Bearbook 5 by Larry Burns

NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE— ACADEMIC SURVIVAL SKILLS

WHAT IS ACADEMIC ADVISING? UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER MISSION STATEMENT

The Academic Advising Center is a team of professionals dedicated primarily to assisting first year students in defining and achieving their academic goals. In addition, we provide centralized academic advising services for the UCA Community. WHAT IS ACADEMIC ADVISING? Academic advising is Educational Academic advising is a vital part of your educational experience. Your advisor will help you to identify and develop educational plans compatible with your life goals and help plan a curriculum to achieve those goals. Academic advising is Informational Like all colleges and universities, UCA has established policies, procedures, deadlines and resources to help you reach your personal and academic goals. Your advisor will answer questions and provide information about how to manage the university system with confidence and success. Academic advising is Relational Your academic advisor uses an identification number to access your student records, but you are never just a number at UCA. Your academic advisor cares about you and genuinely wants to help you succeed—not only in college but also in life. Whatever your needs, you will find a friend in your academic advisor. The stronger your relationship with your advisor, the greater the likelihood you will succeed. Where do I find my advisor? Your advisor information is available in URSA under the Self-Service tab. Click on the Student and Financial Aid link, Student Records, then View Student Information. Look at the Primary Advisor Type. If the type is listed as “First Major Advisor” you will need to contact the department your major is in. If the type is “Academic Advising Center” you can find your advisor in Harrin Hall. When should I see my advisor? *When you need information about university policies or deadlines. *When you have questions about degree requirements, course prerequisites, and specific majors and minors. *When you are having difficulty with class work or study skills. *When you want to drop or add a class or schedule classes for the next term. *Prior to mid-term and final exams. *After you receive mid-term grades to discuss academic progress. *Whenever YOU feel it’s necessary!

Academic Advising Center 201 Donaghey Harrin Hall 100 Conway, AR 72035-0001 Phone: 501.450.5149 Fax: 501.450.3208 E-mail: AdvisingCenter@uca.edu

HELPFUL NUMBERS AT UCA PROBLEM

41 WHO TO CONTACT/WHERE TO GO

PHONE NUMBER

Academic Issues/General Information

Your Academic Advisor http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/undergradstudies/

450.5149

CLEP and other standardized Test Dates

Testing Center http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/assess/testing/index.htm

450.3209

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

http://acs.adhe.edu/

1.800.547.8839 (1.800.54 STUDY)

Computer Labs

The Department of Information Technology has a comprehensive list at http://cc.uca.edu/cgi-bin/cs.cgi?DF=/students/labs/index.html

Correspondence Courses, Online courses

Academic Outreach http://www.uca.edu/aoep/

450.3118

Housing Location, Room, Roommate Assignments, add a Meal Plan to account

Housing http://www.uca.edu/divisions/admin/housing/

450.3132

Re-issue Student ID, Meal plan, DCB and BearBucks Management

One Card Office http://www.uca.edu/uca/bearbucks.php

450.5818

Illness, Immunization Records

Student Health Services http://www.uca.edu/divisions/student/studenthealth/

450.3136

Internships, Co-ops

Cooperative Education http://www.uca.edu/newweb/careerservices/

450.3250

Jobs, Career Preparation, Resume, Discover

Career Services http://www.uca.edu/newweb/careerservices/

450.3134

Loans, Grants

Financial Aid http://www.uca.edu/divisions/admin/finaid/

450.3140

Locked your keys in your car, UCA Police Battery needs jump, Police http://www.uca.edu/divisions/admin/ucapd/ escort to car at night

450.3111

Personal Enhancement, Individual consultations

Counseling Center http://www.uca.edu/counseling/

450.3138

Fees/Fee Payment Schedule

Student Accounts http://www.uca.edu/divisions/admin/finserv/studentaccounts/index.asp

450-5015

Problems with URSA Information Technology account, Wireless activation, http://it.uca.edu/ WebCT

450.3107

Scholarship renewal, Probation,Suspension

Undergraduate Studies http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/undergradstudies/

450.3125

Special Needs/ Accommodations

Disability Support Services http://www.uca.edu/divisions/student/disability/

450.3135

Transcripts, Proof of Enrollment

Registrar http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/registrar/

450.5200

Tutoring

The Division of Undergraduate Studies has a comprehensive list at http://www.uca.edu/divisions/academic/undergradstudies/Tutoring.html or Contact individual departments http://www.uca.edu/info/depts.php

COLLEGE AND DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

COLLEGE & DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION (Building abbreviations and a campus map can be found on page 44-45 of this book.) DIVISION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES DEAN’S OFFICE 450.3125 ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER 450.5149 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE 450.3220 UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC CENTER FOR SUCCESS RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES 450.3125 UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL 450.3125 PROBATION/SUSPENSION 450.3125 REGISTRAR 450-5200 VETERAN’S AFFAIRS 450-5200 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DEAN’S OFFICE 450.3106 ACCOUNTING 450-3108 ECONOMICS, FINANCE, INSURANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT 450-3109 MANAGEMENT INFO. SYSTEMS 450-5326 MARKETING & MANAGEMENT 450-3149

DEAN’S OFFICE EARLY CHILDHOOD & SPEC. ED. MIDDLE /SECONDARY ED & INSTRUCTIONAL TECH.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 450-3175 450-3172 450-3177

HAR 200 HAR 100 MH 10 Main Hall Basement HAR 200 HAR 200 HAR 200 MCC Hall MCC Hall

