Student Affairs

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 students with dignity and respect.

* Preserve the highest ethical standards.

* Be an inclusive community.

* Trust.

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 office 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: international student programs, Greek affairs, judicial affairs, multicultural student affairs, disabled student programs, non-traditional student programs, and new student programs.

GENERAL SERVICES

Services for International Students

The International Programs office assists international students and scholars in meeting their personal and educational goals while at the University of Arkansas. The office provides an orientation for newly admitted international students each semester including the Cross-Cultural Mentor Program, which offers one-on-one contact and group activities for new international students during their first semester on campus in an effort to assist them in their adjustment to the academic and local communities. The office also provides immigration advising, workshops, retreats, programs and a support network to help them make their time at the University productive and enjoyable. The office is located in Holcombe Hall, Room 104. Phone: (479) 575-5003. Fax: (479) 575-7084

The office administers a Friendship Family Program, the Conversation Links Program, and the International Culture Team. These programs give students the opportunity to learn about American life, while the campus and local communities also learn from the students about other cultures.

The International Students Organization is a cultural organization for American and international students. Its activities include annual projects such as the international bazaar, international banquet/food festival and welcome parties. In addition, there are presently 18 other cultural organizations that provide activities for specific country or cultural groups.

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 management fees are available through IAP, 300 Hotz Hall, Telephone (479) 575-6857 or FAX (479) 575-5055.

Greek Life

The office of Greek Life helps facilitate the educational process and provides resources to the students affiliated with Greek organizations. Programs such as Rush, Greek Weekend, Greek Week, and the Greek Colloquium are coordinated by the office of Greek Life, the Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council.

The Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council are the governing bodies for the 11 national sororities and 15 national fraternities. The officers and representatives of IFC, Panhellenic, and NPHC work cooperatively with the office of Greek Life to provide positive programs and leadership opportunities to the members of the Greek organizations. This office is located in the Arkansas Union; telephone (479) 575-5001.

Judicial Affairs

The judicial system at the University of Arkansas provides a just and 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. Peer review is an integral part of the process, and membership on the judicial boards is comprised mostly of students.

The Judicial Coordinator, located in the Arkansas Union, (telephone 575-5001), advises students, faculty, and staff on matters related to student discipline and the judicial process.

For more information, see Student Judicial System in Appendix C.

Multicultural Student Services

The office of Multicultural Student Services, located in the Arkansas Union, provides counseling, assistance, and referral information to minority students. The office staff seeks to provide for the social, cultural, and academic presence of minority students, as well as faculty and staff members. The staff assists in the area of retention and programming in addition to serving as a liaison between the University and its academic departments for the implementation of effective and meaningful multicultural programs.

Services for Disabled Students

All services, programs, and activities at the University are accessible to students with disabilities. The office for Campus Access, located in Room 116 of the Arkansas Union, offers specific information on disabilities, campus services, and related resources. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend new student orientation on the date recommended by the office for Campus Access whenever possible.

Accommodations provided for students are based on individual need. For further information, call (479) 575-3104.

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. ONTS resides in the department of General Student Services, in conjunction with the office of New Student Programs. Peer counselors assist individuals with problem solving and provide information and referrals. ONTS is located in 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. Carlson Terrace and Terrace Manor apartments provide low-cost housing for student families; special wings in residence halls are set aside for non-traditional students. 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.

Educational Talent Search

The University of Arkansas' Educational Talent Search program is designed to identify and serve 1,000 youth from Washington, Benton, and Crawford counties who exhibit potential for completing post-secondary education programs. It seeks to generate in them the skills and motivation necessary to continue in and graduate from some type of educational program after high school. The program focuses on early intervention (6th - 12th grades) and provides the student with in-school academic skills workshops, tutoring, campus visits, technology and cultural camps, and leadership academies. During their sophomore, junior, and senior years, the students are eligible for acceptance into an Upward Bound Regional Math/Science Center. Each year two students are selected to attend the National Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C. For more information, call (479) 575-3553.

Multicultural Center

The mission of the Multicultural Center is to create and maintain educational, cultural and social programs to assist in the development and advancement of an ethnically diverse student body. In addition to programming to meet the desired mission, the Center also offers a gallery, and an informal lounge. The Center is located in Arkansas Union 411, telephone (479) 575-6456.

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 CLEP, 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 575-3948 or visit the office at 730 Hotz Hall.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a pre-college prep program for high school students. The program serves sixty students in Washington and Benton counties. These students are selected and receive academic instruction, tutoring, and counseling after school and on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters. During the program's summer component, students live on the University's campus and are involved in a combination of intensive academic training and personal development activities. The curriculum includes instruction in math, lab science, English, foreign language, and computer science while providing workshops in test taking, time management, and improving study skills. The students are also exposed to career options and how to plan financially for post-secondary education. In addition, the students gain personal development through a variety of educational, social, and cultural activities. For more information call (479) 575-3553.

