Core Values

Members of the Division of Student Affairs believe that learning, both inside and outside the classroom, is central to the University of Arkansas experience and the Division of Student Affairs is a significant partner in the development of a campus learning community. The members recognize that this campus learning community is impacted by the individual’s unique learning style and life experience. They believe the values listed below strengthen and enrich this learning environment. The division’s members:

• Are student centered
• Are an inclusive community
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
• Encourage and model civility in all relationships
• Provide friendly, helpful, and responsive service
• Embrace their role as scholars and educators
• Present the highest ethical standards based on trust, honesty, and integrity
• Are committed to the pursuit of professional excellence
• Strive for the acquisition and use of knowledge
• Act as partners and collaborators in all endeavors

Strategic Goals

• Foster the development of an inclusive community
• Enhance student learning
• Promote professional and personal development
• Increase and responsibly manage resources
• Promote innovative programs and services
• Advocate rights and responsibilities
• Encourage the application and use of new and emerging technologies

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 serves as a liaison to other administrative offices, faculty, and student governing groups. The office is 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 Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students.

The office of the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students emphasizes student advocacy while broadening the development of services and programs that address a range of student and campus needs. Departments in the office are dedicated to developing exceptional programs and services that enhance the Arkansas Experience and enrich the quality of student and campus life. Staff members are available and willing to assist with any problem or question a student, staff, or faculty member may have regarding student and campus life at the University of Arkansas. The office is available for the clarification of University policies and procedures, confidential consultation, formal academic grievances, personal and family crisis assistance for students, and referral to all campus and community services. The office also seeks to assist students and faculty members in cases of emergency or extenuating circumstances. Staff members are firmly committed to addressing the challenges and individual needs of the Arkansas family.

Enhanced Learning Center

The Enhanced Learning Center is designed to provide assistance to all University of Arkansas students in meeting their academic goals here and beyond. The center’s goal is for every University of Arkansas student who needs or wants academic assistance to participate in the programs and services of the center without hesitation or barrier. More than 4,000 students took advantage of the center’s programs last year including:

• Tutoring in a variety of subjects (math, the sciences, English, foreign languages, composition and other courses taught throughout the University);
• Supplemental instruction in math and the sciences;
• Study skills workshops;
• Individualized educational planning;
• Math and writing resources;
• Study rooms; and
• State-of-the art computers with laptop checkout availability.

Center partners include the Quality Writing Center (Kimpel Hall); the Math and Tutoring Resource Center (Science Building); and University Housing. These partnerships allow the Enhanced Learning Center to deliver academic-success services to students in a variety of locations and formats.

The Enhanced Learning Center is on the Garden Level of Gregson Hall and houses Student Support Services, the Fulbright Office of Remediation and Retention, and a satellite of the Quality Writing Center. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

ELC satellites are located in Futrall Hall, Maple Hill, Pomfret Hall and Reid Hall, and are available from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Other satellite locations are in Mechanical Engineering and the Freshman Engineering Center. Check the Enhanced Learning Center’s Web site for tutor and subject availability.

Contact the center by phone at (479) 575-2885 or visit the Enhanced Learning Center's Web site.

Off Campus Connections

Off Campus Connections provides resources and referrals for current and prospective students, including:

• First-semester students living at home
• Upperclassmen living off campus
• Adult, returning, and transfer students

Off-campus students are defined as those not living in a residence hall, fraternity, or sorority house. Approximately 10,000 University of Arkansas students live off campus, including traditional-aged students who live with family members, as well as nontraditional students who are age 25 or more, are married, or have dependents. Off-campus students may attend classes fulltime or part-time, and they may work full-time or part-time. Students may live close to the campus or they may live hours away. Some students take all or the majority of their classes online.

Off Campus Connections provides information, referrals, encouragement, support, and recognition to students who are living off campus. Experienced student leaders known as Peer Assistance Leaders and Peer Mentors are also available to assist.

To encourage commuter student involvement, a Commuter Lounge is located on the sixth floor of the Arkansas Union. The Commuter Student Association invites all interested off-campus students to become members of this registered student organization and help it make the University of Arkansas more "commuter friendly." In addition, students are kept informed about campus life through a monthly electronic newsletter and weekly e-mail announcements. The ultimate goal is for each student to feel a part of the campus and attain a degree from the University of Arkansas.

