General FAQ's

Click on one of the topic areas below to read through some of the Frequently Asked Questions by parents just like you. If your question is not answered in our FAQs, don't hesitate to call the Parent & Family Programs office at (479) 575-5002 or e-mail parents@uark.edu.

Academics

Where can my student purchase textbooks?

Your student can purchase and sell back textbooks at the University Bookstore located in the Garland Center on Garland Avenue as well as many off campus bookstores throughout the city of Fayetteville and many online retailers. Students can reserve their textbooks before classes even start, by visiting textbooks.uark.edu. Your student can also look into renting their textbooks from the University Bookstore and can save some time and money with this option. In addition to textbooks, the University Bookstore also has a Computer Store that has a variety of options (with student discounts!) that can help your student complete their assignments on time. For more information about buying, renting or reserving textbooks, or the Computer Store you can visit the University Bookstore's website at bookstore.uark.edu. Another common textbook purchasing option is the Campus Bookstore, located on West Dickson Street. For more information, including their book reserve form, visit campusbookstoreondickson.com/home

Where should I refer my student if he/she needs help with study habits or tutoring?

Encourage your student to contact the Center for Learning And Student Success (CLASS+) at (479) 575-2885, e-mail elc@uark.edu or visit class.uark.edu. They have tutors for a variety of classes that can help in any subject that your student might need help in. There are also other resources like workshops and learning coaches to assist in your student's educational pursuits. Many students that get help through CLASS+ perform better and learn better study habits. If they need help in their literature classes or need a paper proofread for a class, +Writing Support is also an important resource. For more information, click here, call (479) 575-6747 or e-mail writcent@uark.edu.

How can I contact a professor?

Your student should be in contact with their professors. It is a great way for them to stay on top of their studies and grades. When a student is enrolled in the class, the professor gives out a syllabus with his or her office hours and an email address. Due to FERPA, the professor should only communicate academic related information with your student. So, if there is an issue, suggest that your student contact their professor.

What is FERPA?

FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which is a United States federal law. This law states that students must consent prior to disclosing educational records, which are seen as confidential. These records include: personal information, grades, enrollment records and class schedules. For more information concerning FERPA, please click on the following link: registrar.uark.edu/student-records/ferpa/ferpa-for-parents It includes an in-depth definition of FERPA, including special exceptions to release information, steps on how to set FERPA restrictions, and how to set-up 3rd party access in UAConnect to view your student's grades, amongst other things.

What do I do if my student has a disability or needs additional assistance?

If your student has a disability and/or needs further assistance, they should contact the Center for Educational Access (CEA). You/your student can set up a meeting with CEA to discuss specific needs and accommodation requests. To do so, you can contact the Center for Educational Access at (479) 575-3104 or visit cea.uark.edu

How can I check my student's grades?

To access your student's grades, your student will have to set-up 3rd party access in UAConnect for you due to FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Once your student has granted you 3rd Party Access, you will receive a separate username and password via e-mail that will allow you to monitor your student's grades. To sign in, visit uaconnect.uark.edu and enter your new username and password. For more information on navigating the Parent Center within UAConnect, visit registrar.uark.edu/student-records/ferpa/ferpa-for-parents.php. For questions concerning 3rd party access, call the Registrar office at (479) 575-5451.

Who does my student need to talk to if they are undecided or want to change their major?

In order to declare or change a major, your student should visit the main office of the college in which they are currently in. If your student is looking to change their major and would like help deciding on an area of interest, encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor in their desired area. A list of academic advising offices in each college/school is included below:

They can also seek assistance from the Career Development Center by taking a career assessment or finding out more about job outlooks in a specific field of interest. Encourage your student to visit career.uark.edu to find out more information about choosing a major.

How does my student register for classes?

Your student should meet with his or her advisor to make sure they are on the right track to graduate, and then visit https://uaconnect.uark.edu in order to enroll for classes. Enrollment times will vary depending on what classification your student is (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) and if they get first priority (Honors College, Athletics, and Band).

I am trying to plan travel for my student to come home for the holidays—when are the school breaks?

For the academic calendar, please click here. This should show you every break the University has throughout the academic year as well as important dates about withdrawals, add and drop dates, and commencement.

Dining

What exactly is the University of Arkansas ID card used for?

This card is used for identification as a University of Arkansas student, staff, faculty or employee. It grants security access, serves as enrollment verification, and allows access to meal plans and Razorbuck$. This card helps seamlessly move students, faculty and staff through daily life on campus. In some cases, businesses outside of the University community, like movie theatres, will provide discounts to UofA students, so make sure to carry your ID with you!

Where can my child eat on campus?