Veterans Upward Bound

This program was designed to identify and serve 120 eligible veterans from northwestern Arkansas who have the potential to enter and succeed in a post-secondary education program. Selected veterans receive assistance in filing financial aid forms to maximize the aid they receive. Opportunities are available for individual and career counseling. Academic advising and preparation for college entrance exams are offered. English literature and grammar, math, laboratory science, foreign language, study skills and computer classes are available. Individual instruction and tutoring is available. For more information, contact the Veterans Upward Bound offices at 725 Hotz Hall, telephone (479) 575-2821.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) is a statewide, comprehensive, summer residential program designed to encourage economically disadvantaged 14- and 15-year-old students to remain in school by providing experiences in which high-risk teenagers have the opportunity to develop basic educational and vocational skills. The Y.O.U. program combines a university based work-study program with a wide range of support services including health care, counseling and enrichment courses.

The Y.O.U. Follow-up component provides monthly contact for every Y.O.U. graduate through newsletters, telephone calls, letters or personal visits. School counselors are also contacted so the academic and attendance records for the students can be obtained. The Y.O.U. offices are located in 705 Hotz Hall, telephone (479) 575-2064.

UNIVERSITY CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The staff provides a comprehensive career development program designed to meet the needs of University students, alumni and faculty. This department provides individual and group career advising sessions; a one-hour credit career decision making course; workshops on resume preparation, interviews, and job search techniques; vocational testing; and a career library. Programs such as the Part-time Job Referral Service assist students in obtaining valuable work experience while they are in school. Cooperative Education enables students to earn academic credit while working full-time or part-time in a paid, professional position related to the student's chosen career field.

Approximately 300 companies and organizations visit the campus each year to interview graduating students for full-time positions. On-campus recruiting is scheduled through this office during the spring and fall semesters. In addition, students can make employment contacts at the annual Career and Summer Job Fairs. Alumni may also receive career assistance by subscribing to an Alumni Vacancy Listing and participating in a registry by which their résumé is referred to requesting employers. Publications are also available to students informing them about academic programs, careers, employment trends, and salary data.

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

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

The University Health Center provides medical and mental health care and is an advocate and resource for health promotion and education for students, spouses of students, and employees of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

The Health Center offers the following services: outpatient medical care; an allergy clinic; international travel immunizations; a women's health clinic; sports medicine; Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS); substance abuse prevention; health education classes and programs; clinical laboratory, x-ray, and pharmacy. The medical staff is comprised of six board-certified physicians. The professional staff also includes full-time nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses; health educators, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, psychiatric social workers, registered lab and x-ray technicians, and licensed pharmacists.

Students pay a per credit hour semester health fee that covers professional office visit charges. Student spouses may pay the health fee on an optional basis.

The University strongly recommends that all students have health insurance. A policy endorsed by the Associated Student Government is available to all students, student spouses, and their dependent children. Students may enroll in this plan at the Student Health Insurance office at the University Health Center.

RESIDENCE LIFE AND DINING SERVICES

Residence Life and Dining Services 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.

Each residence hall has a resident director chosen for their academic credentials, their interest in helping others, and their ability to work well with college students. Every area or floor is staffed by a resident assistant, an upperclassman with training, experience, and knowledge, to answer questions, and more importantly, help students find their own answers. Counselors in Residence, graduate assistants, focus on providing short-term counseling for students living in the residence halls and the university apartments in response to personal, social, academic, and developmental needs. Full-time, master's degree level, residence-life professionals called coordinators live on campus with responsibility for three to six residence halls. Access to halls is provided by use of electronic card readers that allow only residents of that building and escorted guests to enter. Residential living includes several options: apartments for non-traditional students and families; graduate and upperclassmen undergraduates; and male, female, graduate, and co-ed residence halls. Rooms are available for visually and hearing impaired students as well as those who are physically challenged. Special interest living options are also available for students whose interests include honors programs, first year experience, substance free, architecture, and engineering.

The dining facilities provide a natural setting for socializing with friends and enjoying a wide variety of high quality, nutritious meals. Each of the three separate dining facilities located on campus is managed by Campus Dining Services. Students living in residence halls have several meal plan options.

ARKANSAS UNION

The Arkansas Union serves as the community center of the University for all members of the college family. The Union provides services, conveniences, and amenities to the campus community. Included in the Union are meeting, reception, and banquet rooms; lounges; a ballroom; theater; video theater; and a Computer Lab. The food court offers Chick Fil-A, Burger King, salads, soups, Trattoria pizza/pasta, Upper Crust submarine sandwiches, hot rotisserie foods, Mexical specialties, baked items, and a Mongolian Wok. A coffeehouse with frozen yogurt, and an Out Takes "grab and go" are located in the building addition. Complete catering services are provided for meeting and function support. In addition, the Union houses the University Bookstore, a U.S. Post Office, Union Jack hair salon, the Quick Copy Center, the Razorback Shop, and a computer store, a games area, and a Video World tape rental.

