STUDENT LIFE INVOLVEMENT GUIDE
WELCOME
During your time at the university, some courses will require you to take a lab. These lab courses provide students with the chance to apply the knowledge gained from class. Through a single experiment, students can see how various concepts come together, helping them understand the interconnectedness of different parts. I would encourage you to view campus involvement as a real-life laboratory. The experiences you gain through campus involvement will not only enhance your college journey but also learn important skills that will contribute to your future success. Here are just a few of the things you’ll learn about outside of the classroom.
1. Social Skills/Networking: Engaging in campus activities is an excellent way to meet new people with similar interests and forge lasting friendships. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can make your college experience even more memorable. These interactions not only enhance social skills but also build a supportive network that extends beyond the college years.
2. Personal growth/development: Involvement on campus allows you to step out of your comfort zone, acquire new skills, and uncover hidden talents. Whether it's joining a club, participating in a volunteer program, or taking on a leadership role, you'll have numerous opportunities for personal growth.
3. Broadening your horizons: College is not just about academics; it's also about exploring new experiences and diverse perspectives. By getting involved on campus, you'll have the chance to attend events, workshops, and cultural activities that can expand your horizons and enrich your college experience.
4. Making a difference: Engaging in campus organizations and initiatives gives you the opportunity to have a positive impact on your college community. Through advocacy, community service, or event planning, you can contribute to causes you care about and leave a lasting legacy on campus.
So, take the leap and get involved on campus. You'll be amazed at the opportunities, connections, and personal growth that await you. Your college experience is what you make of it, and getting involved is a fantastic way to make it truly unforgettable
All the best,
Dave Stevens, Ed.D. Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
MISSION
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Office of Campus and Community Engagement fosters personal and professional growth to create social mobility through inclusive activities and diverse co-curricular educational environments, while enriching the university experience, cultivating community partnerships, and positively impacting the River Valley.
OFFICE OF CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT
Student Activities
Civic Engagement
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Leadership Programs
REACH OUT
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
The Student Government Association is the recognized voice of the student body. The SGA advocates for student issues and concerns in an effort to enhance the student experience.
SGA POSITIONS
1 Representative per Class
4 Student-at-Large Representatives
3 Representatives per College
Representative
CUB CAMP
Cub Camp is a three-day extended orientation program that takes place on the UAFS campus. Cub Camp is designed exclusively for first-time, full-time, incoming college freshmen and provides those students with a unique opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and learn more about the many opportunities at UAFS. Cub Camp is led by nearly 100 UAFS upperclassmen who are passionate about their success. Each counselor is an experienced UAFS student with tremendous advice to share about college coursework and studying, fun things to do in Fort Smith, and how you can get involved on campus.
Contact us at CubCamp@uafs.edu or 479-788-7695. To learn more about Cub Camp scan the QR code below.
CUB CAMP 4
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD
The Campus Activities Board is a student-run programming board for our university. These students are responsible for planning events that the entire campus can enjoy. CAB is divided into several different committees including Numa Nation, Entertainment, Lion’s ROAR, and Legacy.
MISSION STATEMENT
Through leadership and teamwork, the Campus Activities Board is committed to creating impactful yet fun social experiences for the entire UAFS community.
CORE VALUES
“The Campus Activities Board’s mission is to help make UAFS a home for all incoming students. This organization allows you to plan fun events for your peers, create a community on campus, and to become involved on this campus. CAB gives you the opportunity to help create student activities that genuinely support the students and to make an amazing impact on this campus. If you’re looking to grow your leadership skills, be a part of a family, and grow as a leader, then CAB is right for you!” — Reagan Heppner
EVENTS PLANNED BY CAB
Howdy Dance • Casino Night • Haunted Union • Midnight Breakfast
Island Party • Teal Tailgate • Fresh Check Day • Midnight Madness Tournament
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD 6
REASONS TO GET INVOLVED
“The more involved you are on campus, the more knowledgeable you are about events and what’s happening on campus.” — Tran Nguyen
Get FREE food and t-shirts
Build relationships with fellow students, faculty, and staff
Gain valuable leadership skills
Obtain opportunities to build up your resume
Make memories to last a lifetime
Create community impact through volunteering experiences
Make the most of your college journey
7 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED
NUMALINK
NUMALink is our one-stop shop for campus involvement at UAFS. Students can search NUMALink by logging on to My.UAFS and clicking the Students tab. NUMALink can be found under Student Life. Use your UAFS login information to access your account.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
UAFS has more than 100 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus. RSOs are a great opportunity for students to gain skills in leadership, communication, event planning, marketing, and much more. Each RSO works with an on-campus faculty or staff advisor to plan programs and opportunities for their members that align with their mission.
