STUDENT AFFAIRS

General Services, Pre-College Programs & Career Developement Center | Health Center, Housing, Union & Student Activities

Vision Statement

The Division of Student Affairs strives to offer students at the University of Arkansas experience that helps them become intellectually engaged, more self-aware and strongly bonded to the University.

Mission Statement

The Division of Student Affairs provides programs and services to promote academic success and student development.

Core Values

• Act as partners and collaborators in all endeavors.
• Exercise our role as educators in the student learning process.
• Provide polite, friendly, helpful and responsive service.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Preserve the highest ethical standards based on trust, honesty and integrity.
• Be an inclusive community.

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs administers the departments of the Division of Student Affairs and provides leadership in the development of programs and services that supplement the classroom experience of students and enrich the quality of campus life. The Vice Chancellor provides a liaison to other administrative offices, faculty, and student governing groups. The office serves as a central source of information concerning University policies and procedures affecting student life and co-curricular programs and services.

Students are encouraged to bring their concerns, questions, and ideas to the attention of the Vice Chancellor or the Dean of Students.

The Dean of Students offers a wide variety of educational programming, as well as advising and referral services for individual students and many student organizations. Programs and services are developed to meet the needs of the campus community. Recognizing a diverse and changing student population, the staff works with faculty and University personnel to provide the best possible experience for all students. The specific services administered by the Dean of Students include the following: first year experience programs, international student programs, judicial affairs, non-traditional student programs, pre-college programs and student support services.

Services for International Students

The International Programs Office serves foreign students and scholars and enhances the global awareness of the UA community. The office provides an orientation program for newly admitted international students each semester, led by Cross Cultural Mentors who provide one-
on-one contact and group activities for new international students during their first semester, assisting them in their adjustment to the academic community and the Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas area. The office provides services such as immigration advising, employment workshops, non-resident tax filing assistance, and other programs and services which helps students and scholars reach their academic and personal goals and make their time at the U of A more productive and enjoyable.

The office administers four outreach programs, which give students an opportunity to learn about U.S. life and culture while enriching the knowledge and appreciation of community members for diverse populations and cultures. These are the Friendship Partner program, which pairs students with a local family, couple, or individual for friendship and activities; the Conversation Club program, which gives students small-group experience in practicing conversational English with native speakers; the International Culture Team, a group whose members speak or share other skills and talents through presentations at community organizations, representing their home countries and cultures; and the Spouses Program, which brings together spouses of students and scholars to build friendships and introduce resources in the community that would benefit them.

A number of registered student organizations specific to various country, culture, or language groups are linked with the office. And, the International Students' Organization, a cultural organization for U.S. and international students, organizes projects such as the international bazaar, international banquet, and welcome activities for new students.

The International Programs Office is located in Holcombe Hall, Room 104; phone (479) 575-5003, FAX (479) 575-7084, e-mail ipo@uark.edu, internet www.uark.edu/ipo.

Services for International Sponsored Students

The International Agricultural Programs office (IAP) offers a program to sponsors of international students to facilitate the admission, support, and return home of sponsored students. IAP, on request, will coordinate admission, third-party billing, housing, special orientation, academic monitoring and reporting, sponsors' campus consultations, and travel arrangements. Full program description and fees are available through IAP, 300 Hotz Hall, Telephone (479) 575-6857 or FAX (479) 575-5055.

Greek Life

The Office of Greek Life facilitates the educational process and provides resources related to programs, which promote the growth and development of students affiliated with Greek letter organizations. The overall mission is to enhance the academic, cultural, moral, and social development; provide training in leadership and other personal and social skills; promote student involvement in extracurricular activities and community service projects; and promote Greek Life as a productive and viable lifestyle on campus. Programs such as Recruitment, Greek Weekend, Greek Life Facilitators, and Greek 101 are coordinated by the Office of Greek Life, the Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (PHC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) are the governing bodies for 10 national sororities and 15 fraternities. The officers and representatives of IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC work with the Office of Greek Life to provide positive programs and leadership opportunities to the members of the Greek organizations. The Greek Life Office is located in the Arkansas Union A697; telephone (479) 575-5001 or FAX (479) 575-3531, www.uofagreeklife.org.

