UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
The library system of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is composed of the David W. Mullins Library (the main research facility on campus) and five branch libraries--the Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Chemistry Library, the Physics Library, and the Learning Resources Center. The combined holdings of the libraries total over one million volumes of books and bound periodicals and over 1.5 million items in microform. The libraries currently receive over 16,000 separate journal and serial publications by subscription, gift, and exchange. Other resources in the collections include approximately 600,000 government documents and several thousand maps, sound recordings, electronic databases, and manuscripts.
The University of Arkansas Libraries' records are computerized on the InfoLinks library system. Holdings information can be accessed and searched from computers within the library, as well as from computers at homes, offices, or dorm rooms via modem or network connection. Other library catalogs, as well as general and specialized indexing and abstracting databases, can also be accessed through InfoLinks. The library's electronic home page (accessed through UARKinfo) provides a wide variety of information services, including a "virtual reference desk." Anyone with a University identification card may check out materials through the Libraries' convenient electronic check-out system. Loan periods are of varying lengths as defined by the circulation policies, which are available at the Circulation Desk or through the library home page.
The University of Arkansas Libraries maintain a membership in the AMIGOS Bibliographic Council. Through OCLC, the Libraries share cataloging and interlibrary loan information with hundreds of libraries all over the world.
The Special Collections Division in Mullins Library acquires and preserves material for research in the history, literature, and culture of Arkansas and surrounding regions. Through this division, scholars have access to a rich assortment of books, pamphlets, periodicals, photographs, maps, and manuscript collections to support their work. Among the more than 10,000 linear feet of manuscript collections available are the papers of J. William Fulbright, Joe T. Robinson, Edward Durell Stone, Orval Faubus, Brooks Hays, John Gould Fletcher, Vance Randolph, William Grant Still, Jeff Davis, John Paul Hammerschmidt, Daisy Bates, Mary D. Hudgins, Alfred E. Smith, Ruth Polk Patterson, Elizabeth Huckaby, Virginia Tidball, and records of organizations such as the Arkansas Council on Human Relations, the Council of International Exchange of Scholars, Peace Links, and Southland College. In addition, the division maintains a special collection of books written by Arkansas authors, as well as a collection of the articles and books published by faculty members at the University. The division also houses the library's Rare Book Collection and other material.
The Government Documents Department in Mullins Library assists library users in finding government information. The library is a depository for publications of the federal government and the state of Arkansas. In addition, the library archives selected documents from other states, foreign countries, the United Nations, and other international organizations. Information is available in print, microform, or electronic formats. The Audio Visual Department provides equipment for photocopying microforms and offers check-out of microfilm readers for personal use. When faculty members or graduate students need items that are not available in the University Libraries, the Interlibrary Loan Department provides the service of obtaining materials from other cooperating libraries.
The Reference Department assists users in locating and using library materials. Reference librarians are ready to help students use InfoLinks, the CD-ROM databases, and networked electronic resources. In addition, librarians offer orientation sessions and lectures on research methods to various classes from all the colleges on campus.
For information concerning any of these services, as well as information on carrel space, seminar rooms, reserve policies, book and journal ordering procedures, or any other library matter, inquire at any public service desk or at the Director's Office in Mullins Library.
UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
The University Museum has been an integral part of the Fayetteville academic community since 1873. It develops and maintains extensive collections in archaeology, ethnography, geology, history, physical anthropology, and zoology. The entirety is generally available for exhibition, research, education, and/or loan. Many of the collections are more suitable as educational and research tools rather than exhibition materials. Only a small fraction of the collections is exhibited at any one time, but exhibitable collections not included in the regular exhibits are used in traveling and other specialized exhibits to give greater exposure of the collections, to provide variety and interest for viewers at various locations in the community, and to enhance area educational programs.
The University Museum provides facilities and personnel support for specialization in anthropological museology within the M.A. degree program in anthropology. Appropriate Museum collections are assembled on request for University classes in the natural and social sciences, art, and classics. Museum specimens and their associated documentation are available for comparative and research purposes by University faculty, qualified students, and visiting scholars. Some Museum staff members have research or administrative responsibilities in their areas of specialization, teach in the museology program offered through the Department of Anthropology, or serve as guest lecturers in University courses.
