Academic Information
Academic Course Work
Each instructor is in charge of class activity, course requirements, grading procedures, and student discipline within the context of the classes they are assigned to teach. If assistance is needed, contact the instructor, or if necessary, the department head of the appropriate program. Full-time instructors are available by appointment or for walk-in or online assistance during their posted office hours. Part-time instructors will announce their office hours during the first or second class meeting.
Academic Catalog: Course Descriptions
UAFS to UA System Common Course Number Lookup
What is a Grievance?
If you are unhappy about something at the university that is not related to student behavior or discipline, that’s called a student grievance. You can file a grievance if you have an unresolved issue with a faculty or staff member, another student, student group, or administrator. To file a grievance, you need to show that a university rule, policy, or practice has been violated. You must provide evidence to support your claim. Please note, that this process does not prevent the university from changing its rules, policies, or practices. If you have a complaint about the outcome of a student conduct hearing, that needs to be appealed through the Student Conduct Appeals Board, not the grievance process.
See the Grievance Addendum at the end of this handbook for more information.
Academic Grievance Process
To learn more about the Academic Grievance Process, follow the link provided below.
Academic Catalog: Academic Grievance Process
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA)
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) to offer online programs and courses to out-of-state students. NC-SARA provides states a mechanism for monitoring the quality of online programs delivered by out-of-state colleges and universities to its citizens. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states.
SARA applies solely to distance education activity conducted across state lines. It does not apply to the distance education activity of an institution within its home state or to on-ground campuses in any state.
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Distance education courses and programs are approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
UAFS is committed to ensuring that its distance learning programs and courses are intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding. Online classes are taught by qualified faculty who are highly trained in using the Blackboard LMS for course development and delivery.
Complaint/Grievance Procedures
Complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations are governed entirely by UAFS policy and the laws of the state of Arkansas. The UAFS Academic Grievance Process is outlined in the UAFS Undergraduate Academic Catalog and the UAFS Student Handbook.
Please note that students who wish to file a complaint relating to an online course or program offered by UAFS must first go through the UAFS procedures for resolution of grievances. If after exhausting the institutional process a student feels a complaint has not been adequately addressed, the student may file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) by completing the student complaint form. Resolutions by ADHE are final.
To file a complaint regarding an online course or program, please complete the following form: https://adhe.edu/students-parents/student-grievance-form or email provostFREEuafs. You will be contacted within five (5) business days after the complaint is received.
Academic Honesty
To learn more about Academic Honesty, follow the link below.
Academic Catalog: Academic Honesty
Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures
To learn more about our Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures, follow the link provided below.
Academic Catalog: Academic Dishonesty Policy and Procedures