One helpful service is a free online database and message board where upper-class students and adult and transfer students can search for off-campus housing, post items for sale, or find potential student roommates: offcampushousing.uark.edu.

For further information, visit the Off Campus Connections Web site or send an e-mail to occ@uark.edu. Students may also visit the office in Arkansas Union Room 632 or contact OCC by telephone at 479-575-7351. In order to provide better customer service, appointments in advance are appreciated.

Student Support Services

The primary purpose of the Student Support Services program is to prepare disadvantaged persons for successful entry into, retention in, and completion of postsecondary education. In general, the program identifies low-income and first-generation college students and provides them with encouragement, support and assistance.

Student Support Services is designed to improve academic performance, increase student motivation, and facilitate transition from undergraduate to graduate education. Services provided include tutorial services; instruction in basic study skills; academic, financial, and personal counseling; assistance in obtaining financial aid; and assistance in admission and enrollment in graduate programs.

Student Support Services is located within the Enhanced Learning Center on the ground floor of Gregson Hall. Call 479-575-3546. For more details, visit the Student Support Services Web site.

Services for International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars serves foreign students and scholars and enhances the global awareness of the UA community. The office provides pre-arrival assistance and a comprehensive orientation program for newly admitted international students each semester. Cross Cultural Mentors 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 authorization, non-resident tax filing assistance, and other programs and services that help students and scholars reach their academic and personal goals and make their time at the University of Arkansas more productive and enjoyable.

The office administers four outreach programs that give students an opportunity to learn about U.S. life and culture while enriching the community’s knowledge and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures. These are: the Friendship Family Program, which pairs students with local families who share American culture, daily life, and special activities with students; the Conversation Club program, which provides students with a small-group setting in which to practice 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.

The office sponsors various events including: the celebration of International Education Week each fall, and annual seminars for immigration attorneys. A number of registered student organizations specific to various country, culture, or language groups are linked with the office including the International Students’ Organization (ISO), a group for U.S. and international students, which organizes events such as the International Bazaar and an annual banquet.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is in Holcombe Hall, Room 104; phone 479-575-5003; fax 479-575-7084; e-mail iss@uark.edu; Web: iss.uark.edu.

University Ombuds Office

The University Ombuds Office provides an informal, impartial, and confidential means of conflict resolution to students and the campus community. It is the goal of the office to foster a culture of civility, safe and open dialogue, and to encourage cooperative problem resolution. When a student contacts the office to address a specific conflict, an ombud will:

• listen to the student’s concerns,
• provide facilitation or mediation services when appropriate,
• value diversity,
• hear all perspectives,
• assist the student in considering options for resolution,
• and remain impartial to all parties involved.

Services are confidential, and no identifying records are kept.

Educating the University community and maintaining effective processes are important components of preventing conflicts from escalating and can help enable University students and employees to effectively address adversity themselves. Training is available in alternative conflict resolution techniques, theory, and practice. Workshops are customized to fit specific needs. Recommendations may be made to administrators to improve processes that may inadvertently create conflicts, or inhibit informal resolution. Our goal is to create an environment that supports the early resolution of conflict.

The University Ombuds Office is in the Arkansas Union, Room 628; phone 479-575-4831 or visit the University Ombuds Web site.

Greek Life

The Office of Greek Life facilitates the educational process and provides resources related to programs that promote the growth and development of students affiliated with fraternities and sororities on campus. The overall mission is to enhance the academic, cultural, moral, and social development of students in Greek organizations; 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 Getaway, Greek Life Facilitators, and Greek Summit are coordinated by the Office of Greek Life, the Interfraternity Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Panhellenic Council.

The Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Panhellenic Council (PHC) are the governing bodies for 11 national sororities and 16 fraternities. The officers and representatives of IFC, NPHC, and PHC 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 in the Arkansas Union A697; phone 479-575-5001 or fax 479-575-3531; Web: uagreeks.uark.edu.

Multicultural Center

The Multicultural Center enhances the student academic experience by preparing them for life in a rich and diverse society. The Multicultural Center is committed to providing an environment that promotes cross-cultural interaction among all students by collaborating with university and community constituents to create educational, cultural, and social programs.