BBA 222 BBA 309 BBA 304 BBA 318D BBA 214

MAS 100 MAS150 MAS 104

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION DEAN’S OFFICE 450-3293 ART 450-3113 MASS COMMUNICATION & THEATRE 450-3162 MUSIC 450-3163 WRITING 450-3344 SPEECH & PUBLIC RELATIONS 450-3202

HAR 222 MAC 101 SRH 216 SFAC 103 WTH 308 WTH 204

COLLEGE OF HEALTH & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES DEAN’S OFFICE 450-3122 FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES 450-5950 HEALTH SCIENCES 450-3194 KINESIOLOGY & PHYSICAL EDUCATION 450-3148 MILITARY SCIENCE & LEADERSHIP 450-3145 NURSING 450-3119 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY 450-3192 PHYSICAL THERAPY 450-3611 PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING 450-3193 SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 450-5482

DHSC 104 MAC 100 DHSC 317 FC102 MEA 101 DHSC 109 DHSC 300 PTC 300 MAS 248 SLHC 110

COLLEGE & DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS DEAN’S OFFICE 450-3167 ENGLISH 450-5100 GEOGRAPHY 450-3164 HISTORY 450-3158 PHILOSOPHY & RELIGION 450-3179 SOCIOLOGY 450-3178 WORLD LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES 450-3168

IRB 120 IRB 317 IRB 301 IRB 105 HAR 224 IRB 306 IRB 207

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS DEAN’S OFFICE 450-5083 BIOLOGY 450-5916 CHEMISTRY 450-3152 COMPUTER SCIENCE 450-3401 MATHEMATICS 450-3147 PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY 450-5900

LSC 105 LSC 180 LAN 205A. Math/Tech. 345 Math/Tech 234 LSC 171

DID YOU KNOW? At 55 percent, UCA has the second-highest graduation rate among all public Arkansas colleges and universities. Only UCA and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville have graduation rates above 50 percent.

CAMPUS MAP UCA Shuttle Route is subject to change. An updated map and shuttle route will be posted in August. The website to view an updated map is: http://pplant.uca.edu/MFP/CampusMaps/ShutRts.pdf

CAMPUS MAP

BUILDING ABBREVIATIONS CBH—Baridon Hall BHCC—Brewer-Hegeman Conf. Ctr. BBA—Burdick Business Admin. DENH-Denny Hall EST—Estes Stadium FC—Farris Center HPER—Health/Physical Ed. Bldg DHSC—Doyne Health Sciences Ctr. HAR—Harrin Hall HUGH—Hughes Hall IRB—Irby Hall LAN—Laney Hall LIB—Torreyson Library LSC—Lewis Science Center MAC—McAlister Hall MASH—Mashburn Hall MCC—McCastlain Hal

MEAD—Meadors Hall MCS—Math, Computer Sci.& Tech. MH—Main Hall NEWH—New Hall NMIN—Minton Hall PRIN—Prince Center PHYT—Physical Therapy Center SFAC—Snow Fine Arts Center SHDY—Short/Denny Hall SHRT—Short Hall SLHC—Speech/Language & Hearing Center SRH—Stanley Russ Hall SSA—Schichtl Studio Arts Building STAT—State Hall TORW—Torreyson West WTH—Win Thompson Hall

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

August 2009 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

ACADEMIC CALENDAR SAT

1 2

MON

FALL SEMESTER 2009 August 16-19, Sun-Wed August 16, Sunday

September 2009 SUN

The Academic Calendar is subject to change and is posted on UCA’s webpage at: http://www.uca.edu/schedule/html/academiccalendar.php

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

August 17, Monday August 20, Thursday August 22, Saturday August 25, Tuesday August 25, Tuesday September 1, Tuesday September 7, Monday September 8, Tuesday September 15, Tuesday September 18, Friday

October 2009 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

November 2009 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

December 2009 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

September 22, Tuesday September 25, Friday September 29, Tuesday October 6, Tuesday October 8, Thursday October 13, Tuesday October 13, Tuesday October 14, Wednesday October 15 – 16, Thur/Fri October 20, Tuesday October 27, Tuesday October 30, Friday November 2 - 24 November 3, Tuesday November 10, Tuesday November 13, Friday November 30, Monday

Welcome Week Activities for new freshman and transfer students “Countdown to Classes” Mandatory advising session at 3:30 p.m. in Ida Waldran Auditorium Opening Convocation Instruction begins - day and evening classes Instruction begins - Saturday classes Change-of-course period ends Last date to register, add classes or change from credit to audit or audit to credit Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Labor Day Holiday Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Final date to make degree application for Dec. graduation Final date to officially withdraw from a Aug 20 Oct 9 course with a W grade Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Final date to officially withdraw from a Aug 20 Oct 9 course with a WP or WF grade Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium MAJORS FAIR SC BALLROOM 12:30-3:00 Final date to add Oct 12 - Dec 11 course Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium NOON Mid-term grades report date Fall Break Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Final date to officially withdraw from a Aug 20 Dec 11 course or the university with a W grade Advance Registration Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Academic Success Prog. X-Per., DHSC Auditorium Final date to officially withdraw from a Oct 12 Dec 11 course with a W grade Final date to officially withdraw from a Oct 12 Dec 11 course with a WP or WF grade & Final date to officially withdraw from a Aug 20 Dec 11 course or the university with a WP or a WF grade

ACADEMIC CALENDAR November 30, Monday November 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 27 December 4, Friday December 5, Saturday Dec. 7 -11,Mon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fri December 12, Saturday December 14, Monday SPRING SEMESTER 2010 January 14, Thursday January 16, Saturday January 18, Monday January 20, Wednesday

