Pauline Whitaker Library
General Overview
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Pauline Whitaker Library and the Benton and Washington County Information Commons support student success and seek to be centers of intellectual activity, places where learners can access information through traditional and cutting-edge technologies and develop invaluable information literacy skills to prepare them for lifelong learning.
The Library and both Information Commons locations are an academic unit of NorthWest Arkansas Community College. The Pauline Whitaker Library is located in Burns Hall, Room 1304. The Information Commons in Benton County is located in Burns Hall, Room 1217, and in Washington County in Room 111. While the Information Commons locations consist primarily of computers, individual and collaborative study spaces, and some course reserves, the Whitaker Library maintains collections in various media, including print, VHS, and DVDs. Physical collections number approximately 30,000 items, and the library subscribes to approximately 140 databases, including eBooks and streaming media that can be accessed both on-campus and off. The Library also provides on-site access to numerous required course materials, both print and media. The Library participates in the ArkLink Consortium Borrowing program, which allows current NWACC students use and checkout privileges at other participating Arkansas academic libraries. A list of participating institutions can be found at the ARKLink website.
InterLibrary Loan
InterLibrary Loan is almost always free service to students where we borrow articles, books, and other media from other libraries for you. Most items are delivered to the user within one week. Journal literature usually arrives very quickly and can be delivered electronically. Contact the library for help with this service.
Library Workshops and More Help
Librarians are often invited to work with students in their regular classes. You may also have a librarian embedded into Canvas with your class. However, you don’t need to wait for us to come to you. Get help by visiting our website, emailing us at library@nwacc.edu, calling us, or using our chat service. Check out our online research guides, databases, or make an appointment to meet with us one-on-one. The library also offers a series of Academic Literacy Workshops. Students who take 8 of these workshops can receive a recognition stamp on their academic transcript.
Hours of Operation and Other Services
The library is open 7 days a week during the semesters. 24-hour access is available for the library’s online catalog, subscription databases, and online journals at the library’s website. There are 112 public PCs and Macs across both spaces in Benton County, including a 24 seat hands-on classroom with a smart board and projector for library instruction. In Washington County, there are 15 computers and a Smart Board. All Macs are equipped with the Adobe Suite software and video editing software to support NWACC multimedia coursework. Students, faculty, and staff also have access to study rooms and copier/printer/scanners in Benton County, and a group study room and two copier/printer/scanners in Washington County. All three spaces have ADA accessible workstations and software. The library provides laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, cameras, audio equipment, and lighting kits for check out. Visit our virtual reality game in the Burns Hall Information Commons.
Tutoring Center
Tutoring Services are available by drop-in and online. Drop-in services are available at the Library in Burns Hall and the Washington County location in Springdale. Tutors provide tutoring in various subjects and student needs. Online tutoring is also available through “Brainfuse.” It is accessible through myNWACC Connection> Resources> Online Tutoring, which includes many free online resources and chatroom tutoring support.
For more information on all tutoring resources, refer to NWACC Student Success Tutoring.
Writing Center
The Writing Center is located in BH 1003 and is staffed by English composition faculty, who consider the Writing Center an integral part of the writing process. Faculty tutors offer their expertise to work one-on-one with the student. The instructor will read and react to student writing and direct the writer during the writing process.
Students may drop in for a consultation or use the online service for assistance with any writing assignment.
See NWACC Writing Center for directions for services, hours of operation, and links to writing resources. Additionally, the Writing Center presents weekly workshops on writing topics with times and dates posted on the website.
Math Center
The Math Center is located in SC 344A and has math faculty available for drop in and/or online tutoring for all levels of math courses ranging from pre-algebra to calculus I. Online tutoring is by appointment only. See Math Center for information on services, hours of operations, and other helpful resources.
Enrollment and Academic Advising
Enrollment and Academic Advising plays an important role in a student’s educational success. Enrollment Services Advisors and Academic Advisors at NorthWest Arkansas Community College are a connection point for students and act as a guide through the enrollment process from the point of admissions through graduation. Advisors collaborate with students to develop and implement academic plans and educational experiences that reflect individual ability and interest through course selection, career planning, transfer planning, success coaching and preparing for graduation. Advisors act as a resource for students and assist them with achieving their educational goals by providing wrap around enrollment services that are individual to each student.
All first-time college students seeking a degree or certificate are required to meet with an advisor as part of New Student Orientation. During orientation, students will determine a program of study and choose classes that correspond to their determined educational plan. Students that are on Academic Probation, Academic Suspension, and/or Conditional Admission will be required to see an advisor prior to each enrollment period to discuss their academic progress. Transfer and returning students are strongly recommended to see an Advisor each semester. Students can schedule an Advising Appointment through the QLess app or by going to https://www.nwacc.edu/enrollment/advising/default.aspx.
