A-State Online Student Quick Start Guide

Getting Started

Your official A-State student email account is usually generated within about 72 hours after your admission is fully processed. You'll receive a "Welcome to A-State Online!" email with all the details you'll need to get started.

Once you get that welcome email, you can activate your account and set up your password. You'll be able to access your student email via Pack Portal or outlook.com!

Set up your student account and university e-mail address

Important Contacts

· Registration - onlineregistration@astate.edu

· Financial Aid - onlinefinaid@astate.edu

· Student Accounts/Billing - onlinebilling@astate.edu

· Military, TA, GI, and VA questions – militaryonline@astate.edu

· All Other Inquiries - astateonline@astate.edu

Resources

🔎A-State Online Services – Explore tools, resources, and support waiting for you here.

🗓️Academic Calendars – Review important dates for each semester: Academic Calendars

♿Access and Accommodations – Support for students with disabilities: Access & Accommodations

📔Canvas – Access all your course materials and assignments here. (Quick Links → Canvas)

🏢Career Center – Explore career paths, internships, and job search resources: Career Development & Engagement

📚 Catalog – Up-to-date Degree requirements & course descriptions: A-State Catalog

📅 Course Schedule Tool – View current offerings: A-State Course Schedule Tool
🔄 Course Rotation Sheets – Plan ahead with typical term offerings: Course Rotations

📜 Degree Works – Track your progress anytime via Pack Portal (Quick Links → Degree Works)

📖Library – Access academic resources, research databases, and support: Dean B. Ellis Library

💻IT Support Services - Need tech help? From password resets to login issues, IT Support is here.

✍🏻Online Writing Center – Get support and feedback on your writing assignments: Writing Center

📝 Registration – You self-register through the Pack Portal (Quick Links → Self Service → Student → Registration → Register for Classes)

🎓Student Success Center – Find academic support, tutoring, and retention resources: AOS Success Center

🗒️Simple Syllabus – If you are curious as to what the course pertains to or the materials needed, you can search for the syllabus here.

📖 Textbooks – To purchase or rent textbooks, you can do so via astatebookstore.com. The Textbook Store's phone number is (870) 935-2325.

📑Undergraduate Transfer Equivalency Portal – View courses from other institutions and how they apply at A-State Online: A State - Transfer Course Equivalency Tool

Student Responsibilities

📝 Student Responsibilities
While we're always here to support you and help you interpret your requirements; students are expected to take an active role in their academic planning. This includes:

· Reviewing Degree Works regularly

· Ensuring they are meeting graduation requirements outlined in the A-State Bulletin

· Using the Course Rotation tool and catalog to explore options

· Verifying prerequisites and term availability

· Registering themselves through the Pack Portal

· Reaching out when questions arise

Questions can always be directed to your academic advisor or the appropriate department (e.g., Financial Aid for FAFSA and loan que stions).

If you need a degree plan for any reason, it is your responsibility to reach out to your advisor.

Undergraduate Term Limits

🕒 Semester Structure & Credit Limits

A-State Online runs two 7-week terms each semester. Summer courses run in 5- or 7-week formats depending on the program.
For undergraduates:

Full-time = 12 hours per semester (2 classes per term)
Maximum = 18 hours per semester (3 classes per term)
If taking a full-semester math or science course, you may add up to 2 more classes each 7-week term

If receiving financial aid, please check with FA to confirm your enrollment requirements.

Graduate Term Limits

⏰ Term Structure & Credit Hours

Our semesters are split into two 7-week terms, and summer terms may be 5–7 weeks depending on your course selection.

Graduate students can take up to 12 hours per semester (2 courses per term)
Full-time status = 6 hours per semester (1 course per term)
You’re welcome to attend part-time—just check with financial aid to ensure continued eligibility, if needed

Common Course Numbering

Arkansas State University is transitioning to a statewide common course numbering system initiated by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). This goes into effect Fall 2026. You can learn more by visiting our knowledge base linked here: https://kb.astate.edu/books/a-state-common-course-numbering

Click here for Common Course Numbering Look Up!

Degree Works and Finding Classes

Degree Works serves as your official degree audit. We encourage you to check Degree Works regularly. The A-State Catalog serves as the official source offor your degree requirements.

