FAQ

• I am a graduate student, what does maintaining full time status means?
  • You should register in at least 9 hours of courses out of which at least 6 hours should be in class. (SACM students will need to check with SACM for their scholarship before taking any Web course)

• If I am taking prerequisite courses along with graduate courses, what are full-time requirement for me?
  • You must enroll in 12 hours of courses if you are taking a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses.

• I am a graduate/research assistant, what are full time requirements for me?
  • You may enroll in 6 hours of graduate courses for immigration purpose. Doctoral students however must check with their respective department if they can enroll in only 6 hours.

• I am a Graduate student and have been placed in Academic probation; can I still register for classes?
  • Yes, you may register but only up-to 9 hours of classes while you are under academic probation.

• What happens if I get ‘C’ grade while I am under academic probation?
  • You will be placed under Academic Suspension

• Can I register for classes if I am placed under first academic suspension?
  • You may not register in graduate classes if you are under suspension.

• I am placed under academic suspension, what are my options?
  • You may not enroll in any classes at A-State for one semester. You have the following options:

• Leave the country and apply for readmission after one semester.
• Apply as post degree student and take undergraduate courses.
• Transfer out to another institution that may accept you with your existing academic standing.

• I have sat out for one semester after my suspension, I am ready to make an appeal for readmission, what are my steps?
  • Make an application for readmission and pay application fee of $40.00 Click here

• I am placed under my second academic suspension, what are my options?
  • You may not enroll in any classes at A-State for one academic year. You have the following options:

• Leave the country and apply for readmission after one academic year.
• Apply as a post degree student and take undergraduate courses.
• Transfer out to another institution that may accept you with your existing academic standing.

• I am an undergraduate student, what does maintaining full time status means?
  • You should register in at least 12 hours of courses out of which at least 9 hours should be in class. (SACM students will need to check with SACM for their scholarship before taking any Web course)

• If I am taking prerequisite courses along with graduate courses, what are full-time requirement for me?
  • You must enroll in 12 hours of courses if you are taking a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses.

• I am enrolled in 12 hour of undergraduate courses but I need to drop 3 hours since I am failing in one course. May I?
  • No, you may not drop below the 12 hours minimum requirement. We will need to terminate the immigration record for failure to maintain status if students drop below the minimum required hours.

• I am an undergraduate student and have been placed on Academic probation, can I still register for classes?
  • Yes, you may register, but only up-to 12 hours of classes while you are under academic probation. 

• What happens if my GPA falls below 2.0 while I am under academic probation?
  • You will be placed under Academic Suspension 

• Can I register for classes if I am placed under my first academic suspension?
  • You may register only if you are accepted to the Restart program. The Restart program has application deadlines and a mandatory workshop, which you will need to attend. For further details click here

• This is my second suspension, what are my options?
  • You may not enroll in any classes at A-State for one academic year. You have the following options:

• Leave the country and apply for readmission after one academic year.
• Transfer out to another institution that may accept you with your existing academic standing. Note that any credits earned at another institution for one academic year will not be transferred back if you decide to come back to A-State after a year.

 I have a nursing degree. Can I receive transfer credits at A-State nursing program?

You must be a licensed registered nurse in the State of Arkansas to receive transfer credit at A-State for nursing courses taken in another country. The link to Arkansas State Board of Nursing licensure by exam information for internationally educated nurses is:  http://www.arsbn.arkansas.gov/licensing/Pages/examination.aspx

How do I know what courses will transfer as equivalent A-State courses?

Start by checking the transfer course equivalency took here: http://asutep.astate.edu/. In the section titled “Search by Non A-State Course,” you can look up your previous university and the courses from that university which have been reviewed for credit in the past.

If your university and course are not already in the transfer course equivalency tool, then you will send your syllabus for that course to the international transfer advisor.

After admission, you will receive a PDF from our transfer specialist. This will tell you which courses have already been evaluated as equivalent to specific A-State courses, and which courses we will evaluate. Courses which we will evaluate will be marked with the note “send syllabus.”

Once you are admitted, please watch for the email from our transfer specialist requesting your syllabus. The sooner you can complete this process, the better, but we do not need to finish the process before you arrive for classes.