For more information, contact Enrollment Services at (479) 986-4000 or enrollmentsupport@nwacc.edu.
New Student Orientation
All first-time degree or certificate-seeking students must complete Orientation. In order to register for orientation, students must have been accepted and have submitted complete ACT or placement test scores. Orientation is designed to provide students with important information and concepts to help them succeed in college.
After Orientation, students receive academic advisement and are given the opportunity to start registering for classes. Refer to https://www.nwacc.edu/enrollment/orientation.aspx for more instructions regarding New Student Orientation.
Contact Enrollment Services at (479) 986-4000 for more information.
Transfer Services
The Associate Director of Transfer and Degree Completion educates NWACC students and NWACC advisors about the many aspects of transferring from a community college to a four-year university, college, or pre-professional program. Services provided include:
- Connect students with representatives from regional colleges and universities
- Maintain a website that reflects current information relating to transferring from NWACC to another institution of higher learning which includes transfer institutions, transfer events, planning transfers and scholarship information
- Maintain transfer guides that reflects current information
- Educate students and NWACC advisors about the reverse transfer process
- Develop on campus and/or virtual transfer fairs and when requested coordinate workshops and classroom presentations
In most cases, students can attend NWACC and earn an associate’s degree before transferring to a four- year institution without losing time, money, or college credits. There are several associate degrees offered at NWACC that are designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university. Refer to the advising section of this catalog to learn about transfer degree options.
Although many NWACC courses transfer to colleges and universities, not all of them are deemed equivalent to four-year degree requirements at the transfer institution a student chooses. Students are encouraged to work with their NWACC academic advisor, in conjunction with an academic advisor at their transfer institution, to ensure completed coursework meets prerequisite and introductory major requirements. Additionally, students are encouraged to consult current college catalogs detailing requirements needed to achieve junior standing with a transfer degree. Since the receiving institution determines what courses transfer, students should always stay in close touch with professionals at that school
Reverse Transfer
Students that transfer before completing a degree may earn a degree with NWACC through reverse transfer. Reverse transfer allows students to complete their associate’s degree after transferred to the four-year college/university of their choice. Credits earned while working on the bachelor’s degree will often complete course requirements for an associate degree. When all graduation requirements are met and submitted to the NWACC Student Records office, an associate degree will be awarded. Students will need to contact Transfer Services at transferpathways@nwacc.edu to initiate the process.
Transfer Fair/Events
Transfer College Fairs are coordinated by NWACC’s Transfer Services to bring representatives from other universities and colleges to visit with current students. These representatives spend time on campus educating students about the majors they offer, in addition to informing them about how to connect with advisors on their campus. Transfer College Fairs may also be virtual.
Degree Completion Programs
Online and degree completion programs are excellent options for students who need alternate times and/or locations - offered locally and/or online. The degree completion and online opportunities make transferring to a 4-year school to obtain a bachelor’s degree possible for people who are unable to relocate or attend regular classes.
Note: Some programs may have age and/or work experience requirements.
Transfer Act 182 of 2009 (Roger Phillips Act)
The purpose of Transfer Act 182 is to assist students wishing to transfer credits among public institutions of higher education in Arkansas. This is accomplished by:
- Creating a seamless transfer of college coursework for students who have completed a two-year degree before moving to a four-year degree granting institution;
- Eliminating requirements for additional 1000 or 2000-level college credit hours at the receiving public institutions of higher education unless they are: 1) required by the academic major; 2) required prerequisites for other course work; or 3) required for certification or accreditation for the major.
Resources for Students with Disabilities
NWACC is committed to the creation and maintenance of an accessible and welcoming campus community that respects and values disability as part of the diversity of human experience. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) serves as the central campus resource for students with disabilities. DR staff members work with the campus community to ensure that physical, curricular and web environments are designed to be barrier-free to the extent possible. Some barriers to access can’t be removed in a timely manner, and so that’s when we work one-on-one with students to develop and implement a plan of academic accommodations to ensure access the programs, services and activities of the College.
Reasonable accommodations are available to enrolled students with documented disabilities who have completed registration with the DRC. In order to complete this process (which is entirely separate from Admissions or Enrollment processes), students must meet with a DRC staff member to discuss any barriers or concerns they have and are required to supply appropriate documentation (typically medical, psychological, and/or psychoeducational evaluation) which supports requests for accommodation. A plan of academic accommodations is then developed based on analysis of the information provided.