There are multiple dining facilities all across campus. A full list can be found at dineoncampus.com/razorbacks/. These dining facilities offer a variety of food options at various times throughout the day. If your student has special dietary restrictions, they can contact a Dining Hall Director to set up the necessary arrangements

What are Razorbuck$?

Razorbuck$ is a debit system that students, faculty, and staff can add money to their University Card. For more information visit: campuscardoffice.uark.edu/razorbucks

What do I do if my student wants to change their meal plan?

Students have until the 11th day of classes each semester to increase or decrease their meal plan by notifying the University Housing Department by e-mail at housing@uark.edu. They should include their University ID number, the meal plan they currently have and the meal plan they wish to switch to in the communication. After the 11th day of classes, your student will only be able to increase their meal plan.

Finances

How do I pay tuition and fees for my student?

Tuition and fees will be on your student's UAConnect account. In order to access this, your student has to set up 3rd party access for you to have access to their account. Once you have set this up and you log in, you should see a box labeled Student Center towards the middle of the main page. In that box it includes your student's total account balance and two buttons that say "make a payment" and "account summary by term." If you want an explanation of your student's account balance, click the "account summary by term" button. If you would just like to pay your student's bill, click "make a payment." For more information, contact the Registrar's office at (479) 575-5451.

Where can I view an estimated cost of attendance for the University of Arkansas?

An estimated cost of attendance per semester, including tuition and fees can be found at https://treasurer.uark.edu/Estimator.aspx.

What is the FAFSA and how do I fill it out?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to determine the amount of financial support a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts. To begin the FASFA, encourage your student to visit Federal Student Aid/FASFA and begin their application. Helping your student fill out the form is advisable, since the amount of funding depends on the accuracy of your student's answers. Some of the questions included in the FAFSA pertain specifically to you (the parents and/or guardians of the student), which may prove difficult for your student to answer.

Where can I get proof of my student's enrollment and grade point average for my insurance company?

Enrollment verification provides directory information such as student's name, month and date of birth, enrollment status and serves as proof of a student's enrollment for various purposes. Enrollment verification is free of charge and may be mailed to any location. There is a $5.00 fee to fax the verification. To request an enrollment verification, your student can visit the Registrar's office in Silas Hunt Hall (at the Transcripts window) or e-mail their request to regrweb@uark.edu. They will need to include their full name, date of birth and student ID #. For more information, visit registrar.uark.edu or call (479) 575-5451.

Health

If my student gets sick, what's the best place for them to go?

Pat Walker Health Center is a great, convenient place for your student to seek treatment. They have an in-house Medical Clinic, Women's Clinic, Counseling and Psychological Services, X-Ray and Lab, and Allergy and Immunization Clinic. For more information about PWHC, visit their website at health.uark.edu.

What is the nearest hospital to the University of Arkansas?

The closest hospital to the University of Arkansas is Washington Regional Medical Center. It is located at: 3215 N. North Hills Boulevard Fayetteville, AR 72703. More information can be found on their website at www.wregional.com.

Where can my student work out?

The HPER Building ran by University Recreation is an ideal place for students to work out, lift weights or join an intramural team. There is also an additional workout facility located on the second floor of the Arkansas Union. For more information about University Recreation, visit their website at http://urec.uark.edu/ or call (479) 575-4646.

Our family has experienced a recent tragedy or loss of a family member. What can I do to help my student adjust/cope?

Losing a family member or friend while they are away at college can be very difficult for your student. They may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety or depression. If you are concerned about your student's physical and/or mental health at any time, you may direct them to the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) located in Pat Walker Health Center. CAPS meets with members of the University of Arkansas community concerning a variety of topics, including: stress management, relationship issues, and tragedies and crisis. They can make an appointment with a consultant by calling (479) 575-5276 or by dropping by during their walk-in clinic times, Monday-Friday 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm. More information concerning CAPS can be found at health.uark.edu/departments/counseling-psychological-services.php.

Housing

Who can I contact about on-campus or off-campus housing?

You can contact the Housing office for on-campus housing by phone at (479) 575-3951 or e-mail at housing@uark.edu. Their website is housing.uark.edu. For off-campus housing, contact Off-Campus Student Sucess at (479) 575.7351, occ@uark.edu, or offcampus.uark.edu.

What are the on-campus housing options and prices?

Information about housing rates and options can be found at housing.uark.edu/campus_communities/rates.php. All of the on-campus housing options are a short walk to classes and offer many ways for your student to get involved through Hall Senate, Residents' Interhall Congress and various other opportunities.

Does my freshman student have to live on-campus?

The University of Arkansas recognizes the benefits students receive from living on campus their first year. Therefore, all single freshmen under twenty-one (21) years of age are required to live on campus in a residence hall, or in their parent or legal guardian's permanent home. Students who are admitted to the University of Arkansas as a transfer student from another post secondary institution, and who have completed at least 24 credit hours at that institution are not required to live on campus.