What courses will not transfer? 

Under the following circumstances, courses will not transfer as equivalent to A-State courses:

• Any course from your previous university that is graded as “pass” or “credit”
• Any course from your previous university that is marked as “no credit” or its equivalent
• Any course that you received a failing grade in at your previous university
• English as a Second Language courses taken anywhere
• Communications (rhetoric or public speaking) courses, English composition courses, US history courses taken outside of the US
• In most cases, courses that are taken in your first four semesters at your previous university will not be marked equivalent to 3000 or 4000 level courses at Arkansas State University
• Any course that is not equivalent to A-State curriculum of your program

Where do I find the syllabus for a course?

If you don’t have the syllabus, you should contact the professor of the course or department that the course was taught in. Some universities will also make the syllabus available online.

What information should be on the syllabus?

The syllabus should include at least a course description, the textbooks used, and the weekly topics. It might also include information such as learning objectives and assessment methods.

What if I can’t obtain the syllabus?

Unfortunately, we can only accept transfer equivalencies for courses if we have the syllabus for review.

My syllabus isn’t in English. What should I do?

If the original syllabus is not in English, please send the original syllabus and a translation. You can translate the syllabus yourself or have someone else translate it for you.

What happens after I send you the syllabus?

The transfer specialist will send the syllabus to the appropriate department at Arkansas State University. The department will decide if the course from your original university is equivalent to a course at Arkansas State University. If there is an equivalent course, the department and the transfer specialist will fill out the paperwork and the course will appear on your Arkansas State University transcript and degree evaluation as transferred.

Please keep in mind that your acceptable transfer credit will not show up on your Arkansas State University transcript until you have submitted your official transcript from your previous university or universities.

If I send the syllabus, will I get credit for a course?

Sending a syllabus doesn’t mean that you will receive credit for a specific course. The academic departments at Arkansas State University make that decision, so they might decide not to accept a course. Departments reject course transfers for reasons related to the number of credit hours (the number of hours spent in class per week), the topics covered, the course’s level, and laboratory requirements.

If the course under review is not accepted as equivalent to an A-State course, it will remain as “transfer credit” on your A-State transcript. In some cases, the department might give you elective credit for a course that does not closely match an A-State course.

For example, let’s say you took a calculus course at your previous university. If the math department at Arkansas State University evaluates that course as being equivalent to MATH 2204 Calculus I, then you will receive credit for MATH 2204 Calculus I on your A-State transcript. However, the math department might decide that the course from your previous university does not cover the same topics as MATH 2204 Calculus I; in that case, the course will remain on your transcript listed as “GENL 1000 Transfer Credit.”

I don’t want to transfer my courses because my grades are low. Is that possible?

Every class you have taken and every grade that you have received at a previous university will be on your transcript at Arkansas State University, marked as transfer credit.

When should I send my syllabi?

You should send your syllabi as soon as possible. If we can finalize your transferred courses before you begin your first semester, you will be able to get registered as efficiently as possible. However, it is not required that you complete the process before you arrive.

I have completed another semester since I applied. Can I transfer these courses as well?

Yes, you can. You will need to work with the International Programs office. To help speed up the process, please include a PDF of your new transcript and PDFs of your syllabi for these new classes. Remember that you will need to turn in your official final transcript showing these additional classes before they are added to your A-State transcript.

I already have a bachelor’s degree from a previous university. What is the process for me?

We do not do a transfer equivalency process for students with previous a bachelor’s degree. For these students, transfer work isn’t entered into their A-State transcript, except for composition and/or US history courses taken at other US universities. The post-degree students are not required to take general education courses except Math, US History, Compositions, and other courses that may be required by the program.

• What can I do to update my address hold?
  • It must be updated every semester even if you have the same address.

• Go to self-service banner (insert link)
• Once logged in,go to personal information
• Click on update addresses and phones
• At the bottom of the page on "Type of address to insert:" choose Immigration Local (State side)
• Fill out the information with your current living address and press submit.

