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INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
This information is located on UCA’s website at: http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/ undergradstudies/advising/incomingfreshmen.html Admissions will send an acceptance letter once a student has been admitted to UCA or University College. Health Services will need proof of immunization records. Students can print an immunization form and take it to their doctor for verification of immunization. The form can be found on the Student Health Services website at: http://www.uca.edu/divisions/student/studenthealth/Required%20immun.doc Students who do not have ACT or SAT Scores will be required to take the Computerized Placement Test (CPT). The CPT is also available for any student who scores below 19 on the English, Math, or Reading area of the ACT as an opportunity to test out of transitional classes such as Intermediate Algebra, Transitional Reading or Transitional Writing. CPT tests cannot be taken after the registration appointment. A photo ID is required. Transfer credit, AP and CLEP credit must be provided on an official COLLEGE transcripts and official AP/CLEP score reports. All students (with the exception of Honors College students who will take HONC 1310) are required to take WRTG 1310 their first semester and will be registered for it unless documentation, such as a transcript or an AP/CLEP score, is provided at the time of the registration appointment. Official documentation must be provided on an official COLLEGE transcript or official AP/CLEP score reports. The Arkansas Course Transfer System website is a resource for students transferring courses and the website is: http://acts.adhe.edu/ An online Placement Exam is required before a student can register for a foreign language if that student has had previous instruction in that language. This exam MUST be taken PRIOR to the registration appointment. The Placement Exam website is: http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/lingua/ Placement/placement_examinations.htm Required classes for majors and the four year degree completion plans can be viewed at the Degree Program Completion Plans (http://www.uca.edu/model/). Students who plan on taking CHEM 1450: College Chemistry I in the Fall semester because of their PCP and major requirement should view the list of chemistry skills (http://chemistry.uca.edu/faculty/desrochers/chem1450/1450skills.pdf) expected of students entering CHEM 1450 to verify their readiness for the course. BIOL 1440: Principles of Biology requires these same chemistry skills, as well. Some students may need to take CHEM 1301: Fundamentals of Chemistry before CHEM 1450 and BIOL 1440. The General Education Program is required of all majors. Summer and Fall 2009 classes can be found in the Schedule of Classes. Course descriptions are available in the Undergraduate Bulletin. The Freshman Year Experience Seminar (FYFS), Laptop Initiative, Clusters and Residential Colleges are great courses and programs for freshmen. Academic Scholarships and Music Scholarships have certain hour, GPA, or course requirements. View the Confidentiality Agreement at: (http:// www.uca.edu/divisions/general/gencounsel/ferpa/ index.asp).
CPT/ FYFS 1320
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CPT: COMPUTERIZED PLACEMENT TESTING Computerized Placement Tests (CPT) are available for students who do not meet regular admission criteria for academic placement purposes, allowing students to enroll in the regular curriculum in the CPT area (s) in which passing scores are earned. The CPT tests are brief, ranging from 12 to 20 questions. These tests are not timed. CPT tests are offered in english, reading, and mathematics. Effective September 16, 2002, students taking CPT tests because of program requirements and/or enrolling at UCA must pay a nonrefundable charge of $5.00 per test. Payment (cash or check) is required at the time of testing. Students who have not taken the ACT or SAT exam will be required to take the CPT for placement purposes. CPT testing must be completed prior to registration. A photo ID is required. For additional information, contact the University Testing Office at 450 -3209. International students should consult with the Office of International Programs at 450-3445 for details.
FYFS 1320 First-Year Experience: An Introduction to Higher Education (FYFS 1320) is an introduction to the aims and activities of higher education. This course advances knowledge. You will grow in your intellectual skills and think seriously about attitudes and values. Overall, this course helps first-year students find their place at UCA and in an increasingly global society, as it prepares UCA students for success as life-long learners. Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to:
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Critically examine their own values and cultures, world views, assumptions and biases about the institution of higher education and ultimately society, both local and global;
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Cultivate a sensitive and affirming community environment that espouses an awareness and appreciation of one’s self and others;
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Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of financial responsibility;
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Determine and apply personal learning styles and personality types to life-long learning experiences;
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Achieve and apply informational and technological literacy and gain an appreciation of their cultural significances;
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Practice the power of voice through critical thinking, speaking, reading, and writing;
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Discover and increase awareness of one’s civic responsibility.
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Use this class as a 3-hour elective. It counts towards your graduation!
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LEARNING COMMUNITIES LEARNING COMMUNITIES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS UCA—100 YEARS 100% LEARNING IN COMMUNITY!
Learning Communities are classes that typically: ü
enroll a common cohort of students (translation: you take two or more classes with the same group of people…sometimes even people who live down the hall!)
