Enrichment
As a University Science Scholar, you will become part of a small, select group of science majors working together. You will get to know faculty through interaction and research opportunities, which is advantageous to professional development. You will have an opportunity to live in a residence hall with other scholars and continue to develop your peer group support.
If you enter the program as a freshman, we will ask you to take a three-credit course, “The First Year Experience.” This course will help you adjust to a college environment, make an immediate connection with science faculty, and begin to build your connections with peers. Experience at UALR and other universities have shown that these types of courses dramatically help new college students.
You will also have special opportunities for additional professional growth through special sessions. The USSP will provide optional workshops (for example, resumé writing, computer applications, or applying for jobs or graduate school), field trips to employers (for example, The Nature Conservancy, or the Arkansas Geological Commission), and luncheon discussions (for example, how to find a job or choose a graduate program). All of these special sessions will be tailored to the needs and interests of the students in the program.
Of course, like other science majors, you will have research opportunities with UALR faculty. We will encourage each of you to participate in research because the value of research experience as an undergraduate cannot be overstated. Conducting research teaches you to teach yourself-a premier tool for success. It also helps you improve your knowledge, thinking, self-discipline, and develop successful skills in problem solving. Each year, we will sponsor a symposium to showcase the work by University Science Scholars. We will encourage everyone associated with the program to celebrate their success.