RSO CATEGORIES
Academic • Arts • Cultural • Fraternity and Sorority Life • Honor Society Political • Religious • Special Interest • Sport Club • University Organization
For a full list, please visit NUMALink.
Want to start a new RSO? Create your new RSO on NUMALink!
BLOCK PARTY
The Campus Picnic and Block Party takes place the second week of the fall semester. Students can visit with more than 100 booths, including RSOs and local non-profits, to learn how to get involved on campus and in the local community. Our UAFS administrators serve food to more than 1,500 students annually at this event. The highlight of each year’s Block Party is the “Build-Your-Own-Numa” station, where students can stuff their very own lion!
NUMAS
The NUMA Awards Ceremony, or NUMAs, is an end-of-the-year ceremony to honor and award registered student organizations, student leaders, and advisors for their achievements in the current academic year. All RSO members and advisors are invited to attend this semi-formal event.
LEADERSHIP
UAFS appreciates the success of its student leaders and supports them by offering various leadership development opportunities throughout the year. Be sure to keep an eye out around campus for spotlights of current student leaders and ways to develop your leadership skills.
LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
The Leadership Luncheon speaker series was designed to offer students beneficial training and skill development in different leadership areas. Each luncheon will concentrate on a specific aspect of leadership and personal growth, and what's great is that each speaker will be from our campus community.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Leadership Academy is a leadership development program that offers small leadership focused workshops throughout the academic year. Any UAFS student is eligible to attend these leadership workshops and can participate in the NUMALink path program. Individuals who sign up for the Leadership Academy Path and complete up to 70 percent of the workshops available are given the Leadership Academy trophy at NUMAs.
L.E.A.D LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY
This LLC is for first-year residential students from all majors who want to receive leadership training and skill development to become leaders in their own community. By training student leaders, this LLC will further support the mission of UAFS by preparing the students to succeed in an ever-changing world. The experience spans the fall and spring semesters, and students who are actively engaged in the LLC for the duration are recognized at the end of the academic year for their participation. To engage with this program, students must intend to be a residential student, complete the application, and be accepted into the program.
FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
Fraternities and sororities at UAFS offer many opportunities for students to be involved in a growing community that includes three sororities, four fraternities, two governing councils, two all-Greek honor societies, and a programming board. Students in fraternities and sororities develop the foundation for a life built on leadership, academics, social engagement, and service.
Our fraternities and sororities conduct separate formal recruitment processes during the beginning of the fall semester in an effort to recruit new members.
SORORITIES
Alpha Omicron Pi
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
College Panhellenic Council
The governing council for women’s sororities on campus consists of executive officers who lead delegates from each represented sorority at UAFS. The council focuses on promoting a lasting sisterhood and programming for leadership and service opportunities in the sorority community.
FRATERNITIES
Kappa Alpha Order
Kappa Sigma
Pi
Kappa Phi
Sigma Nu
Interfraternity Council
The governing council for men’s fraternities on campus consists of an executive board and delegates from each represented fraternity at UAFS. The council provides programming for its member fraternities, facilitates formal fraternity recruitment in the fall, and promotes
HOMECOMING
UAFS Homecoming is celebrated in the spring semester with our Lions and Lady Lions basketball teams. In addition to a week full of school spirit events, such as the Homecoming Tailgate, Bonfire, and Pep Rally, RSOs compete in various competitions to include king and queen selection, banners, megaphone decorating, and much more. Homecoming also welcomes back UAFS alumni through weekend events like the Alumni Reunion Dinner.
FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS AT UAFS
You are considered a first-generation college student if neither of your parents have earned a bachelor's (4 year) degree at the time you begin college. Being a firstgeneration student is a tremendous accomplishment - the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is so proud of you!
