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ONLINE LEARNING SUPPORT
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
STUDENT SUCCESS
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES
FINANCIAL
HEALTH and WELLNESS
GLOSSARY
Online Learning Support
Enrolled in an online or hybrid course and need to improve your study strategies? Need to reach a tutor online? UCA has you covered for all of your online learning needs!
Types of online courses
Online (Synchronous) – Students and faculty meet online at a given time to discuss assignments, participate in a lecture, or work on a project. Online (S) courses require reliable internet access and a computer with a mic and camera.
Online (Asynchronous) – Faculty post assignments that students work on individually or with peers at various times. Online (A) courses require reliable internet access, and you may need a camera and mic with your computer.
Hybrid – Students and faculty will meet in a classroom at given times and may meet either synchronously or asynchronously online at other times.
Resources for Improving Your Online Learning Skills
The Student Success website includes information on how to improve your online learning skills and strategies. uca.edu/studentsuccess/online-learning-success/
Peer Success Coaches are available to assist you with online learning skills, time management, and the use of the campus LMS (Blackboard) or Google. Make an appointment online. uca.edu/studentsuccess/successcoaching/
Tutors in Tutoring Services are available to assist you with study tips, guidance on using course technology, and course content. Find a tutor on Navigate360. uca.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring
The UCA Library’s Lib Guide on Information Literacy provides valuable tips for finding and evaluating sources, including online sources. uca.libguides.com/mgmt3355/informationliteracy
StudentLingo video workshops are available on how to get organized and stay motivated in your online courses. Go to myUCA l StudentLingo uca.edu/studentsuccess/studentlingo/
Online Student Support Resources
The Center for Writing and Communication tutors are available to assist you in developing written projects and oral presentations. The CWC’s “Quick Help” tab also provides helpful writing and presentation information, as well as basic citation guidelines. uca.edu/cwc
Counseling Center services are available online, by phone, and in person. uca.edu/counseling
Torreyson Library Research and Reference Desk services are accessible online. uca.edu/library
Tutoring Services are available online for UCA Core subjects, mathematics, and sciences. uca.edu/studentsuccess
Information Technology assistance is available online. Important sites include:
- Technology Basics: uca.edu/it/student-resources/technology-basics-at-uca/
- Blackboard and Google Information: uca.edu/it/academic-continuity/
- Help Desk: uca.edu/it/need-help/help-desk/
TechTips for Blackboard, Google, Respondus, and more are also available on the UCA Library website. uca.libguides.com/techtips
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Advisors work with students to determine their academic goals and develop a plan of study that follows the Academic Map (AMAP) for a student’s chosen major. How do I find out who my advisor is? Go to myUCA, log in, select DegreeWorks.
How do I contact my advisor? Many advisors can be contacted and accept appointments through GradesFirst (myUCA, GradesFirst). If not, use their UCA email address. uca.edu/advising
ATHLETIC ACADEMIC ADVISING
Advising assists all NCAA student-athletes in realizing their academic potential by providing academic support and by continuously monitoring their academic athletic eligibility and progress toward a degree.
Bernard Hall 003 uca.edu/athleticadvising
CENTER FOR WRITING AND COMMUNICATION
The Center for Writing and Communication (CWC) can guide you through the composing process for any writing or communication project or presentation, for any class, at any stage of the process.
How do I make an appointment with the CWC? Appointments must be made online or over the phone.
Thompson Hall 109
M-F 9 am – 3 pm, Tuesdays & Thursday 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(501) 450-5123 | cwc@uca.edu | uca.edu/cwc
DEGREE WORKS
Degree Works is a “comprehensive academic advising, transfer articulation, and degree audit” program that can help you manage your time to degree. It allows you to plan your class schedule according to needed degree and institutional requirements and monitor your academic progress. Degree Works can be located through myUCA.
How do I know which degree requirements I have met? Check your Degree Works account through myUCA!
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT TRANSITIONS
Student Transitions courses and faculty assist students in making a successful transition to college academic life. The department offers co-requisite developmental courses in math, reading, and writing, pairing a developmental course with a college-level course. The department also houses the First-Year Seminar course Journeys to Success (ACAD 1300).
Old Main 104 | (501) 450-3220 | uca.edu/dst
DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER
The UCA Disability Resource Center (DRC) is making strides to ensure that students and service members with disabilities receive full access to UCA classrooms, programs, and events. What is a disability? A disability is defined as a temporary or permanent condition that substantially limits one or more daily living activities. Daily living activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. Students needing to request services through the DRC should complete the DRC Student Registration Form as soon as possible.
