There was a noticeable shift on campus late last week. The mostly quiet campus from summer was replaced with the busyness and excitement that only comes from the start of a new semester. You could sense the buzz in the air as new students hauled bags, boxes, and mini fridges into their new homes on the hill with help from their families and fellow Trojans.

I went over to the housing complex to check things out last Friday, and although I didn’t help move any boxes (sorry!), I did speak to a few students and their parents. And while the general consensus was that the day was “exciting,” a few told me a little more about what they were feeling on such a big day.

EIT student Adam Ray came from Nashville, AR, with his mom, Michele. They were both excited and his mom said she was happy for him to be in the EIT program. I noticed each of them was carrying some prized items – a flat screen tv and a large guitar case. Adam said the guitar was more important to him than the tv. So if you hear some guitar rifts coming out of South Hall, it just might be Adam strumming away.

Waiting outside the elevators in West Hall was CLC scholar and biology major Jamie Gardner. She said moving in was “hard and heavy!” She said it was really every emotion – both exciting and nerve-wracking. She and her family drove four hours from Blytheville. Jamie thinks it’ll be hard for her family since she’s so far away. Her grandma, Ivy Bruner, said she’ll miss Jamie, but that starting college “is a good thing.”

On the other side of West Hall was fellow CLC scholar and Sherwood native Tucker Johnson. He plans to major in nursing and got some help moving from his mom and younger brother. Tucker’s mom, Cindi, said moving her oldest son in has been difficult, but she was thankful he was still close to home. She also was excited he’s in a good program like CLC because of its continued supervision and community service aspect.

Tucker said he was “ready to go” and the most important item he brought was his mini fridge. I noticed a large supply of energy drinks that he plans to stock his fridge with. They might be good to have on hand as he studies those nursing textbooks.

From what I could tell, the day went smoothly. Housing Director Debbie Gentry said this year’s move-in has been very organized, thanks to smart planning and help from the rest of the Housing staff.

We’re happy to have this new group of Trojans living on campus. Welcome home!

… there is bound to be an RA to the rescue.

Armed with fire extinguishers, UALR’s resident assistants took turns putting out a controlled fire Thursday as part of  their extensive safety training.

Parents, feeling more assured about the well-being of your child now? Our students are in good hands.

The 36 RAs have been working in the days ahead of the big move-in to ensure the on-campus experience lives up to students’ expectations.

They’ve learned how to put out fires, both the literal and figurative kind. Under the watchful eye of Rikki Turner, assistant director of housing, these students have learned the ropes and are now ready to take on the semester, whatever it may bring.

The RAs in action:

UALR welcomes all incoming freshmen and returning students for Fall Semester 2012.

If you’re on campus before classes start, or if you just want to have some fun a little early, check out the Opening Week activities starting Friday, Aug. 17.

The Welcome Week celebration officially kicks off on Friday, Aug. 17, with move-in day. The next week, the Office of Campus Life has plenty planned with free food, entertainment, and fun – the kind of stuff you don’t want to miss! And yes, we said FREE! Continue reading “Welcome Week Fall 2012” →

Now is the time when college students and their parents are busy finding the right things to fill that new dorm room. I spoke to Rikki Turner, assistant director for residence life, and asked her what are some of the top items students should remember to bring. Take a look at her list as you figure out what you’ll need to bring to your new home.

The following items are great to have if you’ll be living in West Hall. East Hall and the apartments would have a slightly different list, as there might not be a need for a mini-fridge and you’d want more than just baking supplies.

Mini-fridge: This is nice to have in the room if you like to keep your drinks/snacks close and handy. There is a large refrigerator in the common area but I would only use it for things you don’t mind sharing with the others on your floor. Although, if you do choose to share your snacks, it might be a quick way to make some new friends.

Cleaning supplies: Broom, mop, dustpan, cleaners, sponge, etc. There are monthly room inspections and you’d be surprised how many people do not come with essential cleaning items!

Laptop: While iPads and tablets are super convenient and fun, it is much easier to type up a paper on an actual computer. There are resources available in the library and around campus if you do not wish to bring one, but it will make your life easier if you do have one!
(And make sure to engrave your T# on your expensive electronics.)

Lockbox: If you have things you don’t want your roommate or guests to see or if you have valuables that you couldn’t bear with turning up missing, bring something to lock that stuff up in!

Dry-erase markers: You will have a dry erase board outside your room. How will people leave you messages without a marker?! And, if you want to leave others messages, you’ll be prepared!

Door stop: One of the fastest ways to get to know others on your floor is to leave your door open! People walking by will want to come see how you’ve decorated, what you are doing, or just who you are!

Lanyard: If you lose your key it is expensive to replace. Bring a lanyard to put your room keys on so you don’t have to pay $75 to replace it.