Finding Classes & Electives 🔎

You can browse and choose ~~upper-level~~ elective or general class options directly from the 👉 A-State Course Schedule Tool

Here’s how to find available courses:

Visit the A-State Course Schedule Tool
Select the term (e.g., Fall 2026).
Select the part of term (e.g., Session I)
Select the course subject code (e.g., DIGI or STCM)
Select the level of study (e.g., Undergraduate or Graduate)
Click on the Results to view available courses.

For electives, look for:

~~Upper-level courses (3000–4000 for undergraduates, 6000 for graduate students)~~

Courses outside of your major and emphasis requirements.

Upper-Level Electives are 3000–4000 level classes for undergraduate students and 6000 for graduate students

For courses applying directly to your degree, look for:

Course that are under your program of study that you haven't already taken.

Understanding Electives & Upper-Level Electives

Let's clarify what electives are, especially "upper-level" ones:

Elective: An elective is a course you choose that isn't specifically required for your major, minor, or general education requirements. Electives allow you to explore subjects that interest you, try something new, or simply earn additional credit hours towards your degree. They offer flexibility in your academic journey!

Upper-Level Elective: An upper-level elective is an elective course taken at the 30000 or 40000 course level. These courses are generally more advanced and build upon foundational knowledge. Many degree programs require a certain number of upper-level credit hours, which can be fulfilled by specific major courses or by these upper-level electives. They're a great way to deepen your knowledge in a particular area or explore a related field at a more advanced level.

Determining an AOS Class

Here’s a quick and easy way to tell which classes are A-State Online (AOS) and which Part of Term (POT) they fall under 😊

🔍 How to Identify AOS Courses
A course is considered A-State Online (AOS) if:

The section ends in “A” (example: 10A)
The tuition attribute is listed as LSDE Tuition

📅 How to Identify the Part of Term (POT)
You can find the Part of Term by checking the tuition attribute in Banner:

LSDE Tuition – POT I → Term I
LSDE Tuition – POT II → Term II

Once you click on the course/CRN in Banner Self-Service, you’ll be able to see:

The tuition attribute
The start and end dates, which will confirm the term length

📌 Helpful Tip
If a section does not end in “A” or does not list LSDE Tuition, it is not an AOS course.

Planning Courses and Searching in Banner Self-Service

📚 Browse Classes
🗂 Plan Ahead in Banner
📝 All Banner Registration How-To Guides

When registration opens, you’ll register through your Pack Portal → Banner Self-Service → Student → Registration → Register for Classes.

Registering

At A-State Online, students are responsible for registering themselves each term.

Before selecting courses, make sure the correct term is selected in Banner. You’ll see a term dropdown menu in the top left corner of the screen (right above where your profile picture appears). Confirm it reflects the correct semester (e.g., Spring 2026).

🖥️ How to Register (Link to Self-Registration Video)

Visit pack.astate.edu
Log in with your student email and password.
Click on Banner Self Service → Student → Registration → Register for Classes.
Select the term (e.g., Spring 2026)
Navigate to the Enter CRNs tab
Enter the CRNs (Course Reference Numbers) for the classes you want.
Hit add to schedule.
Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 for all desired classes.
Hit Submit to lock in your schedule!

Need Help or Hit a Snag?
Our A-State Online Registration team is here to help! You can email them which classes you'd like to take and request to be added manually. Be sure to include you student ID, requested classes + CRNs if possible, and the term(s) for each class.
📧 Email: onlineregistration@astate.edu
📞 Call: 870-972-2920, option 3
📝 Student Registration Guide – Step-by-step visual guide for the whole process.

Viewing Start Dates and Professor Information

Option 1: Check in Banner Self-Service

Log into Pack Portal.
Navigate to Banner 9 Self-Service.
Click on the CRN of each class on your schedule to view the start and end dates.

This is under the "Instructor/Meeting Times" tab.

Note: make sure the correct term is selected in Banner. You’ll see a term dropdown menu in the top left corner of the screen (right above where your profile picture appears). Confirm it reflects the correct semester (e.g., Spring 2026).

Option 2: Review Registration Information and Schedules Please review https://kb.astate.edu/books/banner-self-service-student/page/view-registration-information for instructions on locating your schedule.

TESTTest SCORESScores

Placement into English and Math is based on ACT/SAT scores or the Accuplacer exam (Reading, Writing, and Math QAS). If you have less than 13 credit hours, test scores are required prior to registering for your first class.

