College comes with no shortage of challenges and stressors. Near the top of that list are two closely related fears: academic failure and the dreaded “failure to graduate” (CollegeConfidential, 2020). As a university senior, I share a majority of these fears, especially as I face the end of my undergraduate career.
When I looked ahead to Spring 2026, I finally sat down to tackle the all-important graduation application. As a first-generation college student, the process felt confusing, and even a little intimidating, but then came the surprise. I discovered that I had an application on file for both of my degree tracks. Surely, I would remember doing something as monumental as applying for graduation.
Turns out you can’t remember what you never did. That’s when I realized there’s an office quietly looking out for students: the Registrar’s Office.
The Registrar’s Office is more than just a window on the second floor of Harrin Hall or a stop for students dealing with academic constraints and concerns. Behind that window is a team of people who genuinely care about UCA students. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure deadlines are met, records are accurate, and, sometimes, that we have a graduation application even when we’ve yet to apply. Their efforts often go unseen, but their impact is everywhere.
Their work might not always make the headlines, but it makes a world of difference for students. From simplifying complicated processes to launching initiatives that directly support student success, the Registrar’s Office has led several impactful campaigns worth highlighting.
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Transferring to UCA or returning after time away can be complicated, especially when it comes to figuring out which courses count toward your degree. The Registrar’s Office carefully reviews each student’s transfer credits to determine how lower-division courses fulfill degree and Core requirements, helping students avoid taking additional coursework and move into their major classes quickly. When needed, they also request syllabi from transfer institutions to ensure upper-division coursework applies wherever possible. This process helps students make the most of their previous credits and stay on track for graduation.
Degree Within Reach Program
Sometimes students are closer to earning a degree than they realize. The Registrar’s Office reviews records for students who left UCA without finishing their final requirements, and, when eligible, the office helps those students receive the degrees they’ve already earned. This work turns students’ unfinished academic journeys into success stories.
Graduation Alert Campaign
Each semester, instructors identify students in their final term before graduation who may be at risk of not successfully completing a course and, as a result, missing graduation requirements. The Registrar’s Office coordinates this campaign, while advisors personally reach out to students to discuss available university resources or explore alternative solutions. This proactive approach helps students stay on track and increases the number of students who complete their degrees on time.
Registration Alert Campaign
Even a small registration mistake can push back a student’s graduation. To help prevent that, the Registrar’s Office reviews the schedules of students in their final term to catch any missing requirements or find possible course substitutions. By partnering with advisors, they make sure students are enrolled in the right courses to graduate on time.
Not Applied Campaign
Many students reach senior year without realizing they must apply for graduation. The Registrar’s Office monitors student progress and contacts those who haven’t applied, confirming the expected graduation date and submitting the graduation application on their behalf. This extra step ensures students don’t lose their opportunity to graduate because of a missed form or deadline.
When asked what advice they would give to students, the Registrar’s Office kept it simple: “Take time to explore Degree Works, your degree audit tool in myUCA. It lets you track your completed, in-progress, and remaining courses, helping you plan effectively, stay on track, and progress smoothly toward graduation.”
Vicky Summers, University Registrar at UCA, has spent the past 10 years dedicating her time to improving the Registrar’s Office.
What I enjoy most about my role as registrar is analyzing existing processes and driving improvements that enhance the student experience,” Summers said.
My experience isn’t mine alone. The Registrar’s Office works quietly behind the scenes to ensure the needs of all students are met. They don’t just manage records; they anticipate challenges, guide students, and help turn uncertainty into accomplishment.
University is a shared journey. While our achievements are personal, they’re often made possible by people committed to supporting us and our success.
Written by Jamie Jewell, Strategic Communications Student Assistant