The Arkansas Union is the center of much student activity and is a perfect place to get involved on campus. The office of Student Involvement and Leadership provides space and resources for student organizations. University Programs provide many student events and activities. These activities are planned, organized, and presented almost totally by students. Typical programs are major concerts, symposium speakers, theater productions, video programs, fine arts programs and art gallery shows. The Student Life Center in the building addition provides office space for many Registered Student Organizations and student support offices. The Student I.D. Card system, the Razorbuck$ program, and the Information Center are administered by the Arkansas Union. offices for Student Affairs, office for Student Involvement and Leadership, Multicultural Center, Associated Student Government, Career Services, ADA Center, and other programs are located in the Union.

Office for Student Involvement and Leadership

The office for Student Involvement and Leadership, located in the Arkansas Union, is the central location for student organizations and activities for the University of Arkansas. The main goal for the office for Student Involvement and Leadership is to provide all students with opportunities for involvement and to enable students to learn and practice leadership and management skills that complement classroom learning. The office for Student Involvement and Leadership is responsible for the oversight and administration of four major areas:

Student Organizations

Student organizations, including living groups, must register annually with the office for Student Involvement & Leadership. This registration information is kept on file to assist students and administrators in learning more about particular organizations. The office for Student Involvement and Leadership provides student organizations with assistance and services to help them succeed, including the annual Student Involvement Fair, facility reservation and fund-raising, trademark and outdoor event registration, forms, mailboxes, lockers and file space. The office for Student Involvement and Leadership also assists student organizations in event planning and presentation. Limited office space in the Arkansas Union is awarded annually to organizations by the Union Governing Board.

Leadership Development and Volunteer Programs

The Leadership Development Programs are designed to help students gain and refine leadership and management skills, and to network with other campus leaders. Most of the programs are free of charge to students, but some of the conferences and retreats require a minimal registration fee. Programs include: Emerging Leaders, Leadership Conferences and Retreats, and the Leadership Resource Library. We utilize student team members and mentors to help plan and implement each of these programs. This experience serves as a part of the educational process for the students involved. The Volunteer Action Center hosts volunteer programs. A student e-mail list acts as a clearinghouse for volunteer and community service opportunities within the area. Large scale volunteer events such as Make A Difference Day and the Student's Day of Caring are also sponsored by this area. Both of these programs perform multiple volunteer projects on a particular day, one in the fall, and the other in the spring.

University Programs

University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for coordinating and planning over 350 events annually for the campus community. Staff members serve as advisors to University Programs.

University Programs provides University of Arkansas students with cultural and educational experiences, entertainment and fun. Nine committees, committee chairpersons and two executive officers select, schedule and produce events such as concerts, movies, lectures, fine arts performances, gallery exhibits and much more for the U of A community. University Programs provides excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills and to gain practical experiences in a variety of areas.

Associated Student Government (ASG)

See Campus Governance in Appendix C.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

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 the student is encouraged to participate. The Northwest Arkansas area represents one of the prime recreational resources in the nation.

Organizations

Student organizations vary from those in professional fields to those representing extracurricular activities. They include religious organizations, community-oriented outreach programs, political interest groups, student publications, minority groups, departmental and professional organizations, social/fraternal organizations, and various honorary and recognition societies.

Fifteen or more religious organizations conduct programs of spiritual guidance and social activity at the University of Arkansas, and many have student centers near campus.

Sports and Recreation

The University is a member of the Southeastern Conference with competition for men in football, basketball, cross-country, baseball, golf, swimming, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track. The winning tradition is a way of life for the nationally known Razorbacks. Intercollegiate athletic competition for women is available in basketball, golf, soccer, softball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, and cross country.

The intramural/recreational sports at the University of Arkansas involve more students than any other single program on the campus. The program consists of more than 100 activities including flag football, tennis, golf, badminton, table tennis, racquetball, bowling, swimming, Frisbee, pool, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, handball, water polo, softball, track, horseshoes, and free-throw shooting.

The sports club program offers a variety of clubs. Some of these-soccer, rugby and judo, for instance-compete on an intercollegiate basis.

The Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) building is the center of recreational activity on campus and contains four gyms, an indoor jogging track, two ultra-modern dance studios, 10 racquetball courts, a fitness-weight training center, and a uniquely-designed Olympic-sized swimming pool. The Outdoor Recreation Center, located on the first floor, provides camping and sporting equipment, trip and outdoor recreation information, and seminars on various outdoor sports and activities.

Other recreational facilities include an outdoor track; 18 outdoor tennis courts; multi-purpose fields for softball, soccer, and football; and game rooms in the Union and residence halls.

Fayetteville is in the heart of one of the best outdoor recreational areas in the nation. The Buffalo National River, recreation areas in the Ozark National Forest, lakes, and state parks are all near Fayetteville, and they offer opportunities for canoeing, backpacking, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and water skiing.

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The Office of University Relations
800 Hotz Hall
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
(501) 575-5555
urelinfo@cavern.uark.edu