Navigating Clark Atlanta University's BannerWeb: A Comprehensive Guide

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) utilizes a robust technological infrastructure to support its academic mission and administrative functions. BannerWeb, a component of Ellucian’s Banner administrative system, plays a pivotal role in this infrastructure, serving as a central hub for students, faculty, and staff to access and manage essential information. This article delves into various aspects of CAU's BannerWeb, providing an informative guide for navigating its features and understanding its significance within the university ecosystem.

The Role of the Office of Information Technology (OIT)

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) at Clark Atlanta University is dedicated to providing secure, reliable, and innovative technology services to students, faculty, staff, and administrative offices. The OIT is committed to enhancing cybersecurity, improving campus connectivity, and expanding AI-driven learning tools. The University's technology infrastructure is supported by a state-of-the-art data center, campus-wide fiber optics backbone, and wireless network. Connectivity to the Internet is supported by a 10-gigabit dedicated sonet-ring circuit, providing access for teaching, learning, research, and administrative needs. Wireless network access is available in every building on campus, including residential halls and outdoor spaces.

Accessing and Utilizing BannerWeb

BannerWeb serves as the primary interface for various administrative functions. Students use BannerWeb for course registration, accessing grades, viewing financial aid information, and updating personal information. Faculty members utilize it for managing class rosters, submitting grades, and accessing student records for advisement purposes.

Course Registration and Academic Records

The University Registrar coordinates and posts class schedules to BannerWeb, facilitating student course registration and enrollment verification. Students must use the BannerWeb student self-service registration page to register for all classes, conferring with their department chair or advisor to select courses. Registration must be completed by the end of the late registration period, as defined in the University’s Academic Calendar.

Students can also access their academic records through BannerWeb. An academic transcript is a record of the student's academic history while matriculating at Clark Atlanta University. Currently enrolled students can print an unofficial copy of their transcript using the BannerWeb student self-service student-records page.

Financial Information and Student Accounts

The Office of Student Accounts effectively manages and monitors student accounts receivable processes, ensuring that students have met their financial obligations before registering for classes, reserving housing, or receiving a transcript. Students can access their account statements, view financial aid awards, and make payments online through BannerWeb.

Financial Aid and Tuition Payments

Financial aid awarded may appear on the student's invoice after registration, but it will not be applied to the account until all eligibility requirements are met and enrollment is complete. Financial aid awarded prior to the start of the semester will be listed as pending on the student account statement. The University has arrangements with some lenders to transfer loan proceeds electronically from the lender directly to the student's account.

Students who elect to enroll in the Tuition Payment Plan will receive monthly invoices regarding their installment plan payment. Payment plans are offered each semester to assist in paying the remaining balance, requiring an enrollment fee along with the first month’s installment.

Understanding the Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Clark Atlanta University adheres to a federally mandated policy governing the return of Title IV funds disbursed to students who withdraw from the University. This policy affects students who officially withdraw or stop attending classes without formal notification ("Unofficially Withdrawn") and have been awarded Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

During the first 60% of the enrollment period, a student earns federal funds in direct proportion to the length of time he/she remains enrolled. If a student withdraws before completing 60% of the term, the Office of Financial Aid may be required to remove some or all federal aid from the student’s account and return it to the funding source. The amount of federal aid that will be removed depends on the withdrawal date. The University and the student are each responsible for returning a percentage of the unearned aid.

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Transcripts: Official and Unofficial

An academic transcript serves as a comprehensive record of a student's academic journey at Clark Atlanta University. There are two types of transcripts available: official and unofficial.

Official Transcripts

The official transcript is a certified record of a student's academic history, bearing the signature of the Registrar, the official seal of the University, and a release of information statement. Students may request official transcripts to be sent to colleges, universities, places of employment, and approved institutions. Most prior students may order an official or unofficial electronic transcript by accessing the Parchment eTranscript system.

Unofficial Transcripts

The unofficial transcript, intended for internal distribution and student use, is a true copy of the student's official academic record but does not contain the Registrar's signature or the University seal. Currently enrolled students can print an unofficial copy of their transcript utilizing the BannerWeb student self-service student-records page.

Cross-Registration Opportunities

Clark Atlanta University students have the opportunity to cross-register for courses at other institutions within the Atlanta University Center (AUC) and through the Atlanta Regional Consortium for Higher Education (ARCHE).

AUC Cross-Registration

Undergraduate students may cross-register for courses at all the AUC schools with the exception of Morehouse School of Medicine, while graduate students may cross-register for courses at Morehouse School of Medicine. Students must complete a "Cross- Registration Form" and obtain the necessary approvals before submitting it to the Office of the University Registrar.

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ARCHE Cross-Registration

Students from colleges and universities outside the AUC may take courses at Clark Atlanta University through the ARCHE affiliation. These students must apply for ARCHE cross-registration through their "home" institution, which must approve the application before registration at CAU is permitted.

Credit by Examination: AP, CLEP, and IB

Clark Atlanta University awards credit to students who achieve satisfactory scores on the Advanced Placement Program (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Students may earn a maximum of forty-five (45) credits toward a Clark Atlanta University baccalaureate degree through these programs.

Additional Resources and Services

AUC Woodruff Library

The Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library supports the teaching and learning missions of the four institutions of higher learning that comprise the AUC. The Library offers innovative services including Mac and PC workstations, smart classrooms and presentation studios, and full wireless access. The Library also features flexible learning spaces with quiet study areas for individual research and collaborative study.

CAU-TV Channel 23

CAU-TV has been the Educational PEG channel licensed by Comcast to Clark Atlanta University since 1983. The Station provides hands-on, broadcast, training opportunities to more than 500 majors, who assist with the production of original programming.

Jazz 91.9 WCLK

Jazz 91.9 WCLK is a member supported National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate and African American Public Radio Consortium member (AAPRC) station that serves the interest of the citizens in metropolitan Atlanta.

Clark Atlanta University Art Museum

Clark Atlanta University Art Museum provides a range of aesthetic and educational experiences for the Clark Atlanta University community and the general public. The permanent collection is one of the largest and most historically significant collections of African American fine art in the United States.

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