How do I send my student a care package, gift or flowers?

Gifts, flowers, and packages may be delivered to the residence halls during office hours. Packages that fit in the resident's private mailbox are placed in their mailbox upon delivery. Items shipped must be addressed properly and accurately in order to arrive in a timely manner. Make sure to contact the resident and ask for their complete mailing address. Packages may be picked up during business hours when the hall secretary is present. Typically, the hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The resident must present a picture ID to pick up items.

What should I advise my son or daughter to do if there is conflict with his/her roommate?

If your son or daughter is having a conflict with his/her roommate, you should encourage them to talk to their Residential Assistant (RA). RA's are well trained to solve such issues and will make sure that your student and their roommate discuss the issues that they are having. In most cases, your student filled out a roommate agreement when they first moved in, which should ease the tension that they may be experiencing. Roommate agreements cover topics like quiet times, visitors, cleaning responsibilities and respect for each other's property, so it is very important that your student takes their agreement seriously. If problems continue to persist, encourage your student to reach out to their Coordinator for Residence Education (CRE) as they can help in the mediation process.

My student has received a referral to our student conduct office (Office of Student Standards and Conduct). What does that mean and what should I do?

This means that the OSSC received information that your student may have been involved in a violation of University policy, a letter has been sent to the student's university email address notifying them to contact the office. A student who has received such a letter should contact the office at (479) 575-5170 to schedule a preliminary interview. A student has three days upon receipt of the notice to contact the office and schedule an appointment. During this preliminary interview, the complaint or violation will be explained, the student's rights and the conduct process will be thoroughly outlined, and the student will be afforded the opportunity to explain the incident. At the close of the preliminary interview, the student will be informed of the options for the resolution of their conduct case. Students are afforded the ability to have their case heard administratively or through an All-University Conduct Board. As a parent, you should talk to your student to make sure they have gotten all the necessary information regarding their case. A staff member may speak to a parent if the student has released his/her information via a FERPA waiver with the OSSC office (this is a separate FERPA waiver from the Registrar's waiver). OSSC encourages the student to speak openly and honestly to their parent about what is going on.

What do I do if my student is struggling with homesickness?

It's very normal for some students to struggle with being homesick, especially if this is the first time they have spent a significant period of time away from home. One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to encourage your student to get involved. There are so many opportunities on campus to get involved and make friends, so your student has all the support they need. Your student should talk with his or her Resident Assistant (RA) to see what activities are going on in their residence hall. Also, encourage them to visit urec.uark.edu/intramural-sports to find out more about intramural sports. Having a couple of close friends seems to help ease homesickness. If your student isn't interested in sports have them visit osa.uark.edu to join a Registered Student Organization (RSO), and if they don't see one they like, they can create one!

Where should we begin looking for off-campus housing?

The Off-Campus Student Success office is a great resource for you that can definitely make your apartment search easier. Visit their website, fcss.uark.edu for a search tool to locate some housing options that meet your desired criteria. Each spring, Off-Campus Student Success hosts an Off-Campus Housing Fair to help students find safe, secure off-campus housing options at a good deal. The Housing Fair also covers important topics like renters insurance.

Involvement

How can students explore clubs, organizations, and activities on campus?

The Student Engagement Hub, located on the A6th floor of the Arkansas Union, is a great starting point for students looking to get involved. The Hub houses Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Associated Student Government (ASG), and University Programs (UP), and helps coordinate involvement opportunities and events across campus and in the community. With over 300 RSOs to choose from, students are likely to find an organization that fits their interests.

What resources are available to help off‑campus students feel connected and engaged?

For students living off campus, the Commuter Lounge is a great starting point for getting connected. Located in the Arkansas Union, Room 602, the lounge provides a welcoming space for commuter, transfer, non‑traditional, and off‑campus students to relax, study, and connect with others. It also serves as a hub for resources and involvement opportunities designed to help students feel engaged and supported. Joining an on‑campus Registered Student Organization (RSO) is another easy and effective way for students to meet new people and get involved on campus.

Where can students find support for career planning, internships, and job placement?

From aptitude and personality assessments to résumé reviews and on‑campus interviews, the University of Arkansas Offices of Career Connections (OCC) work with students to support career exploration and job preparation. Students are encouraged to begin career planning as early as their first semester and to connect with the Offices of Career Connections early in their college experience. For more information, visit the Offices of Career Connections website.

Where can students learn more about joining a fraternity or sorority?

