Career Services Merit Fellows are distinguished by wearing a black and gold honor cord during the commencement ceremony.
Qualifications:
- A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
- Graduating within the next academic year
To receive your cord, you must successfully complete the Merit Fellow program criteria:
- Attend a Merit Fellow Interest Meeting
- Create a Handshake account and upload an updated resume (also located in MyUCA)
- Resume review by a Career Services staff member (you can have your resume reviewed through an online resume review, an in person resume review, an email resume review, or as a requirement of a Career Services Success Program)
- Complete activities related to the following categories (participating in two on-campus interviews can replace one of the four categories):
- Career Fairs (fall or spring)
- Dress for Success
- Success Programs
- Professional Development (must complete two activities for this category)
Merit Fellow interest meetings are held in the Fall and Spring to provide more information on the criteria required to become a Career Services Merit Fellow. The time of year you graduate will determine which meeting you need to attend, as you must attend an interest meeting the academic year prior to your graduation (i.e. December 2026 graduates should attend a Spring 2026 interest meeting). Interest meetings will last 30-45 minutes. You must attend at least one interest meeting to be eligible for the program. If you cannot attend an interest meeting, please contact denichak@uca.edu. Registration will open each new semester (July/January)! Check your email for a special invite from Handshake if you qualify! The current registration deadline is Thursday, August 27, 2026.
If you have any questions contact denichak@uca.edu or (501) 450-5174.
Testimonies
“I enjoyed this program- I wouldn’t have contacted career services for resume help without it. I didn’t realize how poorly I was setting myself up! I also appreciate how this program is so accessible and doable for busy seniors. Thank you.”
“[Was] super easy and enjoyable to attend all the necessary activities and taught me a lot about all the people UCA could connect [you] with.”
“The program was very inclusive and provided many options for those who need in person and online assignments. I’m glad I did the Merit Fellow program!”
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and connections I’ve made since beginning the Merit Fellow program! As a requirement, I attended the Fall 2023 Career Fair, which led me to an internship with Snap-on. This internship has now turned into a full-time career after Graduation! I’ve also learned the art of networking and presenting my best self to employers. This program pushes you out of your comfort zone and into a place where anything can be achieved. Thank you!”
“I’ve learned so much while being in this program. It has taught me many valuable keys toward success in my career.”
“In my experience, this is a great motivator for UCA students to increase their appreciation for both their academic success and many of the student success programs on-campus!”
“It was a great way to get involved, and I learned a lot through it! I am glad there are programs on campus like this one that are free and really give you a lot of information.”
“Thank you for this whole process! I feel that going through this has helped me to build my networking skills.”