Congratulations on your decision to join the UCA family! On behalf of the Student Orientation Staff, 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 New Student Programs 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 SOAR and Welcome Week, you will be surrounded 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 11,000 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 Registered Student Organizations including Greek life, service organizations, 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 100 major fields of study, a student to faculty ratio of 17:1 and classrooms that provide personal attention.

Whatever your interests are UCA has something to offer you! Take advantage of your time here. Find out how you can be front and center at UCA. We’re here to help, so let us know if you have any questions!

Lindsey Shurley

Director of New Student Programs