WELCOME TO BEAR COUNTRY! 2010-2011 University of Central Arkansas Orientation & Registration Handbook
HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE
Welcome to UCA! 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 2010 and the new graduating class of 2014 you are joining the strongest and best students in Arkansas. Student ACT scores here are above the national average, and UCA continues to maintain one of the highest graduation rates in the state. 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. We are pleased that you have chosen UCA and are eager to help you in your educational pursuits. Welcome to UCA. UCA is where YOU BELONG!
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 THINGS TO DO TODAY REGISTRATION PROCESS CHECKLIST
2
NOTIFICATION OF ARKANSAS COURSE TRANSFER SYSTEM
3
GUARANTEED EIGHT-SEMESTER DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
4
PROGRAM COMPLETION PLAN CONTRACT
5
MASTER SCHEDULE
6
GENERAL EDUCATION CHECKSHEET
7
UCA STUDENTS ENROLLING IN TRANSITIONAL COURSES
8
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
9
GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
10
FYFS 1320
14
TRANSFERRING CREDIT
15
MYUCA
16
ACCESSING STUDENT INFORMATION IN MYUCA
18
WHAT IS A COURSE SYLLABUS/ACADEMIC ADVISING CENTER SYLLABUS
19
ACADEMIC YEAR ADVISING CALENDAR
20
COUNTDOWN ACADEMIC INFORMATION
22
ACT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
24
HOW DO I KEEP MY SCHOLARSHIP
25
THE FACTS ON GETTING A DEGREE
26
UCA PROGRAMS OF STUDY
27
DECLARING YOUR MAJOR/ MINOR
28
LOCAL BANKS/ LAUNDRY SERVICES
29
SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO BRING
30
NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE-ACADEMIC SURVIVAL SKILLS WHAT IS ACADEMIC ADVISING
32
HOW TO MAKE AN ADVISING APPOINTMENT
33
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
34
UCA COLLEGES AND DEPARTMENTS CONTACT INFORMATION
36
CAMPUS MAP/ BUILDINGS AND ABBREVIATIONS
38
HELPFUL NUMBERS AT UCA
40
BEEN THERE SHOULDA DONE THAT
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TIPS FOR SUCCESS
42
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE
46
FIRST YEAR SURVIVAL TIPS
48
STUDY TIPS 4 SERIOUS STUDENTS/TOP 10 TEST TAKING TIPS
49
CLASSROOM DO’S & DON’TS
50
POINTERS FROM PROFESSORS/GENERAL POINTERS FOR TAKING CLASS NOTES
51
CHOICES OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
52
NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE-CAMPUS SURVIVAL SKILLS CONTROL STRESS BEFORE IT CONTROLS YOU/ LIFE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
54
HOW COLLEGE STUDENTS HANDLE TIME MANAGEMENT
55
25 SAVING-MONEY TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
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MAKE SAVING FUN!
57
DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES OFFERED
58
UCA TERMINOLOGY
76
HOMEWORK
78
REGISTRATION CANCELLATION
79
UCA ALMA MATER/UCA FIGHT SONG
BACK COVER