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. Students that complete four activities within a single category will receive some exclusive UCA swag. Students that complete four activities within all four categories will receive an even more exclusive reward.
What do I need to do?
All first-year UCA students are eligible to participate in the New Bear Bucket List. Below is the list of activities and events you can complete to earn credit toward completing your New Bear Bucket List.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
- Attend Battle of the Halls during Welcome Week
- Attend a group study session in Torreyson Library
- Attend one event in your Residence Hall
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Visit a professor during their office hours
- Stop by the First Year Experience Office and meet our staff
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
- Attend Conway Daze during Welcome Week
- Attend one Student Activities Board (SAB) event
- Volunteer at one campus event (The Big Event, Relay for Life, Brake for Bears, Bear Boots on the Ground, or Mobile Pack)
- Donate to the Bear Essentials Food Pantry
- Join a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
- Vote in Student Government Association (SGA) elections
- Attend an event sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Community
UNIVERSITY SPIRIT
- Attend Opening Convocation during Welcome Week
- Attend one home football game
- Attend one event during Homecoming week
- Take a selfie with 3 Bear statues on campus
- Follow @ucabears on social media
- Attend an artistic event on campus (Reynolds Performance Hall show, student music recital or theatre production, visit the Baum Gallery, attend the UCA Film Festival)
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
- Attend How to Be a Bear during Welcome Week
- Visit one academic support service (UCA Tutoring Center, Center for Writing and Communication (CWC), attend an Academic Success workshop, or meet with a Peer Coach)
- Participate in one Campus Recreation event (walk the Jewel E. Moore Nature Reserve trail, attend a group exercise class at the HPER Center, participate in an intramural sport, check out equipment from Gear Locker, or attend a session at the Counseling Center)
- Attend two campus fairs (RSO Fair, Wellness Fair, Majors Fair, Career Fair, Student Worker On-Campus Employment Fair, or Global Expo)
- Complete the MyMajors Assessment or the Focus2Career Assessment
How do I receive credit for completing an activity on the New Bear Bucket List?
All events and resources 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. Other activities may require you to submit a photo or a short reflection in CubConnect to receive credit for participation.
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 2023-2024 academic year is Friday, March 1, 2024. Rewards will be given out to students that have completed at least four activities within a specific category and those that have completed at least four activities within all four categories.
What are the incentives for completing my New Bear Bucket List?
Students who complete at least four activities within any of the four categories listed above will receive exclusive UCA swag! Students will be able to choose between a Wireless Mobile Charging Pad, a Roll-Up Polar Fleece Blanket, or a 30 oz. Double-Walled Tumbler.
Questions about completing your New Bear Bucket List?
Contact the Department of First Year Experience at fye@uca.edu or (501) 450-5292.