Baking utensils: Baking sheets, cake pan, cupcake pan, Pyrex, etc. If you want to utilize those wall ovens, you need to bring the
supplies to do it! Want a quick way to make friends?
Make them cookies!

Laundry basket/cart: You will be doing your own laundry now so come prepared! The rolling carts are the most useful.

Deodorant/Toothbrush: Because… well… you know…

Bedding/Decorations: This is your space so make it look like it! Get with your roommate and come up with a color scheme. Bring a throw rug! Grab some curtains (hung with a tension rod). Make this place your home, because let’s face it, it is now!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Student Housing. Now, go get shopping!

Almost 55 years ago, nine students successfully integrated Central High School. So this year, the UALR Institute on Race and Ethnicity honored the Little Rock Nine, L.C. and Daisy Bates, and Christopher Mercer Jr. for their efforts to end segregation in education during a public ceremony on July 14.

Each honoree was honored with a plaque bearing their name that will be added to the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail in August.

Minnijean Brown Trickey spoke on behalf of the Nine and said she has often been told that people are ‘tired of hearing about the Little Rock Nine,’ and she wonders how it is possible they do not see the relevance. I must agree with Trickey.

It reminds me of a story a friend of mine once told me. She is a military wife, and moved to the south in the 1980’s because of her husband’s job. She said that though the “Colored” signs had been taken down from the water fountain in the base cafeteria, there was a very clear imprint left behind on the wall and so the letters C-O-L-O-R-E-D remained imprinted there like a somber but clear reminder.

Like that sign, the ordeal endured by the Nine is still very much imprinted in the minds of those who watched it on TV, or in person as it unfolded. It is clear in the minds of us who read about it in our history books or listened to our families tell us the story. It is keenly clear to anyone who has ever been rejected, denied, shunned, or dismissed.

We see the value in the history of the desegregation of Central High School because we realize the Nine are more than the stance they took against unequal education; they are human beings.

The Little Rock Nine collectively have become an iconic entity, but the Nine were, and are, individuals: Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls LaNier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed Wair, and Melba Pattillo Beals.

They are individuals who fought the non-violent fight through irrational turmoil to make sure I could have an opportunity like this – to earn a college degree, to obtain a career I enjoy, to write a blog at a metropolitan, community-minded, diverse university and be valued.

Why do we have commemorations to educate the public and celebrate civil rights? Because, every day we do not acknowledge our failings or celebrate our triumphs as a state, we slow progress.

The physical signs that separated us not that long ago have been taken down. But, until we learn to strip away the hardest parts – the part that pretends race relations is no longer a issue, the part that refuses to confront our own individual shortcomings, the part that has difficulty empathizing with those who are different from ourselves – then we as citizens need a testament like the Arkansas Civil Rights Heritage Trail to remind us that the walk may not be easy but the journey is worth it…

…and OUR journey continues.

UALR grad Rick Harris shared with us why he thinks living on campus is the best decision a college student can make.

Of the more than 13,000 students who attend UALR, only a small portion (about 1,000) live on campus. When I first decided to come to school in Little Rock, my intention was to get an off-campus apartment and commute. Luckily, something about on-campus housing struck me as interesting, so I moved into East Hall for my freshman year. Looking back, it was, with no doubt, the best decision I could have made.

Being on campus allowed me to be able to walk out of my room and always have someone around to interact with. That’s something lacking from living off campus. Turns out, it’s actually just one of many things missing from living off campus.

During my freshman year, I got involved not only in an academic setting, but also in social and community service activities. I became involved in the hall government within Housing and by the end of the year I was hired to be a Resident Assistant starting my sophomore year.

My years living on campus changed me.

Living on campus introduces students to many activities that someone who lives off campus has difficulty experiencing. I often tell people that without living on campus, I would have likely attended class (maybe), worked, and slept. That’s not much of a college experience, if you ask me.

Of course, living on campus is another chunk of money. That’s no secret. But rather than seeing it as another expensive bill, I like to think of it as an investment in your future. The relationships, connections, and memories are priceless. With all of the amenities available to on campus residents, it’s worth every penny. Anything you need is within walking distance.

Plus, on-campus housing at UALR continues to grow and prosper. UALR features some of the nicest housing facilities not only in Arkansas, but also in the nation. I say that with confidence because I’ve visited some of the “big-named” universities over the years.

UALR housing residents are spoiled, and that’s just fine. If you don’t believe me, see for yourself. Most UALR students, faculty, and staff never make the trek “up the hill” to the housing complex. All of the facilities are top-notch and the new Trojan Grill is like the icing on the cake. Plus, how many universities have a school-colored street with the school logo in the middle of it?!

Rick Harris graduated from UALR in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science. He served as a Resident Assistant and University Commons Manager within the Office of Student Housing. He also served as a staff writer and later as News Editor for The Forum, UALR’s student newspaper.