February 12, Friday February 19, Friday February 26, Friday March 9, Tuesday March 10, Wednesday March 20-28, Sat-Sun April 2, Friday March 31- April 21 April 16, Friday April 23, Friday

April 23, Friday April 30, Friday May 1, Saturday May 3 - 7, Mon-Fri May 8, Saturday May 11, Tuesday

47 Recommended date to make degree application for December 2010 graduation Thanksgiving Holiday Study Day Final Exams - Saturday classes Final Examinations - day and night classes Winter Commencement NOON Final grades report date

January 2010 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Instruction begins for the Spring semester - day and evening classes Instruction begins - Saturday classes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Change-of-course period ends Last date to register Last date to add classes Last date to change from credit to audit or audit to credit Final date to make degree application for May graduation Final date to officially withdraw from a Jan 14 Mar 5 course with a W grade Final date to officially withdraw from a Jan 14 Mar 5 course with a WP or WF grade Final date to add Mar 8 - May 7 course Mid-term grade report date Spring Break Final date to officially withdraw from a Jan 14 May 7 course or the university with a W grade Advance Registration Final date to officially withdraw from a Mar 8 May 7 course with a W grade Final date to officially withdraw from a Mar 8 May 7 course with a WP or WF Grade Final date to officially withdraw from a Jan 14 May 7 course or the university with a WP or WF grade Recommended date to make degree application for May 2011 graduation Study Day Final Exams - Saturday classes Final Examinations - day and night classes Spring Commencement NOONFinal grades report date

February 2010 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

March 2010 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

April 2010 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

May 2010 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1 2

HOW TO MAKE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

The University of Central Arkansas places a very high priority on student advising and considers it an integral part of your academic success. The Advising Center, with professional academic advisors and faculty, is here to assist you during your stay at UCA. Refer to your URSA Self-Service to find out who your advisor is. All undeclared students are advised in the Advising Center along with all incoming freshmen with majors except for majors in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. Students who have a major in the Health and Behavioral Sciences will need to contact their major department to meet with an advisor. The AAC uses an innovative online appointment system called AdvisorTrac where students can access their advisor’s calendar through any internet connection 24 hours a day. The Academic Advising Center Advisors will see students as walk-ins from Welcome Week until the change of course period ends which is listed in the academic calendar on page 46 of this book . After this date, appointments will be available. It is recommended that you make an appointment within the first 3 weeks of class to meet with your advisor. To make an appointment you will need to have access to a computer with internet access.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 1. Log into URSA. 2. Click on the “My UCA” tab. 3. Go to the Advising Center Channel (in the center of the page) . 4. Click on the AdvisorTrac Logo. This brings you to the AdvisorTrac Homepage Your user id and password for this system is your Network ID and PIN just as like you logged into URSA 5. Type your user id. 6. Type your password. 7. Click the “Login” button.

This brings you to the Advisor Availability page. AdvisorTrac automatically searches for seven days following your sign in date. Extend the search by changing the date if you need to. Make the date in the same format as listed. 10. Make sure your advisor is shown. 11. Click on “Advising” . 12. Click “Search”.

This will bring up your advisor’s availability. Appointments are made every 30 minutes. 13. Click on the time frame that best suits you. 14. A new screen appears. Click on the arrow next to the time. If multiple selections are ofThis brings you to your home page. All messages fered, choose the time that best suits you. sent to you by the AdvisorTrac system will be 15. All appointments require a “Need Help in”. posted on this page until you log out. Your appointClick on the arrow and select an option. ment day and time will also be posted here as well. 16. Click the “Save Appointment” button. 8. Click on “Go To” (located at the top right ). 17. Click on “Go To” at the top of the screen and 9. Click “Make an Appointment”. select “Main Menu”. 18. Click “Exit” to leave the program.

TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT Appointment Page At the login screen: • Your User Name is the 3rd party ID you used to • Click the DELETE button. Wait until request log into URSA has been loaded. • Your password is your six digit PIN. • Click on Main Menu. • Click on EXIT to end the session or click on Student Main Screen Make an Appointment to reschedule with your • Click on date of appointment you wish to advisor. cancel. If you need any assistance, please come to the front desk in Harrin 100. Hours are MondayFriday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

BEEN THERE...SHOULDA DONE THAT

BEEN THERE...SHOULDA DONE THAT! TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF COLLEGE From the experts themselves…other college students! ................................................................................. “Don’t go home the first month. It only makes it harder when you come back. Besides, that’s when everyone is anxious to make friends and there’s a lot going on.” --- Junior, Business Major .......................................................................................

“I was really pretty shy, so rooming with a friend gave me the confidence to meet more people and try more things.” ---Sophomore, Biology Major ................................................................................. “College is a good time to become the person you want to be. People accept you for who you are now, not who you were in the third grade.” ---Senior, Economics Major ................................................................................. “There’s a lot of cool stuff on campus, but you have to look for it. I was so caught up in making friends and writing papers, that college was no bigger than my dorm. It took me a while but I finally got involved in a campus group, and through that, a research project. I should have done it sooner.” --- Senior, Education Major ................................................................. “People are the best part. Having friends makes college easier.” --- Sophomore, Theatre Major ............................................................ “EVEN IF YOU’RE EINSTEIN, THE FIRST SEMESTER IS A BIG ADJUSTMENT. DON’T GET SO HUNG UP ON GETTING OUT IN FOUR YEARS THAT YOU BITE OFF MORE THAN YOU CAN CHEW. YOU CAN ALWAYS PICK UP EXTRA CREDITS SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE.” --JUNIOR, SPEECH COMMUNICATION MAJOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “The first few weeks are great! You’re meeting people, partying, no tests, no papers…Then, wham!! You’ve got everything due in the same week. If you weren’t hitting the books right along, you’ll spend the rest of the term digging yourself out!” --- Senior, Political Science Major ..............................................................

