Disclosures

UA Rich Mountain Fact Book

Historical UA Rich Mountain Fast Facts

Licensure Pass Rates

UA Rich Mountain Education Consumer Guide

FERPA:  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act outlines the rights University of Arkansas Rich Mountain students have with regard to their education records.

Annual Notice of Student Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

A student at UA Rich Mountain has the following rights with regard to his/her education records:

To inspect and review all education records pertaining to the student within 45 days of the day the College receives a written request for access.  Students should submit to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The College official will arrange for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records to be inspected.  If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advice the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
The following information, considered directory information, will be subject to public disclosure unless the student informs the Student Affairs Office in writing that he/she does not want any information designated as directory information.

• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Electronic mailing list
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Student ID number, user ID number, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

All students must inform the Student Affairs Office of their request in writing.  This request will remain in effect until lifted by the student in writing.  In the event of such a request, this data will be treated as student records information.

The Solomon Amendment requires the University to provide directory information to military recruiters except in those instances when the student has requested that directory information not be released.  FERPA allows disclosure of educational records without the consent in connection with, but not limited to:

• Compliance with a court order or lawfully issued subpoena
• To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
• To officials of another school, upon request, in which the student seeds to enroll
• In connection with a student’s request to receive financial aid, as necessary to determine eligibility, or to enforce the terms and conditions of aid
• To officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local authorities in connection with the state and federal educational programs.
• To accrediting organizations carrying out their functions
• To certain organizations carrying on their studies on behalf of the University
• The results of an institutional disciplinary proceeding against the alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence to the alleged victim of that crime with respect to that crime
• To the National Student Clearinghouse for the purpose of data collection

The College will honor a student’s request to withhold directory information but cannot assume responsibility to contact him/her for subsequent permission to release the hold.  Regardless of the effect upon the student, the institution assumes no liability for honoring his/her instructions that such information be withheld.  For additional information on details of the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,” please contact the Student Affairs Office.

Please consider very carefully the consequences of any decision to withhold – Directory of Public Information.  Should one decide to request the College not to release “Directory or Public Information,” any future request for such information from non-institutional persons or organizations will be refused.

• To request the amendment of his/her education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of his/her privacy or other rights.  Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading.  They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
• If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/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.
• To consent the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in his/her education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
• One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is defined as a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, support, or clerical staff position; a person or company with whom the College has contracted; a person serving on the UA Rich Mountain Board of Trustees; member(s) of an accrediting association; or a person assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.
• To file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland AVE. SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
For more information concerning rights under FERPA, please come to the Student Affairs Office in the Maddox Building.

Link to more information on FERPA: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

All services, programs, and activities at UA Rich Mountain are accessible to students with disabilities.  The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, located in the Maddox Building Tower room, has information on accommodations and is the ADA/Section 504 compliance officer for the college.  For students seeking accommodations within academic programs, the following intake process is to be followed:

• The student self identifies to a member of faculty or staff.  Student is referred to the Student Affairs Office.
• The student goes to the Student Affairs Office to initiate the intake process.  This should be done prior to the start of each semester of attendance.  Accommodations requested and approved after the start of the semester will not be retroactive to the beginning of the term.
• The student completes intake form
• The student provides supporting documentation of disability and recommended accommodations.  Supporting documentation must include the diagnosis of the disability and accommodations by a qualified diagnostic professional.
• The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will review the request and the supporting documentation to determine if the disability falls with the protected conditions.  If so, the requested accommodations will be reviewed to see if they are reasonable.
• The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs determines if accommodations are necessary, the student will be given a letter to give each of his/her instructors.  The letter will outline the appropriate accommodations to be given in the class.
• The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will provide additional correspondence to the student’s instructors and the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs informing them of the student and the accommodations required.
• The student, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and faculty member will work as a team to provide reasonable accommodations.
• If the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs determines that accommodations are not necessary, the student will be informed of the decision and the reasons for the decision.  The student is encouraged to meet with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to clarify any issue.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities will be made, pursuant to federal and state law.  Any student with a disability who needs accommodation (e.g. seating placement or arrangement for examinations) should request accommodation at the beginning of each semester or term.  The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will make the determination regarding appropriate accommodations.  It is the responsibility of the student to provide the necessary documentation.

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/disability-services

Visit Bucks Athletics for EADA Reports.

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
It is the policy of University of Arkansas Rich Mountain that no person shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College on the grounds of race, color, or national origin.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

It is the policy of University of Arkansas Rich Mountain that it shall not discriminate against any person, with respect to employment, discharge, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such person’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Information regarding UA Rich Mountain’s student body is available on the National Center for Education Statistics website and through the Office of Institutional Research.

