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SLANT & Vortex Host Student Poetry Contest

Submitted by: Michael Blanchard, slantpoetry@uca.edu on 01/09/2026

For the third consecutive year, SLANT and Vortex will co-sponsor a poetry contest open to UCA undergraduate students in any field of study.

Entries will be received from through February 15. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded for the top three entries and will be presented at the School of Language & Literature’s spring honors reception in April.

Judging will be conducted by a panel of published poets who are also former UCA students, plus one member of the Vortex editorial staff.

SLANT is the School of Language & Literature’s international journal of contemporary poetry, and Vortex is the award-winning UCA student literary and arts magazine, now in its 50th year.

Requests for a copy of the contest guidelines should be addressed to Michael Blanchard, Adjunct Professor of Literature and editor of SLANT, at mblanchard@uca.edu.

 

Summer Camp Informational Meeting

Submitted by: Trent Reese, treese1@uca.edu on 01/08/2026

I am hosting two summer camp informational meetings in the McCastlain Fireplace Room on February 5th at 1:30 PM and 6th at 9 AM. Anyone and everyone is welcome. I will go over the process of creating a camp (including filling out the Institutional Camp Request Form), staffing the camp (including making sure your camp is compliant with HR policies), and answer any questions you may have.

If you are unable to attend, but are still interested in hosting a summer camp. Please let me know, and I will find a time to meet one-on-one or in a small group.

 

Dream Storm Program

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/08/2026

Overview: Feel like you’re already struggling with your New Year’s resolutions? Join us for an exciting time dreaming about the future you want to create. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn to dream bigger, set realistic timelines, and discover why accountability matters when pursuing your dreams. This interactive session will help you understand yourself better and take practical steps toward becoming the-best-version-of-yourself®.

February 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
X-Period (1:40-2:30 pm)
Ronnie Williams Student Center 213
Presenter: Heather Somervell, Certified Dream Manager®

Please register at the link provided.

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/dream-storm-february-3-2026/

Service Excellence Program

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/08/2026

Do you have a student worker, graduate student, or employee that could use information on what it means to professionally serve students, family members, and/or UCA colleagues? Then this one-hour session is for them. The session presents components of Service Excellence (Communication, Attitude, Respect, Enthusiasm) and reinforces the ability to influence in each one of these areas.

January 27, 2026 (Tuesday)
X-Period (1:40 pm-2:30 pm)
Ronnie Williams Student Center 215

Presenters: LeSha Smith, HR and Charlotte Strickland, HR-Employee Engagement and Enrichment

Please register at the link provided!!

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/service-excellence-january-27-2026/

Upcoming Web Accessibility Walk-In Session from OARS

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/08/2026

Description: Receive direct one-on-one assistance on how to check for correct headings, alt text, captioning and meaningful information on your UCA webpage. Please have your SiteImprove report available either by email or in print.

January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Burdick 313

Session Assistants: Mark Heffington, Executive Director, University Marketing and Communications (UMAC), Doris Pierce, OARS Director, John Ortigo, OARS Assistive Technology Specialist

 

Digital Detox Program

Submitted by: Christina Lammers, clammers@uca.edu on 01/08/2026

Digital Detox. Disconnect to Reconnect…A Conversation on Digital Well Being

In an always-on world, our devices keep us constantly connected — but often at the expense of focus, rest, and genuine human connection. This interactive session explores the impact of digital overload and offers practical strategies to regain balance. Drawing on insights from The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, we’ll examine how technology shapes life on a college campus. A panel of faculty and staff will share their perspectives on screen habits, reflect on personal digital behaviors, and discuss simple ways to unplug with purpose. Join us to discover how stepping away from technology can help you reconnect with what truly matters — your wellbeing, relationships, and peace of mind.

January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
1:40-2:30 pm (X-Period)
Ronnie Williams Student Center 214

Presenters: Sandy Longhorn, Lindsey Osbourne, LeSha Smith, Vergie Jackson, Charlotte Strickland, Olivia Bundrick, Sarah Lunsford

Please register at link provided!!

https://uca.edu/hr/protectedcontent/digital-detox/