“My brother, who’s not in college, works 40 – 50 hours a week at his job. When I’m sick of studying I try to ask myself if I’ve put in that many hours. It’s definitely a reality check. You need to think of school as your job.” --- Sophomore, Psychology Major . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ……………...

TIPS FOR SUCCESS TIPS FOR SUCCESS WEEK ONE 1. Check out the location of your classrooms to be sure you can make it to classes on time. 2. Arrive early to each of your classes. 3. Sit near the front in all of your classes, even if you have friends sitting elsewhere in the room. 4. Learn all of your instructors’ names and BE SURE to address them as “Doctor” if they have earned that degree. Check out their office location and be sure you know their office hours and have their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses in case you need to contact them. Don’t be afraid to greet them and get to know them. 5. Take writing materials to class even on the first day. 6. DO NOT write in any books that you purchase prior to the first day of class. You may find that you don’t need some books or supplementary materials. If you have kept your receipt and have not written in the books, you may be able to return them. 7. Check in with your advisor toward the end of the first full week of classes to let him/her know how things are going. 8. Be sure you read and reread the course syllabus and any other informational material handed out in each of your classes. Keep the syllabus. It is imperative that you understand your instructors’ policies on attendance, handing in work, grading, etc. For example, some instructors have an attendance policy in which you may be penalized (even dropped from the class with a grade of WF) for missing classes. ANY questions you have about class policies should be asked at the beginning of the semester. Failure to read or understand these policies will not excuse you from your obligations, and may hurt your GPA. WEEK TWO 1. If, after the first two or three classes in a particular course, you believe that you might have difficulty earning a “C” or higher, see your advisor and get him/her to direct you to the tutoring center DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. If the course seems difficult at first, do not assume it will get easier—it will not. Address any academic problems when they arise, and they will be manageable. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for help: that is why they have office hours. 2. ASK QUESTIONS! ASK QUESTIONS! ASK QUESTIONS! Your advisor is here to help you succeed; but he/she can’t read minds! 3. Make sure that you know the deadlines for adding and dropping classes. A missed deadline can be harmful to your GPA. THINGS THAT WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR FIRST SEMESTER 1. Check your UCA e-mail regularly. 2. Carry your student ID with you. 3. Know your PIN (but safeguard it from others). Along with your ID number, you can use your PIN to access your academic records and get other information through your URSA account. If you forget your PIN, go to the IT Help Desk in BBA 106. You must present a photo ID before the number will be given to you. 4. Become proficient at doing research through the Internet databases and using computer software packages by attending workshops in the University Center for Academic Success located in the Basement of Main Hall. 5. Make an effort to know your instructors. Visit their web pages, if they have one. 6. GO TO CLASS!! 7. Be motivated. Set academic and personal goals for yourself. 8. Be self-disciplined. Determine your priorities; then, make a realistic study schedule and stick with it. Don’t overload on classes. 9. Participate on campus. Join a club; attend athletic events, plays, concerts, recitals, etc. 10. Consult regularly with your academic advisor.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

11. Make use of available tutoring and computer labs. 12. Write or call your family at least once a month. 13. If you are ill, go to Student Health Services in the Student Health Center, phone: 450.3136. 14. If you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed, tell your advisor or visit the UCA Counseling Center in the Student Health Center, phone: 450.3138. 15. If finances are a problem, see Financial Aid in McCastlain Hall room 001, phone: 450.3140. 16. Take advantage of the HPER fitness center, Phone: 450.3405 and the Farris Center pool, Phone: 450.3148 to stay in shape and stay healthy. 17. You should know that many instructors expect students to follow the”2-to-1 rule”—for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend two hours of study/reading/homework/preparation time outside of class. Be realistic. Schedule enough time for study and for social activities. 18. Get enough rest. 19. Maintain a positive attitude. 20. GO TO CLASS! ACADEMIC INFORMATION 1. READ and UNDERSTAND information contained in the Undergraduate Bulletin . (http://www.uca.edu/ubulletin/) 2. GO TO CLASS!!! Individual instructors may assign a grade of WF for non-attendance to any stu dent. Students are responsible for completing any missed work. If possible, talk to your instruct tor before missing class. Definitely consult with your instructor when you return to class. 3. GRADE FORGIVENESS – a student may repeat in residence (at UCA) a maximum of four courses in which a D, F, or WF grade is earned. Both grades will remain on the permanent record, but only the second grade will be used to calculate the grade point average. This option may be used only once for each specific course. A student must accept, for purposes of grade forgiveness, the first four courses repeated. No course may be repeated for the purpose of grade forgiveness after a course for which it is a prerequisite has been passed. 4. PROBATION – a student will be placed on academic probation whenever the semester grade point average is less the 2.0. A student will be removed from academic probation whenever the semester grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0 AND the cumulative grade point average equals or exceeds 2.0. A student on academic probation who does not achieve a 2.0 semester grade point average AND does not meet the minimum cumulative average listed below will be academically suspended. The calculations of hours attempted will include grades A, B,C,D, F, and WF. Semester Hours Attempted 1-30 31-59 60 or more