The University Museum fulfills its public service and outreach mission with loans of collections to other institutions for exhibit, consultation services to other museums, conservation advice to the public, interpretive tours for visiting groups, discovery classes for students, field trips and workshops for adults, and public information services. The Museum Building houses exhibits, exhibit preparation shops, educational areas, and administrative offices. Registration and curatorial facilities are in Vol Walker Hall where all the study collections are kept. Research and special laboratories are located in University House. The University Museum is a unit of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
COMPUTING FACILITIES
The Department of Computing Services supports research, academic, and administrative computing on the University of Arkansas campus. Computer operations are staffed to provide access to the computing facilities twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Computing Services houses a Hitachi Data System (HDS) GX6210 and two IBM-T92E mainframe computers, a Sun SparcCenter 2000 with ten CPUs, a Sun SPARCStation 20 WWW server, Novell File Servers, general-access computer laboratories, and computer network services.
Academic users have access to the mainframe systems under IBM's VM/System control program for instructional and research applications. Interactive users access with IBM's Conversational Monitor System (CMS). IBM batch users submit jobs to MVS/ESA and VM/ESA systems. The Sun SparcCenter has a Solaris 2.4 operating system and associated system and application products. Labs are equipped with state-of-the-art Apple Macintosh and IBM PC clones with appropriate peripherals. A wide variety of program products are available to address student and research needs. A comprehensive faculty-support multimedia facility is located in the Gibson Annex.
Computing Services is responsible for Administrative Information Systems (AIS) at the University. Comprehensive computer software systems are supported and information resources are maintained to address the management needs of the University. The HDS mainframe with IBM's MVS ESA operating system and Software AG database products is maintained to support AIS processing requirements. Peripherals include disk storage, tape systems, laser printing, and network facilities.
Computing users may access the academic and administrative mainframe systems, the Sun UNIX systems, and other computer systems through UARKnet, the campus computer network. Dialed access, network telecommunication processors, and terminals attached to computer systems on the network are used to access computer resources. Clusters of networked microcomputers are strategically located around campus for faculty and student use. Network connection of labs and offices allows distributed minicomputers and mainframes to be accessed. The University of Arkansas computer network is based upon Proteon's FDDI routers. Ethernet, token ring, and Apple Talk local area networks (LANs) attached to the high-speed Proteon backbone network are the principal components of the UARKnet communication system.
The Computing Services office, located in the Administrative Services Building (ADSB), has staff expertise to support a complete array of services for administrative and academic users. Computing Services maintains a twenty-four-hour work area equipped with networked equipment including IBM-compatible PC micros, Apple Macintoshes, and Sun microcomputers. Other user facilities located at Computing Services are graphics workstations and scanners. Documentation for applications is available through the web server.
Research programs are the means by which the University contributes to the generation as well as to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. With nationally-recognized programs in many areas and funding from government, industry, and other private sources for many, the research effort of the University is strong and diversified and provides special learning opportunities for students as discoveries are made.
In addition to the extensive work performed by faculty through individual and team efforts in academic departments, special programs of research are conducted by the University divisions described below.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, a statewide unit of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, conducts scientific research on the dynamic environmental, economic, and social systems involved in the production, processing, marketing, and utilization of food and fiber.
The Experiment Station is one of the most comprehensive research organizations in Arkansas, with a faculty of approximately 200 doctorate-level scientists. It is an essential part of the research and technology infrastructure that supports Arkansas agriculture and the food and fiber sector, which together account for more than 25 percent of the state's economy.
Experiment Station research is conducted in agricultural and environmental sciences, marketing and economics, social issues affecting rural families, nutrition, microbiology, genetics, computer technology, molecular biology, and other dynamic scientific disciplines.