The Multicultural Center can be used for educational programming, art displays, and cultural exhibits. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the student organizations within the Multicultural Center and the educational and entertainment resources that include laptop checkout, books, video and board games, and study areas. The Multicultural Center is located on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union in Room 404. Contact information: 479-575-2064; Web: multicultural.uark.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The Center for Educational Access (CEA), 104 Arkansas Union, is the central campus resource for students who require reasonable accommodations in order to access the programs, services and activities offered through the University. CEA staff work in partnership with the individual student to communicate and facilitate any accommodation needs to faculty and staff. Accommodation determination is based on an analysis of medical or psychological documentation provided to the CEA by the student. Students must meet with one of the CEA staff to discuss their needs and provide such documentation before any accommodations can be granted.

To register for services or for more information, contact the Center for Educational Access, University of Arkansas, 104 ARKU, Fayetteville, AR 72701, phone 479-575-3104 (voice) or 479-575-3646 (TTY); e-mail: ada@uark.edu; or visit the Center for Educational Access's Web site.

Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics

The mission of the Office for Community Standards and Student Ethics (OCSSE) is to provide an equitable and effective educational system that promotes responsibility, individual growth, accountability, and student learning through community outreach, peer mentoring, and enforcement of the Code of Student Life. The office is designed to provide an equitable process for dealing with alleged infractions of University rules, regulations, and/or laws by students. This system is informal, non-adversarial, and intended to be a part of the total educational process. Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions and to be accountable for their actions. In addition, students who witness violations of the Code or who are victims of inappropriate or illegal behavior perpetrated by other students are encouraged to report such activity to the Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics.

Students who are interested in involvement with the All-University Judicial Board or the PEERs (Peers Educating Ethical Razorbacks) program should contact the director of the OCSSE via e-mail: judicial@uark.edu. The All-University Judicial Board comprises faculty and students and is responsible for adjudicating cases of alleged student misconduct as outlined in the Code of Student life. This is an advanced leadership opportunity for students who would like to gain valuable experience working with faculty on an Impartial peer review board. PEERs Is an advanced student leadership opportunity designed to promote leadership and ethics among University of Arkansas students. PEERs members give highly Interactive and engaging presentations that challenge students to think and act with Integrity.

For more Information regarding the Code of Student Life, please see the Student Handbook, available in the Administration Building, Room 325 or on the Student Handbook Web site. The Office of Community Standards and Student Ethics is in the Administration Building, Room 325, phone 479-575-5170; Web: http://www.uark.edu/ethics/.

First Year Experience Programs

First Year Experience Programs at the University of Arkansas is a collaborative effort developed to enhance the academic and social integration of incoming students through a variety of classroom and co-curricular activities. First Year Experience is designed to enhance both the academic and social integration of first-year students. Faculty and Student Affairs professionals work together to offer special assistance and promote skills designed to help students experience a fulfilling, rewarding, and successful first year at the University, and to assist them in reaching their ultimate goal of completing a degree.

First Year Experience Programs supports and collaborates on 10 major initiatives:

• New Student Orientation
• ROCK Camp
• Hog W.I.L.D. Welcome Weeks
• Academic Convocation/Burger Bash
• Help-A-Hog
• Fall Family Weekend and Spring Family Reunion
• Parent Programs
• Parent Partnership Association
• First Year Experience Residence Halls
• First Year Experience seminar courses

First Year Experience seminar courses are guided by an advisory board of Student Affairs professionals and First Year Experience course coordinators from each academic college. University of Arkansas executive administrators, faculty and staff members participate in these programs as speakers, mentors or through other means of engagement. By providing transitional support for incoming students, First Year Experience programs effectively promote the students’ academic growth and support the mission of the University.

First Year Experience Programs is in the Arkansas Union, Room A688; phone 479-575-5002; Web: fye.uark.edu.

The Office of Pre-College Programs consists of eight programs, serving Arkansas’ brightest and best students who demonstrate the potential and desire to attend college. These programs are the Gifted and Talented Scholars and Summer Institute, Academy for Mathematics and Sciences, Educational Talent Search, College Project Talent Search, University Access Talent Search, Upward Bound, REAL Upward Bound, and Veterans Upward Bound. The department also partners with Kauffman Scholars Inc. and KIPP: Delta College Preparatory School to offer College Residential Institute. All participants receive multifaceted services to assist them with developing the skills, information, and resources necessary for college success.