Minimum Cumulative GPA 1.70 1.85 2.00

A first suspension will be for one academic semester and the summer session. A second suspension will be for one calendar year. A third suspension will be academic dismissal, for an indefinite period of time. Credit earned at another institution while on academic suspension will not count toward a degree at UCA. 5. DROP/ADD CLASSES – you will need a drop/add card signed by your advisor. Deadlines apply. WITHDRAWALS - You may withdraw without penalty from a class which meets for a full semester with a grade of “W” up to a certain date within the semester. You will still be able to withdraw from a class, but will the drop classification will be determined from the grade

TIPS FOR SUCCESS you have in the class—Withdrawal Passing (“WP”) or a Withdrawal Failing (“WF”) and may affect your overall GPA. Check the academic calendar for important deadlines. To withdraw from a class, see your academic advisor. To withdraw from the university, go to the Office of the Registrar in room 112 McCastlain Hall. You must complete paper work and collect signatures from various university offices. DO NOT assume that you are officially withdrawn because you have stopped attending classes or have informed your instructors that you are withdrawing. You MUST complete the official withdrawal process, or you may jeopardize your standing at the university.

CALCULATING YOUR GRADE POINT AVERAGE (G.P.A.) UCA uses a four-point scale to determine grade point average (GPA). A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. To obtain the grade point average, follow these steps: 1) Multiply the number of points for the grade, times that number of credits for the course. For example, a B in a three-hour course is worth nine points. 2) Add total grade points earned. 3) Divide by the total hours attempted to obtain the GPA. COURSE RADE POINTS TOTAL WRITING 1310 A (3X4) 12 HISTORY 2301 B (3X3) 9 MATH 1390 C (3X2) 6 HEALTH ED 1320 C (2X2) 4 KPED 1121 B (1X3) 3 34TOTA L 12 34 Semester G.P.A.: 34 Grade Points divided by 12 Credit Hours = 2.833 TRANSFER COURSES 1. There is no limit on the number of credit hours that may be transferred to the university; however, a maximum of 60 hours transferred from a 2-year institution may be applicable toward a baccalaureate degree. A minimum of 60 hours earned at a 4-year institution is required for a baccalaureate degree. 2. Normally only credits with A, B, and C grades transfer. The university will, however, accept for transfer a maximum of 6 hours of credit with D grades, subject to the following conditions: •

The transfer of credits with D grades is available only to first-time entering students at the time of admission to the university.

•

Only the first 6 hours of credit with D grades will be considered.

•

3. 4.

Prerequisite rules shall apply to transfer of credits with D grades the same as they do to UCA credits. Take a copy of your evaluated transcript (s) with you when you meet with your advisor. If you do not have a copy, you should be able to get one from the Office of Admissions. If you do not agree with your transfer course evaluation, consult with Dr. Terrance Kearns in the English department for general education courses or with the appropriate department chair for all other courses. If you are transferring foreign language credits and intend to enroll in additional courses in that language, you may need to take a language placement examination. Contact the World Languages office in room 207 of Irby Hall for information. Your transfer courses should be recorded as part of your UCA file between mid-term and the end of your first semester. Check online via your URSA account . Click on the Self-Service tab, Student & Financial Aid, Student Records, Academic Transcript. Please note that course credits transfer but not the grade point average. Your UCA grade point average will be determined by the grades you make at UCA. Transfer credit is designated by the level at which it is earned (lower division - L or upper division - U).

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

FINDING A MAJOR UCA’s web site offers a number of resources for exploring majors: 1. Discover Program through Career Services in Bernard Hall 314. Call 450.3134 to make an appointment. 2. Model Plans of Study are located on the UCA web site at http://www.uca.edu/model/. You can check this site for model (suggested) four-year plans of study for many of the majors offered at UCA. This is a good source of information if you are trying to determine a major. 3. Check the web site for the college and/or department offering the major in which you are interested at http://www.uca.edu/info/depts.php If you are interested in business, education, or health sciences, these sites will give you more updated information than you will find in the four-year plans. 4. If you want information about specific careers, the job market, etc, contact UCA Career Services, which is located in Bernard Hall 314, telephone: 450.3134 or check out any of the following web sites (enter websites EXACTLY as shown): A. America’s Career Infonet http://www.acinet.org/ This site contains occupational information that will increase your overall understanding of the job market, including supply/demand and salaries. B. Career Planit http://www.jobweb.com/ Advice and resources designed to help college students find a satisfying major C. Career Zone http://www.nycareerzone.org/ Important information on hundreds of careers D. ONET http://online.onetcenter.org/ Occupational information on over 950 jobs E. Prentice Hall Student Success Site http://www.prenhall.com/success/MajorExp/ index.html Explore majors and other career planning material F. The Princeton Review Career Site http://www.review.com/career/index.cfm G. Myjobsearch.com http:/www.myjobsearch.com WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN: Gathering information about majors and careers is an important part of the academic decision-making process. The following websites allow you to take stock of your interests, abilities, and values and learn more about majors that might suit you best. You can also learn about career opportunities that are possible for different majors and gain tips on preparing your for your future career. A. UCA Career Services: http:// www.uca.edu/career B. http://www.keirsey.com By clicking on the section titled “Take the Keirsey Sorter,” you can take a 70-item inventory to learn more about your personality. Once you have your results, go to http://www.typelogic.com/ to get a more detailed description of your personality. C. http://www.typefocus.com Take the Free Personality Assessment to get a profile of your personality. After you find your four-letter personality code, go to http://www.typelogic.com to learn more about your personality type. D. http://career.asu.edu/S/ChooseMajor/MajorInfo/MajorInfo.htm Outstanding site for learning about career possibilities for a range of majors and the strategies needed to get there. Scroll down the page and click on “Information” next to the major of interest. E. http://jobstar.org Provides a wealth of useful links for learning about prospective majors and careers. Choose “Career Guides,” then “Guides for Specific Careers” to access a list of university majors and explore career options related to the major.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