Student Health Center 212 | (501) 450-3613 | uca.edu/oars
FIRST-YEAR SEMINARS (FYS)
First-Year Seminar courses are designed to help new students succeed at UCA. These courses fulfill a specific Core area requirement and emphasize written and oral communication skills. uca.edu/core/first-year-seminar
NAVIGATE
Students use this campus-wide student success system to schedule appointments and communicate with advisors, peer coaches, tutors, and faculty. Students can find Study Buddies in the classes they are currently enrolled in. Navigate also tells you when an academic alert has been issued for you by a professor.
How do I get to Navigate? Students can download the Navigate Student App or Log in to myUCA | Navigate
HONORS EDUCATION
The University of Central Arkansas has a variety of exemplary study opportunities available for students, including the Schedler Honors College, the University Scholars Program, Honors in the Major, and National Fellowship Advising.
(501) 450-3198 | uca.edu/honors
IT HELP DESK
The IT (Information Technology) Help Desk can answer questions and recommend solutions for your technical problems. UCA IT also offers the Microsoft Office Suite free to students. Where do I get help using Blackboard? Get answers to your questions about Blackboard online at https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student.
Mathematics & Computer Science Room 103 | (501) 450-3107 | uca.edu/it/need-help
LEARNING COMMUNITIES (RESIDENTIAL and COMMUTER)
UCA’s Living and Learning Community programs include four Residential Colleges (Muze, Biz, HPaW, STEM), the Honors College, and the University Scholars Program. The Minton Commuter College in Old Main Hall provides a learning community for commuter students. Learning Communities provide students an environment for integrating learning into daily life through small classes (some in our residence halls!), academic programming, and, in some cases, on-site faculty and peer mentors.
uca.edu/residential
LIBRARY
Torreyson Library is designed as a place for students to research and study. The library’s collection includes almost one million titles in various physical and online formats and many textbooks for core classes. The library provides multi-use study spaces and individual, small, and large group study rooms. Desktop computers, printers, scanners, and copiers are available for student use, and students can borrow laptops, headphones, webcams, and financial and graphing calculators from the Circulation Desk. Libguides are available for Writing 1310 and 1320. Discovery enables the user to find articles, ebooks, print books, and other physical resources in one aggregated search. Features of this new platform include:
- Streamlined authentication process using the UCA single sign-on
- Integrated accounts that facilitate managing checked-out items and interlibrary loan requests
- Search functions for Torreyson Library, other local library collections, and libraries worldwide
- Online requesting service for items in Torreyson’s collections and from other libraries.
- Easy creation of resource lists and saved searches
Research help can be found by making an online appointment at uca.libcal.com/appointments/
(501) 450-5224
uca.edu/library
STUDENT SUCCESS
The Student Success staff and faculty support and empower students to achieve their academic goals through the following programs and services:
The Academic Recovery Program assists students in raising their academic standing and improving their academic skills. Students not in good academic standing are contacted each semester about participation.
Academic Success Workshops are offered each semester on topics such as time management, test anxiety, note-taking skills, and communication skills. Online workshops are also available through the Student Success website.
FirstGen@UCA (UCAF1RSTS) raises awareness of the challenges faced by first-generation college students and promotes resources available to first-generation students.
New Bear Central is an online extended orientation and transition program that teaches students how to use Blackboard and introduces them to campus resources.
Success Coaching is available in first-year residence halls, the Honors College, and in the Student Success and Veterans Resource Center Room 103. Peer success coaches assist with study strategies, time management, and other academic skills.
Summer Start bridge programs provide incoming first-year students opportunities to begin their college careers early through summer classes and programs. Start Early, Start Right!
Summer Start 2024 information will be available in January 2024
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program that utilizes regularly schedule, informal review sessions in which students compare note, discuss readings, and predict test items. Available in BIOL 1440, BIOL 1402, CHEM 1402, ACCT 2310, and PSYC 1300.
Tutoring Services offers free centralized peer tutoring for UCA Core courses and most upper-level math and science courses. Online tutoring is available from M-Th 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | F 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Sat 10am-3pm | Sun 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm https://uca.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring-schedule/
In-person appointments are available through Navigate360.
Tutoring Services Center is located in Torreyson 223.
The UCAN Program (“Unlocking College Academics Now”) provides students on first academic suspension the opportunity to continue their enrollment while engaging in workshops and small group sessions.
Student Success | studentsuccess@uca.edu
Student Success and Veterans Resource Center | (501) 852-2117 | uca.edu/studentsuccess
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
The Registrar maintains student academic files, the Academic Calendar, FERPA waivers, schedule of classes, final exam schedules, transcripts, and applications for graduation.