Many Experiment Station scientists are also on the teaching faculty of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. The result is a wealth of opportunity for students to study and work with some of the nation's most respected scientists. Graduate students work on master's thesis and doctoral dissertation research projects as a part of a team of Experiment Station scientists in modern laboratories, greenhouses, and field research facilities.
Experiment Station research is closely coordinated with the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Together, they comprise the statewide UA Division of Agriculture.
The mission of the Division of Agriculture, through the combined efforts of the Experiment Station and Extension Service, is to provide new knowledge to strengthen the state's food and fiber sector; assure a safe food supply; conserve natural resources and protect the environment; and assist in the economic and social development of communities, families, and individuals, particularly in the rural areas of the state.
ARKANSAS ARCHEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The Arkansas Archeological Survey is primarily a research organization charged by the legislature with statewide responsibility for conserving and investigating the state's archeological heritage, and with making information on this rich heritage available to all. To this end it has an extensive publication and public relations program. It has a staff of 40 (approximately half of whom are professional archeologists) and is recognized as one of the most effective state-supported archeological research organizations in the country.
The Survey's Coordinating Office on the Fayetteville campus consists of the Director, the State Archeologist, computer services, editorial, campus graphics, and other support staff. There are also several research archeologists who carry out archeological investigations under contracts as required by law to protect the state's archeological resources. There is a Station Archeologist at each of nine research stations around the state, including the Fayetteville campus, who are available for graduate guidance.
The Survey works closely with the University's Department of Anthropology in training students. It cooperates with the State Historic Preservation Officer and other state agencies and trains and assists citizen groups interested in archeological conservation. The Arkansas Archeological Survey is a separate University-wide administrative unit with the Director responsible to the Board of Trustees through the President.
ARKANSAS CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
The Arkansas Center for Technology Transfer (ACTT), established by the College of Engineering in 1984, coordinates technical efforts and forms working partnerships with interested Arkansas industries statewide to improve processes and help solve technical problems. (The mission of ACTT is to increase the economic well-being of the citizens of Arkansas by providing technical assistance and training to industries of the State.) Its work is conducted by the specialized units described below. (ACTT is one of the premiere technical assistance centers west of the Mississippi River.)
The Center for Manufacturing Technology maintains a large variety of equipment and has the ability to provide direct problem-solving help to Arkansas industries having specific problems in their operations. The Center encourages manufacturing firms to use the lab's resources and equipment to simulate production problems to study possible solutions prior to investing capital. This option allows clients a truly unbiased, low-risk evaluation of technologies available.
The Industrial Training Laboratory specializes in the design and development of computer-based training programs. Computer Based Training (CBT) combines sound, still pictures, video, animation, and graphics in a variety of customized, interactive, instructional, and electronic performance support applications. The Lab serves as a forum for educational seminars on topics related to training and multimedia design, and as a showcase for emerging instructional technologies.
Engineering Extension Service provides short-term assistance to Arkansas businesses, industries, or local governments in seeking solutions to technical problems. Full-time professional engineers are available to help clients throughout the entire state.
ARKANSAS COOPERATIVE FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT
The Coop Unit is a cooperative venture among the U.S. National Biological Service, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the University of Arkansas. The Arkansas Unit was established in 1988 and is part of a network of cooperative fish and wildlife research units that exist in 41 state land-grant colleges across the United States. The purpose of the Coop Unit program is to conduct applied and basic fish and wildlife research, to train graduate students in research and management methods, and to participate in graduate education and technical assistance. The three Unit leaders are federal employees stationed at the University in order to obtain grants to fund and oversee graduate student research.
ARKANSAS HOUSEHOLD RESEARCH PANEL
The Arkansas Household Research Panel (AHRP) is a continuing project of the Department of Marketing and Transportation. AHRP consists of several hundred Arkansas households that respond to quarterly questionnaires.
The AHRP has been used for both academic, student, and business-related research. The Panel's funding comes from the professional fees that are generated.
ARKANSAS WATER RESOURCES CENTER
The Arkansas Water Resources Center, established by Public Law in 1964, utilizes scientific personnel and facilities of all campuses of the University (and other Arkansas colleges and universities) in maintaining a water resources research program. The Center supports specific research projects throughout the State which often provide research training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and also disseminates information on water resources.
