What is the New Bear Bucket List?
The New Bear Bucket List is an easy and fun way for first-year students to explore many of the programs, resources, and events that UCA has to offer. These “bucket list” activities have been grouped into four different categories: personal connections, opportunities for engagement, university spirit, and resources for students.
Each category has six different activities. Check off three activities to complete the category. Students who complete all four categories will receive exclusive UCA swag at our End of the Year Celebration in April 2026.
You can start earning credit when Welcome Week kicks off on Sunday, August 17 and you’ll have until March 1, 2026 to complete your New Bear Bucket List.
How do I get started on my New Bear Bucket List?
Register to participate in New Bear Bucket List on CubConnect! Participating is optional for incoming new students so we’d love to know you want to participate. We will make sure you are up to date on campus events that count towards your Bucket List and we will keep you updated on your progress.
During Welcome Week, plan to attend our New Bear Bucket List Kickoff on Tuesday, August 19 in the Ida Waldran Auditorium at 11am. You’ll learn more about the events and activities that will earn you credit, how to earn credit, and how to track your progress.
Explore the options in each category below and make a plan to start checking off your New Bear Bucket List! To get a jump start, each category has one event that takes place during Welcome Week!
Download a printable New Bear Bucket List “Bingo Card” you can use to track your progress!
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
- Attend Battle of the Halls during Welcome Week
- Attend a group study session in Torreyson Library or anywhere on campus
- Listen to a podcast featuring UCA Employees
- Attend two events in your Residence Hall and/or your Living Learning Community
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Visit a professor during their office hours
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
- Attend Conway Daze during Welcome Week
- Attend one Student Activities Board (SAB) event
- Attend an event for first-year students sponsored by the Department of First Year Experience
- Join a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
- Attend an event hosted by the Dean of Students
- Attend an event sponsored by the Office of Student Advocacy and Community
UNIVERSITY SPIRIT
- Attend Opening Convocation during Welcome Week
- Attend one home UCA Bears or Sugar Bears game
- Take a selfie with 1 Bear statue on campus
- Explore the arts by attending an artistic event on campus
- Vote in Student Government Association (SGA) elections
- Get involved in the greater community outside of UCA
RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS
- Attend a general session Welcome Week (options: How to be a Bear, Casino Night, Education Abroad, Get Up Get Out and Get Involved)
- Visit one academic support service
- Participate in one Wellness related activity
- Attend two campus fairs
- Complete the MyMajors Assessment or the Focus2Career Assessment
- Watch a StudentLingo online workshop
How do I receive credit for completing an activity on the New Bear Bucket List?
All events that are eligible for New Bear Bucket List credit are listed in CubConnect. Some events may take attendance, in which you will automatically receive credit for attending as long as you scan into the event. Other activities may require you to submit a photo or a short reflection in CubConnect to receive credit for participation (i.e. self-reported experience).
How do I record a self-reported experience to receive credit?
Students completing their New Bear Bucket List may need to submit a self-reported experience in CubConnect to earn credit toward completing an activity. Find out how in the brief video tutorial below.
How long do I have to complete my New Bear Bucket List?
Students will have the entire fall semester and part of the spring semester to complete their New Bear Bucket List. The deadline to submit activities for credit for the 2025-2026 academic year is Sunday, March 1, 2026. Rewards will be given out to students that have completed at least three activities within a specific category and those that have completed at least three activities within all four categories.
What do I get for completing my New Bear Bucket List?
Students that complete at least three activities in all four categories will receive your choice of either a UCA-branded wireless mobile charging pad, a roll-up polar fleece blanket, or a 30 oz. double-walled tumbler! This swag will be available to pick-up at our End of the Year Celebration in April. You will receive an invitation to attend if eligible.
Resources for Campus Departments
Hosting an event or program that will count toward fulfilling a New Bear Bucket List requirement?
- Download a graphic to promote the New Bear Bucket List on your promotional materials.
- We also have an A-frame sign that departments may check out to post at your event to encourage students to check-in.
Questions about completing your New Bear Bucket List?
Contact the Department of First Year Experience at fye@uca.edu or (501) 450-5892.