Judicial Affairs

The judicial system at the U of A provides an equitable process for dealing with alleged infractions by students of University rules, regulations, and/or laws. This system is informal and non-adversarial and is intended to be part of the total educative process of the University. Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions and to be accountable for their actions.

For more information, see The Code of Student Life. The office of Judicial Affairs is located in the Administration Building room 325, telephone (479) 575-5170.

Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center exists to enhance the University of Arkansas' academic experience by preparing students for life in a pluralistic society. The staff seeks to provide a "home away from home" atmosphere for African American, Latino/a, Native American and Asian American students; to provide an environment that promotes cross-cultural interaction; and collaborate with the University community in providing educational, cultural, social programs and resources to assist in the development and advancement of a diverse community. The Center also offers a large gallery area for programming, displays and exhibits, a small resource library and informal lounge. The Center is located in the Arkansas Union, Suite 404 or call (479) 575-2064.

Multicultural Student Services

The Office of Multicultural Student Services seeks to develop and use existing programs to provide for the social, cultural, and academic presence of students of color on campus. In addition, we strive to educate and sensitize the campus community concerning diversity and to provide resources to help each individual and university department to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make the University campus a place that truly respects and appreciates diversity. For more information, contact the office of Multicultural Student Services in the Arkansas Union, Suite 404 or call (479) 575-2064.

Reasonable Accomodations for Students with Disabilities

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD), located in 116 Arkansas Union, serves as the central campus resource for students with disabilities. Working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff, the goal of the CSD is to ensure a physically and educationally accessible University environment. CSD staff work individually with students and assists academic and non-academic units to determine reasonable accommodations that will enable every student to have access to the full range of programs, services, and activities offered through the University.

For more information contact the CSD at: Center for Students with Disabilities, University of Arkansas, 116 ARKU, Fayetteville, AR 72701, phone (479) 575-3104 (voice), (479) 575-3646 (TTY), email ada@uark.edu.

Non-Traditional Students

Increasing numbers of non-traditional students are attending the University. A non-traditional student is defined as an undergraduate who is 25 years of age or older, one who has interrupted his or her education, married, or one who is a parent or has dependents. Recent figures indicate that approximately 19 percent of undergraduate UA students are 25 years of age or older.

The mission of the office for Non-Traditional Students (ONTS) is to provide prospective and currently enrolled non-traditional students with support, services, information, and resources to meet their unique needs, and to enhance their opportunity for success at the U of A. Peer counselors assist individuals with problem solving and provide information and referrals. Visit the Arkansas Union, telephone (479) 575-7351, e-mail: onts@comp.uark.edu.

In addition, several Student Affairs areas are providing programs for older students. Orientation has two summer sessions for transfer and adult students. University Apartments at Carlson Terrace and Terrace Manor provide low-cost housing for student families. Single graduate students may also request housing in Scarborough House, which is a "graduate only" facility and all rooms are single rooms. Campus Dining Services offer individual meals or meal ticket programs for off-campus students. Career Services has extended office hours beyond 4:30 p.m. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a number of workshops and support groups designed to meet the special needs of adult learners. Information on child care services is available in the office for Non-Traditional Students.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services is available to students who need academic or counseling support to successfully pursue a college degree. Services include assistance in securing financial aid, tutoring, wellness counseling, cultural enrichment opportunities and college survival skills training. Students' needs are determined by an interview with a counselor and a personal career-abilities assessment. To qualify for the program, a student needs to be either the first generation in a family to pursue a four-year college degree, have low-income qualifications or have a documented disability, or any combination of the three. For more information, call (479) 575-3546 or come by 106 Academic Support (ASUP) located north of Old Main.

Testing Services

Testing Services administers such national tests as the Medical College Admissions Test, the ACT Assessment, the Law School Admissions Test, the Graduate Record Exam, and others throughout the year. Testing dates are nationally determined and cannot be altered by local testing centers. In addition to these national examinations, Testing Services offers a number of institutional tests such as ACT, SPEAK, TOEFL, and the Math Placement Test. These tests are scheduled at various times throughout the year as the demand dictates. For more information, call (479) 575-3948 or visit the office at 730 Hotz Hall.