Federal, state, municipal, educational, and other public groups concerned with water resources also participate in the program of the Center.
BESSIE BOEHM MOORE CENTER FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION
The Bessie Boehm Moore Center for Economic Education, established in 1978, promotes an understanding of the American economy among the people of Arkansas. Its major efforts are directed to elementary and secondary school children. The center's faculty and staff hold workshops and seminars for public school teachers, conduct research in economic education, develop instructional materials, maintain a lending library, and sponsor adult economic educational programs for business, labor, industry, and the general community. The Center has been officially certified by the Arkansas Council on Economic Education and National Council on Economic Education.
THE BIOMASS RESEARCH CENTER
The Biomass Research Center currently houses the Food Safety Laboratory which includes the Hybridoma Laboratory, the Water Quality Laboratory, the Agricultural Research Services Laboratory, and two of the entrepreneurial clients of Genesis.
THE BUREAU OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research is both a student-faculty research center and a public service unit. An integral part of the College of Business Administration, the Bureau promotes research of business and economic conditions in Arkansas and responds to daily requests for state economic and demographic data.
Arrangements through the Bureau enable faculty and students to conduct research in their fields of interest. Additionally, the Bureau works on projects with state agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to solve problems and address issues of Arkansas' business and economy.
The Bureau publishes the Arkansas Business and Economic Review, which is dedicated to providing information about Arkansas' business and economic environment. The Review covers state, regional, and national business and economic issues. It includes state and regional economic indices relating to personal income, industrial output, employment, population, and other factors.
CENTER FOR ADVANCED SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES
The Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST), established in 1991, is an element of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences but has a campuswide role with the active involvement of the Fulbright College, the College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, the College of Business Administration, and the School of Architecture. CAST focuses on making Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies available to a wide audience through research, undergraduate and graduate education, spatial data distribution, technology transfer, professional education, digital photogrammetry, remote sensing and interoperability.
The more than 30 CAST staff members come from diverse backgrounds such as architecture, archeology, agronomy, geography, forestry, wildlife biology, social sciences, surveying, engineering, geology, computer science, landscape architecture, remote sensing, photo interpretation and historic preservation.
The National Center for Resource InnovationsSouthwest (NCRI-SW) is one of six regional centers throughout the U.S. whose mission is to transfer GIS and related technologies to county and local governments. Established at the University of Arkansas in 1990, NCRI -SW became part of CAST in 1991.
CENTER FOR ARKANSAS AND REGIONAL STUDIES
A multidisciplinary agency within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Arkansas and Regional Studies encourages research, publication and dissemination of knowledge about life and culture in Arkansas and the surrounding region. The Center also sponsors lectures, seminars, conferences, and workshops, produces audio and video documentary recordings, and works with Mullins Library to locate and collect Arkansiana and other historical materials to uncover and preserve state history.
CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR POULTRY SCIENCE
In 1989, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees designated poultry science for development as a center of excellence in the state's university system. The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science became a reality with the formation of the Department of Poultry Science in 1992.
In addition to faculty members from the poultry science department, the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science has full-time faculty in a USDA/ARS Poultry Research group with multidisciplinary contributions from faculty in several University departments including agronomy, animal science, biological and agricultural engineering, biological sciences, entomology, food science, and industrial engineering, and from the School of Human and Environmental Sciences and from the UALR College of Pharmacy.
The poultry science department and the research group are housed in the John W. Tyson Building, a 112,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art laboratory and office complex opened in fall 1995 on Maple Street on the UA campus. Additional facilities include:
- an FDA-licensed feedmill;
- a processing plant used for teaching processing techniques and for ongoing food safety research projects;
- the Poultry Health Laboratory, which holds a P3 biosafety rating;
- a poultry research farm with hatchery, genetics unit, pullet rearing facility, battery brooder, caged layer house, poultry environmental physiology laboratory, and broiler, turkey and broiler breeder houses; and
- four commercial style broiler houses.