As you will soon learn, college is very different from high school. In general, as a college student you are considered an adult and as an adult you are responsible for your own choices —whether good or bad. The following are comparisons you may have had in high school and what you can expect on the college level. PERSONAL FREEDOM IN HIGH SCHOOL VS PERSONAL FREEDOM IN COLLEGE

High school is mandatory & free! (Unless you choice other options).

College is voluntary & expensive.

Your time is usually structured by others.

You manage your own time.

You need permission to participate in extracurricular activities.

You must decide whether to participate in extracurricular activities. (Choose wisely in the first semester and then add later.) You need money to meet basic necessities.

You need money for special purchases or events. You can count on parents and teachers to remind you of your responsibilities and to guide you in setting priorities.

You will be faced with a large number of moral and ethical decisions you have not had to face previously. You must balance your responsibilities and set priorities.

Guiding Principle: You will usually be told what your responsibilities are and corrected if your behavior is out of line.

Guiding Principle: You’re old enough to take responsibility for what you do and don’t do, as well as for the consequences of your decisions.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES VS COLLEGE CLASSES

Each day you proceed from one class directly to another.

You often have hours between classes: class times vary throughout the day and evening.

You spend 6 hours each day – 30 hours a week in class.

You spend 12 to 16 hours each week in class.

Most of your classes are arranged for you.

You arrange your own schedule in consultation with your academic advisor. Schedules tend to look lighter than they really are. The academic year is divided into two separate 17-week semesters, plus a week after each semester for exams.

The school year is 36 weeks long; some classes extend over both semesters and some do not.

TESTS IN HIGH SCHOOL VS TESTS IN COLLEGE

Testing is frequent and covers small amounts of material.

Testing is usually infrequent and may be cumulative, covering large amounts of material. You, not the professor, need to organize the material to prepare for the test. A particular course may have only 2 or 3 tests in a semester.

Makeup tests are often available.

Makeup tests are seldom an option; if they are, you need to request them.

Teachers frequently rearrange test dates to avoid conflict with school events.

Professors in different courses usually schedule tests without regard to the demands of other courses or outside activities.

Teachers frequently conduct review sessions, pointing out the most important concepts.

Professors rarely offer review sessions, and when they do, they expect you to be an active participant, one who comes prepared with questions.

Mastery is usually seen as the ability to reproduce what you were taught in the form in which it was presented to you, or to solve the kinds of problems you were shown how to solve.

Mastery is often seen as the ability to apply what you’ve learned to new situations or to solve new kinds of problems.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL VS GRADES IN COLLEGE

Grades are given for most assigned work. Consistently good homework grades may help raise your overall grade when test grades are low.

Grades may not be provided for all assigned work. Grades on tests and major papers usually provide most of the course grade.

Extra credit projects are often available to help you raise your grade.

Extra credit projects cannot, generally speaking, be used to raise a grade in a college course.

Teachers carefully monitor class attendance.

Professors may not formally take roll, but they are still likely to know whether or not you attend.

Classes generally have no more than 35 students.

Some classes may number 60 – 90 students.

You are provided with textbooks at little or no expense.

You need to budget substantial funds for textbooks, which will usually cost more than $300 each semester.

You are not responsible for knowing what it takes to graduate.

Graduation requirements are complex and differ for different majors and sometimes different years. You are expected to know that those apply to you.

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS VS COLLEGE PROFESSORS Teachers check your completed homework.

Professors may not always check completed homework, but they will assume you can perform the same tasks on tests.

Teachers remind you of your incomplete work.

Professors may not remind you of incomplete work.

Teachers approach you if they believe you need assistance.

Professors are usually open and helpful, but most expect you to initiate contact if you need assistance. Professors expect and want you to attend their scheduled office hours. Professors have been trained as experts in their particular areas of research. Professors expect you to get from classmates any notes from classes you missed. Professors may not follow the textbook. Instead, to amplify the text, they may give illustrations, provide background information, or discuss research about the topic you are studying. Or, they may expect you to relate the classes to the textbook readings. Professors may lecture nonstop, expecting you to identify the important points in your notes. When professors write on the board, it may be to amplify the lecture, not to summarize it. Good notes are a must. Professors expect you to think about and synthesize seemingly unrelated topics.

Teachers are often available for conversation before, during, or after class. Teachers have been trained in teaching methods to assist in imparting knowledge to students. Teachers provide you with information you missed when you were absent. Teachers present material to help you understand the material in the textbook.

Teachers often write information on the board to be copied in your notes.

Teachers impart knowledge and facts, sometimes drawing direct connections and leading you through the thinking process. Teachers often take time to remind you of assignments and due dates.

Professors expect you to read, save, and consult the course syllabus (outline); the syllabus spells out exactly what is expected of you, when it is due, and how you will be graded.

STUDYING IN HIGH SCHOOL VS STUDYING COLLEGE You may study outside of class as little as 0 – 2 hours a week, and this may be mostly last minute test preparation.

You need to study at least 2 – 3 hours outside of class for each hour in class.

