We’re now in the second full week of 2012.  To me, a new year feels like a blank slate with endless possibilities set before us. While I’ve seen many blogs do a re-cap of 2011, I prefer to look forward and think about all the things that will happen this year.

Think of this post as a preview of the 2012 school year.

January
The spring semester begins Jan. 17. You have until the 23rd to register (but why wait?). We have some great activities planned for Welcome Week — free movies, food, and giveaways!

February
Homecoming! The women’s and men’s basketball teams will play Arkansas State on the 25th. There are several other games this month also. And did you know students get in for free with their UALR ID?

If you plan to graduate in May, turn in your graduation application by Feb. 24. Contact Records for any questions.

Also, I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we’ll have a snow day in February. It seems to happen every year. Our inclement weather policy is here. And be sure to sign up for campus alerts, so you’ll be the first to know about a weather closing or other emergency.

March
Grad Fest will be held March 14-15 in the lower DSC. This is a great time to order your cap and gown, your graduation invitations, join the Alumni association, and talk to Financial Aid about any student loans you have.

Spring Break starts on March 19! Plus, the Office of Campus Life puts on their annual Mardi Gras party this month. Get your beads and some king cake!

This is a great month to check out the Trojan Baseball team. Attend one of their eight home games at Gary Hogan field.

April
The annual Faculty Excellence Awards are held April 12. The best of the best in the categories of Research, Teaching, and Service will be honored.

Theatre and Dance’s annual Spring Dance Concert runs from the 19-22 in the University Theatre. Check out this promo from last year’s concert.

May
Spring classes end May 7. Finals begin on the 8th. Good luck!

Graduation is held on the May 19. I am already counting down to this day when I’ll get to walk across the stage with my master’s degree. The morning ceremony is at 9:30 a.m., and the afternoon ceremony is at 3 p.m.

The university is closed on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day, but summer classes get started right after.

Summer I and II classes begin on the 29th. Summer classes are a great time to get ahead in your degree or take an elective.

June
The Community School of the Arts will hold its annual Summer Arts Camp for kids June 18-22. I absolutely love this little video we did that shows some of the cool things the kids get to do.

July
The university is closed for Independence Day on the 4th. Summer IV classes begin on the 5th.

August
The second session of the Summer Arts Camp for kids is held the Aug. 6-10.

The application deadline for the Fall semester for entering freshmen is the 15th.

Students begin moving into the dorms, and the Fall semester kicks off on the 23rd.

Welcome Week will also get the school year off to a good start with numerous events and activities planned.

The annual back-to-school Burgers at Bailey will be held near the end of August. Stop by the Bailey center for free burgers and drinks along with some live music. Last year had a record turnout.

September
The university is closed on the 3rd for Labor Day.

Head out to the Burns Park Soccer Complex to see the Trojan Soccer team play in their home games.

October
The Concert Choir performs its annual Halle-Boo-Jah Halloween concert at the end of the month.

You can join UALR’s official Race for the Cure team this month. Academic Advising coordinated a large team last year and they raised almost $6,000.

November
International Celebration Day and the International Thanksgiving Dinner are held before the holiday break.

The university is closed the 22-23 for Thanksgiving.

December
Last day of classes is the 10th with finals beginning on the 11th. Fall Commencement will be held before the Christmas break.

There is much more that I am leaving out, but this should give you a broad overview of what you can expect. And of course we’ll keep you updated throughout the year of any can’t-miss events.