UCA Commitment

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Current Student Common Questions

Eligibility

What does the program cover?

The UCA Commitment program will ensure that eligible students’ in-state tuition and fees directly assessed by the University (except for approved programs through the Office of Study Abroad) are covered after all federal, state, and institutional aid has been deducted.

The program does not cover charges for housing, meal plans (food), or course materials; however, private scholarships, work study earnings, loans, and personal funds may be applied toward those charges, and the portion of institutional academic scholarships that specify funds for housing will apply to room and board costs.

Students enrolled in fully online programs through UCA Online are not currently eligible for the UCA Commitment program.

Do I have to apply for the program each year?

You do not have to apply for the UCA Commitment program annually.  However, you do have to maintain all other renewal criteria as referenced by policy.

If my annual household income changes, will that disqualify me from continuing in the program?

No, if you qualify for the UCA Commitment program your entering freshman semester and you opted-in or applied, you may continue participation in the program as long as you maintain all other renewal criteria as referenced by policy.

I wasn't originally eligible for the program my freshman year, can I be considered in later years if my financial circumstances change?

No, UCA Commitment is only available to incoming first-time freshman students starting college for the fall 2024 term and beyond.  Continuing students are not eligible for the program.

Scholarships & Finances

How can I get my housing and food costs covered?

Private scholarship funds are not calculated in your last dollar need.  We encourage all students to explore opportunities available through state and private aid programs, and to apply for UCA Foundation scholarships.

Will the housing portion of my academic scholarship be applied to my housing costs?

Yes, the portion of institutional academic scholarships that specify funds for housing will apply to room and board costs.

Why do I have to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is required to ensure that eligible students maximize available aid opportunities.

Service

What are Service Requirements?

All UCA Commitment participants receiving funds in a given semester must complete a minimum of 10 service hours for that semester, regardless of the amount of funds received.  The UCA Commitment office will help students find opportunities to connect with their community through service. You can serve on campus, in Conway, your hometown, or across the globe.

What counts as service hours?

For the purposes of UCA Commitment, service hours may include:

  • Service-learning classes: Courses designated with a “service-learning” attribute that include a direct service, indirect service, research, or advocacy project in partnership with a campus or community organization
  • Campus-wide service days:  These are service events for all UCA Students to participate in together for one cause.
    • Ex: First-Year Experience MobilePack meal packing event, Bear Boots on the Ground, The Big Event
  • Campus-wide events:  These are events that are hosted by University departments that are open to all students to participate.
    • Ex:  Move-In Day, Family Weekend, Brake for Bears, Commencement
  • Episodic (one-time) service:  These are events that happen once.
    • Ex:  Milestones playground clean-up, Conway ArtsFest art activities, Keep Arkansas Beautiful clean-up event, Green Bear Coalition campus garden work day
  • Ongoing service:  These are service opportunities that occur more than once over a period of time.
    • Ex: SOS Leaders, Ambassadors, Boys & Girls club after-school volunteer, Bear Essentials Food Pantry volunteer, Religious Organization volunteer
  • National service
    • Ex:  ROTC or military service

Where can I find Information about service?

The UCA Service site will  help you find general information about service, service opportunities, and how to use GivePulse, UCA’s volunteer system.

If I join an RSO, Greek organization, service-learning class, or a UCA Sponsored service organization, will these hours count toward UCA Commitment?

Existing service projects that meet the program criteria will count towards UCA Commitment students’ service hours. UCA Commitment will increase our impact in the community by deepening our engagement with local and state partners and expanding service opportunities for students.