A-State Online Student Quick Start Guide

review
• Use the https://kb.astate.edu/books/banner-self-service-student/page/view-registration-informationKnowledge Base guide for instructionsfull oninstructions.
locating

Action: Before classes start, log in and verify the start dates for your schedule.classes. This is your responsibility.

Test Scores

Placement into English and Math is based on ACT/SAT scores or the Accuplacer exam (Reading, Writing, and Math QAS). If you have lessfewer than 13 credit hours,hours, you must submit test scores are(ACT/SAT requiredor priorAccuplacer) tobefore registering for your first class. These scores are also required if you have not completed ENGL 10103 – Composition I or your college-level Math course.

• ACT/SAT scores less than 5 years old may be submittedused directly for placement.directly.
• If you do notdon’t have scores, you’ll need to complete the Accuplacer through the Testing Center | Arkansas State University.
• Students

Minimum do not meet minimum placementscores for placement:

If you score below minimum:

• English: A-State Online does not offer developmental EnglishEnglish. courses, you have 2 options if you score below the minimum requirements: 
  • You may need tocan self-study and retest
  retest,
  • You mayor complete the developmentalcourse coursework throughat Arkansas State University - 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.

• Math: You can either: 
  • Self-self-study and retestretest, ifor youcomplete do not meet the minimum score requirements.
  • Complete Math 00173 Foundations of College Mathematics before you take your college level math course. first.

  Alternative:

  You can also explore CLEP exams tomay earn credit by examination.examination Detailsthrough CLEP exams. See details and required scores are available here.

  Action: If you haven’t submitted test scores yet, do it now. Without placement, you cannot register for your first class.

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  Dropping Courses

  Here’s how to dropDropping 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 maycan affect your aidfinancial or future eligibility. 

  📞aid. Always contact Financial Aid Contact:first
   before dropping.

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

  💡How Droppingto drop a Class | A-State Knowledge Base:course

  1. VisitGo to pack.astate.edu and log in.
  2. Select Banner 9 Self-Service → Student → Registration → Register for Classes.Classes.
  3. Choose the correct term and click Continue.Continue.
  4. In your registration summary, select “Drop Web” from the Action drop-down next tofind the course you wishwant to drop.
  5. From the Action dropdown, select Drop Web.
  6. Click Submit.Submit.
  7. A successful drop will show theThe status asshould change to “Deleted.”Deleted.

  🕓 Important:
   Refunds vary dependingdepend on whenyour youdrop drop,date. soReview pleasethe reviewacademic calendar and the drop schedule calendar carefully in your A-State Academic Calendar.carefully.

  Action: If you’re considering dropping a course, email Financial Aid first. Then, if you decide to go ahead, drop before the refund deadline to avoid owing money.

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  Post-Degree PlansStudents

  If you’dyou likeare a post-degree student (a student seeking a Bachelor's degree beyond the first one), you only need to complete requirements specific to your declared degree:

  • Department-specific general education courses
  • Degree core courses
  • Emphasis or concentration area requirements

  That's it. You don't need any additional university-wide general education courses.

  Want a Course to Count Toward Your Degree?

  Send your advisor a list with:

  1. Course name
  2. Where you took it
  3. Which requirement you want it to apply to

   

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  Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree

  In order to graduate, all of the following must be fully completed:

  • A minimum of 120 total credit hours
  • All General Education requirements (these are required and cannot be waived)
  • All degree requirements, including any grade, emphasis, or certificate requirements
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
  • A minimum of 40 upper-level (3000–4000 level) credit hours
  • 30 credit hours complete at Arkansas State University
  • 18 of your last 24 credit hours must be taken at an Arkansas State University Campus

  Even if you exceed 120 total hours, graduation cannot be approved until all degree requirements above are satisfied.

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  Requirements for a Master’s Degree

  In order to graduate, all of the following must be fully completed:

  ·         A minimum of 30 total credit hours. Hours vary by program. Review the Bulletin for your program’s credit hour requirements.

  ·         A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

  • All degree requirements, including any grade, emphasis, or certificate requirements

  ·         Completion of a thesis, capstone, or comprehensive exam, as outlined in the Bulletin for your program.

  Timeline: You have 6 years from when you start the program to finish everything.

