Submitted by: Tracy McGarrity, tracym@uca.edu on 06/25/2025
The Bear Essentials Food Pantry will be closed on Thursday, July 3rd and Friday, July 4th, for the Independence Day Holiday. We will reopen at 11 am on Monday, July 7th.
https://uca.edu/foodpantry/home/news/
Submitted by: Deanne Murphey, dmurphey@uca.edu on 06/24/2025
European Folktales Bear Camp
Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, 2025, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (drop off at 8 am)
Join the European Folktales Bear Camp for an adventure into the captivating origins and mysteries of beloved folktales and fairytales from Germany, France, Italy, and other corners of Europe. Discover how stories are passed down through generations, why similar tales appear across different cultures, and what timeless lessons these stories can teach us. Through engaging activities, children will explore the power of storytelling, weave their own tales, learn more about European history and culture, and bring stories to life with fun, hands-on crafts. Spark your child’s imagination and curiosity in this unforgettable journey through the magical world of European folktales and fairytales!
La Dolce Vita Bear Camp
Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8, 2025, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (drop off at 8 am)
Let your child embark on an unforgettable journey through the magic of Italy! Kids will explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautiful country through fun activities like learning basic Italian phrases, hearing exciting folktales, and creating stunning crafts like mosaics and frescoes. Each day is packed with hands-on adventures that bring Italy’s art, history, and delicious food to life. Perfect for ages 7-12. Spots are limited—sign up today and give your child a taste of la dolce vita!
Submitted by: Anthony Fillippino, anthonyf@uca.edu on 06/23/2025
The Thomas Center Courtway Student Recreation Center will be CLOSED Friday, July 4 – Saturday, July 5.
Normal hours of operation resumes on Sunday, July 6.
Submitted by: Madeline Kimbrell, ucabewell@uca.edu on 06/23/2025
Most supervisors and managers will agree that one of their biggest challenges is managing ‘difficult’ employees. These situations can be time-consuming and stressful, but they also present an opportunity for supervisors to better support their employees during challenging times.
Join us for this supervisor training to learn effective strategies for handling complex scenarios, gain insight into the EAP program, and conduct self-assessments of your management skills. When supervisors understand and navigate tough situations thoughtfully, it benefits not only their own effectiveness but also helps employees feel supported and understood. This training is open to all supervisors and managers, regardless of BeWell eligibility or enrollment.
The sessions will be held on July 10th and October 30th, from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Student Center room 223. Click the link below to RSVP your spot now.
Submitted by: Madeline Kimbrell, ucabewell@uca.edu on 06/23/2025
In celebration of Dementia Awareness Month, we are pleased to invite you to an educational presentation on dementia prevention led by Kerry Jordan, PhD, RN, CNS, CNL-BC. The session will include a Q&A segment to address your questions. This has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 26th, from 1:45 – 2:30 pm via Zoom. Click the link to join. Passcode: BeWell
https://uca-edu.zoom.us/j/87259725433?pwd=LLHLfbIo1AZzbomjWAaIoQ60g4aiVY.1
Submitted by: Leslie Coger, lcoger1@uca.edu on 06/20/2025
Curious what it’s really like to work in the tech industry? Join us for an engaging webinar featuring Zach Callahan, an experienced engineer with a dynamic background in full-stack development, system administration, AWS, and Kubernetes.
Currently, Zach supports an open-source Air Force project, working to streamline secure application development and deployment for the Department of Defense. In this webinar, he’ll walk us through a typical day in his tech job, sharing insights into the tools he uses, challenges he faces, and what it takes to thrive in such a high-impact environment.
In addition to his work as an engineer, Zach is also an instructor at Arkansas Coding Academy, where he’ll be teaching an upcoming class. He’ll discuss what students can expect from his upcoming course, what makes the Arkansas Coding Academy unique, and how ArCA helped launch his own career after completing a full-stack program in Fall 2022.
Whether you’re exploring a career in tech, already enrolled in a bootcamp, or looking to expand your professional network, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from someone who’s been in your shoes—and made it.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM CST
Location: Online (Zoom link will be provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Register using link below!
Submitted by: Amy Whitehead, amyw@uca.edu on 06/19/2025
Please stop by Buffalo Alumni Hall on Thursday, June 26 from 1-2 pm for a drop-in reception honoring Dr. Fredricka Sharkey! Fredricka has been at UCA for over ten years, most recently serving as the Director of Media Relations in the Office of the President.
Beginning July 1, Fredricka will be the Director of Communications for the Pulaski County Special School District.
Please help us thank Fredricka for her dedicated service to UCA and wish her well in her new role!
Amy Whitehead
Chief of Staff
Submitted by: Shelly Vangsnes, shellyv@uca.edu on 06/19/2025
Important Notice: Navigate Contract Ending June 30, 2025
The university’s contract with Navigate will expire on June 30, 2025. After this date, features such as student communication, appointment scheduling, departmental reporting, and analytics will no longer be available in Navigate.
UCA will transition to Slate for these functions moving forward.
We strongly recommend that departments export any reports or historical data from Navigate that may be needed for future reference prior to June 30th.
If you or your office uses these features, please reach out to Drew Richardson, Associate Director for Enrollment Systems, Enrollment Services & Student Success.
Email: arichardson8@uca.edu
Office: Harrin 127C
Phone: 501-450-3222
Submitted by: Haley Fowler, hcrafton@uca.edu on 05/20/2025
UCA Women’s Giving Circle Grant Application Available
The UCA Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) is currently requesting grant proposals from members of the faculty, staff and student organizations for funding. The deadline for applications to be received in the Foundation office is Friday, September 12, 2025.
The UCA WGC is a fund within the UCA Foundation and was established in 2014 to provide and encourage unique learning and leadership development opportunities that will enrich the lives of women and girls.
Through the financial support of its members, the WGC dedicates resources to award grant funds from women to women, focusing on projects and programs benefiting women and girls. Grants will be awarded based on a majority vote of WGC membership.
The grant application is available online at uca.edu/go/WGC
If you would like information about becoming a member of the Women’s Giving Circle please visit uca.edu/go/WGC to learn more.
For questions contact Haley Fowler at hcrafton@uca.edu.