As an ongoing mission, Pre-College Programs actively solicits collaborative partnerships 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. For additional information, visit the office at 200 Hotz Hall, call 479-575-3553, or contact the program online at precollege.uark.edu.

Academy for Mathematics and Sciences

The Upward Bound Academy for Mathematics and Sciences serves students in grades 9-12 from Sebastian and Crawford counties in Arkansas. This college preparatory program for students excelling in the academic areas of math and science encourages post-secondary study in related career fields. The program includes a six-week residential component in the summer and an academic component year round. An integrated curriculum focusing on group and individual research projects in math, science, and engineering is supplemented with offerings in English, foreign language, literature, and computers. Monthly meetings composed of workshops and hands-on projects provide enhanced and ongoing student involvement throughout the year with the campus-based project. College tuition and credit is available to students bridging from their senior year in high school to college.

College Project, University Access & Educational Talent Search Programs

College Project, University Access and Educational Talent Search are early intervention projects. Serving 2,400 students in grades 6-12, the programs promote the skills and motivation necessary for successfully completing a baccalaureate degree. Emphasizing personal and career development, technological and academic skills, ACT readiness, and college preparatory workshops, the programs prepare students to meet their college entry goals. Academic monitoring and guidance counseling are incorporated to facilitate the progress of each student. Summer enrichment and campus-based events provide ongoing opportunities for institutional and faculty involvement.

Gifted & Talented Scholars and Summer Institute

The University of Arkansas Gifted and Talented Scholars program was established to acknowledge the best and brightest youth throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. Nominated by local educators, Gifted and Talented Scholars represent a select group of students, in grades 6-12, with exceptional academic ability and potential. The Gifted and Talented Scholars Summer Institute provides an intensive three-week residential experience for academically talented students completing the eighth and ninth grade. This advanced and educationally dynamic learning environment supplements all accelerated academic learning with a variety of extracurricular activities to address the social and affective needs of all participants.

Upward Bound and REAL

Upward Bound is designed to offer challenging pre-college experiences to students who have the desire and ability to attend and complete a postsecondary education. Services are designed to develop the essential skills, study habits, and discipline necessary for success in high school and college. Upward Bound serves 71 students in grades 9-12, from participating schools in Benton and Washington counties. Participants commit to the program until high school graduation and participate in both a six-week summer residential program and an academic year component. Being curriculum-based, the program provides exposure to a wide variety of academic, cultural, and social opportunities, simulating a college experience. Upward Bound students completing their senior year of high school receive free tuition for up to six hours of college credit. A second Upward Bound program, R.E.A.L. (Reaching Educational Aspirations of Learners) serves 50 students in the Rogers and Springdale Public School districts.

Veterans Upward Bound

This program identifies and serves the unique needs of 120 eligible veterans from Northwest and Central Arkansas who have the academic potential and desire to enter and succeed in a post-secondary program of study. Eligible veterans have completed a minimum of 180 days of active duty in the military or Coast Guard and hold any discharge other than dishonorable. Services include tutoring; guidance counseling; assistance in filing financial aid and VA benefit forms; academic/career assistance; test preparation for entrance exams; and courses in English, Spanish, math, science, and computer technology. Courses are offered each semester.

College Residential Institute for Kauffman Scholars

Through a partnership with Kauffman Scholars Inc., the College Residential Institute for Kauffman Scholars simulates a college experience for 7th to 12th grade participants from Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas. The program is a collaborative effort with a number of academic and student affairs departments. Students engage in self-selected coursework with faculty facilitating the exploration of various college majors and career fields. All sessions emphasize the use of technology and are project-driven learning incorporating math, science and language arts.

Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP)

A partnership with the KIPP: Delta College Preparatory School in Helena, Arkansas, brings 9th and 10th grade students to campus to experience the college environment. This residential program simulates college by offering age-appropriate academic classes taught by professors, and social and cultural programs that expose students to a variety of activities on and off campus.

The University 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 one-hour credit Career Decision-Making course; career planning and job search workshops; individual assistance with resume preparation and job interview skills; resources for experiential education opportunities; career interest assessments; a career resource library; and placement services.