UA Rich Mountain is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Institution. The College, in compliance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 (including all amendments through reauthorization up to 2008) and other Civil Rights laws, offers equal opportunity for admission and employment. Additionally, all programs and activities of the College are provided to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran or special disabled veteran status, or sex. Questions or concerns regarding affirmative action or disabilities can be directed to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, 1100 College Drive, Mena, AR 71953, 479-394-7622, ext. 1400. Faculty and students are responsible for keeping informed regarding the information contained in this Catalog and other official communications issued by the College regarding regulations, policies and requirements affecting the employee and student status at the College. 

Below is the information on the cost of attendance at UA Rich Mountain and includes any program or course fees for online instruction, currently $105 per course. 

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/tuition-and-fees

This calculator will provide a preliminary, non-binding estimate of federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility based on federal methodology. It was created to help families gauge what financial aid may be awarded and to arrange to cover the cost of attendance.

Net Price Calculator: http://www.uarichmountain.edu/financial-aid/net-price-calculator

Tuition Refund Policy

It is the student's responsibility to initiate a refund. Refund claims can be made through the Business Office where the refunds are processed. Two business days should be allowed for processing. The refund schedule is shown below. The date that is on the drop or withdrawal form is the date that is used to determine the amount of the refund. Failure to attend does not constitute official withdrawal. UA Rich Mountain gives a 100% refund to students who drop by the 10th class day of the regular fall and spring semesters, the 4th day of a summer semester, or the 4th day of off-schedule courses. An off-schedule class is any class that starts after the 10th day of a regular semester and the 4th day of a summer semester. After these days, no refund is available. Class days are counted from the 1st official day of the term, excluding weekends and holidays. (For example, if classes began on a Tuesday, the four days of that week are counted, the weekend is skipped, and then the five days of the following week are counted. The 10th class day would be the next Monday.) Check with the Business Office for Workforce or Community Service class as they often differ. Members of the military who receive orders that transfer them out of the area for a prolonged period may, when such transfer interferes with class attendance, request a full refund at any time during the semester. If a refund is due any student receiving financial aid under any Title IV Student Financial Aid program, other than College Work Study, a portion of the refund shall be returned to the Title IV program. The amount of the refund shall be multiplied by the following fraction to determine the portion of the refund to be returned to the Title IV program(s): Total amount of Title IV aid (minus work earnings) awarded for payment period divided by total amount of aid (minus work earnings) awarded for payment period. Refunds due the Title IV program shall be reimbursed to the Pell Student Aid Account. A pro rata refund based on the total length of course will apply to students who are veterans and to other eligible persons.

Refund Policy - Credit Courses

Withdraw from College

UA Rich Mountain recognizes and understands that there are circumstances in which a student must withdraw from the College. Students are urged to discuss withdrawal with their advisor to determine if an alternative may be available. If a student does find it necessary to withdraw, it is important that the proper withdrawal procedures be completely followed. Stopping payment on a check for tuition does not cancel registration or drop a course. Likewise, failure to attend does not constitute an official withdrawal or cancel indebtedness. Follow these steps to officially withdraw from UA Rich Mountain:

• Discuss withdrawal plans with your advisor
• Secure a withdrawal form from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
• Clear all financial obligations to the College by obtaining signatures from the College Library, Financial Aid Office, College Book Store, and Business Office on the withdrawal form
• Return the official withdrawal form to the Student Affairs Office

Veterans must notify the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Financial Aid Office.

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process through the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs office.  FAILURE TO ATTEND CLASS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL! 

Failure to complete all of the above procedures will constitute improper withdrawal and may result in failing grades being placed on the student’s permanent academic transcript as well as loss of a possible tuition refund.

Return to Title IV Requirements

Please be aware that if you withdraw from all of your classes, before you complete 60% of the semester, you may be liable to the U.S. Department of Education or UA Rich Mountain for charges or repayment of Federal Funds (Pell, SEOG) you have received during the semester.  For all other withdrawals without notification (student stops attending classes), the withdrawal date is the last day that classes were attended.

FAILURE TO MAKE THIS REPAYMENT WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FEDERAL AID ELIGIBILITY AT ALL SCHOOLS.

If you are unable to complete the semester, you must come by the Financial Aid Office.  We will calculate the amount of funding you have earned based on the number of days you attend classes.  At that time we will let you know if you owe a repayment. 

If you have any questions, please call our office at 479-394-7622 ext. 1420 or 1421 or stop by the Financial Aid Office in the Tower Room of the Maddox Building.

