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ARC University Studies

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Academic Resource Center

About University Studies

The University Studies department consists of classes and workshops that are designed to prepare students for the courses they will take as part of Harding’s liberal arts curriculum. Through University Studies, academic support services provides instruction, support and resources to help students develop the skills needed to succeed academically in their college career. University Foundation courses are required for students with ACT composites of 19 or below or a combined critical reading/math score of below 1020 on the SAT, and less than 14 hours of transferred college credit (over 2 semesters after high school).

Students who begin their college career unsure about their major or career path have the opportunity to look into the University’s more than 100 areas of study through this program. They will be able to complete general education courses that will lead into a major of their choice while creating and maintaining a graduation plan. Learn more about the Exploratory Studies major.

*ENG0990

Basic English

*UNIV1050

Foundations of Algebra with Lab

*UNIV0990

Academic Reading 

*UNIV0990L

Academic Reading Lab

UNIV1200

Academic Reading II

UNIV1200L

Academic Reading Lab II

UNIV1500

Introduction to University Studies

*These courses do not count as college credit but do count toward financial aid eligibility and athletic eligibility and are used in calculating GPA and determining academic standing.

Advising

Classes are assigned by the director of University Studies, who is also the advisor for all students within University Foundations learning community.

It's possible to complete our program in one semester. If you have completed the program and declared a major, you will be transferred to an advisor in your major field of study for assistance in selecting classes. Those who have not yet declared a major will be advised by one of the instructors in our program.

 

Assistance

Our program director will guide you through your first semester, and additional help is offered if further assistance is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students within the University Foundations learning community compare very favorably with students with an equivalent 19 ACT and with all students in the liberal arts program. Students who are a part of this learning community have achieved higher grades and a higher retention rate than students admitted to Harding before the University Foundations department began. Our courses provide an excellent foundation to Harding’s liberal arts program for those students who integrate the skills and apply the strategies that are practiced and taught in University Foundations classes.

The classes you take will depend on your individual ACT or SAT scores. For example, if your English subscore on the ACT is 18 or below, you will take ENG 0990 (Basic English). If your English subscore is 19 or higher, you will take ENG 1110 (Composition 1).

You will be given the opportunity to test out of the reading program during Bison Bound and Stampede (formerly known as Impact). An opportunity to test out of ENG0990 will be given on the first day of class. If needed, the change to your schedule will be made as soon as possible.

Grades in these courses are computed into the overall grade point average just like any other class. However, a student must make at least a 70% (C) or higher in order to pass a University Foundations class. Any grade below a 70% is not considered passing, and the class must be retaken.

The program is offered during the fall and spring semesters.

Yes, just like any other college courses.

Some University Foundations courses (UNIV1500 and UNIV1200/1200L) count as college credit and may be used as free electives toward a degree if allowed by the degree program. All courses within this learning community count toward financial aid eligibility and athletic eligibility and are used in calculating GPA and determining academic standing.

The average college student in the United States spends more than four years in college. Many factors can contribute to the time it takes a student to graduate, i.e., a change of majors, retaking classes to raise your GPA, work and health issues. For many students, most or all of the hours completed within University Foundations will be taken in addition to the hours needed to fulfill graduation requirements. Some students choose to take a class or classes during intersession and summer school which can decrease the length of time needed to earn their degree.

Contact Information


Academic Resource Center
501-279-4531
arc@harding.edu