As the 2026 spring semester ended, Northwest Arkansas Community College had begun registration for Summer and Fall 2026 courses. Class registration officially opened on April 6, and there’s much to anticipate for the upcoming semesters.
Like any academic term, summer courses present both challenges and opportunities for students and instructors. Janet Dodd, General Sociology professor, explains that summer classes “can be challenging because a lot of material is covered in a relatively short amount of time.” Similarly, Sheila Smith, instructor of Business and Computer Information, notes, “We must complete the same learning objectives in 4-5 weeks that we normally complete in 15 weeks. Scheduling summer vacations and fun times around classes is also a challenge.”
Balancing coursework with personal life can be stressful in such a condensed timeframe. However, taking courses during the summer should not be feared and can present a valuable opportunity. These courses allow students to complete degree requirements more quickly while engaging more intensively with the material. Summer enrollment is especially beneficial for students who desire to enter the workforce as quickly as possible or get training for a promotion at their current workplace. Ultimately, taking summer classes can be an efficient way to accelerate progress toward graduation.
Looking ahead to Fall 2026, NWACC is introducing several new courses. One addition is Judo, (PEAC 1011-01 – Judo and PEAC 1011-02 – Judo), with the first section meeting during the first eight weeks from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, and the second section scheduled for the second eight weeks also from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays. In this course, students will learn the basics of Judo, such as throwing techniques, break falls, groundwork, arm bars, and permitted chokes, while also teaching students practical self-defense applications. This course is ideal for those interested in martial arts or personal safety.
Another new offering is Social Institutions, (SCWK 2103 – Social Institutions), which will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 1:15 p.m. This specific course covers U.S. social institutions, such as education, welfare, and criminal justice, and how these subjects impact individuals and groups. It takes a deeper look at the challenges of navigating these institutions and how access to resources impacts life outcomes. The Social Institutions class is particularly suited for students interested in government, politics, social work, or criminal justice, as well as anyone curious about the history and influence of social welfare in the United States.
Additionally, a new course under Special Topics in Journalism—Sports Journalism—may appeal to sports enthusiasts. This class (JOUR 2853-01 – Special Topics in Journalism) meets in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Need to register for classes? Students ready to register are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an adviser. To schedule an in-person appointment, visit the front desk of the Enrollment Support Center located in the Student Center, or book online through the NWACC website.
There are additional options to meet with an adviser over the phone, through video call, or in a virtual advising lobby, which are all easily accessible on the NWACC website. For more information or assistance, visit the NWACC website at www.nwacc.edu.