   

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  Degree Plans

  If you want a degree plan that maps out your(a recommended coursescourse eachsequence termterm-by-term), through graduation, please contactemail 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:information:

  1. Student ID Numbernumber
  2. 🎯 How many classes you’d like to take per term (1, 2, or 3)
  1. Undergraduate students can take a maximum of 18 credit hours per semester.
  2. Graduate students can take a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester.
  3. 📅 Your targetTarget graduation date or the term you’dyou likewant to finish by.by
  4. IfWhether you’d like toll take Summersummer classes.
  5. 💬 Whether you prefer lighterLighter or heavier course loads during certain terms (for example, taking one class in summer).
  6. 🕒 Any specificSpecific scheduling needs (VA benefits, work commitments, etc.) I should be aware of.

  DegreeYour plansadvisor arewill createdcreate usinga plan based on your record in Degree Works, therecord, Coursecourse Rotationrotation Sheets,sheets, and your desired pace toward graduation.pace.

  Note: AdvisorsYour doadvisor does not choose your electiveselectives. forThat you. These classes areis your responsibility to choose. responsibility.

  Action: If you have never had a degree plan and would like one, request one now. Then, each term, cross-check your plan against the actual course schedule — rotations can change. A degree plan is not required.

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  Undergraduate Academic Standing

  higher
  first-yearstudentsplaced on probation after their first semester may enroll in College Choices, a one-credit study skills course, by contacting the University Advising Center.
  consulttheirA-State advisor before enrolling
  Students
  registering
  Students

  Status	Condition	What happens
  Good Standing	A student is in Good Standing when both of the following are met: Term GPA (current≥ semester) is 2.0 orAND higher, and Cumulative A-State GPA (Institutional≥ GPA) is 2.0 or	StudentsNo in Good Standing may continue enrollment without restriction.restrictions
  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 orOR higher.Cumulative GPA < 2.0	StudentsYou placedmust onraise academicyour probation are strongly encouragedGPA to meetstay with their academic advisor or contact the University Advising Center at (870) 972-3001.enrolled. First-time,
  Academic Suspension (first)	A student is placed on Academic Suspension when: Both the term GPA and cumulative A-State GPA are below< 2.0, AND theyou student waswere on academic probation in the previous term	ReadmissionYou After Suspension First Suspension Mustmust complete the Restart@State Program  or Studentsyou takingmust courseworksit elsewhereout duringfor suspensionone arefull stronglycalendar advisedyear. to
  Second & Third Suspension	are Same notconditions, permittedrepeated to	You cannot enroll at A-State for one full calendar year; After the suspension period, studentsthen must meetreapply withto thecome Universityback Advisingto Centerschool. before
  Fourth or Subsequent Suspension	are Same conditions, repeated	dismissedDismissal from the university. ReturnAppeal is permitted only by appeal to the University Graduation and Academic Credit Appeals Committee Committee.

  Action: Check your GPA each term. If you are on probation, make a plan to improve your GPA. Reach out to your advisor with questions.

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  RESTARTRestart@A-State @A-StateProgram

  BelowThis 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 RequirementsRequirements:

  • Students must completeComplete the Restart Application
  • TheEnroll in the Restart Seminar is(1-credit a one-credit-hour coursecourse)
  • Emphasis is placed on:
  • Self-responsibility
  • Proper decision-making
  • Study skills strategies

  Eligibility RestrictionsProcess:

  Students are NOT eligible if:

  1. They are not on first suspension
  2. 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.
  3️⃣your Onceadvisor finished,for emailreview and signature.
• Email the signed form to 📧universityadvising@astate.edu.
universityadvisingatastate.edu.
4️⃣ 
• University Advising will process the form and enroll you in your classesclasses.
on your behalf.

5️⃣They will notify you

• 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 wantsubmission: to confirm it was submitted correctly,Contact University Advising isdirectly.

Action: If you receive a suspension notice, begin the bestRestart pointprocess ofimmediately. contact.The program has deadlines, and missing them can delay your return by a full semester.