There are also plans for a poultry care research facility.
A major in poultry science provides the scientific and technical education to prepare students for positions of leadership and responsibility in the expanding fields of poultry processing, marketing and production, as well as in the specialized areas of breeding and genetics, nutrition, physiology, poultry health, poultry business management and food science. Students in poultry science can also meet all pre-veterinary and pre-medical requirements necessary for entry into those professional areas.
CENTER FOR MANAGEMENT AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
Providing managerial and leadership training programs, the Center for Management and Executive Development (CMED) works with a variety of businesses and organizations throughout the world to improve their management techniques and the overall health of their companies.
As a lifelong learning opportunity center, CMED provides general and custom-designed training programs to meet clients' needs. CMED conducts informational seminars on supervisory and managerial topics relevant to today's business leaders.
CENTER FOR PROTEIN DYNAMICS
The Center for Protein Dynamics is an interdisciplinary unit for research and teaching within the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Biological Sciences in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The Center raises funds from federal, state, and private sources and sponsors faculty- and student-initiated basic research on the properties of protein molecules and their diverse functions in biological systems.
CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
The Center for Transportation Research provides transportation faculty to the Department of Marketing and Transportation, where it is administratively housed. Other Center activities include research and public service.
The Center is headed by the holder of the Oren Harris Chair of Transportation. The Center and the Harris Chair are totally supported by an endowment in excess of $2 million.
DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION EDUCATION & RESEARCH
Arkansas Research & Training Center in Vocational Rehabilitation
Established in 1965, this national center conducts research, training, dissemination, and technical assistance to enhance the employability development and employment of citizens with disabilities. Faculty are housed at both the Fayetteville campus and the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center.
Regional Continuing Education Center in Rehabilitation
Established in 1974, this center provides human resources development programming for personnel employed in rehabilitation programs funded by the Rehabilitation Act. These programs include: state vocational rehabilitation agencies, independent living centers, community rehabilitation programs, client assistance programs, and projects with industries in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.. The Center is located at the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Research & Training Center for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Established in 1981, this national center conducts research and training programs to enhance rehabilitation efforts on behalf of the 24 million U.S. citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing. These programmatic efforts are directed toward enhancing the career preparation, job entry and placement, career advancement, and workplace communication accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Center is located in Little Rock and also operates two graduate training programs in deafness rehabilitation at that location.
ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION
Research is a major function of each of the faculties within the seven departments in the College of Engineering. Research coordination is achieved through the Engineering Experiment Station, which was established for that purpose by an act of the Arkansas Legislature in 1920.
The departments--Biological & Agricultural, Chemical, Civil, Computer Systems, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering--conduct research over a broad spectrum of subjects within the areas. Faculty members are supported for pursuing research interests along with their regular duties of teaching, and each also participates, as appropriate, in the Engineering Extension program where research results are put into practice. Projects calling for innovative research and development in solving problems include such areas as solarcells, hazardous gas dispersion, automated systems, gas membrane separation, ultra-filtration, bio-separation, chemodynamics, fossil fuels, chemical catalysis, multi-chip module fabrication, superconductivity, combustion, nuclear radiation calibration, logistics, improved pavement systems, advanced transportation management systems, hazardous waste mediation. health sciences, and environmental problems. Considerable research is also carried out for private industry in solving its specific problems.
ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER
The Engineering Research Center provides the facilities and support services for a wide variety of research activities of the College of Engineering. The Research Center houses the Engineering Experiment Station through which all of the research of the individual departments of the college is handled, the Genesis Technology Incubator program, the Southwestern Regional Calibration Center, the High Density Electronics Center, the Arkansas Center for Technology Transfer, the Industrial Training Laboratory, the Center for Interactive Technology, the Systems Technology Laboratory, the Highway Construction Materials Laboratory, the Hydrology Laboratory, the Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Laboratory and the Engineering Extension Office.
The Research Center is a modern 166,000 sq. ft. facility on 30 acres located approximately two miles south of the main campus.