• What is a Bad Address hold?
  • A Bad Address hold is placed by the Office of the Treasurer. You need to update your mailing and billing address in your Student Account/Self Service Banner than call their office at 870-972-2285 to get this hold removed.

• Can I work on campus?
  • Yes, you may work on campus up to 20 hours a week when school is in session and up to 28 hours when school is not in session.

• Can I work off-campus?
  • No, you may not work off-campus. It is illegal to work-off campus unless you are working under your CPT or OPT. You must be eligible to use your CPT and OPT.

• I have Job offer on campus, what should be my next step?
  • Follow the steps below: Click Here
  • Obtain job offer
  • Complete F1 acknowledgements forms.
  • Bring the letter and forms to ISS and obtain a Social security letter
  • Apply for Social Security Number at Social Security office
  • Once you obtain the Social Security number, bring a copy to the hiring department.
  • Note: You may not start working until you have social security number

• Can I apply for OPT before I graduate? Click here
  • Yes, you may apply for pre-completion OPT however; you need to keep in mind that employment while on pre-completion OPT counts against the 365 days of full time eligibility for your post completion OPT (OPT after graduation).

• Can I apply for CPT? Click here
  • As long as you meet the eligibility requirement, you may apply for CPT. Click here to check on eligibility requirement.

• What should my child pack?
  • While this is certainly not a list of all items your child may need, we suggest you review our packing list here for a good start!
• Where will my child live?
  • All incoming freshman are required to live on-campus for their freshman year. After they complete their freshman year, or if they’re an incoming graduate student, they can live off-campus, in addition to still having on-campus housing options. If they choose to live on-campus, you can view the on-campus housing options here (hyperlinks to here: along with lay-outs of each option. Please review the policies of living on-campus, including what appliances are allowed, here .
• Will the dormitories provide bedding?
  • Each dormitory has a different set-up on what it includes, usually meaning a kitchen, kitchenette, or no kitchen. Each room provides a bed, dresser, and desk for your child. Unfortunately, no bedding is provided. You can have your child buy bedding when they arrive by using our daily shopping shuttle to retailers, such as Wal-Mart or Target. Another alternative is purchasing the bedding through our Campus Bookstore.
• What are the dining options and how do meal plans work?
  • A great view of what the options are for dining can be found here . However, the majority of students, choose to eat in our cafeteria, also called the Acansa Dining Hall. They do have the option to view weekly meetings online by joining here.
  • Meal plans come in a variety of different options and a great overview of how they work, can be found here .
• How will my child buy items for their dorms and groceries each week?
  • We have an on-campus mini-store in our Student Union. However, sometimes students need to go to a bigger store to purchase the necessary supplies. If this is the case, we offer a 7-day a week, free shuttle for our international students. It takes students to Wal-Mart, the Mall (which includes Target), and other shopping areas around town!
• Am I welcome to attend orientation?
  • Absolutely! We love meeting the parents of our new Red Wolves! You may not want to attend every session that your child does, but orientation is a great time to make sure your child gets settled before the term starts. However, if you cannot make the journey with your child, that is perfectly okay! International Programs will take care of your child to make sure that they complete what they need to during orientation week to get registered and have a successful semester!
• What is the student insurance?
  • A-State’s Board of Trustees requires that you purchase A-State’s insurance for your child during their time here at A-State? You can purchase your own for your child as well for additional coverage, as A-State’s does not cover expenses outside of the U.S. We have developed this page to explain the health and safety, including insurance explanations.
• How much should I expect to pay each term?
  • You can view estimates that your child will be asked to pay on this page. There are several different payment options as well, all of which can be found here. You can even pay in four installments throughout the semester, called a payment plan.
• Who can access my child’s account information (including, but not limited to, academics, finances, immigration, and insurance)?
  • The U.S. takes student’s privacy very seriously. There is a law in placed called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (referred to as FERPA). Under this law, the student becomes the primary owner of their record, and we cannot talk to anyone else but the student about their account. As the parent/guardian, you can request permission to learn more about your student’s account by filling out this form.
• How can I send my child, who is living on-campus, a package?
  • The student will need to go the Post Office on-campus and request a P.O. Box to receive mail to.
• Can I come visit my child on campus and stay in the dorm with them?
  • You are welcome to come and visit your child at any point! However, we do not allow you to stay in the dorm with them. We have a hotel on-campus (Embassy Suites), if you are looking for a close option.
• What are the classes like?
  • The way a class is taught can vary based on the instructor. The classes are usually set up as traditional lecture classes where the professor will teach a room of students. The average ratio is generally 17:1. The students are given syllabi (a list of what they will do that semester) that will feature when their assignments, quizzes, and tests will take place. The professor will likely encourage discussion and interaction in the classes. There are also online classes but international students have to take primarily traditional classes where they are receiving in-class instructions.
• How long does it take for degree completion?
  • The time it takes for a student to complete their degree can vary based off of what program they’re enrolled in, how many classes they enroll in per semester, and how well they pass their courses. Most undergraduate programs are completed within 4 – 5 years and most graduate programs are completed between 1 ½ - 5 years (depending on if it has a PhD option or not).
• Where can I find the academic calendar so I know when each semester begins and ends to book flight tickets?
  • Academic calendars can be found here!
• Is there free transportation to and from the airport?
  • International Student Services does provide free transportation to and from the Memphis International Airport (MEM) on select days, if your child signs up. To view the dates and sign-up, please go here.

