Classes will begin Thursday, Aug. 23, for UALR’s fall semester, with new conveniences for students fully in place as the campus adds to its growing residential population.

“I see a whole new campus that is vibrant and one that clearly has been invested in,” said Kim Collins Farrell of Syracuse, N.Y. The 1994 UALR graduate in political science, the university’s first Truman Scholar, was visiting her former professors just before the semester opened.

This fall, UALR will launch a new e-commerce degree, the only degree program of its kind in Arkansas and one of only five in the nation.

It is also the first four-year degree program that will be offered at the UALR Benton Center.

“The e-commerce program extends across several challenging disciplines including quantitative reasoning, information science, business, and several specialization options in addition to the core curriculum,” said Bruce Bauer, who directs the e-commerce program at the Benton Center.

“The program is for students interested in an Internet technology career and will prepare them with the expertise required for a career in electronic commerce, social media, and digital marketing.”

On the main campus, UALR’s new Student Services Building – adjacent to and connected with the Donaghey Student Center – consolidates in one place the administrative offices that students most visit: admissions, records, registration, financial aid, academic counseling, bursar, scholarships, and more.

The Trojan Grill, an after-hours bistro located near four of UALR’s five residence halls, will offer evening dinner and snack options for residents, students, and faculty attending evening classes.

The Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex hosted its first soccer game during opening weekend, Sunday, Aug. 19. The complex, located next to the University Village residence hall on Asher Avenue, offers facilities for track and field events as well as intramural fields.