WELCOME TO BEAR COUNTRY! 2009-2010 University of Central Arkansas Orientation & Registration Handbook
HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE
Welcome to UCA and what President Hardin likes to call, “The Center of Learning.” Our President, our Provost, and the faculty and staff are dedicated to making certain that students at UCA are the center of our attention and support. At UCA you will experience opportunities for success and will be supported by programs and individuals who will have your best interests at heart. As the new freshman class of 2009 and the new graduating class of 2013 you are joining the strongest and best students in Arkansas and the South. UCA graduates are active in all fields and endeavors around the nation and the world. You can feel confident your choice to attend UCA has been a wise one. The mission of UCA is to provide students with the best available education possible in the twenty-first century. Student ACT scores here are above the national average, and UCA continues to maintain one of the highest graduation rates in the state. We are pleased that you have chosen UCA and are eager to help you in your educational pursuits. Welcome to the Center of Learning. Welcome to success. Welcome to UCA.
Dr. Sally Roden, Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Welcome to UCA! By now, you’ve heard that many times, but it is no less sincere. We genuinely—and enthusiastically—welcome you to the UCA community. You are about to begin the best year of your life. Socially, emotionally, culturally, and intellectually, you will experience more in the months ahead than you ever have before. We are happy to be part of that adventure. UCA is a wonderful place to live, to learn, and to work. Take advantage of every opportunity—every possibility—you encounter. The more engaged you are, the more you will benefit. And be sure to let us know when we can help. The Academic Advising Center is committed to your academic success. Again, welcome. We hope the time you spend at UCA will prove to be both pleasant and profitable for you.
Berdie Eubank, Director Academic Advising
Welcome to the University of Central Arkansas! You are about to begin an exciting personal journey that will forever change your life. Whether you are a freshman, transfer or non-traditional student, the Office of Orientation is here to assist you with your transition to college and help prepare you for the road ahead. More than 13,000 fellow UCA students are waiting to meet you, along with a dedicated faculty and staff who are eager to help. As the newest member of our community, we want you to have the opportunity to explore all that UCA has to offer. Countless opportunities for leadership through the over 100 Registered Student Organizations are at your disposal. Not to mention we are equipped with a wireless campus and state-of-the art technology that sets us above other institutions in the nation. Our tradition of academic excellence is seen through the 100 major fields of study, a student to faculty ratio of 19:1 and classrooms that provide personal attention. No matter how involved you choose to be or what your major is we encourage you to find your niche at UCA. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Orientation for any questions you may have. Once again welcome and congratulations on your first step to a new beginning! Lindsay Grifford Director of New Student Programs
TABLE OF CONTENTS JUST CHECKING INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
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CPT/ FYFS 1320
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LEARNING COMMUNITIES
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TOP 10 REASONS APPLY FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
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SAM COMMUTER SERVICES
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TRANSFERRING CREDIT
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THINGS TO DO TODAY REGISTRATION PROCESS CHECKLIST
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NOTIFICATION OF ARKANSAS COURSE TRANSFER SYSTEM
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GUARANTEED EIGHT-SEMESTER DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
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PROGRAM COMPLETION PLAN CONTRACT
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MASTER SCHEDULE
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GENERAL EDUCATION CHECKSHEET
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UCA STUDENTS ENROLLING IN TRANSITIONAL COURSES
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GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
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GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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URSA
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ACCESSING STUDENT INFORMATION IN URSA
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WHAT IS A COURSE SYLLABUS ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER SYLLABUS
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ACADEMIC YEAR ADVISING CALENDAR
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COUNTDOWN ACADEMIC INFORMATION
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ACT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
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HOW DO I KEEP MY SCHOLARSHIP
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THE FACTS ON GETTING A DEGREE
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PROGRAMS OF STUDY AT UCA
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DECLARING YOUR MAJOR/ MINOR
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LOCAL BANKS/ LAUNDRY SERVICES
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SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO BRING
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NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE-ACADEMIC SURVIVAL SKILLS WHAT IS ACADEMIC ADVISING
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HELPFUL NUMBERS AT UCA
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UCA COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS CONTACT INFORMATION
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CAMPUS MAP/ BUILDINGS AND ABBREVIATIONS
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ACADEMIC CALENDAR
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HOW TO MAKE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT
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BEEN THERE SHOULDA DONE THAT
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TIPS FOR SUCCESS
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
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FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL TIPS
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STUDY TIPS 4 SERIOUS STUDENTS
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TOP 10 TEST TAKING TIPS
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CLASSROOM DO’S & DON’TS
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POINTERS FROM PROFESSORS
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CHOICES OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
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GENERAL POINTERS FOR TAKING CLASS NOTES
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NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE-CAMPUS SURVIVAL SKILLS CONTROL STRESS BEFORE IT CONTROLS YOU/ LIFE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
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HOW COLLEGE STUDENTS HANDLE TIME MANAGEMENT
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25 SAVING-MONEY TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
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MAKE SAVING FUN!
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DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES OFFERED
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UCA TERMINOLOGY
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HOMEWORK
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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REGISTRATION CANCELLATION
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UCA ALMA MATER/UCA FIGHT SONG
BACK COVER
DID YOU KNOW? UCA archivist Dr. Jimmy Bryant (who generously provided the UCA history facts for "Did you know?"), recently earned the title of Certified Archivist (CA) from the Academy of Certified Archivists, making him the first certified archivist in the history of UCA. Dr. Bryant first qualified to take the Academy's certification exam and then passed it in Baton Rouge. There are very few certified archivists in Arkansas, and Dr. Bryant's accomplishment makes UCA one of only two four-year universities in the state with a certified archivist as its archive director.