the allegation lacked substance. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will take reasonable steps to repair the reputations of those alleged to have committed research misconduct.
If the allegations of research misconduct are found to be maliciously motivated, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against those responsible. If the allegations, however incorrect, are found to have been made in good faith, no disciplinary measures will be taken against the complainant(s), and efforts will be made to prevent retaliatory actions. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will be responsible for these efforts.
C. Serious Research Error is Found: When serious research error has been found, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will consider means of correcting the research record. When appropriate, this will involve written notification by the Chair of the Research Council to the editors of appropriate journals or other documents in which the errors were reported. Sanctions may be imposed on those found to have committed serious research error. The Chair of the Research Council will notify all persons informed of the investigation that serious research error has occurred.
D. Finding of Research Misconduct: Sanctions will be imposed on those found to have committed research misconduct.
VI. Sanctions
A. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will review the corrective or disciplinary action recommended by the Research Council. The Vice Chancellor may implement the action as recommended or modify it as appropriate.
B. Institutional disciplinary actions include but are not limited to:
1. special monitoring of future work,
2. letter of reprimand,
3. removal from a particular project,
4. probation,
5. suspension,
6. salary reduction,
7. rank reduction, and
8. termination of employment.
C. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will report in writing the sanctions imposed to the person(s) found to have committed serious research error or misconduct, the complainant(s), the Chair of the Research Council, the appropriate deans and chairs, and the appropriate office of research administration which will notify the research sponsor(s).
VII. Brief Final Report
A. The Chair of the Research Council will prepare a brief final report which summarizes the findings of the investigative committee, the action of the Research Council, the sanctions imposed by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and any additional related actions by the involved parties. When no finding of serious research error or misconduct is found, the Chair of the Research Council will distribute the final report only to those informed of the investigation. When serious error or misconduct has been found, the Chair of the Research Council will distribute the final report to those informed of the investigation and to appropriate individuals and agencies in the following list. The list is illustrative but not exhaustive of those who should receive the brief final report:
1. sponsoring agencies, funding sources;
2. co-authors, co-investigators, collaborators;
3. editors of journals in which inappropriate research was published;
4. state professional licensing boards;
5. editors of journals or other publications, other institutions, sponsoring agencies, and funding sources with which the individual has been affiliated;
6. professional societies;
7. legal authorities if appropriate; and
8. the person(s) who committed the research error or misconduct.
The original copy of the final report will be stored in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs with the other documents pertaining to the investigation.
VIII.
The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will issue a press release following a finding that serious research error or misconduct has occurred and sanctions have been imposed.
IX.
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, recognizes that sponsoring agencies can conduct their own inquiries and investigations and impose their own sanctions.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships are available for qualified students in numerous fields, but must be obtained from the department in which the student is majoring or another appropriate unit. Recipients of these appointments serve as laboratory assistants, research assistants, readers, and teaching assistants, and are expected to carry a limited program of graduate studies. Graduate students appointed to the position of graduate assistant whose appointment is equal to or greater than twenty-five percent shall, in addition to any stipend, be classified as an in-state student for tuition and fee purposes. In addition, in-state registration fees are paid for appointees of fifty percent or more. Successful applicants must have good academic records and adequate preparation for graduate study in their major field and regular admission to the Graduate School.
Application blanks may be obtained from the Dean of the Graduate School or from the head or chairman of the department in which the student seeks to do the major work.
Information on other financial aid (loans and jobs) can be obtained at the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid in Hunt Hall.
Graduate School Fellowships
Exceptionally promising new entrants to doctoral programs may be nominated at the time of application for University Doctoral Fellowships. These Fellowships are awarded competitively, and the stipend may be held in addition to a graduate assistantship.
Students from under-represented minority groups who have been regularly accepted into a graduate degree program, are enrolled full time, and whose tuition and registration fees are not paid on their behalf from another source will be eligible for Benjamin Franklin Lever Minority Graduate Student Fellowships.
Contact the Graduate School, 119 Ozark Hall, 575-4401, for further information about the University Doctoral and the Benjamin Franklin Lever Fellowships.
Veterans Benefits
The University of Arkansas is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education for veterans and veterans' beneficiaries who are working toward a degree. Veterans of recent military service, service members, members of reserve units, and the dependents of certain other servicemen may be entitled to educational assistance payments under the following programs: Title 38, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill for Veterans; Title 38, Chapter 32, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP); Title 38, Chapter 35, Survivors and Dependents Education; and Title 10, Chapter 106, Montgomery GI Bill for Selective Reserves.
All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outline for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. Persons eligible for educational benefits should contact the Office of the Registrar for information.
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