• My visa has expired, can I stay in the country?
  • Yes, as long as your I20 is valid and you continue maintaining your immigration status.

• My visa has expired; can I travel to another country?
  • If you plan on travelling to another country, you will need a valid visa to return to the US.

• Can I renew my visa while I am in the US?
  • No, you cannot renew your visa while you are in the US. You will need to be in another country, preferably in your home country.

• My I20 is expiring soon, what should I do to extend and when?
  • You need to immediately request an extension from Office of International Student Services (ISS). For details on steps to follow for an I20 extension Click here.

• My I20 has already expired, what can I do next?
  • If your I20 has already expired, and has not passed the 5 month limit, you may apply for reinstatement with the process with the Department of Homeland Security. You will need a new I20 to file for reinstatement. You may bring copy of your current bank statement showing a balance of at least $23,000 to the Office of International Student Services so that we can check your registration record and issue a new I20 upon verifying your record.

• Are Web-assisted class considered as traditional/face to face class?
  • Yes, for immigration purpose, Web-assisted classes can be considered as traditional/face to face course. (SACM students will need to check with SACM for their scholarship before taking any web-based course)

• How can I request letters such as an Invitation letter, Enrollment letter or other letters?
  • Click here to make request.

• How can I request my official transcript?
  • Click here for the procedure.

• Can I get copy of my admissions documents and old I20s?
  • No, we do not provide copies of admission documents to students. You must keep your original documents safe. It is recommended that you keep an electronic record of your personal documents such as degree, transcript, I20s, passport, visa page etc. in a safe place.

• I cannot see any hold but I am not able to register for classes.
  • You must make sure that your advisor hold has been released. You cannot see the advisor hold, but this hold will be placed in your account every semester.

• Should I inform International Student Services if I am travelling outside of the US during breaks?
  • Yes, you must inform International Student Services and get travel signature on your I20 before travelling. It is recommended that you obtain the signature every time you travel.

• What should I do if I have to leave in the middle of the semester due to family emergency?
  • If you have family emergency and will have to leave the country, you must first follow the proper withdrawal process. You must complete the withdrawal form with Wilson advising center and bring a copy of your flight ticket and I20 to International Student Services.

• What should I do if I have to return to my country only for a week in the middle of the semester due to family emergency?
  • You must speak to your instructors and make sure that you have acquired permission. You will then need to bring a copy of your flight ticket and I20 to International Student Services. It is a student’s responsibility to get prior permission from each instructor before leaving the country.

• I came in January of this year, may I take summer as vacation and stay in the country without taking classes?
  • No, you will have to register in summer classes and maintain full time status. You must have completed one academic year in school before you could become eligible for summer vacation

• I came in January of this year, may I return to my country during the summer for vacation?
  • Yes, if you plan on leaving the country you may do so. You will need to bring a copy of your flight ticket so that we can process your authorized withdrawal in SEVIS.