Students will find textbook information at:

https://therack.uarichmountain.edu/college

The map of the campus and information regarding the institution’s academic facilities are found in the College Catalog and by following the link below:

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/uploads/pdfs/campus_map.pdf

A list of faculty and staff members along with contact information:

Faculty and Staff Directory

Transfer Credit Policy

• UA Rich Mountain will accept for transfer only college level credits earned at a regionally accredited college or university and only those courses with earned credit of a grade C (2.0 GPA) or higher will be accepted.  Students may be required to supply college catalogs with descriptions of courses being transferred from out-of-state institutions.
• Credits earned at other institutions will not be calculated in the GPA used for graduation at UA Rich Mountain.
• Transfer credit will be accepted for only college level courses for which UA Rich Mountain offers equivalent courses.  Transfer courses for which UA Rich Mountain offers no equivalent courses will be evaluated for possible general elective credit.
• Credit for work that is remedial in course content will not be granted towards degree requirements.
• Students who wish to appeal acceptance of a transfer course may do so by completing an appeal form, which will be reviewed by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.  The decision of the Vice Chancellor is final.

• For transfer credit from another Arkansas higher education institution, UA Rich Mountain follows the guidelines for assured transfer using the ARKANSAS STATE TRANSFER SYSTEM.  Information on how to use this system is provided here.   

  https://adhe.edu/students-parents/transfer-info-for-students 

  The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. ACTS guarantees students the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Students may complete specified general education courses and other courses in the degree or major pre-identified for transfer anywhere in the public system.  

  Course credit may be granted for courses outside this system based on individual courses, institution, or specific work experience.  Students should contact the Office of Student Affairs and request a transcript evaluation.  UA Rich Mountain will make every effort to grant appropriate credit, but there is no guarantee of transfer of previous course credit. 

Further information on UA Rich Mountain’s course equivalencies are found:

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/transfer-credit

Consortium and Contractual Agreement Information

The Office of Financial Aid will do consortium agreements with other eligible institutions to assist students with their educational goal.  The course(s) that the student takes at the host institution must be in his/her degree plan at UA Rich Mountain.  The course(s) that is/are taken will be counted towards the student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress at UA Rich Mountain.  Any student in which UA Rich Mountain is the home institution of the agreement will be responsible for calculating any aid that is to be returned.  Students participating in a consortium agreement must be enrolled in more hours at UA Rich Mountain than at the host institution.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at UA Rich Mountain to see if an individual consortium agreement can be made with the institution of student’s choice or if there is already a contractual agreement in place with other eligible institutions.

Specific articulation agreements are in place with the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

Accreditationinformation:

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/at-a-glance/accreditation

Use of Protected Content or Resources

Users may not download material that is covered by copyright, subject to trademark restrictions, or encumbered by any other form of intellectual property rights protection unless it is legally allowed or falls under the Fair Use provision of copyright law.

Users may not upload, disseminate, or print material that infringes on copyright or any other intellectual property rights protection mechanism. UA Rich Mountain will comply with all takedown notices related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) or similar legislation. UA Rich Mountain reserves the right to remove any item referenced in an infringement notice without the prior consent or notification of the user that uploaded or disseminated the item. Further, UA Rich Mountain will not be responsible for a user’s legal defense or other costs associated with infringing material.

Enforcement and Penalties

UA Rich Mountain users are responsible for complying with this policy. Penalties for non-compliance include, but are not limited to:

• Suspension or usage restriction on information systems.
• Internal disciplinary measures, including discharge from employment or enrollment.
• Initiation of criminal or civil action, if appropriate.

UA Rich Mountain reserves the right to remove or block access to any information system, from any user or device, which adversely affects the availability or reliability of the information system or network without prior notification to the user or owner of the device.

UA Rich Mountain participates in the following federal financial aid programs. Click the link below for a description of each aid program. Students apply for federal financial aid programs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and being eligible for the federal financial aid programs.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements: Students must meet several general eligibility requirements in order to receive federal financial aid. Many of these requirements also apply to other sources of aid. For financial aid eligibility, students must complete or provide documentation of the following:

• Enroll at UA Rich Mountain as a degree-seeking student.
• Obtain one of the following:
• High school diploma from a accredited high school
• High school equivalency certificate (GED)
• High school diploma from a non-accredited high school approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
• U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Not owe a refund on a Federal grant or default on a Federal education loan
• Register with Selective Service (if required)

UA Rich Mountain does not currently participate in the Federal Loan program.  SEOG and Federal Work-Study funds are limited and are generally awarded to the students with the greatest financial need.  Students must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) each year to continue to receive federal financial aid.  Students are encouraged to know the policy and requirements for SAP.  UA Rich Mountain’s SAP policy is found on the Financial Aid homepage:

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/financial-aid

• Pell Grant (need based)
• Federal Work-Study (need based)
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (need based)

The Financial Aid Division of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education administers most of the state financial aid programs for Arkansas, including the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, the Arkansas Governor’s Scholarship, and AR Future Grant. Some programs are need based and some are non-need based. Students apply for state aid by completing the YOUniversal application.