He is now pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., right outside of Washington, D.C.. He is also serving as a resident director.

The following is a guest post written by Jon Vickers, academic counselor for the department of nursing.

So, why are you going to college?

Inevitably, as college students you will get asked this question at least 100 times. Also inevitably, our responses are the same drab pre-packaged clichés. I want to make money, I want to help people, I don’t know – it’s better than working. We respond like a star athlete at a press conference, full of generic responses and rhetoric. But shouldn’t we have a pretty darn good answer to this question? Shouldn’t we have a very concise and proper response to why we are taking on thousands of dollars in debt? For why we are dedicating four to eight years of our life, putting family, career and fun on the back burner?

And after the person hears your generic answer the follow up question is always “Well, what do you want to do after graduation?” Now, if ever a time for a true impassioned response, this is the perfect opportunity. Trust me, there won’t be many more times in your life where people outside of your immediate family have genuine curiosity about your future plans. But again, almost inevitably, we fail to convey any true concept of what it is we plan to do. We state our career field – I want to be a social worker, an architect, a nurse. Or our degree – I am going for marketing, or music, or journalism.

Maybe we don’t really know the answer to these rudimentary questions we hear literally dozens of times each semester. Maybe we never really thought about it. But there are people who have; those who already went through it.

See, all too often we don’t realize the true reason we pursued higher education until that time has come and gone and we live our chosen profession every day. It’s after that journey we truly realize our motives. So at the risk of giving you a spoiler alert for your life, I am going to tell you why you are going to college.

You are going to college to see the glimmer in the eye of an oncology patient just because you smile every time you walk into his room. To give a young child a sliver of hope, after a lifetime of abandonment and abuse. To build something that will stand long after you do. Maybe you are going to college to teach a 12 year old to love science, to write a story that thousands of people will see, or design a website that millions will view. To give a person with a speech impediment a chance to live a normal life, which is all they ever wanted.

The reason you are going to college is not just to make more money or provide a better life for your children. It’s so your children don’t have to wait tables at night to pay for college. It’s so you can have your name on an office door instead of your shirt. It’s so you can look at your parents and say “I did it because of you” or maybe even “I did it in spite of you.”

Take a moment and really think about why you are investing this enormous amount of time, money and energy. Talk to people in your field of interest. The next time someone asks you that all too common question, you may be able to articulate better to them and more importantly, to yourself.

My name is Jon Vickers and I am an Academic Counselor for the UALR Department of Nursing. I went to college so I could help others fulfill their dreams of a better life. Of course, I just figured that out. Back then I was just going to meet chicks.

This past week marked the first of two sessions for the Community School of the Arts summer camp. We have written about the camp numerous times here, here, and here. But this summer was the first time my little boy was old enough to attend. Having worked on campus for three years, I knew a little about what to expect. However, you don’t really know how fun and exciting it is until you see your young son run to you at the end of each day, beaming with pride and excited to tell you about the airplane he sculpted or the bowl he painted.

When the week started, my son was nervous. Using the word “camp” was probably not the best idea, as he was concerned he would be sleeping there and wouldn’t see me again. After I explained more about what this week would be all about, he was a little less timid but still stood close to me as we made our way through the crowd of talkative children and anxious parents that first day.

When I picked him up at the end of the first day, I knew everything had gone well. He quickly told me about the bird he sculpted and how it had feathers, glue, and straws. He was excited to return the next day.

And fortunately for me, each drop-off after that first day was better and better. On the third day, he literally ran into the building and straight to his group. He learned the names of his new friends and they learned his. Little friendships were quickly formed. I think my social butterfly invited every child over to his house this summer.

One day I peeked into his IQ Music class and was so surprised at what I saw. Even though I had seen kids learning and playing in previous sessions, there’s nothing quite like seeing your own child learn and practice a new skill. My soon-to-be kindergartner was learning to read music! I didn’t learn that until I was 13! And yet, here was a group of young children saying  “ta – ta – teetee – ta”  as they read from a card of music notes. I was blown away that in three days, they had learned what an 8^th note and 16^th note were.

When the week came to a close, I think we were both a little sad. I know he learned a lot and developed more confidence, and I loved seeing him make some new friends.

As a mom, I’m a little sad because we heard this is most likely the camp’s last summer. If the camp returns in the future, however, I know one little boy who will gladly sign up for a second sculpture class in hopes of creating another feather-and-glue covered bird. He just might be this generation’s Michelangelo.

It all starts with a handshake. Well, technically five variations on a handshake.

There’s the standard, then one with a blow-it-up flourish. Next up is early bird shake. Then comes a low five shoulder bump, followed by the lumberjack. And with that exuberant (if slightly awkward) social construct, a bond is forged among the 183 students who make up this year’s Chancellor’s Leadership Corps. Continue reading “CLC Students Break Ice, Get Slice of Campus Life” →