University Career Development Center staff members invite all University students to become members of the Professional Development Institute, a nationally recognized career development resource. Designed for University of Arkansas students, the institute provides students a comprehensive plan enabling them to attain a level of career maturity necessary for job success.

Students are encouraged to begin working with the staff of the Career Development Center during their first year on campus. Advisers assist students in selecting a college major, obtaining a cooperative education or internship placement, and preparing for their job search or graduate/professional school application. A full-range of career fairs is offered each semester including allcampus fairs and individual industry-specific fairs.

Career Development Center staff members welcome opportunities to present career planning or job search information to students in the classroom and residence hall. There are valuable opportunities to develop strong professional relationships with the 300 to 400 corporate recruiters who visit the University of Arkansas campus each year.

The University Career Development Center provides services and educational programs to students, alumni, former students, faculty, staff, and their families.

For further information, contact the University Career Development Center, ARKU 607, 479-575-2805, or visit the Career Development Center Web site.

Pat Walker Health Center

The Pat Walker Health Center provides professional and comprehensive medical care, mental health care, health education, and health promo-ion for the University of Arkansas community, including students, faculty, and staff. Committed to physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social health, the highest standards of quality, and an appreciation of the value of each individual, the Pat Walker Health Center services and programs support the education and development of each individual. Pat Walker Health Center services include:

Medical Services
Professional medical staff including physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses provide primary health care, as well as women’s health care. An allergy clinic and a travel immunization clinic are also available. The Pat Walker Health Center is particularly advantageous to the campus community with a comprehensive clinical laboratory, X-ray facilities, and a licensed pharmacy with both prescriptive and over-the-counter medications.

Counseling and Psychological Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides a wide range of consultations to students, students’ partners, staff, and faculty of the University of Arkansas. Psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors work with students to solve problems, understand themselves, grow personally, and develop more satisfying relationships with friends and family. In addition to office consultations and therapy sessions, students have opportunities to participate in educational programs on campus as well as access to 24-hour emergency services for mental health crises.

Health Promotion and Education
A unique feature of the Pat Walker Health Center is the complete focus on the promotion of good health and prevention of negative health conditions. Professional health educators serve the campus community with wellness and prevention activities delivered in a variety of educational settings including everything from individual consultations to one-hour credit classes. Students benefit from the breadth of health and lifestyle topics addressed, which help them attain success in all aspects of their lives.

The Pat Walker Health Center opened at 525 North Garland Avenue in November 2004, with expanded services for the University of Arkansas community.

Students pay a per credit hour semester health fee that covers professional office visit charges. Student spouses are eligible for services and may pay the health fee. Services other than professional office visits are the responsibility of the patient and/or their health insurance plan. The University strongly recommends that all students have health insurance. A student health insurance policy ehndorsed by the Associated Student Government is available to all students, student spouses, and their dependent children. Students may enroll in this plan at the Pat Walker Health Center.

The Pat Walker Health Center welcomes inquiries about specific services at 479-575-4451; TTY 479-575-4124. More information is available on the Center's Web site.

University Housing is committed to providing a quality living and learning environment that both challenges and supports the personal, social, and academic development of our residents and their diverse communities.

National research has shown that academic success in the first year and beyond is directly linked to residing in an on-campus residence environment. The University of Arkansas recognizes the benefits that students receive from living on campus their first year. Therefore, all single students who are admitted to the University with a freshmen classification and under 21 years of age are required to live on campus in a residence hall, or in their parent or legal guardian’s permanent home. Students who are admitted to the University of Arkansas as transfer students from another post-secondary institution, and who have completed at least 24 credit hours at that institution are not required to live on campus.

Requests for a newly admitted freshmen to live somewhere other than with parents or a legal guardian in their permanent home are not likely to be approved under most circumstances. Students planning to live with their parents or legal guardian, in their permanent home should complete the Living with Parent Verification Form prior to attending an orientation session. Students requesting an exemption from the University of Arkansas Freshmen Residency Requirement should send all required paperwork to University Housing at least three weeks prior to attending an orientation session to ensure the student receives approval or denial prior to attending orientation. Failure to do so could cause long delays in the orientation process. Students needing a Living with Parent Verification Form or who wish to apply for an exemption to the University’s requirement for single freshmen to live on campus may refer to the information on the Housing Web site.