How do I apply for graduation? See guidelines for applying for graduation on the Registrar website.
Harrin Hall 224 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm | (501) 450-5200 | regofc@uca.edu | uca.edu/registrar
SERVICE-LEARNING and VOLUNTEERISM
Service-learning courses are offered across the curriculum and allow students to complete a community service project connected with the academic curriculum. Students interested in community engagement and service can also volunteer independently or with a group with one of our community partners on the Big Event day of service in March or on a Bear Boots on the Ground alternative break experience. Students who log service-learning and volunteer hours are eligible for recognition, such as the Bears Serve Challenge (logging 30-plus hours in a year) and the community service graduation cord (logging 100-plus hours by graduation).
How can I volunteer through UCA? Check CubConnect for a calendar of volunteer events, or see the list of Community Partners for information about current needs for volunteers in our community or email volunteer@uca.edu if you need help connecting with an organization or finding a project.
(501) 852-7416 | lgraybeal@uca.edu | uca.edu/volunteer
STUDY ABROAD
Studying abroad is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures you can experience during your college career! UCA offers study abroad trips for a semester or a few weeks. Stop by the Study Abroad Office in the library and see what might work for you.
Torreyson Library 109 | (501) 450-3646 | studyabroad@uca.edu | uca.edu/studyabroad
TRANSFER SERVICES
Transfer Services conducts a thorough review of every incoming transfer student’s academic record, with the goal of maximizing the application of previously earned credit hours toward degree requirements at UCA.
If you have any questions regarding how your previously earned credit hours apply toward your current degree requirements at UCA, please contact Transfer Services for assistance.
Transfer Services | Harrin Hall 130 | (501) 852-2785 | uca.edu/transferservices | ucatransfer@uca.edu
TUTORING
UCA offers free centralized peer tutoring for all Core courses and most upper-level math and science courses through the Tutoring Services Center. Online Appointments via Navigate360.
Torreyson Library 223 | (501) 852-0720 | uca.edu/success | tutoring@uca.edu
M-Th 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | F 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Sat 10am-3pm | Sun 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Some departments also provide free tutoring services. See: https://uca.edu/studentsuccess/tutoring/
UCA BOOKSTORE
The UCA Bookstore provides textbooks and UCA gear. Textbook rentals are an affordable option for students through the Bookstore, located in the UCA Student Center.
What do I do if I can’t afford textbooks? The Student Support and Resource Center at UCA has emergency funding available to help you! Many textbooks are available through the Library’s Reserve Desk.
Apply online at uca.edu/studentsupport/emergency-textbook-grants/
theUCAbookstore.com
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES
BEAR X
The Bear Experience Co-curricular Transcript is an official university document that formally records students’ out-of-classroom learning experiences. Students have the opportunity to thoughtfully plan their college experiences by integrating them with their academic curriculum, personal values, and future goals.
CENTER FOR GLOBAL LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT
The University of Central Arkansas Division of International Engagement coordinates all university international activities and programs. Working with UCA faculty and students, we offer programs that help students become leaders, global citizens, and lifelong learners.
Schichtl Suite 120 | (501) 450-3445 | uca.edu/global
CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Center for Leadership Development (CLD) offers students opportunities for comprehensive leadership development through workshops, presentations, self-guided resources, and student leadership teams.
How do I improve my leadership skills? Attend one of our Bear Talks or register for one of our workshops!
Student Center Basement Room 011 | uca.edu/lead
CUBCONNECT
CubConnect is a centralized hub for student engagement! CubConnect integrates RSOs, campus events and activities, campus news, volunteer hours, co-curricular experiences, and student involvement into one platform. CubConnect you to find an RSO that fits your interest, vote in a campus-wide student election and find volunteer/service projects that complement your co-curricular experience. GET CONNECTED NOW… Log in using your cub email account at uca.edu/cubconnect.
NEW BEAR CENTRAL
New Bear Central is an online orientation experience designed to orient first-year students to UCA. First-year students can access the New Bear Central modules in Blackboard by logging into myUCA.
uca.edu/fye/nbc
OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY
The Office of Diversity and Community provides services to enhance students’ academic and personal success from underrepresented populations. These services include the Minority Mentorship Program, the Black Male Achievement Challenge (B-MAC), Project X, the Latino/Hispanic Outreach, and PRISM Alliance. The office also houses the Academic Bridge Connection (ABC) Resource Center.
