Even though we’ve had spring-like weather lately and the idea of snow might seem like an impossibility, February has historically been a snowy month for Little Rock. In fact, last year during this exact week, UALR was closed for snow. So, it could still happen.

With that said, I wanted to remind you of UALR’s inclement weather policy. There are two key things I want to point out.

First, UALR does not follow the decisions made by LRSD or PCSSD. The university previously followed whatever decision the district made, but since January 2011, UALR has made its own choice regarding cancelling classes or closing campus. This is important to remember.

Second, we have made it very easy for you to find out about any weather-related cancellation or closing. You don’t even have to get out of bed or turn on the tv and wait for the information to scroll by on the screen. You can find out about closings with just a phone-call or text straight to your phone. All you have to do is sign up for the free Campus Alert Messaging system. Whenever there is a weather-related closing, or other campus incident, a notification will be sent to your phone. The Campus Alerts site highlights more about the system and how it can help you stay safe and informed.

Last year, it was nice to just check my phone and see the text message saying campus was closed. I didn’t have to turn on the tv and wonder. It was the most convenient way to stay informed.

So, how do you sign up? It’s easy! The directions are here, but basically you just sign up in BOSS under the Personal Information section. You can choose to receive text and/or call alerts. If at any point you no longer want to receive the alerts, there is an opt-out choice on that form.

The service is free, but your cell phone carrier may apply standard charges, so check with them if you’re unsure.

If you choose to not sign up, you can still find out about closings on the homepage, the university’s main telephone number (501-569-3000), the official Facebook and Twitter accounts, and local television and radio stations.

And as much as I enjoy this warm weather, having a snow day where I can make one of these would be nice.

We had the chance recently to sit down with Professor Michael Warrick, the sculpture coordinator in the UALR Art Department. Visitors to the UALR gallery can view his work now through Sunday, February 26.

“Life Forms” (via MichaelWarrick.com)

The exhibit on display through Sunday, Feb. 26 is titled “Life Forms” and includes concept drawings, collaborative animation proposals, photographs, and sculpture in bronze, wood, and stone created from 2008-2011.

These pieces were created while on an off campus duty assignment from the University of Arkansas, while an artist-in-residence at the Cargo/Wheeler Studio in Clough, Northern Ireland, and while in residence at the 9th International Sculpture Symposium in Changchun, China.

Michael will also give a gallery talk at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the Fine Arts Building Gallery II.

Michael continues to work on a cast bronze and fabricated stainless steel sculpture that will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Central Arkansas Library.

Learn more about sculpture at UALR.

Until recently, I didn’t know much about the Campus Recreation program. Did you know you can go on hiking and camping trips? Or that you can play competitive disk golf, indoor soccer, and go rock climbing? You can also take a group fitness class in yoga, zumba, and even belly dancing. And everything is free!

Campus Recreation is divided into Fit/Well, Intramurals, Aquatics, and Outdoor Adventures. There’s a place for everyone. They provide recreational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles, social interactions, and leadership skills. And sometimes you even get a free t-shirt.

Last fall, a group went camping in Helena at the Delta Heritage State Park. They rode bikes, kayaked, and learned a little about the history of the Delta. A few of these students had never been outside Little Rock before, so it was a great opportunity for them to experience something new.

This little video highlights some of adventures they had.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEQKoew2jeU

They’re still working on a schedule for this year’s hiking and camping trips so be sure and check back if you’re interested.

If you’d rather get your recreation inside a gym, check out the numerous classes being offered in the Fit/Well program. There will also be a Biggest Loser Boot Camp starting next week. It’s a competition-based program consisting of boot camp classes, exercise challenges, and weigh-ins. It costs $5 to join.

Intramural sports offer you the chance to play healthy, competitive sports like flag football, basketball, disk golf, dodgeball, and racquetball along with many others. It’s a great way to stay active, meet friends, learn a new sport, and get involved on campus.

For those who love the water, UALR has Arkansas’ only Olympic-sized pool. You can swim laps or join a water aerobics class.

The fitness center is open 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday- Thursday, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday.

With the new year upon us, now is a perfect time to get involved in one of Campus Recreation’s many activities. Not only will you burn some calories, you’ll probably make a few new friends too.

The following contribution is courtesy of Jon Vickers, academic counselor in the Department of Nursing.

On Thursday, Dec. 15, graduating nursing students were recognized at Stella Boyle Hall for their achievements during a pinning ceremony. Serving as a symbolic rite of passage from nursing student to nursing professional, this intimate setting provided closure on an intensive program, resulting in tears of joy from students, family members, and yes, even faculty.

The ceremony began as graduates and their person of choice proceeded to the stage. While faculty assisted with contacts and guidelines, the students themselves did almost all of the planning. Christina Wetta, a December graduate who organized the event, began with a brief speech on what it was like to go through nursing school and the history of the pinning ceremony.

The pinning ceremony has been a tradition that dates back to the Crusades with the modern ceremony going back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition for her tireless service to the injured during the Crimean War. To share the honor, she in turn presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. By 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates was standard throughout the U.S.

As the program progressed, so did the need for Kleenex. Each student selected one family member who helped them through his or her journey. Husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, children and friends took turns at the center of the stage pinning the graduate while faculty read statements and stories prepared by students.

Each one with a different story, different background, different motives, all coming together to help each other succeed. While the student was the one being recognized for their achievement, it was clear they all wanted to acknowledge those close to them for making sacrifices and motivating them to finish.

At the end, graduating student Laura Fout thanked a few specific faculty members on behalf of her class for their dedication, attention to detail with documentation, tough grading, preparation, and not being quite as scary as they seemed when they started. She saved a special thank you for instructor Missy Carmack. “And to Ms. Carmack, thank you for being the nurse that I hope to be someday.” (Cue the waterworks.)