You often need to read or hear presentations only once to learn all you need to learn about them. You are expected to read short assignments that are then discussed and often re-taught, in class. Guiding Principle: You will usually be told in class what you needed to learn from assigned readings.

You need to review class notes and text material regularly. You are assigned substantial amounts of reading and writing which may not be directly addressed in class. Guiding Principle: It’s up to you to read and understand the assigned material; lectures and assignments proceed from the assumption that you’ve already done so.

FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL TIPS FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL TIPS

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Go to Class! Turn off all cell phones, pagers, etc. before class starts. Go to class on time with assignments completed. Study 3 hours for every hour of class. If you are taking 12 hours, plan to study for 36 hours a week. (College really is a Full-Time Job!) Pay attention to announcements made at the start and end of class. Prepare to take notes before class starts. Be attentive, take notes, and ask questions. Proofread your papers. Keep copies of your papers. Know the names of all your professors and where their offices are located. Visit with your professors during their office hours. Make appointments to see professors at times other than office hours. Visit with your academic or faculty advisor at least twice a semester. Know where you can find assistance with academic, health, and personal problems. Use these services. Your tuition and fees pay for them! Keep lines of communication open. Talk with parents, friends, and professors. Be considerate and respectful of your fellow students. Develop a sense of belonging. Get involved and make friends. Much learning takes place outside the classroom. Attend campus events. There are lots of workshops, guest speakers, athletic events, club activities, music, art and theater performances, and more. Check campus bulletin boards, the Office of Student Activities, and the UCA Today web site for information. Learn to use the library. Manage time and money well. Check your URSA e-mail account daily. Get enough sleep. You will have much more freedom. Use it wisely. You are responsible for your own actions! Be prepared to work hard. This is not high school.

DID YOU KNOW?

The UCA Board of Trustees loved student Sam Huffman's design for the 1920 class ring which incorporated a bear (because Arkansas was known as "The Bear State" at the time). UCA didn't have a mascot, so the Board of Trustees officially adopted the Bear as UCA's mascot in 1920. The word "Bears" was first used in print to refer to a UCA athletic team in February 1921. The UCA women's teams were then known as the "Bearettes."

STUDY TIPS 4 SERIOUS STUDENTS

STUDY TIPS 4 SERIOUS STUDENTS «Understand that studying is not just reading. «Choose a day each week to review ahead for at least the next week. «Plan your study time. «review. Rewrite your notes the day of that lecture. Review your notes daily. Plan a time for a weekly note «Create flash cards. «Learn to combine activities. Utilize down time to review notes. «Avoid desperation cramming. Cramming is short term. Maintenance studying is long term, but requires repetition. Ex. learning phone numbers and addresses, learning multiplication

«Put a heading and a date on your notes for each day. «professor, Sit near the front and center of the class. You will have the most direct communication with your and you will less likely be distracted. «Try to prepare for each lecture by pre-reading the material in your text. You will find that you will understand the lecture better if you have some basic background. This preparation is one that very few students take seriously.

«Learn to identify main points and not get bogged down in details. Professors often give cues to what's important by repeating information, changing their voices or rate of delivery, listing items in order of importance, and, of course, by writing on the chalkboard.

«Use different colors when taking notes. Our brains love to associate memories with colors. You may want to go through your notes and write potential study or test questions in red. Use symbols as a memory jogger. Ex. A “T’ with a circle around it could be a test question of exam. An “!” could indicate that the instructor emphasized a particular point.

«Leave plenty of blank space in the body of your notes. «Refocus when your mind wonders. Concentration is important. «Review, review, and review.

TOP 10 TEST TAKING TIPS

TOP 10 TEST TAKING TIPS üBe prepared. Start test preparation the day the test is announced: Complete all home work and reading assignments on time. Take good notes, and rewrite and review them immediately after class. Regularly review all of your class notes. Participate in test review sessions.

üIf you need help, talk with your instructor as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute. üGet a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. üArrive early for the exam. üTake any needed tools or supplies with you to the exam—pencils paper, pens, a calculator, blue books, etc.

üListen closely to the instructor’s verbal instructions and read any printed instructions on the exam. If you don’t understand any part of the instructions, ask questions.

üBe sure to write your name on the part to be turned in. üBe sure you know how much time you have to complete the exam. Before you start the test, quickly read over the whole test to give yourself an idea of how much time to allot to each portion of the exam.

üIf you “blank out” or feel panicky, stop and try to relax. Take deep breaths and try to clear your mind before you turn your attention back to the exam.

üAnswer all questions on the exam, even if you have to guess at answers.