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seek to build community around the process of engaged learning (translation: you learn AND you have fun doing it!)
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restructure the curriculum so that learning is an activity that occurs both in and beyond the classroom (translation: learning happens everywhere!)
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emphasize collaborative efforts between faculty and students (translation: professors learn as well as teach, because students teach as well as learn!)
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improve both student performance and student success (translation: average GPAs are higher in learning communities and you are more likely to graduate!)
Learning Communities come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the unique needs of different students. 100% of first-year students are enrolled in a learning community—find your niche! UCA offers entering students the opportunity to be a part of the following learning communities:
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Residential Colleges Honors College University College Traditional Learning Communities (clusters & linked classes) First-Year Experience Seminar TRADITIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES CLUSTER & LINKED CLASSES
Thousands of UCA students have enjoyed the benefits of "clustered" or “linked” courses -- and so can you! Clusters consist of 2 or 3 courses that are connected -- the classes are taught by different professors but the same students enroll in both courses. This creates a ready-made group of study partners and friends, and has been a proven means of raising student satisfaction, performance, and persistence toward graduation. Any first-year student may enroll and several are specifically designed for pre-med, nursing, athletes, UC and undeclared students. "I liked having the same people in my classes. I have made some awesome new friends!" "The fact that we are all in the same [classes] all makes it easier to help each other with work." "I got to know the people in my two [linked] classes better than in my other classes" "Having the same people in two classes really helps with the comfort level."
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
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University College (UC) offers transitional courses and freshman - and sophomore-level general education courses for under-prepared students with the goal of admitting them into a baccalaureate degree program at UCA. Transitional courses do not count towards graduation credit. UC meets this goal by providing students with access to faculty, tutors and advising staff who specialize in working with students with developmental needs. HONORS COLLEGE Established in 1982, the Honors College at UCA emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to learning and offers a curriculum based on small, discussion-oriented classes. “The Honors College is a community of learners practicing the art of inquiry, conversation, collaboration, and communication.” The Honors Center and Honors residence halls build a sense of community among Honors students, while study abroad opportunities expand students’ horizons. The program is open to students with an ACT score of 28 or higher and a high school GPA of at least 3.5. RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES HUGHES, STATE, AND SHORT/DENNEY When Hughes Residential College began in 1997, it was the first living and learning program in Arkansas. Now Hughes, State, and Short/Denney Residential Colleges offer students the experience of taking classes in their residence hall with people who live “down the hall.” The benefits of these shared, in-hall classes are obvious; students in the residential colleges have consistently had the highest average GPAs of all non-Honors College residence halls. The residential colleges also emphasize (and deliver!) community-building through camping trips, cultural excursions, cook-outs, and service projects. Hughes, State, and Short/ Denney are open to all students accepted to UCA. Each learning community aims to ensure that YOU get off to a great start in your academic career. We know one will be right for you.
For more information on Learning Communities at UCA contact: Jayme Millsap Stone, Director of Learning Communities 501.450.3125 or see our website at: www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/undergraduatestudies/
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TOP 10 REASONS TO APPLY FOR RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
UCA’S RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES What’s so special about Hughes, State, & Short/Denney? Residential Colleges are more than just places to stay. They are
learning communities that provide their members with opportunities to develop every aspect of Student Life— academic, CIVIL, & social! If you are looking for the total collegiate experience, you need to check out Residential Colleges. APPLY NOW, before all the places are filled!!!! Top ten reasons to apply for Residential Colleges 10. Increase Your Chances of Academic Success. Residential College (RC) students earn higher grades and are more likely to graduate. 9.
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Get to know your fellow Residential College Students while completing general education classes (all first-year students take 3 RC classes in the fall semester and 2 in the spring)….makes studying a breeze. Get involved in Campus Activities and Civic Organizations. Residential College students are involved in many campus activities. All Colleges participate in service-learning opportunities such as Heifer Project International, Habitat for Humanity and the local women and homeless shelters. Get to know your professors. The Residential Colleges give you something no other residence hall offers…a full-time UCA faculty member living in the hall. These “Resident Masters” help to create an extended family atmosphere within the college (plus they’re really cool). Also, smaller class size in the Residential Colleges allows for more interaction with your professors. Take Advantage of our study groups. Hughes, State, & Short/Denney have upper class mentors who organize study groups for difficult classes. Earn those A’s!