The University of Arkansas offers a multitude of Greek‑letter organizations, providing students with opportunities for leadership, service, and community. Students interested in joining a fraternity or sorority will need to participate in the recruitment process. For general questions about Greek Life call (479) 575-5001 or email gogreek@uark.edu

Safety

Where can families learn more about campus safety at the University of Arkansas?

One of our highest priorities at the University of Arkansas is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. To achieve this goal, we invest significant resources in a variety of activities and initiatives designed to increase security on our campus as well as our students' ability to make responsible decisions. We foster a positive relationship with local law enforcement agencies to enhance a safe, secure and healthy community that borders the University. For information on the services offered to students, please visit the UA Police Department's website at uapd.uark.edu.

Is there a service that will take my student to their car at night or to other campus locations?

We have a variety of options for your student to be safe while on campus at night. The mission of the Safe Ride program is to provide students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. During operating hours, Safe Ride can pick you up at any location within the Fayetteville city limits and transport you to your residence.

Students also have access to the SafeZone app which turns a cell phone into a personal safety device.

The app can also be used for Check-in/Check-Out Timer - Walking Alone? Working out or studying late? Share your position with UAPD for your personal safety.
The app connects you directly to the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) when there is an emergency on campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Once you activate the app on your phone and request help, your location will be shown on a map for police officers to provide assistance.
SafeZone only shares your location when you ask for help or check-in. The app requires certain permissions to run, such as Location Sharing and Notifications. To find out more or to see a complete list of FAQs, visit SafeZone FAQs

What is RazAlert and how do I sign up?

RazAlert (pronounced Raise Alert) is an emergency notification system for all University students, faculty and staff. The campus community will be immediately notified of any significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff.

WxALERT notifications are the most common messages sent through the RazALERT system. These are sent when snow, ice, or heavy rain forces the university to cancel or postpone classes and close or delay business operations.

There is no need for students or staff to sign up to receive RazALERT or WxALERT notifications. However, if you aren’t receiving these notifications, please check to make sure your cell phone is listed correctly in Workday. Learn more about how and where to check your contact info on our RazALERT Preferences and Contact Information page.

How does the university communicate and respond during inclement weather?

The university must continue certain operations during periods of inclement weather due to the needs of students, the requirements of ongoing research activities, and other factors. Generally, there are three possible responses to incidents of inclement weather:

Delayed opening: During a delayed opening, university officials will publicly announce the specific time at which the campus will open. Students should report to campus by the designated opening time.
Early Dismissal: In the event of an early dismissal, the university will cease all on-campus academic classes and regular business operations at a publicly announced time, and students will be dismissed to go home.
Inclement Weather Operations: In the event the university shifts to inclement weather operations, all on-campus classes will be cancelled, but instructors may choose to completely cancel their classes OR continue classes through virtual instruction at their regularly scheduled times. Campus offices will be closed and operate in remote status. The Union, Mullins Library, UREC, tech support and the dining facilities will continue to be open with limited hours.

Transportation

If my student has an injury or temporary mobility issue, how can they arrange special transportation to and from campus?

Razorback transit provides paratransit, which is a separate fleet of vehicles with the sole purpose of transporting passengers with disabilities around Fayetteville.

Paratransit is meant to serve individuals who are physically unable to use the fixed-route bus service. Those who wish to use paratransit must go through an application process to be granted access to paratransit vans on a conditional, unconditional, or temporary basis.

Persons who are eligible to use the Razorback Paratransit include:

Persons who have specific impairment-related conditions which make it impossible, not just difficult or inconvenient, to travel to or from the bus stop.
Persons who need a wheelchair lift and a wheelchair lift-equipped bus is unable to deploy its lift in a particular location due to physical constraints of that particular bus stop.
Persons who are unable to board, ride, exit or otherwise navigate the fixed route bus system, even if they are able to get to a bus stop.

If your student meets the above criteria, encourage them to contact the Razorback Paratransit at (479) 575-6993. More information about paratransit services can be found at parking.uark.edu/transit/paratransit.php

How can my student obtain a campus parking permit, and what parking options are available?

All parking permits are purchased through MyParkingAccount. Students have four primary permit options. Resident reserved and garage permits require an offer sent to the students UARK email account, typically sent in late summer. General student and economy permits are available for purchase any time. Metered parking is also available in the Arkansas Union Parking Garage and the Garland Center Parking Garage. More information about parking policies, permits and guest parking can be found at parking.uark.edu.

If my student needs to fly home, what transportation options are available to and from the airport?

There are several transportation options for students who plan to fly home during breaks or holidays. Your student may arrange a ride with a friend or coordinate a carpool and share parking costs. Students can also use a shuttle or taxi service such as the one provided by the Associated Student Government. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) provides transportation resources on its website at www.flyxna.com to help you identify services that meet your needs.