Half of UAFS students are first generation, and approximately one-third of our faculty and staff were the first in their families to attend college too! At UAFS, we are proud to provide programming, mentorship, and connections for our first-generation students.
Additionally, to celebrate your triumph at graduation we offer, for purchase, “First Generation Student” stoles to wear during commencement!
LEARN ABOUT FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS AT UAFS.
For more information, email us at First2Go@uafs.edu or visit uafs.edu/first-gen
FAMILY WEEKEND
Join us for a memorable Family Weekend at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) in the fall term, where students and families come together for a weekend of fun, socializing, and excitement! Students, families, friends are welcome to indulge in the delicious flavors of our annual chili cook-off, where the campus comes alive with savory aromas and friendly competition. Enjoy games, photo opportunities, and lively music. Cheer on our talented Lady Lions volleyball team as they dominate the court in thrilling games that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Whether you're exploring campus, enjoying delicious food, or cheering for our teams, Family Weekend at UAFS promises unforgettable moments and cherished memories for the whole family.
BABB CENTER FOR CAREER SERVICES
Not sure what you should major in or what career is best for you? Come see us for career exploration guidance and assessments to help point you in the right direction.
Need a job or internship? Utilize Lions CareerLink to search for opportunities and upload your resume for review. Attend multiple career fairs and employer networking events offered each semester.
Want to stand out to employers? Attend workshops and events so that you are ready for the professional world of work – and earn the Certificate of Distinction in the process!
Ready to graduate? Not sure what’s next? We’ll help level-up your resume, practice for the interview, and search for the right opportunity now that your diploma is within reach. The Babb Center for Career Services is here to help you no matter where you are in your journey at UAFS –as a new student, returning student, graduate, OR alumni!
RECREATION & WELLNESS
The UAFS Campus Recreation and Wellness Department is here to enhance the quality of life for our students, faculty, and staff by providing opportunities for participation in various recreational programs, services, and facilities. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Department includes the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC), intramural sports, fitness programs, club sports, climbing and bouldering walls, and outdoor programs. Join us to make many memories through our department during your time at UAFS.
RAWC
35-foot climbing wall • 15-foot bouldering wall • Matrix strength and cardio equipment • indoor track group fitness classes • two full-size basketball courts • studio rooms for group and personal fitness
FITNESS
The RAWC offers a full line of state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and strength equipment. Patrons can participate in a variety of organized and structured fitness classes and programs. Yoga, Cardio Dance, Zumba, Core Crunch, and others are offered weekly.
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
The Outdoor Adventure Program provides opportunities for students to have fun, exciting, adventure-based experiences. The philosophy of this program is to provide for the cultural and physical development of students in a wide range of outdoor pursuits and environmental settings. Our past adventures include lake kayaking, hiking, geocaching, and rafting.
SPORTS CLUBS
Students with an interest in specific sports can compete against other university teams in sanctioned leagues and tournaments. Sports Clubs can include soccer, tennis
INTRAMURALS
Campus Recreation and Wellness offers the opportunity for students to form a team, make friends, and compete in intramural activities. Leagues and tournaments are played during the year, with most sports offering opportunities to compete in men’s, women’s, and co-ed leagues. Events can include flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer, 3-on-3 basketball, 5-on-5 basketball, volleyball, softball, dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee.
HOUSING
Live where you learn! UAFS offers two unique living opportunities just steps away from any building or event on campus with free laundry facilities, exclusive events for residents, and meal plan options. Pricing for all facilities also includes all utilities, high-speed internet, and the Residence Life Cinema streaming platform with hundreds of movies.
SEBASTIAN COMMONS
THE LION’S DEN
The Lion’s Den is designed for first-year students with suite-style living where residents can choose from a variety of room options. Each suite has a private bathroom. Residents also benefit from multiple student lounges, access to cable TVs and full kitchens, on-site dining, secured entry to buildings and wing with the swipe of their Lions ID, and even 24-hour access to free laundry facilities that will text you when your laundry is ready!