Bernard Hall 207 | (501) 450-3135 | uca.edu/diversitycommunity
HOUSING
Living on campus will be one of the most rewarding experiences during your time at UCA. Not only does it give you advantages such as convenient access to campus facilities and comfortable living accommodations, but you also have a residence life staff that is here to help you. If you have questions about your room, getting involved on campus, or just about anything else, ask your Resident Assistant (RA) or your Residence Coordinator (RC)! First-year residence halls also have Peer Success Coaches available to help you with improving your study skills, time management, and other academic skills.
Bernard Hall Suite 201 | (501) 450-3132 | uca.edu/housing
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
The Student Government Association (SGA) is the primary representative voice for UCA students. SGA formulates policies and allocates student activity fees to student organizations and university departments. SGA also works closely with the administration on issues that directly affect UCA students. | uca.edu/sga
STUDENT LIFE
Student Life provides opportunities for learning, leadership, community building, creative expression, volunteerism, mentoring, and much more.
UCA offers more than 200 student organizations, clubs, and recreational activities to help students engage in campus life and become active members of the UCA community. Student organizations, including the student activities board, host regular activities throughout the year, including guest lecturers, dances, comedy acts, concerts, and novelty events.
How do I get involved in UCA organizations? See CubConnect on myUCA for more information on how you can become involved at UCA!
Student Center 207 | uca.edu/studentlife
UCA FAMILY NETWORK
The UCA Family Network is designed to be a one-stop shop for information and programs for families of UCA Bears. Be sure to share this information with your family!
Ronnie Williams Student Center Suite 203 | uca.edu/families | families@uca.edu
FINANCIAL
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services provides access to career planning, programs, and presentations—information on employment opportunities, including work-study and internships through Bears4Hire Handshake.
Bernard Hall 311 | (501) 450-3134 | uca.edu/career | bears4hire@uca.edu
FINANCIAL AID
The Student Financial Aid Office assists students with institutional, private, state, and federal assistance in scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.
How do I see my Financial Aid Counselor?
Financial Aid is open 8:00 am-4:30 pm M-F.
Walk-in appointments are welcomed.
Harrin Hall 200 | (501) 450-3140 | finaid@uca.edu | uca.edu/financialaid
SCHOLARSHIPS
Information on institutional, state, and private scholarship awards can be found on the Financial Aid website. The UCA Foundation also offers privately-funded scholarships.
How do I find scholarships? Other scholarship opportunities can be found by following the Office of Student Financial Aid on Cub Connect!
uca.edu/scholarships
uca.edu/foundation
STUDENT ACCOUNTS
This office assists students and families through the payment process for tuition and fees. See us online or in Bernard Hall for more information.
How do I pay my UCA bill? Pay online using CashNet through myUCA
Bernard Hall 110 | (501) 450-5015 | studentaccounts@uca.edu | uca.edu/studentaccounts
VIEW YOUR ACCOUNT ON CASHNet
Log in to myUCA
Under Essentials/Current Students, click on the CASHNet button
Previous, Current, and Future Term Balances are under Your Account
To make payment, click on ‘Make Payment / Add-on charges.’
Click on the term you wish to pay or click the ‘Pay All’ button to pay for all available terms.
To change the amount, click on the appropriate term you wish to pay, update the amount you wish to pay, click Add to Basket
To complete payment, click the Checkout button on the bottom left and choose from Credit Card or Electronic Check (Savings also available)
STUDENT SUPPORT AND RESOURCE CENTER
This office assists students in locating emergency funding and other resources. If you have an urgent need for funding, please call or email to set up an appointment.
What do I do if I can’t afford textbooks? The SSRC has emergency funding available to help you with textbooks. Apply online. https://uca.edu/studentsupport/emergency-textbook-grants/
Student Health Center, Room 308 | M-F 8:00am-4:30pm | (501) 852-0704 | studentsupport@uca.edu | uca.edu/studentsupport/
UCA BEAR ESSENTIALS FOOD PANTRY
If you need food or toiletries, the Food Pantry will help. Anyone with a UCA ID (student, staff, faculty) is welcome. Please see the website for hours.
Physical Plant – West side parking lot with UCA flag
bearessentials@uca.edu | uca.edu/foodbank
VETERAN SERVICES
The University of Central Arkansas works with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal and state agencies to provide educational assistance to those who have served our country.
Student Success and Veterans Resource Center | veteranservices@uca.edu
uca.edu/veteranservices
HEALTH and WELLNESS
AUTISM ADVOCACY PROGRAM
The UCA Autism Advocacy program offers low-sensory registration days, the first-year seminar for students with neurodiversity, a low-sensory student lounge in Old Main Hall, and a recognized student organization, Autism and Neurodiversity Alliance (ANA), which is a social and advocacy group for students and allies that meets twice a month. (Student Lounge Closed – Fall 2020)
Department of Student Transitions Old Main 104 | (501) 450-3220 | uca.edu/dst/autism-advocacy-program
CAMPUS RECREATION
The Department of Campus Recreation is a non-academic resource for the UCA community, which operates out of the HPER Center. Those are Aquatics, COPA, Fitness, Intramural and Club Sports, Group Exercise, and a Challenge Course near the Recreational Field.