ACT/SAT scores less than 5 years old may be submitted directly for placement.
If you do not have scores, you’ll need to complete the Accuplacer through the Testing Center | Arkansas State University.
Students who do not meet minimum placement for College Algebra (MATH 1023/1043) or Composition I (ENG 1003) must first complete developmental coursework. Please note: developmental math courses (e.g., Fundamentals of Mathematics) may not be covered by financial aid, so plan carefully.

o Comp I requires a Writing Accuplacer scores of 251 or greater. Since A-State Online does not offer developmental English courses, you have 2 options if you score below the minimum requirements:

- - You may need to self-study and retest
  - You may complete the developmental coursework through Arkansas State University - Newport as a visiting student. You will need to contact them directly if you wish to pursue this option.

o Quantitative Reasoning requires a QAS Accuplacer score of 256 or higher. College Algebra requires a score of 265 or higher. You can either:

Self-study and retest if you do not meet the minimum score requirements.
Complete Math 00173 Foundations of College Mathematics before you take your college level math course.

You can also explore CLEP exams to earn credit by examination. Details and required scores are available here.

Dropping Courses

Here’s how to drop a course if you’ve decided it’s the best option — but before doing so, we highly recommend speaking with Financial Aid to confirm how it may affect your aid or future eligibility.

📞 Financial Aid Contact:
onlinefinaid@astate.edu | 870-972-2920, option 4

💡 Dropping a Class | A-State Knowledge Base:

Visit pack.astate.edu and log in.
Select Banner 9 Self-Service → Student → Registration → Register for Classes.
Choose the correct term and click Continue.
In your registration summary, select “Drop Web” from the Action drop-down next to the course you wish to drop.
Click Submit.
A successful drop will show the status as “Deleted.”

🕓 Important:
Refunds vary depending on when you drop, so please review the drop schedule calendar carefully in your A-State Academic Calendar.

Degree Plans

If you’d like a degree plan that maps out your recommended courses each term through graduation, please contact your advisor via email! Degree plans follow a suggested path through the program based on the answers to the below questions. It is important to note that failure to follow this recommended plan, as outlined by your academic advisor, may result in a delayed graduation.

To get started, please reply with the following information so I can tailor your plan to your goals:

Student ID Number

🎯 How many classes you’d like to take per term (1, 2, or 3)

Undergraduate students can take a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester.

Graduate students can take a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester.

📅 Your target graduation date or the term you’d like to finish by.

If you’d like to take Summer classes.

💬 Whether you prefer lighter or heavier course loads during certain terms (for example, taking one class in summer).

🕒 Any specific scheduling needs (VA benefits, work commitments, etc.) I should be aware of.

Degree plans are created using your record in Degree Works, the Course Rotation Sheets, and your desired pace toward graduation.

Note: Advisors do not choose your electives for you. These classes are your responsibility to choose.

Undergraduate Academic Standing

Good Standing

A student is in Good Standing when both of the following are met:

Term GPA (current semester) is 2.0 or higher, and

Cumulative A-State GPA (Institutional GPA) is 2.0 or higher

Students in Good Standing may continue enrollment without restriction.

Academic Probation

A student is placed on Academic Probation when either of the following occurs:

Term GPA is below 2.0, or

Cumulative A-State GPA is below 2.0

Probation status will be removed at the end of any enrollment period (Fall, Spring, or Summer) when both the term GPA and cumulative A-State GPA return to 2.0 or higher.

Students placed on academic probation are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor or contact the University Advising Center at (870) 972-3001.

First-time, first-year students placed on probation after their first semester may enroll in College Choices, a one-credit study skills course, by contacting the University Advising Center.

Academic Suspension

A student is placed on Academic Suspension when:

Both the term GPA and cumulative A-State GPA are below 2.0,

AND the student was on academic probation in the previous term

Readmission After Suspension

First Suspension

Must complete the Restart@State Program

Students taking coursework elsewhere during suspension are strongly advised to consult their A-State advisor before enrolling

Second & Third Suspension

Students are not permitted to enroll at A-State for one full calendar year

After the suspension period, students must meet with the University Advising Center before registering

Fourth or Subsequent Suspension

Students are dismissed from the university

Return is permitted only by appeal to the University Graduation and Academic Credit Appeals Committee

RESTART @A-State

Below is information on the program and next steps.