Primarily for upperclassmen and married students, Sebastian Commons offers apartment-style living with a variety of apartment options. Each apartment comes fully furnished with access to a 24-hour lounge, study room, and free laundry facilities, as well as amenities such as basketball courts, a sand volleyball pit, and private parking for residents.
HOUSING 21
RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION
HOUSING
ATHLETICS
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is home to the nationally known Lions, who compete in NCAA Division II men’s and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, and cross country as well as baseball and women’s volleyball. With UAFS Cheer and Pom supporting the Lions at every home game! UAFS Athletics strives to prepare our student-athletes to succeed socially, athletically, and academically. All Lion games arefreetoUAFSstudents.
Check out uafortsmithlions.com for more information.
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER
The VRC is open to all student-veterans and their dependents as a space to connect with one another. The center has two computer stations with CAC readers built into the keyboards as well as a printer for student use. We connect student-veterans with advisors who specialize in veteran services.
At UAFS veterans also receive priority registration and access to a full-time VA vocational rehabilitation counselor. Heather Chance, the UAFS VA school certifying official, has more than eight years of SCO experience.
Scan the QR code below to learn more about student-veteran resources.
Contact Heather Chance at Heather.Chance@uafs.edu or 479-788-7091.
STUDY ABROAD
A WHOLE NEW GLOBAL VIEW: WE CAN SHOW YOU THE WORLD
We offer study abroad opportunities to six of the seven continents. Whether it is through one of our direct exchange partners or a third-party vendor, the world is only a passport away. Most classes, if not all, will be transferable and count towards your degree plan.
There are semester, year-long, two-week, and multiple other options so students can find the best program to suit their desired duration and comfort level. Study abroad students must be at a sophomore level or above. Minimum GPA requirement is 2.25.
LIONHEART
LionHeart is a service-based organization that aims to find and fit the passions of members with volunteer opportunities in the UAFS community and beyond. Leadership roles are available to those who seek to dive deeper into the world of volunteerism through LionHeart. Individuals looking to serve can learn more or sign up on NUMALink.
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK
Alternative Spring Break provides an opportunity for UAFS students to have a meaningful volunteer experience in collaboration with partners from outside the Fort Smith area. This program develops students as leaders, humanitarians, and active citizens.
“The Alternative Spring Break trip I went on to Pensacola, Florida, was an experience I’ll never forget! Getting involved in a community much different from our own definitely helped me learn about aquatic life in a hands-on way, and it gave me an opportunity to make connections to new people.”
— Michelle Atkins
#CONNECT
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
UAFS Student Government Association
@SGAUAFS
479-788-7309
SGA@uafs.edu Campus Center 119-A
RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER
UAFS Recreation and Wellness Center
@UAFSRAWC
479-788-7600
RAWC@uafs.edu
FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
UAFS Greek Life @UAFSGREEKS
479-788-7694
GreekLife@uafs.edu Campus Center 109
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
UAFS Campus & Community Engagement
@UAFSCACE
479-788-7699
CACE@uafs.edu Campus Center 115
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER
479-788-7155
Veterans@uafs.edu Campus Center 120
LIONHEART
UAFS LionHeart
@LIONHEARTUAFS
479-788-7127
LionHeart@uafs.edu Campus Center 107
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD
UAFS Campus Activities Board
@CABUAFS
479-788-7318
CAB@uafs.edu Campus Center 114
BABB CENTER FOR CAREER SERVICES
UAFS Babb Center for Career Services @UAFSCAREERSERVICES
479-788-7017
CareerServices@uafs.edu Boreham Library 212
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE
UAFS Office of International Relations @UAFSGLOBAL
479-788-7137
International@uafs.edu Campus Center 123
FIRST GENERATION STUDENTS
479-788-7368
First2Go@uafs.edu
CUB CAMP
UAFS Cub Camp @UAFSCUBCAMP
479-788-7695
CubCamp@uafs.edu Campus Center 110
HOUSING
UAFS Housing @UAFSSHOUSING 479-788-7340
Housing@uafs.edu
ALUMNI
UAFS Student Alumni Association @UAFSALUMNI 479-788-7920
Alumni@uafs.edu
ATHLETICS
UAFS Lion Athletics @UAFSATHLETICS 479-788-7590
DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
479-788-7310 Campus Center 201C