Residence Halls are managed by a full-time Resident Director who has completed a master degree program in higher education, counseling or a related degree. This individual is selected for his or her academic credentials and interest in helping others, as well as his or her ability to work well with college students. In addition, every area or floor is staffed by a Resident Assistant who is an upperclassman with training, experience, and knowledge to answer students’ questions and, more importantly, to help students find their own answers. Counselors in Residence (graduate assistants) provide short-term counseling for students living in the residence halls in response to personal, social, academic, and developmental needs.

Residential living offers a variety of choices including designated communities focusing on Community Opportunity Respect and Excellence Connections, a program designed for first- and second-year students, honors programs, engineering, international issues, and first year experiences. Living options include traditional halls, suites and apartments with designations of all male, all female or co-ed. Rooms are available for visually or hearingimpaired students as well as those who are physically challenged. All residence hall exterior doors have electronic card access and the system is monitored 24 hours each day. Students are provided access to their assigned hall via a fob checked out to the student when they receive their room key and the electronic access system. Additional information is available on the University Housing Web site.

Each of the three separate dining facilities on campus is managed by Campus Dining Services and provides a natural setting for socializing with friends Student Affairs University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 61 and enjoying a wide variety of high quality, nutritious meals. All students living in a residence hall, except those residing in summer school housing, are required to have a meal plan. There are several meal plans available to meet the needs of both on-campus and off-campus students. Learn more about Campus Dining Services on their Web site.

The Arkansas Union seeks to support unique and diverse programs, provide professional services, and satisfy the ever-changing needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests.

Tenets

Staff and students involved with the Arkansas Union pursue the following positions with regard to the following areas:

• Facilities – Offer a welcoming and inviting facility that provides a functional and exciting “Wooo Pig Sooie” atmosphere for all Union constituents
• Services – Promote student admission and retention by offering services, conveniences and amenities, while also serving the larger University of Arkansas community
• Program Support – Support departments and organizations in promoting the growth and development of students through civic, cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs

The Arkansas Union serves as the community center of the University for all members of the college family. As the “living room” of campus, the Union is the gathering place of the college. The Union provides services and conveniences that members of the campus community need in their daily lives and creates an environment for getting to know and understand others through formal and informal associations. Included in the Union are:

Retail Outlets
ATMs (various banks)	Razorback Shop
Catering and Dining Services	RZ’s Coffeehouse®
Club Red Convenience Store	U.S. Post Office
Computer Store	Union Hair Care
First Security Bank	University Bookstore
PMC - Union Copy Center

Food Court
Bamboo Asian Cuisine	Mexican specialties
Burger King®	Chick-Fil-A®
Sub Generation sandwiches	Mama Leone’s Pizza & Pasta
Hot rotisserie food & barbeque	Salads, soups, baked items

Facilities
24-hour computer lab	Meeting rooms
Anne Kittrell Art Gallery	Reception rooms
Alltel Ballroom	Union Information Center
Banquet rooms	Union Theatre
Lounges	Video Theater

The Arkansas Union is the center of student activity and is a perfect place for students to get involved on campus. The Union is a student-centered organization that values participatory decision-making. Through volunteerism, committees, and student employment, the Union offers first-hand experience in citizenship and educates students in leadership, social responsibility, and values. As the center of the college community life, the Union complements the academic experience through an extensive variety of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs. These programs provide the opportunity to balance course work and free time as cooperative factors in education. The Union provides program support for the departments hosting these events. Located within the Union are 14 offices dedicated to providing programs and services to students.

Student Services

• Arkansas Union Administration/Reservation Services
• Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
• Associate Dean of Students – Campus Life
• Associated Student Government
• Campus Card Office
• Career Development Center
• Center for Educational Access
• First Year Experience
• Greek Life
• Multicultural Center
• Off Campus Connections
• Student Activities
• Center for Leadership and Community Engagement
• University Ombuds Office
• Student Technology Center
• University Productions

Center for Leadership and Community Engagement

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement, located in the Arkansas Union, is the central location for student organizations and activities at the University. The primary mission of the department is to engage all students in purposefully designed leadership education and experiential learning opportunities that result in becoming self-aware, discovering value in self and others, develop-ing critical thinking and communication skills, becoming a lifelong learner, and developing responsible citizenship.

