In preparation for the review team visit from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools on Nov. 1-4, Get Informed will discuss UALR’s mission statement components for the next four weeks.

This week’s focus is on developing the intellect of students.

UALR develops the intellect of its students through the combination of excellence in teaching and involvement of students in research and service projects.

At UALR, teaching is more than merely giving students information. Resources are committed to developing faculty teaching skills, increasing awareness of the ways diverse students learn, and assessing student learning outcomes. Additionally, over the past 10 years, UALR has devoted considerable resources to incorporating technology into teaching in order to improve instruction and learning.

Beyond the classroom, students are engaged in a variety of scholarly activities that allow them to use their knowledge and skills in creative endeavors and to solve real-world problems. Their accomplishments annually are showcased at the Undergraduate Research Expo and the Graduate Student Research Forum.

Students also enhance their educational experience through service learning projects. According to the 2008 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) survey, 20 percent of UALR freshmen respondents had participated in a service-learning or community-based project as part of a course, 39 percent of seniors had participated in some form of practicum, internship, field experience, or clinical assignment as part of a course, and 53 percent of seniors had participated in community service or volunteer work.

All are invited to read the self study report.