 

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Graduate Academic Standing

be be

Outlined in the Bulletin:Status	Condition	What happens
Probation	AnyCumulative graduate student whose cumulative GPA on all courses taken for graduate credit falls below< 3.00 at the end of aany semester will	placed You onmust probation. Students may be removed from probation by raising their cumulativeraise GPA to 3.00 or betterbetter. atWhile theon endprobation, ofyou cannot hold an assistantship or graduate. If you fail to earn a semester. Failure to make a grade of “B”B or better in each course taken while on probationprobation, you will resultbe 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.suspended.
Suspension	Any graduate student who receives a gradeGrade of “F”F in any graduate-level course will	sus­pended Immediate suspension from the University and theiryour program.
Readmission ofafter Suspended Studentssuspension	Upon recommendation of their advisor and department chair, a student may apply for readmission to the University on probation, afterAfter a minimum of one regular semester or full summer.summer, you may apply for readmission on probation with your advisor’s and department chair’s recommendation.	Readmission to the University does not implyguarantee readmission to a particular degreespecific 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 timesuspension ismakes you ineligible for readmission to the same program.

Action: Graduate students: A single F ends your program. If a student is suspended from more than one program theyyou are ineligibleat forrisk readmissionof toa low grade, contact your instructor or the University.Student Success Center before the drop deadline.

 

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Billing

ForPayment for A-State Online courses, paymentcourses is due in full on the Friday before your classes begin, — unless you have financial aid fully covering the cost ofcovers your courses.costs.

Please

If you have an outstanding balance: You will typically be aware that students with outstanding balances are typically dropped for non-payment by the second day of class.
class.

How to Viewview and Pay Your Bill: You can managepay your studentbill

account and make payments through

Use the online MyBill system.system Hereonline.

is a quick summary of your payment

Payment options:

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

ForFull step-by-stepinstructions: instructionsPay on how to accessOnline MyBill andGuide

complete

Questions about your paymentbalance?

online,
please
• Email: reviewsasbillpayment@astate.edu thisor helpfulcall guide:870-972-2285

Questions about financial aid?

• Email: https://kb.astate.edu/books/payment-options/chapter/pay-online-mybillonlinefinaid@astate.edu
  

Action: Log into MyBill the week before classes start. If you have anya specificbalance questionsand aboutdon’t have full aid coverage, pay by the Friday deadline. Otherwise, you will lose your balanceschedule.

or

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making

Graduation

a payment,

When 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

When you’reare registered for your final semester, it’s time to apply for graduation! 🎉immediately. This stepis ensureshow your degree isgets officially awardedawarded.

once

Before applying: Check Degree Works to confirm all requirements are metlisted —as so“Complete” don’tor skip“In it!Progress.” If anything looks wrong, email your advisor right away. 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:apply
Visit

Go to the A-State Graduation Page for step-by-step instructions and to view the application deadlines for each term.deadlines.

Timeline:

• Degrees are not conferred immediately at the time of graduation. Conferral typically occurs 2–4 weeks after graduation, once(after all final grades are posted and degree audits arecompleted).
completed.
• Once yourconferred, degree has been officially conferred:
  • Youyou will receive an email from Parchment sent (to your A-State student emailemail) with a link to access your digital diploma.diploma.

  After that:

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

  PleaseAction: beIn sureyour tofinal monitorterm, apply for graduation before the published deadline. Monitor your student email duringfor thisthe timeframe,Parchment aslink. allCheck officialthat diplomayour communicationmailing address is sent there.current.

   

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  MSW and ND pre-reqPre-Requisite reminderReminder

  JustIf ayou friendlyare remindercompleting aboutprerequisite yourcourses journey towardsfor a graduate program!program 😊

  (e.g.,

  WhileMSW or MS in Nutrition and Dietetics), completing your prerequisitethose courses isdoes a fantastic step, please remember that it doesn't automaticallynot guarantee admission. toYou anymust program.still Onceapply you'veand successfullybe completed your courses, you'll need to reapplyaccepted to the graduate program you're interested in.program.

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

  • Email Email: astateonline@astate.edu

    or call Phone: 870-972-2920, option 1

  Let

  • Tell them know you are a returning applicant reapplying,reapplying as— theyyour application fee may be ablewaived.
  to waive your application fee.

  If you have moreFor questions about the application process for our competitive graduate programs,program suchapplications: asThe the MSW or MS - Nutrition and Dietetics (RD track), our admissions team is the best resourceresource, not your advisor.

  Action: After you complete your prerequisites, do not assume you are automatically admitted. Start the reapplication process early — competitive programs have limited slots.

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  Course Access in Canvas

  Professors have until noon on the first day of class to helpmake guidetheir you!courses available in Canvas. We recommend allowing through the end of the second day of class, as this gives time for any technical issues to be resolved. If you still cannot access your course by the end of the second day of classes, email your advisor once so that we can look into this.