Services for Students
International and Multicultural Student Services
The International and Multicultural Student Services Office provides support services designed to enrich the college experience for multicultural and international students. The office actively recruits multicultural and international students to increase the diversity of the Tech campus, provide the opportunity for cultural exchange, and aid in helping all Tech students develop an appreciation for cultural differences.
The office offers a wide range of services for international students, including orientation, immigration updates, cross-cultural programming, and other support services necessary to ease the transition of international students into the U.S. culture. American college students play a vital role in this process by volunteering to serve as mentors to new international students through the Global Connect program.
Several established student organizations receive support from the International and Multicultural Student Services Office, including the Black Student Association, the Chinese Student Association, the Hispanic Student Association, the Indian Student Association, the Japanese Student Association, the Saudi Student Association, and the Association for Cultural Interaction. Working together, programs are developed and sponsored throughout the year to educate faculty, staff, and students regarding international and multicultural heritage.
Additional information may be obtained by calling (479) 964-0832, faxing (479) 880-2039, or writing to the Director of International and Multicultural Student Services, Tomlinson Room 29, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas 72801, U.S.A.
English Language Institute
The mission of the ATU English Language Institute (ELI) is to provide classes that assist non-native speakers of English in developing the English language skills necessary to successfully pursue academic work in a United States college or university. The ELI accomplishes the mission by delivering non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) academic reading, writing, speaking, and note-taking instruction for English language deficient students. As part of the Department of English and World Languages, ELI welcomes students from diverse backgrounds whether international or U.S. resident. Additional information may be obtained by calling (479) 890-5025 faxing (479) 880-2039, or writing to the Coordinator of the English Language Institute, Tomlinson Hall, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, Arkansas 72801, U.S.A.
Veterans Benefits
Arkansas Tech University is approved by the State Approving Agency for Veterans as a school (college, university, etc.) whereby veterans and dependents of deceased or disabled veterans may obtain subsistence while working toward a degree. Eligible students should contact the Office of Veteran Services to obtain information regarding school attendance under the following program: Title 38, Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill for Veterans; Title 38, Chapter 32, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP); Title 38, Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill; Title 38, Chapter 35, Survivors and Dependents Education; Title 10, Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill for Selective Reserves; and Title 10, Chapter 1607, Reserve Educational Assistance Program.
All students must be working toward a degree and should follow the curriculum outline for their objectives, since only specific courses may be applied toward VA certification and graduation. Enrollment certification will not be sent to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs until the person applying for veteran’s benefits has been admitted to the University and prior credit evaluated. Students must request certification for each term to be certified and are responsible for notifying the certifying official of any changes in enrollment status or eligibility. Veterans may be given placement credit for prior military training by providing an official military transcript or DD-214.
All active duty military service persons and veterans eligible under the GI Bill as determined by the VA who are classified as "out-of-state" for tuition purposes shall receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition charges. Arkansas Tech University complies with Section 702 of the Veterans Choice Act. For additional information, please contact the Office of Veteran Services. See also "In-State Tuition for Military Personnel, Veterans and Dependents" in the Fees and Expenses section of this catalog.
Students may stop by the Office of Veteran Services or call (479) 968-0445 if they have questions or need assistance in applying for their benefits.
University Bookstore
The Arkansas Tech University Bookstore is located in the Young Building. The Tech Bookstore carries all required course materials including a large selection of textbooks for sale and rent. The Bookstore also price matches Textbook Brokers, Barnes & Noble.com, & Amazon.com. There are many other items available to purchase at the bookstore including apparel, gifts, caps and gowns, diploma frames, and school supplies.
Textbook Refund Guidelines
Full refunds will be given on textbook purchases and rentals until the end of the 5th class day. If a student withdraws or drops a course and has proof of such, return credit will be extended for up to 30 days after classes start.
Buy Back/Rental Return Information
The Tech Bookstore buys back books every day. However, books are typically worth more at the end of the semester as the bookstore sets prices for buyback based on demand for the upcoming semester. At the end of each semester, students are encouraged to sell back books they have purchased as well as return rented items. Rented items are typically due the Last day of finals. Fees for rentals not retuned will be charged three days following the due date.
Please visit our website at https://www.atu.edu/bookstore for the most up-to-date information about the bookstore.
Traffic Regulations
By authority of the Board of Trustees and in accordance with Legislative Act 328, 1967, Arkansas Tech University requires all members of the faculty, staff, student body and classified personnel to register motor vehicles which they own or operate on the Tech campus or on lands controlled by the University. All registrants shall abide by all traffic and parking regulations as outlined by a printed pamphlet available in the Doc Bryan Student Services Building, the Department of Public Safety office located at 1508 North Boulder Avenue, or online at https://www.atu.edu/psafe/docs/ParkingMap2014.pdf.
Registration of vehicles shall be accomplished at the time of regular registration
for the fall, spring or summer semesters. Vehicles can be registered by following
these steps:
1) Log in to OneTech (http://onetech.atu.edu).
2) Go to the “Personal Information” channel located on the welcome page.
3) Click on the link “Purchase Parking Permit,” and follow the instructions to purchase
a permit.
Individuals will need to know the make and model of their vehicle as well as their license plate number in order to complete the process listed above. Students may purchase permits with a credit card, a debit card or post the charge to their student account. Faculty and staff may purchase their permit online with a credit card or a debit card. Those purchasing their hangtags using a credit or debit card will receive an e-mail confirming their purchase. Once the parking permit is purchased, faculty, staff and students will have an opportunity to print a temporary parking permit to be displayed on their vehicle dashboard until the permanent one arrives in 7-to-10 business days.
