First Year Experience
Welcome to the University of Central Arkansas!
Congratulations on your decision to join the UCA family! On behalf of the the Department of First Year Experience, I want to welcome you to the best four years of your life. This is going to be an exciting and challenging journey that will have a permanent impact on your future. Are you ready?
Whether you are a first-time entering freshman, a transfer student, or non-traditional student, the Department of First Year Experience is here to assist you in any way possible. Our goal is to make this transition smooth and simple and to help you get the most out of this incredible journey that stands before you. Throughout your First Year Experience, you will be supported by our Student Orientation Staff – over 80 UCA Bears wearing SOS Orange who can answer any questions you might have.
We want you to have the opportunity to explore all that UCA has to offer. More than 10,000 fellow Bears are waiting to meet you, as well as a dedicated faculty and staff who are eager to help. There are so many opportunities for leadership through over 200 Recognized Student Organizations including Greek life, service organizations, honor societies, and academic clubs.
Want to get connected? We have a wireless campus with state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms and labs. Our tradition of academic excellence is seen through the over 100 major fields of study, a student to faculty ratio of 15:1 and classrooms that provide personal attention.
Whatever your interests are, UCA has something to offer you! Take advantage of your time here. We’re here to help, so let us know if you have any questions!
Lindsey Shurley
Director of First Year Experience