RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

The University of Central Arkansas’ Residential College program continues to help first-year students navigate the transition to college through providing dedicated faculty, specialized classes and co-curricular programming within residence halls. Recognized by the Association of American Colleges & Universities as a high-impact practice, living and learning communities such as UCA’s Residential Colleges lay the educational foundation for more than 800 new students each year. Each Residential College has its own theme, and each works closely with academic colleges and Housing & Residence Life to develop environments that contribute to a successful freshman experience. Residential College students take part in undergraduate research, study abroad, service-learning,

HIGHLIGHTS ◊ STEM@Arkansas completed its eighth year of hosting

Science Wednesdays, a monthly gathering featuring interdisciplinary panels of experts discussing topics such as the science of religion, the science of time travel, the science of language and the science of hate. The panels served students and the community at large, and students facilitated the discussions. ◊ EDGE@Hughes continued its tradition of reading the

U.S. Constitution to celebrate Constitution Day 2019.

Mark Elrod, lecturer in political science, facilitated the tradition. personal brand development and experiential learning opportunities that create space for deeper engagement and learning. UCA’s five living and learning communities and its one commuter learning community include: Business Residential College in Bear Hall (Biz@Bear), EDGE Residential College in Hughes Hall (EDGE@Hughes), HPaW Residential College in Baridon Hall (HPaW@ Baridon), The Stars Residential College in Short/Denney Hall (The Stars@Short/Denney), STEM Residential College in Arkansas Hall (STEM@Arkansas) and the Minton Commuter College in Old Main (MCC@Old Main).

◊ HPaW@Baridon’s Video Game Demo Day turned video game playing into meaningful discussions on how games provide a sense of community, help with identity formation and connect to psychology, as well as how video games can enhance personal well-being. ◊ The Student Veterans Resource Center, located in

MCC@Old Main, finished equipping a gaming therapy room with assistance from Stack Up, a military charity.

The space allows veterans to attend biweekly group therapy with a certified Veterans Affairs counselor.

UCA STUDY ABROAD RWANDA BEAR ESSENTIALS FOOD PANTRY

Established in 2014, UCA's Bear Essentials Food Pantry is a campus-wide effort to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity. The food pantry receives a significant amount of support. More than 20,000 pounds of food was donated in 2019-20. In February, the Board of Trustees recognized Jacob Christie, student volunteer coordinator and May 2020 graduate, with the Bear C.L.A.W.S. Award for his leadership and dedication. The food pantry will move to a larger, more accessible location in spring 2021.

JACOB CHRISTIE BEAR C.L.A.W.S. RECIPIENT