Frequently Asked Questions

Find a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at HogSync  or connect with the Student Organization Outreach & Involvement Experience (SOOIE) by requesting a one-on-one meeting at SOOIE@uark.edu with a student leader who will help you review your interests and get you involved.

Check out events and activities at HogSync.uark.edu or calendars.uark.edu.

Registered student organizations (RSOs) provide students the opportunity to form and develop organizations based on a common interest. Students are able to create, govern, budget and plan their own organization and events. Through your involvement with an RSO you will meet new people, develop your interest and have fun.

HogSync is a communication and engagement tool. It assists you in finding and getting involved in the 400+ Registered Student Organizations. Additionally, it is your place to learning about the many activities and events happening on campus.

Check out events and activities at hogsync.uark.edu (DIRECT LINK) or calendars.uark.edu (DIRECT LINK).

Although Greek Life is a way to get involved in campus life, it is not the only way. The UARK community has over 400+ Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). Check it out at HogSync.uark.edu. You might decide to diversify your out-of-class experience by getting engaged in a number of organizations and events. You are encouraged to "give back" to campus and northwest Arkansas by giving of your time and talents with community service. Check out uark.givepulse.com and get connected to an agency today. (If we're going to include Community Engagement, I think we should include other aspects of Campus Life as well.)

Get involved in a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at HogSync or apply for an on-campus job at jobs.uark.edu. Apply for the many student leadership positions advertised on HogSync.uark.edu with University Housing, Office of Student Activities, University Programs positions include Freshmen Leadership Forum, R.O.C.K. mentors, Lead Hogs, Resident Assistants, and more.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. With few exceptions, all student education records are considered confidential and may not be released without written consent of the student. This protection for college education records begins when the student enrolls in a higher education institution, regardless of the student’s age.

In addition, FERPA affords students certain rights concerning their educational records.

• You have the right to gain access to and seek amendment to inaccurate information contained in your educational records.
• You have the right to disclose your personal educational records to whom you deem necessary.
• You have the right to file a complaint with the FERPA Office in Washington.

Educational records are defined as ALL records that are:

• Any record related to current or former student
• Records that are maintained by the institution or staff member of the institution
• Records that are maintained in any format

Examples may include:

• Grades
• Enrollment records
• Schedules
• Class lists
• Personal identification numbers
• Social security numbers
• Student Conduct records

• Campus Police records maintained only for law enforcement purposes
• Employment records that are not a result of a student's status as a student
• Medical records: For more information on privacy as it relates to medical records see HIPPA on the Pat Walker Health Center website.
• Post-Attendance records
• Unsuccessful applicant’s records: Record of student who were not admitted to the university

• Records can be disclosed to institution officials with a legitimate need to know
• Records can be released as the result of a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena
• To appropriate parties where there is a legitimate health or safety concern. Parties who may obtain records in this situation are, parents/guardians, Department of Police or Public Safety, etc.
• Officials of another school where a student seeks to enroll
• In connection with financial aid for which a student has applied for or will receive
• To certain governmental officials in connection with state or federal education programs
• To attorneys representing the University of Arkansas

The Office of Dean of Students will provide a form for students to complete that will allow members of the office to speak with others that have been designated to have access a student’s information. If you would like to provide information that is not retained in the Office of the Dean of Students, you must contact that office individually to make arrangements.

You must first provide information regarding:

• What records you would like to release
• Whom you would like for the records to be released to
• The period of time for which the records can be released
• You must sign a date a form for your records

Needing academic accommodations? Think you might need them? Get registered with the Center for Educational Access (CEA) so accommodations can be implemented quickly if needed. Provision of reasonable accommodations is determined individually, based on the nature of the student's disability, the environmental barriers encountered, and the content of documentation provided. Please feel free to take a look at examples of accommodations which may be available. Students can register with CEA and request accommodations at any point during the semester, but accommodations are not retroactive.

You can petition to the Academic Standards Committee for a Retroactive Withdrawal. Speak to UA Cares for guidance on that process:

• Sarah Kaminski, Coordinator of UA Cares, (479) 575-5004, skaminsk@uark.edu
• Mary Ann Stewart, Assistant Case Manager of UA Cares, 479-575-2549, maryanns@uark.edu)

You can review the university attendance policy for students in the undergraduate catalog. Your instructor should have a written policy in the courses syllabus regarding documentation/communication they may require. When possible, arrangements for medical absence should be made in writing prior to the absence. If you were seen by the medical clinic at Pat Walker Health Center and are unable to provide documentation to your course instructor, you can utilize the Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class or Work form as part of your communication regarding your absence. You can review the university attendance policy for students in the undergraduate catalog. Your instructor should have a written policy in the courses syllabus regarding documentation/communication they may require. When possible, arrangements for medical absence should be made in writing prior to the absence. If you were seen by the medical clinic at Pat Walker Health Center and are unable to provide documentation to your course instructor, you can utilize the Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class or Work form as part of your communication regarding your absence.

We want you to make an informed decision about your semester and hope we can help you understand your options. Call (479) 575-5004 to schedule a meeting with UA Cares to discuss your situation and resources that may be helpful.

If you are unable to communicate directly with your faculty due to current medical state, a family member can call us at (479) 575-5004 for assistance. As soon as you can, follow-up with your professors about your absence.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Pat Walker Health Center can be reached at (479) 575-5276 for scheduling appointments or after-hours emergency services. CAPS clinicians can help with personal crisis, self-understanding, personal growth, healthy relationships, individual counseling, and group counseling. You can also register with the Center for Educational Access (CEA) to access any academic accommodations you may need.

You can review the university attendance policy for students in the undergraduate catalog. Your instructor should have a written policy in the course syllabus regarding documentation/communication they may require. If you need support or guidance, please call the Office of the Dean of Students at (479) 575-5004.

Visit report.uark.edu to submit a non-emergency student concern or call the Office of the Dean of Students at (479) 575-5004 to get connect with helpful resources and information.

Please contact UA Paratransit Services at (479) 575-6993 to schedule a joint meeting with CEA Temporary Transportation (golf cart) Staff. In that meeting they will assist in determining what options would be appreciate based on your specific needs.

Check your UAConnect Student Center to see if you have any holds you’ll need to take care of prior to registering for classes. Visit report.uark.edu to submit a non-emergency student concern and UA Cares would be glad to assist you in your return and to access any resources you may need on campus.

There are many reasons why you might be home sick. It is a common feeling for most students. It’s best that you connect with the UA Cares Coordinator at (479) 575-5004 to discuss and explore the various options available to you.