Where can I have my personal bike repaired on campus? COPA offers basic bike tune-ups. They can also 1) change a flat tire; 2) change chain; 3) do cable adjustments, and 4) do a brake pad alignment or brake pad replacement. You provide the parts.
uca.edu/campusrecreation
COUNSELING CENTER
The Counseling Center provides mental health counseling and other counseling services for all currently enrolled UCA students.
What do I do if I’m too anxious or depressed to go to class? The UCA Counselors are here to help you with anxiety, stress, depression, or test anxiety. Just make an appointment. We’re very helpful!
Student Health 327 | (501) 450-3138 | uca.edu/counseling
GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS
Gender-neutral bathrooms can be found across campus. For locations, visit uca.edu/diversity/gender-neutral-restrooms
HEALTH CLINIC
The Student Health Clinic is staffed with a physician and four nurse practitioners to help diagnose, treat and monitor your health needs. Treatment of minor illnesses or injuries, some chronic illnesses, allergy shots ordered by a private physician, blood pressure monitoring, crutch loan, education about a diagnosis, the women’s clinic, simple laceration repair, peak flow measurement, updrafts, and pulmonary function tests are all provided to students free of charge.
Student Health Building | (501) 450-3136 | shc@uca.edu | uca.edu/studenthealth
LACTATION SUITES
Lactation Suites can be found across campus. For locations, visit uca.edu/diversity/lactation-suites.
LOW-SENSORY LOUNGE
The UCA Low-Sensory Lounge in Old Main is a dedicated space specially designed with a sensory-reduced atmosphere. The lounge serves as a safe space between classes, and at any other time, a break is needed for students who benefit from reduced noise and a low-activity environment.
Old Main | M-F 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | (501) 450-3220
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Individualized nutrition consultations are held in a private setting.
Christian Cafeteria (first door on the left)
(501) 852-0185 | (501) 733-6854 cell
Baldridge-Ethan@Aramark.com
STUDENT WELLNESS AND DEVELOPMENT
Student Wellness and Development offers various educational events, initiatives, and campaigns on wellness topics throughout the year, including program kits.
uca.edu/wellness
UCA POLICE DEPARTMENT
We believe a well-informed community is essential to achieving our goals. To that end, we have implemented numerous measures to ensure the safety of the UCA community and to provide timely warnings in case of an emergency.
How can I stay safe at UCA?
Be sure to download the Safe@UCA app onto your phone!
(501) 450-3111
ucapd@uca.edu
uca.edu/police
GLOSSARY
AMAPs – an Eight-Semester Academic Map plan that shows all courses needed for graduation for every degree. Find these online at uca.edu/academicmaps.
Academic Standing – your overall academic status at UCA. “Good” academic standing means your GPA is 2.0 or above. Below a 2.0, you will be placed on Academic Alert, Academic Probation, or Academic Suspension.
Blackboard – UCA’s learning management system where you can find the course syllabus, assignments, and grades.
The Bulletin – The Undergraduate Bulletin lists all degree programs and courses. uca.edu/ubulletin
CubConnect – CC is a centralized online hub for information on RSOs, events, news, student forms, and co-curricular achievements. (CC has replaced OrgSync.) Find it in myUCA.
FERPA – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights concerning their educational records. uca.edu/registrar/ferpa/
GradesFirst – You can make and track appointments for tutoring, coaching, and advising through GF and monitor your Progress Reports through GF. Find it in myUCA.
GPA – Grade Point Average. Your institutional cumulative GPA includes all grades earned at UCA. Your semester GPA includes just grades earned during a specific semester. Some holds prevent registration until resolved.
Holds – Holds are placed on your student record to provide you with information about possible restrictions to college services.
MyUCA – UCA’s online student portal. Log in through uca.edu and find your account information, course information, and everything about UCA.
RSOs – Recognized Student Organizations. UCA has nearly 200 of these. Find them through CubConnect on myUCA.
Semester – An academic term. At UCA, these include Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-May), and Summer (I and II). UCA also has a three-week “May Intersession.”
Syllabus – An academic document that communicates information about a specific course and defines expectations and responsibilities.
UCA Core – Required courses for all undergraduate degrees. Others call this “general education.”