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

The Office of Pre-College Programs consists of five programs, which serve populations that demonstrate the potential and desire to attend college. These programs are the Academy for Mathematics and Sciences, Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited, the first four of which are federally funded TRIO programs. The programs focus on providing equal opportunity for potential first-generation college students who, because of income or other disadvantages, might not otherwise continue their education. Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to, having first-generation status, meeting income guidelines, and exhibiting academic potential. All participants receive free multifaceted services to assist them with developing the skills, information, and resources necessary for success at the post-secondary level.

As an ongoing mission, Pre-College Programs actively solicits collaborative partnership with businesses, communities at large, and various departments within Student and Academic Affairs. These efforts enrich the services and learning opportunities available to participants and provide possibilities for the expansion of programming. Offices located on the 7^th floor for Hotz Hall, call (479) 575-3553.

Academy for Mathematics and Sciences

As a federally funded Upward Bound math and Science Center, the Academy serves students in grades 9-12 from a four-county area in Northwest Arkansas. This college preparatory program includes a six-week residential component in the summer and an academic component year round. An integrated curriculum focusing on involvement with faculty and participation in group and individual research projects in math, science, and engineering is supplemented with course offerings in English, literature, Latin, and computers. College tuition and credit are available to students bridging from their senior year in high school to college.

Educational Talent Search

Educational Talent Search is an early intervention project. Serving 1000 students in grades 6-12, the program promotes the skills and motivation necessary for successfully completing a baccalaureate degree. Emphasizing personal/career development, technological/academic skills, ACT readiness, and college preparatory workshops, students are prepared to meet their college entry goals. Academic monitoring, counseling, and tutoring services are incorporated to facilitate the progress of each student. Summer enrichment and campus based events provide ongoing opportunities for institutional and faculty involvement.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound challenges students to develop the essential skills, study habits, discipline, and attitudes necessary for success in high school and college. The mission of Upward Bound is to prepare and motivate high school students to pursue and complete a baccalaureate degree. The project serves 60 students in grades 9-12. Participants commit to the program until graduation form high school and participate in both a six-week summer residential program and an academic year component.

Veterans Upward Bound

This program was designed to identify and serve the unique needs of 120 eligible veterans from Northwest Arkansas who have the academic potential and desire to enter and succeed in a post-secondary program of study. Services include tutoring; counseling; social and cultural activities; assistance in filing financial aid and VA benefit forms; academic/career advisement; test preparation for entrance exams; and courses in English, Spanish, math, science, and computer technology.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)

This statewide, comprehensive program is designed to encourage economically disadvantaged 14-and 15-year-old students to remain in school by providing experiences for the development and enhancement of basic educational and vocational skills. A summer residential component combines a university work-based program with a wide range of support services encompassing health care, counseling, and enrichment courses. Participants receive ongoing follow-up services including monthly telephone contacts, supplemental newsletters, and regular mailings.

UNIVERSITY CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The Career Development Center provides a comprehensive career development program designed to meet the needs of the University of Arkansas community. The Center assists students and alumni in the development of skills necessary for lifelong career management.

The Center provides individual and group career advising sessions; a 1-hour credit "Career Decision-making" course; career planning and job search workshops; individual assistance with Resume Preparation and Job Interview Skills; Career Interest Assessments; a Career Resource Library; and Placement Services.

Students are encouraged to begin working with the Staff of the Career Development Center during their first year at The University of Arkansas. Advisors assist students in selecting a College Major, in obtaining a Cooperative Education or Internship placement, and in preparing for their Job Search or Graduate/Professional School application. A full-range of Career Fairs is offered each semester including all-campus fair and individual academic-specific fairs.

The Career Development Center staff members welcome opportunities to present career planning or job search information to students in the classroom. The Career Center also encourages faculty and staff to partner with them in hosting employers for On-Campus Recruiting visits. There are valuable opportunities to develop strong professional relationships with the 300-400 corporate recruiters who visit our campus each year.

The University Career Development Center provides services and educational programs to students, alumni, former students, faculty, staff and their families. A satellite Career Center in the Walton College of Business serves students and alumni in the Walton College.

For further information, contact the University Career Development Center, ARKU 607, (479) 575-2805.

General Services, Pre-College Programs & Career Developement Center | Health Center, Housing, Union & Student Activities