After the pinning, Dr. Preston Molsbee recited the Nightingale Pledge, and Ms. Carmack lit a symbolic lamp. Most faculty have fond memories of their own pinning ceremony, stating it was more memorable than graduation because it was just for nursing students. The ceremony was followed by a reception.

These recent graduates still have one last step before serving the community as our future nurses. All the students will be busy studying for the NCLEX-RN state board exam. UALR has boasted one of the top pass rates in the state and is confident in this group of students. We are very proud of our graduates and wish them luck with all future endeavors.

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.

Every year about this time I am reminded of how much I love working at UALR.

It’s not just the two-week break we get around the holidays, although that ranks high on the list. Imagine all the baking and gift-buying without the stress, not to mention getting to jump back in bed after coffee in the morning to finish a book or watch the Today Show.

It’s much more than that.

Today a co-worker, Robin Mizell, and I were discussing the wrap-up of UALR’s United Way campaign. Our Communications Office was in charge of it this year, or rather Robin was. We’re very close to meeting our goal. That’s something I love about UALR. Our employees have big hearts, even in years when we get no raises.

Also, every year the Staff Senate sponsors a food drive for families in need over the holidays. Last month, employees donated a record amount of food and money to ensure that 125 families received food baskets and grocery gift cards before Christmas. Fortunately, one basket was still available when a family called at the last minute with an emergency request.

About 45 percent of our employees have also already pledged gifts this year to the university’s campus fundraising campaign, and many have volunteered for other campus causes.

I also wish someone had told me earlier in my career about the giant benefit of working at a state higher education institution: TUITION DISCOUNT. Employees get a 90 percent tuition break at UALR. Their kids get a 50 percent discount. My youngest son was enrolled here when I joined the university five years ago; what a money-saver during his last two years.

His adviser helped him find two valuable paid internships in Little Rock; the second one turned into a great job as a construction engineer at VCC (the internship-turned-job experience happens a lot at UALR).

Not to sound cheesy, but what I really like most is working at a place where people are the bottom line. Students who get jazzed about learning or thinking more, who seek knowledge to graduate, get a job or a better job, or who want to find a way to make a difference in society. This makes coming back to work after two weeks off completely worth it.

We’re quickly approaching one of the most exciting times of the year. No, not Christmas (although that is exciting, as well). We’re about one week away from Commencement! Students are in the midst of completing their finals and counting down the days till the semester is officially over. It will all come to a culmination for those whose college careers are ending, on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Now that commencement is only days away, there are some things you might need to know about the big night.

First off, we’re so excited to live stream the ceremony once again. It’s a great way for your friends and family to be a part this important moment, even if they live thousands of miles away. We’ll begin live streaming at 7 p.m.

You’ll have the opportunity to share your commencement experience through Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. We’ll be live tweeting the events from @UALR. Follow along and add to the conversation using the #UALRgrad hashtag.

You can also congratulate your favorite grads or just share your excitement on our Facebook wall. Lastly, be sure to send your commencement photos to pics@ualr.edu. We’ll post these to the UALR Commencement Flickr set.

Now for the day-of reminders. Graduates need to be at the Jack Stephens Center by 6 p.m. Head to the Derek Fisher Court when you arrive. Go here for additional pre-ceremony information.

The Jack Stephens Center will open for guests at 5 p.m. A record number of students are graduating and we anticipate a large crowd, so early arrival is recommended. More information for guests is here.

Guests can park in Lots 13, 14, and 15. There will be two shuttles available in Lots 14 and 15. All other UALR parking lots will be open for use.
Please refer to the Campus Map for the location of these lots.

For safety reasons, guests are not allowed on the main floor to take pictures, but there will be professional photographers taking pictures as students receive their diplomas. These photos will be available for purchase. In addition, a commemorative DVD of the ceremony will be available for $10.

Last but not least, don’t forget to smile and enjoy the night!

We wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at UALR’s newest ad campaign: never-before seen images of our stars in the make-up chair, on the set, and in front of the cameras.

Our stars are UALR graduates working in central Arkansas. Since most prospective undergrad and grad students, not to mention their parents, have “getting a job after graduation” heavily on their minds when making a college choice, we thought they’d like hearing from UALR alums in the workforce.

Where do you work, what prepared you most for a career, what do you like about your job, do you need an advanced degree?

For the TV spots, our stars sat on very sleek white leather contemporary sofas in a vacant office on a top floor in the Region’s Bank building in downtown Little Rock. Behind them, large windows give viewers a panaromic view of the Little Rock skyscape and the state’s Capitol. Nice touch, Manghan Holcomb Partners and film crew!

Nine UALR grads in sets of three chatted in response to questions being thrown at them, an attempt to be as authentic as possible without the YouTube “shaky camera” look. Our surprise came when a window washer dropped into view on ropes to clean the windows, delaying the shoot about 40 minutes.

No bother. Wipe away sweat beads, let the talent check their email, grab a bottle of water, fix straying hair, adjust shirts and skirts.

And our stars? Check out the ads and you’ll see how awesome they are. There’s LaTrecia, a school teacher who calls her students “my babies” because she loves them so much. Lance, a construction project manager who oversees millions of dollars of building projects. Monty and Misty, husband and wife high achievers: lawyer/engineer and tax accountant. Kristi: a pharmaceutical rep with smarts, class, and lots of energy.

Andy, a recent grad, is racking up all kinds of job performance awards at Acxiom. A talented writer, Laura helped land a huge grant for UAMS. Frank, who works for the Governor’s Office, is a leader and a rising star sure to be governor or senator one day.

We hope you enjoy the new campaign and that you’ll read the stories of our grads that cannot be fully told in a 30-second spot.