Students should complete this registration process as soon as possible after admission to NWACC. Some accommodations require substantial advance notice to coordinate effectively, such as sign language interpretation or books in accessible formatting. While every effort is made to accommodate students regardless of when they request accommodations, advance notice eight weeks prior to the start of semester is required to ensure that accommodations are in place at the start of term.
Accommodation plans are implemented in collaborative partnership between students, faculty and DRC staff. Students have responsibility to appropriately follow DRC procedures in order to make use of their accommodations. Due to the dynamic nature of the accommodation process, procedures may change given individual circumstances, requiring that expectations or next steps may come in the form of guidance directly from DRC staff. For this reason, maintaining good communication is of paramount importance. The PRIMARY METHOD of communication is by email through the NWACC email address which is provided to all students.
Accommodations are available to all NWACC students, including those enrolled in online coursework through Digital Learning. Arrangements may be made to facilitate the DR-registration process by phone or web-conferencing if travel to campus is infeasible or problematic.
All NWACC students must meet appropriate academic performance and Code of Conduct expectations.
Guests to our campus who have disability-related needs may make requests to be accommodated by contacting the DRC at disability@nwacc.edu or call (479) 986-4076. Please provide advance notice of at least ten (10) business days to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.
Procedures to report a disability-related grievance are outlined on NWACC 504/ADA Grievance Process.
For more information, please refer to NWACC Disability Resource Center.
Office of Veterans Resources
The Office of Veteran Resources mission is to help veterans, current service members, and their dependents navigate their education path regardless of eligibility of GI BILL® benefits. To see if you are eligible for any of the following veteran/military benefits: GI BILL® (CH. 33, 30, 1606), the Veteran Readiness & Employment program (CH. 31), Dependent Education Assistance benefits (CH. 35), any Tuition Assistance programs or other types of Veterans Administration (VA) assistance, please contact the Office of Veterans Resources at 479-619-2273. We are located at the main campus, Student Center 114F.
Note: Please be aware of registration deadlines for using GI BILL® each semester. Activation of GI BILL® benefits can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks. Therefore, students must be registered for classes by Friday, the week before the start of each semester, to ensure timely disbursement of benefits.
Testing Services
The NWACC Testing Center, located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, offers a variety of evaluation opportunities to the academic community including placement testing.
Placement testing requires an appointment and is available during open Testing Center hours, Monday - Saturday. Same day appointment requests will not be honored.
Placement testing requires a $10 fee. Your fee can be paid in the following manner:
Once the test fee is paid, please check the email that was entered on your purchase order for appointment confirmation. Valid photo ID will be required for testing.
For additional information about testing services, contact NWACC Testing Center or call (479) 619-4354. For additional information, refer to NWACC Testing Center Policy (4015)
Student Information Center (SIC)
The SIC is the information and directory center of the college. All Student ID’s and parking hangtags are made at the SIC. The SIC also maintains all game room and recreation equipment that may be checked out and used by students. To check out equipment students must present their student ID to the SIC attendant.
The NWACC Food Pantry is now maintained through the Cox Welcome Desk in Burns Hall. Applications for food pantry assistance should be filled out online. Once a student’s food pantry application has been processed, they will receive an email when their order is ready to be picked up. For any questions or additional information, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
Student Life
Office of Student Life is responsible for coordinating, supporting and implementing co-curricular programs and activities presented throughout the academic year. Activities are planned and implemented by students through their leadership involvement with the Student Government Association (SGA) and the many certified clubs on campus.
For information regarding involvement, see NWACC Campus Life or contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
Lactation Lounge
Private space for the purpose of lactation is available to people who are lactating who are employees, students, or guests. Reservations are required. Please contact the Office of Human Resources by calling (479) 619-3155.
Refer to NWACC Lactation Policy (5007.8) for additional details.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Student Government Association (SGA)
NWACC SGA members are the governing body for the NWACC student body. SGA members promote and maintain an active communication between the administration, faculty, staff, and students; promote unity among the students of NorthWest Arkansas Community College; promote an environment which permits the development of character and intellectual growth; ensures the personal freedom and general welfare of the student body; and are the voice for students in all campus affairs. In addition, members plan all student activities on campus and work with all student clubs and organizations. Individual members of the student board are viewed as part of an organization of student leaders at NWACC. SGA members are elected by the student body. For information regarding NWACC Student Government Association, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-4315.