CLASSROOM DO’S AND DON’TS

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DO PARTICIPATE: When your instructor asks a question she hopes that students will respond. All instructors want to create lively class discussions, and they welcome your contributions. Some students, especially at the beginning of their college career, hesitate to speak in class. But when you share your perspectives and ideas with others, you help to create a rich learning environment. When you do participate, remember that you are communicating with the whole class, not only with the instructor; the students in the back of the room want to hear your comments too. DON’T MONOPOLIZE CLASS DISCUSSIONS: Sometimes, in their enthusiasm for the course a few students will try to answer every question the instructor asks, comment on everything any other student says, and interject questions or remarks throughout every class. Although instructors appreciate eager and engaged students, they want all of the class members, even those who may be shy and may lack confidence, to feel comfortable about speaking out in class. You can help the instructor by monitoring your own contribution. DO COME TO CLASS PREPARED: Lectures and discussions depend on what you have read and written outside of class. You will be a more valuable contributor, and you will learn more if you do your homework. DON’T USE CLASS TIME TO DISCUSS PERSONAL CONCERNS: If you need an extension to complete a paper, for example, or if you want to inform your instructor that you will be missing a class, talk to the instructor privately before or after class. On the other hand, if you have a question related to the course material, the syllabus, or the course requirements—if you need a term defined or a concept clarified, for example-do ask. It is likely that if you don’t understand something, others do not also. DON’T BE DISTRACTING: In the workplace, you know that staff meetings can be disrupted by a co-worker who spills coffee, whispers to a neighbor, or taps a pencil incessantly while others are trying to talk. A classroom is no different. Don’t fidget, eat, rustle papers, whisper, pass notes, or otherwise distract and make sure your cell phone does not go off during class. DO ARRIVE ON TIME: You’ll disrupt the class if you consistently come late. If you have a problem arriving on time, discuss it with your instructor. If coming late is unavoidable, remove your coat and take out your notebook and pen before you enter the classroom, take the first available seat, and make sure you catch up.

POINTERS FROM PROFESSORS

POINTERS FROM PROFESSORS “Show up to class and be proactive! Participate and ask questions; it is likely that your questions are ones other students are wondering about too---but the professor will remember you as the student with an inquiring mind.”

“If you have a learning disability, advise the office of Disability Support Services and your professor.” “When you complete an out-of-class assignment, ask yourself: Is this the best I can do? Be honest. If it is not, consider it a draft, and do it again. Have high expectations for yourself.” “Relax and enjoy. It’s not brain surgery.”

the assignments. It’s obvious if you haven’t!” “You can cut study time in half just by chatting with instructors during office hours. they’ll pinpoint what is and what isn’t important in the lectures and readings. most are glad to talk with you since they have to be there anyway.” “EXTRAORDINARY DRIVE COMES FROM DOING WHAT YOU ENJOY!” “Give all to your passion!” “Shut off cell phones before entering class.” “Freshmen need to hook up with an organization on campus where they can meet new friends.”

“Get an organizer and write everything down, from assign“Balance study & pleasure.” ments, up and coming exams, to special events, and meetings. Staying organized is one of the “Do not ask a professor, “Did I miss anything main keys for success!” in class?”

“ Keep your g rade po in t average up! ” “Finding a good study group always helps. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow classmates if they would like to form a study group.” “Before asking a professor for help, read

“instructors will bend over backwards to help kids who are really trying. Make every effort to let them know you are.” “Students

tell me their biggest regret when they look back at college was not using professor office hours!” “Forget Burger King…find a summer job or volunteer doing something related to a career you may be interested in. It’ll help you decide whether you are!”

CHOICES OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

CHOICES OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

1. ...accept PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, seeing themselves as the primary cause of their outcomes and experiences.

STRUGGLING STUDENTS

1. ...see themselves as Victims, believing that what happens to them is determined primarily by external forces such as fate, luck, and powerful others.

2. ...discover SELF-MOTIVATION, finding purpose 2. ...have difficulty sustaining motivation, often feelin their lives by discovering personally meaningful ing depressed, frustrated, and/or resentful about a goals and dreams. lack of direction in their lives.

3. ...master SELF-MANAGEMENT, consistently 3. …seldom identify specific actions needed to acplanning and taking purposeful actions in pursuit of complish a desired outcome. And when they do, their goals and dreams. they tend to procrastinate.

4. ...employ INTERDEPENDENCE, building mutu- 4. ...are solitary, seldom requesting, even rejecting, ally supportive relationships that help them achieve offers of assistance from those who could help. their goals and dreams (while helping others do the same).

5. ...gain SELF-AWARENESS, consciously employing behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes that keep them on course.

5. ...make important choices unconsciously, being directed by self-sabotaging habits and outdated life scripts.

6. ...adopt LIFE-LONG LEARNING, finding valuable lessons and wisdom in nearly every experience they have.

6. ...resist learning new ideas and skills, viewing learning as fearful or boring rather than as mental play.

7. ...develop EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, effec- 7. ...live at the mercy of strong emotions such as tively managing their emotions in support of their anger, depression, anxiety, or a need for instant goals and dreams. gratification.

8. ...BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES, seeing themselves capable, lovable and unconditionally worthy human beings.

8. ...doubt their competence and personal value, feeling inadequate to create their desired outcomes and experiences.

From Skip Downing. On course; Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life. Houghton Mifflin

GENERAL POINTERS FOR TAKING CLASS NOTES

Be prepared with a notebook and at least two pens or writing implements. If you are an auditory learner, ask your instructor if you may tape record lectures. Even if you record lectures, also take notes. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Keep a folder for each class in which you can collect and organize handouts. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Choose a seat where you can hear easily and can see the lecturer, the chalkboard, or any visual aids such as an overhead projector or map. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Avoid sitting near distractions such as a friend, a window, or a source of noise (such as an air conditioner or heater.) …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Listen for cues from the instructor. Some lecturers: • Pause before an important point • Write an important point on the board • Repeat an important point • Make a point, give examples, and then repeat the point • Change volume or inflection before an important point …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Summarize rather than attempt to copy every word. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Write in outline form rather than in paragraph form. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Underline main ideas. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. Fill in points right after the lecture. While the class is still fresh in your mind, jot down some words or phrases to remind you about the most important ideas of the lecture or discussion and make a note of material to reread or study. If you have a tape recorder, make verbal notes of ideas to study or to follow up in your reading. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. If your instructor tells you that certain material will be tested, make sure to identify this material by starring, underlining, or highlighting it.