All vehicles on Tech campus are required to register and display a current parking permit. Parameters for the operation and parking of motor vehicles may be viewed on the campus map available at the Department of Public Safety. Vehicles are defined as any self-propelled vehicle having two or more wheels.
Permits are valid from August 15th one year through August 15th of the next year. Permits must be displayed by hanging on the rear view mirror so the number can be read through the front windshield from the outside; they may not be taped on the vehicle or laid on the dash or seat. These permits can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Permits are the responsibility of the purchaser and must be removed prior to sale or transfer of the vehicle, upon termination of employment, or withdrawal from the University. Only one permit per individual can be purchased unless the prior permit was lost or stolen. The reported lost or stolen permit will be invalid. There is no refund for permit cost. The registration fee, penalties, and fines are published in the ATU parking map.
Temporary parking permits are available at the Department of Public Safety for faculty, staff, and students who have misplaced their parking permit.
Health and Wellness Center
Recognizing that optimum health is essential to effective learning, the university maintains health services available to all students. The Health and Wellness Center, located in Dean Hall Room 126 (entrance on north side of the building), provides confidential treatment of minor injuries and illnesses through a well-equipped facility and within the scope and practice of the registered nurse and certified nurse practitioners who staff the center full-time. The nurses make appropriate referrals to local health care providers when necessary.
The university assumes no financial responsibility for student care other than that provided by the Health and Wellness Center. Students are urged to carry their own health insurance.
In addition to clinical services, a wide range of health promotion and educational programs are provided in a variety of campus settings.
Patient Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Students are strongly encouraged to make appointments; however, available walk-in times are from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Health and Wellness Center staff can be contacted by phone at 479-968-0329, email at hwc@atu.edu or online at www.atu.edu/hwc.
Counseling Services
Counseling services provides counseling, consultation, and outreach to the Arkansas Tech University community. The counseling staff is committed to promoting the educational mission of the university by working with the campus community to establish and maintain healthy and effective behavior patterns and lifestyles that enhance learning and personal development. The range of services provided includes personal counseling for students in individual, couples, or group sessions. The staff provides consultations to students, parents, staff, faculty and administration. There is a small library of self-help books and videos, and a variety of informational brochures available. Presentations and outreach programming are scheduled throughout the year and are available upon request.
Services are provided Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm year round. Counseling Services is staffed by licensed counselors trained to provide professional counseling services. For additional information, please visit the Health and Wellness Center in Dean Hall 126 or call 479-968-0389.
Disability Services for Students
The Office of Disability Services (DS) facilitates services and accommodations that enable students with disabilities to access the same opportunities as their peers with the greatest degree of independence possible. Students who require accommodations are encouraged to contact DS in order to assess the student’s needs and prepare a tailored plan of accommodation specifically addressing barriers to academics, activities, or access to facilities.
The Director of DS is responsible for interfacing with students seeking accommodations, obtaining disability related documents, certifying eligibility for services, determining reasonable accommodations, and developing an accommodation plan for students. Offices are located in the Doc Bryan Student Services Building, Suite 171. Students may schedule an appointment by calling (479) 968-0302, (479) 964-3290 (TTY), or by email at utds@atu.edu.
University Testing Center
The University Testing Center provides services which assist in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of students.
Testing services include providing registration information and materials and administering examinations such as the American College Test Assessment (ACT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers (Praxis), and others. Test registration bulletins and preparatory materials are available online for many exams. Tests that will allow an individual to earn college credit by attaining the qualifying score established by Arkansas Tech University are also administered and include Advanced College Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), National League for Nursing (NLN), and Arkansas Tech examinations. Arkansas Tech University placement exams include the Residual ACT and the Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment & Support System (COMPASS). Tests that require payment must be paid in advance at Student Accounts located in the Doc Bryan Student Services Center.
The University Testing Center is located in Doc Bryan, Suite 171 and may be reached by calling 479-968-0302 or fax 479-968-0375. For additional information, students may visit www.atu.edu/testing.
Norman Career Services
The Norman Career Services office is dedicated to educating and professionally preparing students to meet their career goals. The office provides students and alumni a variety of resources on-campus and through the website at www.atu.edu/career. The Norman Career Services office also provides an online career management program, CAREERlink, for students and graduates who are searching for internships, on-campus, part-time, and/or full-time positions. Beginning with the student’s freshmen year, all students are encouraged to take self-assessments through FOCUS 2. The staff is available for private appointments to assist students and alumni with their career goals, resumes, cover letters, and personal marketing plans. Additionally, outreach programs for students are available including professional development workshops, classroom visits, custom student organization workshops, and employer events.
Employers partner with the Norman Career Services office to post employment opportunities through CAREERlink, as well as to arrange for additional opportunities to grow their on-campus presence. Events such as career fairs, information sessions, corporate mixers, and interviews are all arranged through Norman Career Services. By ensuring that Arkansas Tech University graduates are given every opportunity for success, Norman Career Services strives to inform students and prepare them to be successful in the workforce.
Additional information concerning Norman Career Services may be obtained by visiting the website at www.atu.edu/career, by calling (479) 968-0278, or by emailing career.services@atu.edu.