Student Leadership Position Restrictions
Students with a felony conviction, registered sex offender status, or disciplinary dismissal from a postsecondary institution may or may not be eligible to fill student leadership roles or be a member of any NWACC student club or organization. Student leadership roles may include, but are not limited to the following: NWACC Student Organizations, Student Government Association, NWACC Eagle View, Learning, Improvement, Fun, and Empowerment (LIFE) Program, and Leadership positions in NWACC registered Student Clubs and Organizations.
Student Organizations
NorthWest Arkansas Community College recognizes that student organizations provide an opportunity for students to develop their own unique talents and interests. Student organizations assist in the development of leadership qualities, critical thinking skills, teamwork, communication skills, and further developing learning. Information on becoming a registered student organization may be obtained from the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-4315. Student organizations are subject to change each academic year. There are many registered student organizations at NWACC. If you don’t see one you like then you can create your own. To become registered, new groups must obtain and complete an application packet. Continuing student organizations must complete an update form annually in order to maintain status as a registered student organization. Certain criteria must be met in order to be a recognized organization. If you would like to start or join a student organization, contact the Director of Student Life at studentlife@nwacc.edu.
For the most current information, refer to NWACC Clubs and Organizations.
NWACC Eagle View Student Newspaper
The NWACC Eagle View “shall provide students with a public forum for responsible news reporting and commentary and shall reflect commitment to integrity, truth, and excellence.” Prior experience in media or enrollment in journalism classes is not required to be on the staff of the paper-any student enrolled in a least one-credit hour at NWACC may apply to participate. The paper is published four or five times in the fall and again in the spring, for a total of eight to ten issues per academic year. Student staff are given basic training in news reporting and are encouraged to take journalism classes. The various positions available include reporter, photographer, designer, distributor, ad sales representative, promotions, social media, and others. Staff application forms along with other information may be found at NWACC Eagle View Student Newspaper.
For more information regarding policy and procedures, refer to the NWACC Student Leadership Position Restrictions Policy (4010.2).
National Honor Societies
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society of the Two Year College. The initial requirement for Phi Theta Kappa membership is a GPA of 3.5 and 12 hours of completed college credit courses. Since the founding in 1918, the purpose of Phi Theta Kappa has been to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students. To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship, for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence. For additional information, contact Becky Hudson at (479) 986-6682 or ptk@nwacc.edu.
Gamma Beta Phi Society
Gamma Beta Phi Society Gamma Beta Phi Society is a national honor and service organization for college and university students. It is non-secret, non-profit, and co-educational; membership does not exclude a student from membership in any other organization. Members are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of service projects for the college and the community. NWACC chapter members are able to transfer their membership to state and national four year colleges and universities that have a Gamma Beta Phi chapter. The initial requirement for Gamma Beta Phi membership is a grade point average of 3.0 or above and completion of twelve (12) hours of transfer credit. For membership information, contact the chapter advisor Marvin Galloway at (479) 619-4158.
Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD)
SKD’s Lambda Gamma is a chapter of the National English Honor Society for students at two-year colleges and is open to English and non-English majors who enjoy language and literature and want to encourage others to do so through on-campus and community service. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in general scholarship to join and an A or B in at least one college English course. For more information, contact the English Department at (479) 619-4156.
Alpha Eta Society
Alpha Eta is a national honor society for the Allied Health Professions. Northwest Arkansas Community College is a chapter of this society. Each institution must offer three or more Allied Health Programs leading to associate, baccalaureate or graduate level degrees. At least find individuals eligible for membership shall be necessary to establish and maintain a chapter. Students who maintain an average of 3.5 or better are eligible for membership. For additional membership, contact Sherry Slay, RHIT at sslay@nwacc.edu.
Intramural and Sports Club Programs
NWACC offers a comprehensive program for all students interested in sports opportunities and activities. The program was initiated in 1998, for college students who want to continue off campus competitive sports activities while taking classes at NWACC. The Intramural and Sports clubs Programs offer several men’s, women’s and coed team sports in soccer, basketball, baseball, bowling, fast pitch softball and volleyball. Other team sports activities such as flag football, golf, slow pitch softball, disk golf, taekwondo and horseback riding are offered on demand. Participants must be actively enrolled as students, either credit or non-credit, at NWACC in order to participate in these activities.
If you are interested in participating in one of the existing activities, or if you are interested in organizing a new sports club, contact John Luedtke, Director of Health, Physical Education and Intramural Sports Clubs, jluedtke@nwacc.edu (479) 619-4138.