• Arkansas Academic Challenge
• Other State Aid Programs

UA Rich Mountain has a number of merit scholarships available for new students and current students. Some scholarships are need based. Please visit the Financial Aid homepage to find applications, eligibility requirements, and renewal policies.

http://www.uarichmountain.edu/financial-aid

The policy of UA Rich Mountain regarding drugs and alcohol clearly establishes that use, possession, or sale of drugs and/or alcohol on campus premises or at any function funded by or associated with UA Rich Mountain will not be tolerated. UA Rich Mountain has implemented the following drug prevention steps:

• All entering freshman will be given substance abuse materials during orientation.
• A substance abuse informational section will be maintained in the Student Support Services office inside the Johnson Learning Commons and in the Student Union in the Maddox building.
• UA Rich Mountain has established a partnership with Healthy Connections and Western Arkansas Guidance and Counseling to provide counseling services to UA-Rich Mountain students based on referral for a nominal fee. Referrals are made to provide substance abuse counseling when necessary. Instructors will incorporate substance abuse material into their classes when appropriate.

See also the Federal Student Aid page for additional information on drug convictions and the possible impact on federal student aid.  Students must pledge to remain drug-free or risk losing Arkansas Department of Higher Education funding such as the Arkansas Academic Scholarship.

Interested parties will find the institution’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy in the staff handbook.

Drug-Free Workplace Statement

It is unlawful for employees of UA Rich Mountain to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance on the premises of the institution.  Any employee must notify the Chancellor in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on the premises no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction.  Within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving notice with respect to any employee who is so convicted, the institution will take appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination.  To maintain a drug-free workplace, UA Rich Mountain will provide its employees with an ongoing, drug-free awareness program consisting of providing current information about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; any changes in the UA Rich Mountain drug-free policy, available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.  Information will be distributed to employees by the Student Affairs office and copies of such material will be retained in that office for employee use.

The State of Arkansas requires that all new students comply with the two-dose measles immunization policy. UA Rich Mountain enforces those requirements.

Immunization Requirements

UA Rich Mountain complies with state law 6.60.501.504 by requiring proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and Rubella by the following categories:

• Freshman (completing less than 30 hours)- must submit proof of immunization against two measles, two mumps, and two Rubella no later than 30 days after classes begin during their first semester at UA-Rich Mountain.
• Sophomore (completing more than 30 hours)

Immunization Exemptions

Students born on or before January 1, 1957, are not required to provide proof of MMT immunizations.  Students, who request an exemption for medical, philosophical, or religious reasons, must contact the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) at 800-462-0599 to request an exemption application.  The approved exemptions letter from DH must be submitted to the UA Rich Mountain Director of Admission’s or Registrar’s Office and must be renewed for approval by ADH on an annual basis unless otherwise noted.

Foreign-Born Students

Foreign-born students must provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test AND proof of two (2) MMR immunizations.  Immunizations must be completed in the U.S.  For more information on the regulation, please contact the Director of Admissions.

NOTE: Immunization requirements are subject to change based on Arkansas Department of Health Immunization updates.

Campus Security

Title IX

• Fall 2020 Cohort Graduation and Transfer Rates
• 2015-2016 Cohort Outcomes

UA Rich Mountain does not use Placement or Retention rates as part of the Strategic Admissions and Recruitment plan. UA Rich Mountain does provide licensure and pass rate information for particular programs that require this information.

This disclosure includes the most recent available data concerning employment and graduation statistics, and relevant state licensing requirements.

Licensure and Certification Pass Rates

Additional information on employment and earning outcomes can be found in the Arkansas ACT 852 Economic Security Report.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, UA Rich Mountain is providing you with the following links to assist you in voter registration. If you are already registered to vote or do not wish to vote, please disregard this information.

• Register to Vote in Arkansas
• Register to Vote in Another State
• Complete the National Mail Voter Registration Form

Voter registration materials are also available in the Business Off at the UA Rich Mountain Mena Campus