Parents & Families

My student needs help. Should I send them to the Dean of Students?

The Dean of Students knows that parents and families play an important role in students’ lives, and that doesn’t end when the student come to college.

College can be stressful and students sometimes don't know where to turn for help. The Dean of Students and her staff are here in your student's time of need with multiple resources to help navigate all kinds of issues.

FERPA

Your student's information is protected. They have a right to release it to others or keep it private. Read more information below about their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

What is FERPA?

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.

What are "educational records"?

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

What types of records are NOT educational 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

Student Conduct

Students make mistakes and can act in ways they shouldn't. When this happens, the Office of Student Accountability helps those students get back on the right path.

Where do I find information regarding the university's student conduct process?

The Office of Student Accountability is committed to promoting a safe, healthy, and inclusive community where students can pursue their academic endeavors and grow into productive global citizens. This is accomplished through the investigation, adjudication, and sanctioning as it relates to the behavioral standards as outlined in the Code of Student Life. Please visit their website for more information regarding the student conduct process at https://ethics.uark.edu.

What is the Code of Student Life?

The Code of Student Life is a university document that sets out expectations for students' behavior both on and off campus. You can find the Code of Student Life at the following link: https://handbook.uark.edu.

What if my student has been cited for a potential violation of the Code of Student Life?

The University of Arkansas has established policies regarding the adjudication of alleged violations to the Code of Student Life, in addition to a student's rights within the process. Information regarding the process can be found at https://handbook.uark.edu or at https://ethics.uark.edu.

I have a concern, and I don't know where to report. Who can help me?

Please call the Dean of Students office at (479) 575-5004. We can help you!

Health & Wellness

Sometimes a student can experience a personal emergency or a medical issue. We want you to know that you have options and resources to make informed decisions about your academic career based on your personal situation.

My student has been hurt and needs temporary accommodations (note taker, transportation to/from class, etc.). How do I arrange that?

Think your student may need academic accommodations? 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.

I think my student might be experiencing “home sickness”. What can I do?

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

What should I do if my student is returning to campus after a leave for medical reasons?

The student should check their UAConnect Student Center to see if they have any holds they 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 them in their return and to access any resources they may need on campus.

What should I do if my student is going to have to miss class for a family medical emergency or death?

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

What should I do if my student is sick and miss class?

Students can review the university attendance policy for in the undergraduate catalog. Your student's 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 your student was seen by the medical clinic at Pat Walker Health Center and was unable to provide documentation to their course instructor, they can utilize the Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class or Work form as part of their communication regarding their absence.

I am concerned about my student’s health (physical/mental). What resources are available to them?

We have several resources available to students regarding their health and wellness. On campus, students have access to a Primary Care Clinic, Women’s Clinic, Allergy and Immunization Clinic, and nutrition counseling at the Pat Walker Health Center. Through the PWHC students also have access to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), wellness coaching and programs, and much more. You can find information about the PWHC and available services at health.uark.edu. Your student may also reach out to the UA Cares Coordinator for assistance and/or referrals to additional resources through the Office of the Dean of Students at (479) 575-5004.

My student has experienced sexual assault or harassment. What can I do?

Students, employees and/or visitors who want to report gender discrimination, sexual harassment, (including sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, domestic violence and stalking) or retaliation for reporting sexual harassment should call (479) 575-7011 or report the incident at report.uark.edu.

I need to make a report of threatening behavior that might be a campus safety concern. How can I do that?

Go to report.uark.edu and choose either. Always call 911 if there is a threat of harm to self or others. For assistance regarding campus safety concerns, call the University of Arkansas Police Department as (479) 575-2222.