FULBRIGHT INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
An interdisciplinary unit within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the Fulbright Institute of International Relations encourages student and faculty research and scholarly analysis of foreign policy and international affairs.
The Institute sponsors instructional activities, conferences, seminars, public events, and publications, including a major spring symposium on a significant topic in international affairs. The Institute--a center for scholars and researchers from around the world--also sponsors a Visiting Fellows Program which brings national and international scholars, journalists, and professionals to the campus.
Several academic programs are within the institute, including Asian Studies, European Studies, Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies, and Russian Studies. The Institute's Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange coordinates a number of overseas programs and provides support services for students interested in study abroad. In conjunction with Mullins Library, the Institute also oversees the papers of J. William Fulbright, longest-serving chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
GENESIS
With its goal to have a positive impact on Arkansas' employment, economic future, and social environment, the Genesis project is designed to help reduce the failure rate of new companies. The project nurtures fledgling technology-based businesses by providing a wide range of professional and technical expertise, marketing, and financial advice, as well as shared services and office space to lower the business' overhead cost.
Genesis was established in 1986 through funding from the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority. Since its inception, 40 companies have been founded through Genesis, employing more than 400 Arkansans.
HIGH DENSITY ELECTRONICS CENTER
The High Density Electronics Center (HiDEC) was established in 1991 as an interdisciplinary research program in advanced electronic packaging technologies, particularly the rapidly developing technology of Multichip Modules (MCMs), which allows electronic systems to be smaller, faster, and cheaper. With generous support from the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), a large clean room was constructed and an MCM fabrication facility, unique among universities, was installed.
Current research programs focus on High Temperature Superconducting (HTSC) MCMs, synthetic diamond substrates for MCMs, and cost reduction methods for conventional MCMs. The program involves faculty from six departments, and over 20 graduate students. Continuing funding comes from ARPA and several industrial sponsors. Significant national recognition has resulted from HiDEC work.
THE LOGISTICS INSTITUTE
The goal of The Logistics Institute (formerly the Materials Handling Research Center) is to provide undergraduate, graduate, and professional logistics education and research that lead to world-class logistics practices. Sponsored by member companies and the National Science Foundation, the Institute conducts contract, consortium, and inter-university research in all areas of logistics, offers academic and professional programs in logistics, and serves as a focal point for undergraduate and graduate programs in logistics. The Institute's research is conducted on the University of Arkansas and Georgia Tech campuses in the areas of material handling and logistics systems.
MACK-BLACKWELL TRANSPORTATION CENTER
The Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center (MBTC) was established by a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide educational opportunities and conduct research in the area of rural transportation. Additional support is received from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.
The broad objective of the Center is to improve the quality of life in rural areas through transportation. The educational objective is to provide graduates qualified to enter the transportation-related professions with the diversity of backgrounds needed to lead transportation development into the 21st century. Although housed within the Department of Civil Engineering, MBTC's activities are not limited to engineering. All disciplines related to or impacted by transportation participate in MBTC research and educational activities.
OAK RIDGE ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES
The University of Arkansas has been a sponsoring institution of Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Council since 1948. ORAU is a private, not-for-profit consortium of 65 colleges and universities and a management and operating contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy with principal offices located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Founded in 1946, ORAU provides and develops capabilities critical to the nation's technology infra-structure, particularly in energy, education, health, and the environment. ORAU works with and for its member institutions to help faculty and students gain access to federal research facilities; to keep members informed about opportunities for fellowship, scholarship, and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among our members in areas where their collective strengths can be focused on issues of national importance.
Contact Collis R. Geren, (479) 575-5901, for more information about ORAU programs.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides small business consulting and technical assistance to the business community of northwest Arkansas. The SBDC serves as the focal point for linking together resources of the federal, state and local governments with resources of the University, the College of Business Administration and the private sector. These resources are utilized to counsel and train small businesses in resolving organizational, financial, marketing, technical and other problems they might encounter. The SBDC offers free consulting services to small business clients. Seminars for small businesses are offered on a wide range of topics. Small Business Administration publications and other guides are available in the SBDC Resource Center.