5. Residential Colleges offer you a chance to study abroad. Spend two weeks in May visiting other countries! It will be an enriching experience, plus you’ll earn academic credit! 4. Only Hughes, State, & Short\Denney have Mentors. Mentors are older students who continue to participate in the Residential Colleges by assisting freshmen with everything from moving in to getting involved and making friends. Many mentors are computer savvy students who are available to help residents with computer questions and on-line networks. 3. Enjoy Additional Activities that Enrich your Collegiate Experience. The Residential Colleges offer a wide variety of activities and social events, including field trips, camping, canoeing, caving, and intramural sports. 2. Make a Smooth Transition to UCA. Being part of Hughes, State, or Short/Denney allows you to take classes with others who live in your residence hall. You will make friends, form study groups, and feel at home quickly.
And the #1 Reason to join a Residential College…. 1. Come to Class in Your PJ’s! Since many of the Residential College classes are held in Hughes, State, & Short/Denney classrooms, students can attend class right out of bed!
SaM COMMUTER SERVICES
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SaM COMMUTER SERVICES OFFICE: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF UCA’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS The Division of Undergraduate Studies is pleased to introduce UCA’s new support program for commuter freshmen, Satellite Minton (SaM). SaM provides academic, social and civic participation opportunities to encourage closer interaction between commuting freshmen and other students/offices around campus. SaM utilizes aspects of UCA’s successful Residential College program, applying some of the most effective practices that we have established over the last 10 years since the Residential College program began. Most notably, SaM provides a Learning Community environment where students in the SaM program have access to certain General Education courses that are open only to them. This allows for more closely targeted study group organization, and it also encourages the students to meet other commuters and get involved with the campus community as a whole. Some of the other services SaM offers to our commuter freshmen: v A lounge area to hang out in during breaks between classes v Events that are normally available only to freshmen who live on campus (for example, a group camping/canoeing trip) v An incentive program that provides rewards for academic success and for positive study habits v And perhaps our most valuable service: Mentor-led Study Groups SaM sections of freshmen classes are offered very focused study groups that are led by upperclassmen Mentors who have previously earned an A in that same course. This has been enormously helpful to our commuter freshmen over the last year, and we are excited to be expanding this service for the 20092010 academic year. If you have any questions about SaM Commuter College, please contact Miranda Morris with the Division of Undergraduate Studies. You can apply online at the Undergraduate Studies website: www.uca.edu/residential or by contacting the Undergraduate Studies office at 501-450-3125.
DID YOU KNOW? Until UCA adopted the Bear mascot in 1920, sports writers would refer to student athletes as the Tutors, the Teachers, the Normal Eleven (in football) the Normal Gridmen (also in football) and the Pea-Pickers (because UCA's campus included a 240-acre farm).
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TRANSFERRING CREDIT TRANSFERRING CREDIT
If you have attended another college or university, it is your responsibility to have that institution mail an official transcript to UCA before classes begin. If you have received concurrent credit through your high school, you must request an official transcript from the college which awarded the credit. Having a course listed on your high school transcript is not sufficient to receive college credit. Again, UCA should receive this transcript before you begin classes. If you have taken an Advance Placement (AP) test or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test, it is your responsibility to have an official score report sent to the Academic Advising Center before you begin classes at UCA. If you intend to take the CLEP or have already taken it and are awaiting your scores, it is your responsibility to report those scores to the Academic Advising Center before you begin classes at UCA. IMPORTANT NOTE: You cannot enroll in any course for which you have—or expect to have—transfer credit or credit by examination. When you meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes, it is your responsibility to make the advisor aware of any such credits. Please be reminded that you must register for a writing course. Unless you have already tested for WRTG 1310 and/or WRTG 1320 when you enroll in the university, you cannot earn examination credit for writing. (Bulletin, www.uca.edu/ubulletin/02 /205.html [8.1].) REMEMBER TO: Request OFFICIAL transcript (s) showing final grades from colleges and universities where you have earned credit be sent to: UCA Undergraduate Admissions Bernard Hall 101 University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Avenue Conway AR 72035 Request OFFICIAL score reports for CLEP or AP Exams be sent to: Academic Advising Center Harrin Hall 100 University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Avenue Conway AR 72035 Fax: 501.450.3208 AND After you have confirmed that UCA has received your transfer credit/test scores it will be your responsibility to e-mail the Advising Center at AdvisingCenter@uca.edu to make schedule revisions using your URSA/cub e-mail. The deadline to submit schedule changes via e-mail will be the week before classes start. After that date you must come to the Advising Center with your documentation in order to change your schedule. You may call 450.5149 for questions.
NOTE: CLASS SCHEDULES WILL ONLY BE CHANGED WHEN YOU PROVIDE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLETED COURSEWORK. (ie. AP/CLEP/IB score reports, official transcripts from the college/university awarding credit, etc.)