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is responsible for the oversight and administration of the following areas:

Registered Student Organizations

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) provide all students the opportunity to form and develop organizations based on a common interest or bond. Students are able to create, govern, and budget their organization as well as plan events. Through involvement with an RSO students will meet new people, develop new interests and have fun. Currently more than 250 student organizations are established in the areas of:

• special interest
• service/honorary
• greek
• governing
• international/cultural
• religious
• professional

Through involvement with an RSO students are able to take advantage of RSO education classes (budgeting, event planning, etc.), RSO resources (office space, lockers, etc.) and apply for funds for RSO events from the Associated Student Government. To find out more about Registered Student Organizations and how to become part of one, call 479-575-5255 or visit the RSO Web site, or stop by the Center for Leadership and Community Engagement in the Arkansas Union A665.

Leadership and Volunteerism Programs

The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement provides students with experiences that enhance student life both inside and outside the classroom. The Leadership Programs are designed to provide training, education, and development to any student who wants to enhance his or her leadership skills. The primary programs in this area are Emerging Leaders, the LeaderShape Institute, the Leadership Workshop Series, the Fall Leadership Summit, the LEAD Team and the Leadership Resource Library. These interactive programs motivate students and develop key leadership skills related to self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, team leadership, mentorship, and life-long learning. The integral role that students play in implementation of these programs serves as a part of the educational process for all students involved. By participating in these leadership opportunities students can gain valuable skills that are useful in college, to future employers, and throughout life.

The Volunteer Action Center is designed to assist students and student organizations with finding volunteer opportunities within the Northwest Arkansas Community. The center seeks to engage and motivate students through volunteer experiences for the enhancement of their overall educational learning. The center has a programming board of student leaders that coordinates large-scale volunteer events such as Make a Difference Day, Students’ Day of Caring, Angel Tree Book Drive, and Alternative Spring Break. The Volunteer Action Center also coordinates an e-mail Listserv that provides a clearinghouse for volunteer and community service opportunities in the Northwest Arkansas area.

University Programs

University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for planning and coordinating more than 350 events annually for the campus community. University Programs provides students with cultural and educational experiences, entertainment, and fun. Seven committees, all made up of students, select, schedule and produce events such as concerts, movies, lectures, fine arts performances, gallery exhibitions, and daytime programs. Being a part of University Programs gives the student committee members leadership training and real opportunities to gain practical planning experience. Supported by a student activity fee, a majority of University Programs events are free to students.

Associated Student Government

Associated Student Government is a student-led organization that enables students to have an active voice in the decisions and policy that directly affect all students at the University of Arkansas. Students involved in ASG have the opportunity to positively impact the quality of student life, work with and allocate student fees, provide a voice for student concerns, and oversee programs and policies for all students. Through the executive, legislative and judicial branches of student government, students have the opportunity to work with peers to make a difference on all levels of the University. Involvement levels and time commitment vary by branch and position. For more information, visit the student government Web site or stop by the ASG office in Arkansas Union A669.

Friday Night Live

Friday Night Live, a late-night programming series at the University of Arkansas, is a collaborative effort for programming, education, entertainment and retention. It is designed to increase diversity and community awareness through interactive social events. Friday Night Live programs occur on and off campus several Friday nights during the year. They are of the highest quality, represent all UA students, engage the University community, and celebrate diversity to be enjoyed by all who participate.

An integral part of a University education is what can be gained through the worthwhile use of leisure time. Students are encouraged to balance involvement with their academic pursuits and interests. There are organizations, intramural sports, spectator sports, lectures, concerts, theatrical offerings, and other activities in which students are encouraged to participate. The Northwest Arkansas region represents one of the best recreational areas in the nation.

Student Media

Student Media is an umbrella organization that administers and advises the official student media outlets of the University. These outlets are: the student newspaper, The Arkansas Traveler; the UA yearbook, The Razorback; the student television station, UATV; and the student radio station, KXUA. All provide a forum for student expression, entertainment, news and information of interest to the campus community. Other than a small support staff, these groups are entirely staffed by student employees and volunteers, including editors and station managers. For more information, contact Student Media at 479-575-3406.