STUDENT SERVICES
The University has many programs and services geared to meet the various needs that students may have while they are on the Fayetteville campus. They range from the services that every student requires such as food, housing, and books, to the special needs of minority groups, the handicapped, or those with specific health or academic problems.
The Vice Chancellor for Student Services administers the departments of the Division of Student Services and provides leadership in the development of 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. His office serves as a central source of information concerning University policies and procedures affecting student life and extra-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 are: international student programs, Greek affairs, judicial affairs, multicultural student affairs, disabled student programs, non-traditional student programs, and new student programs.
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 Peer Educator 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 both 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.
The office administers a Friendship Family Program, a Language Partner Program and a Speakers' Bureau. 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 and welcome parties. In addition, there are presently 18 other cultural organizations which 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 Affairs
The Office of Greek Affairs 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 Affairs, the Interfraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council.
The Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Council are the governing bodies for the 11 national sororities and 15 national fraternities. The officers and representatives of IFC and Panhellenic work cooperatively with the Office of Greek Affairs to provide positive programs and leadership opportunities to the members of the Greek organizations. This office is located in M405 Arkansas Union (telephone 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 Room M-405 of the Arkansas Union, advises students, faculty, and staff on matters related to student discipline and the judicial process.
For more information, see the Student Judicial System in Appendix C on page 575.
Multicultural Student Services
The Office of Multicultural Student Services, located in room M405 of 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 575-3104.
Non-Traditional Students
Increasing numbers of older students and other "non-traditional" students are attending the University. A non-traditional student is defined as one who is 25 years of age or older, one who has interrupted his or her education, or one who has dependents. Recent figures indicate that more than twenty-six percent of UA students are over 25 years of age.
The Office for Non-Traditional Students (ONTS) is dedicated to providing support and services that meet the unique needs of non-traditional students. The office provides an information resource center, assistance with University procedures, referrals to campus and community resources, and workshops on topics of interest to non-traditional students. ONTS is located in room M410 of the Arkansas Union, telephone 575-4200.
In addition, several Student Services 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 older students. Residence 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.
Services for Students with Children
There are two services administered by the School of Human Environmental Sciences that can benefit young children whose parents are students at the U of A.
The Infant Development Center, located at 536 N. Leverett, provides care for children age three months to three years. At least one parent must be a U of A student and priority is given to undergraduate parents, single parents, and families where both parents are students.
The Nursery School, located in the Home Economics Building, provides care for children from the entire community who are between the ages of three to five years.
Enrollment in each of the programs is limited and no provision is made to accommodate "drop-ins." For costs and other information, call the School of Human Environmental Sciences at 575-4306.
Special Projects and Services Group
The Special Projects and Services Group, in the Division of Student Services, provides a variety of services to students and potential students of the University. In addition to testing services, other programs include tutoring, academic monitoring and cultural enrichment activities. Several programs provide academic enrichment and career-directed activities for participants. The programs that make up this unit are Educational Talent Search, Multicultural Center, Testing Services, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), and Y.O.U. Follow-up.
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, and campus visits. During their sophomore, junior, and senior years, the students are eligible for acceptance into an Upward Bound Regional Math/Science Center. Each year one student is selected to attend the National Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 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, formal and informal lounges, student organization space and study facilities. The Center is located at 320 Arkansas Avenue, telephone 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 575-3546 or come by 106 Student Development Center, located north of Old Main.
Testing Services
Testing Services administers such national tests as the Medical College Admissions Test, the ACT Assessment (The American College Testing), 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 come by the office at 737 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 postsecondary education. In addition, the students gain personal development through a variety of educational, social, and cultural activities. For more information call 575-3553.
Veterans Upward Bound
This program was designed to identify and serve 120 eligible veterans from Northwest Arkansas who have the potential to enter and succeed in a postsecondary 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. Tutors for specific subjects work with individual veterans. For more information, contact the Veterans Upward Bound offices at 725 Hotz Hall, telephone 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 575-2064.