Fitness Center Memberships
The NWACC Fitness Center is located on the 2nd floor of Burns Hall in Room 2325. Student memberships are only $49 a semester! Our fitness center has machine weights & free weights to maintain or increase your muscular strength and endurance. Several cardiovascular machines are also available to work on your aerobic fitness. Shower and locker facilities are located close to the center. For more information on semester memberships, contact John Luedtke, Director of Health, Physical Education and Intramural Sports Clubs, jluedtke@nwacc.edu or (479) 619-4138.
NWACC Police & Public Safety Department
The NWACC Police and Public Safety Department participates in delivering the NWACC mission and strives to create a safe environment conducive to student learning. The Police and Public Safety Department is staffed with both certified police officers and Security Officers. Campus Police Officers are duly commissioned law enforcement personnel whose police authority is derived from Arkansas state statute #25-17-304, which grants them the same powers as any municipal, county or state police agency. Currently officers are assigned to NWACC locations in both Benton and Washington Counties. The Police and Public Safety Department employs contemporary security measures to reduce and prevent crime on our campus and works closely with neighboring Police Agencies. Crime and violence prevention is our priority and we are dedicated to working with faculty, staff and students to ensure a safe and secure environment. For institutional policy, refer to NWACC Department of Public Safety Policy (9003).
Reporting Crimes or Emergencies on Campus
The Police and Public Safety Department office is located in the Center for Health Professions 1042, with satellite offices throughout the NWACC campus. DPS can be contacted at departmentofpublicsafety@nwacc.edu, (479) 619-4229 or by using one of the emergency telephones located throughout the campus (on campus, dial 4229), or in person twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. E-mail should be addressed to the Director of Campus Safety, Chief Cecil White at cwhite24@nwacc.edu.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.nwacc.edu/administrativeservices/campussafety/default.aspx.
For emergencies, call 9-1-1. It is not necessary to dial 9 prior to dialing 9-1-1 on college telephones. After completing the call to the 9-1-1 operator the student should immediately notify the Public Safety office at (479) 619-4229 and advise the officer on duty of the emergency.
Reporting Crimes
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report any criminal act to the Police and Public Safety Department immediately at (479) 619-4229, Center for Health Professions 1042. Any act of violence should be reported immediately to DPS.
Additionally, the prevention of sexual assaults is a priority of the Police and Public Safety Department. Information regarding registered sex offenders is available at the DPS Office or at the Arkansas Crime Information Center, www.ACIC.org. Crime prevention information is available at the Police and Public Safety Department office and Officer Escorts are always available for concerned students, faculty, and staff.
Parking
In accordance with A.C.A. 25-17-307 and the Board of Trustees, NWACC has the authority to establish rules and regulations for the registration, operation, and parking of all vehicles including fines and penalties. The established rules and regulations are binding on all employees, students and all others utilizing any and all lands owned or controlled by NWACC.
For institutional policy, refer to NWACC Parking Policy (9004).
Emergency Telephone Messages, Access to Students
Notification of an emergency can be made by calling the Student Records at (479) 619-4398 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling (479) 619-4229 after regular hours. After speaking with the person requesting contact, the Enrollment Support Center will determine the best method for contacting the student. After hours the Police and Public Safety Department will make the appropriate contact if it is determined that the request is directly related to educational reasons or presents a health or safety emergency.
Clery Act Annual Security Report
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Annual Security Report is provided to current students, prospective students, staff, and faculty as part of the College’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the NWACC community. The Annual Security Report is published every year by October 1 and contains three years of selected campus and non- campus crime statistics, and certain campus security policy statements in accordance with the Clery Act. Enacted in 1990, The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act was designed to assist students in making decisions which affect their personal safety and to ensure institutions of higher education provide students, prospective students, staff, and faculty the information they need to avoid becoming victims of campus crime. The Higher Education Act of 1998 and the subsequent amendments of the implementing regulations significantly expanded institutions’ obligations under the Act. The Act was also renamed the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act” (hereafter the “Clery Act”).
The NorthWest Arkansas Community College Departments of Public Safety (DPS), and Emergency and Risk Management are committed to providing a risk averse, sustainable, and resilient environment that enhances the learning experience and supports the College’s educational mission. NWACC Clery and Campus Safety Report is published annually in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f), 34 CFR 668.46).
Student Handbook
Disciplinary measures will be applied to any student whose conduct adversely affects the NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s pursuit of educational objectives. The Student Handbook provides information on all policies and procedures regarding student conduct, NWACC conduct violations, and the full conduct process.
Violators of public law may be referred to civil authorities for appropriate action and may be subject to disciplinary action through the NWACC conduct resolution process.
For the most current and up to date information, refer to NWACC Student Handbook in the NWACC policy database.
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