The Restart@State Program is a mandatory intervention program for:

Students placed on their first academic suspension

Certain transfer students admitted by appeal

Program Requirements

Students must complete the Restart Application

The Restart Seminar is a one-credit-hour course

Emphasis is placed on:

Self-responsibility

Proper decision-making

Study skills strategies

Eligibility Restrictions

Students are NOT eligible if:

They are not on first suspension

They have previously attempted the Restart@State Program

Here’s what to expect for the Restart@A-State process so there’s no confusion:

1️⃣ Complete and sign the Restart application form.
2️⃣ Email the completed form to me for final review and signature. I will then return the form to you.
3️⃣ Once finished, email the signed form to 📧 universityadvisingatastate.edu.
4️⃣ University Advising will process the form and enroll you in your classes on your behalf.

5️⃣They will notify you as soon as you’re registered and good to go.

You do not need to self-register while the Restart application is being processed.

If you have questions about the form itself or want to confirm it was submitted correctly, University Advising is the best point of contact.

Graduate Academic Standing

Outlined in the Bulletin:

Probation

Any graduate student whose cumulative GPA on all courses taken for graduate credit falls below 3.00 at the end of a semester will be placed on probation. Students may be removed from probation by raising their cumulative GPA to 3.00 or better at the end of a semester. Failure to make a grade of “B” or better in each course taken while on probation will result in suspension from further graduate work. A graduate student on probation may not hold an assistantship and is not eligible for graduation. Some departments have more restrictive rules for probation and suspension which supersede the University regulations.

Suspension

Any graduate student who receives a grade of “F” in any graduate-level course will be suspended from the University and their program.

Readmission of Suspended Students

Upon recommendation of their advisor and department chair, a student may apply for readmission to the University on probation, after a minimum of one regular semester or full summer.

Readmission to the University does not imply readmission to a particular degree program. A student must reapply to the program and will only be readmitted upon recommendation of their advisor and department chair. A student suspended a second time is ineligible for readmission to the same program. If a student is suspended from more than one program they are ineligible for readmission to the University.

Billing

For A-State Online courses, payment is due in full on the Friday before your classes begin, unless you have financial aid fully covering the cost of your courses. Please be aware that students with outstanding balances are typically dropped for non-payment by the second day of class.
How to View and Pay Your Bill: You can manage your student account and make payments through the online MyBill system. Here is a quick summary of your payment options:

Credit/Debit Card: You can pay using a card, but please note that a 2.95% service fee will apply.
Bank Account (Web-Check): You can pay directly from your bank account, which is a completely free option.

For step-by-step instructions on how to access MyBill and complete your payment online, please review this helpful guide: https://kb.astate.edu/books/payment-options/chapter/pay-online-mybill
If you have any specific questions about your balance or making a payment, you can reach out directly to the Student Accounts/Billing team at sasbillpayment@astate.edu or by calling 870-972-2285. For questions regarding financial aid, please contact onlinefinaid@astate.edu.

Graduation

IfWhen you’re registered for your final semester, it’s time to apply for graduation! 🎉 This step ensures your degree is officially awarded once all requirements are met — so don’t skip it! Note: Degree Works will show below 100% until all final grades are submitted.

💡 Pro Tip:
Before applying, double-check your Degree Works to confirm that all degree requirements are listed as complete or in progress. If anything looks off, reach out to your advisor — we’re happy to review it with you!

📝 How to Apply:
Visit the A-State Graduation Page for step-by-step instructions and to view the application deadlines for each term.

Degrees are not conferred immediately at the time of graduation. Conferral typically occurs 2–4 weeks after graduation, once all final grades are posted and degree audits are completed.

Once your degree has been officially conferred:

You will receive an email from Parchment sent to your A-State student email with a link to access your digital diploma.

After that:

Your paper diploma will be mailed approximately 2–4 weeks after conferral.

Please be sure to monitor your student email during this timeframe, as all official diploma communication is sent there.

MSW and ND pre-req reminder

Just a friendly reminder about your journey towards a graduate program! 😊

While completing your prerequisite courses is a fantastic step, please remember that it doesn't automatically guarantee admission to any program. Once you've successfully completed your courses, you'll need to reapply to the graduate program you're interested in.

When you're ready to reapply, please reach out to our admissions office directly:

Email: astateonline@astate.edu

Phone: 870-972-2920, option 1

Let them know you are a returning applicant reapplying, as they may be able to waive your application fee.

If you have more questions about the application process for our competitive graduate programs, such as the MSW or MS - Nutrition and Dietetics (RD track), our admissions team is the best resource to help guide you!