Career Services and Cooperative Education
The staff of the Career Services and Cooperative Education Office 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 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 100 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 Career Services and Cooperative Education, 411 Arkansas Union, 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, a psychologist, counselors, psychiatric social workers, registered lab and x-ray technicians, and licensed pharmacists.
Students taking six hours of course credit or more in any semester pay a semester health fee which covers professional office visit charges. Students taking fewer than six hours a semester and 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 serves the University of Arkansas and the community at large by providing quality living, dining, and learning programs in an ethical, professional, and financially responsible manner.
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 upperclass student with training, experience, and knowledge to answer questions, and more importantly, help students find their own answers. Full time, master's degree level, residence life professionals called area coordinators live on campus with responsibility for three to six residence halls. Access to halls is provided by use of electronic card readers which allow only residents of that building and escorted guests to enter. Residential living includes several options: apartments for non-traditional students and families; 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 are: wellness, honors programs, global issues, architecture, and engineering areas.
The dining facilities provide a natural setting for socializing with friends and enjoying a wide variety of high quality, nutritious meals. Each of the four separate dining facilities located on campus is managed by a professional staff. Students living in residence halls have several meal plan options. The meal plans available to freshmen include the unlimited meal plan, the 15-meal plan, and the 10-meal plan per week. Upper class and graduate students may choose one of these plans or one of the point meal plans.
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 games room; a ballroom; a theater; a video theater; and an art gallery. Food service is provided at a cafeteria providing hot foods, Mexican specialties, baked goods, soups, and salads. Food is also provided by a snack bar, a pizza shop, a frozen yogurt and submarine sandwich shop, and by a complete catering operation. In addition, the Union houses the University Bookstore, a U.S. Post Office, a hair salon, the Quick Copy Center, the Razorback Shop, a computer store, and a travel agency. For reservations, catering information or additional information concerning Union services call 575-2146.
The Arkansas Union is the center of much student activity and is a perfect place to get involved on campus. The Campus Activities Center provides space and resources for student organizations. Many student events are provided by University Programs. These activities are planned, organized and presented almost totally by students. Typical programs are major concerts, symposium speakers, theater production, video programs, fine arts programs and art gallery exhibits.
The I.D. Card system, the Razorbuck$ program, and the Information Center are administered by the Arkansas Union. Offices for Student Services, Associated Student Government, Career Services, Campus Access and other programs are located in the Union.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES CENTER
The Campus Activities Center (CAC), located on the fifth floor of the Arkansas Union, is the central location for student organizations and activities for the University of Arkansas. The main goal for the CAC is to provide all students with opportunities for involvement and to enable students to learn and practice leadership and management skills which complement classroom learning. Campus Activities is responsible for the oversight and administration of three major areas:
Student Organizations
Student organizations, including living groups, must register annually with Campus Activities. This registration information is kept on file to assist students and administrators in learning more about particular organizations. CAC provides student organizations with assistance and services to help them succeed, including the annual Student Involvement Fair, facility reservation and fund-raising forms, mailboxes, lockers and file space. CAC 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 Office
The Leadership Development Office (LDO) is designed to help students gain and refine leadership and management skills. Several programs, developed by a Leadership Advisory Committee, are offered free of charge to students. Some require an application and/or a small fee. Programs include: Emerging Leaders, Leadership Conferences, the Leadership Resource Area, and the Student Development Transcript. The Volunteer Action Center, a part of the LDO, serves as a clearinghouse of information to enable willing volunteers to provide service in the community. The staff is available to assist students in planning for training needs and to serve as presenters on various leadership topics.
University Programs
University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for coordinating and planning over 350 events annually for the campus community. CAC staff serve as advisers to University Programs.
University Programs provides University of Arkansas students with cultural and educational experiences, entertainment and fun. Eight 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.
Some annual events include Merchants' Fair, Welcome Week, Make a Difference Day, Academic Festival, and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
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 presently a member of the Southeast 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, waterpolo, 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, ten 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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