Veronica Tess Myers is a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration.

SRI Celebrates UA Little Rock First-Generation Students

In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Day on Nov. 8, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Retention Initiatives hosted an event to celebrate the university’s first-generation students and employees. Continue reading “SRI Celebrates UA Little Rock First-Generation Students”

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Shanna Parker has been named the director of a new program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock that is helping to connect parents with the child care resources they need to be successful in school. Continue reading “Parker Joins UA Little Rock as Director of New Child Care Connections Program”

Shanna Parker

UA Little Rock Launches New Program to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has launched a new program to help university students find and afford quality child care so they can complete their college education. Continue reading “UA Little Rock Launches New Program to Provide Child Care Funding for Low-Income Students”

First-generation college students and new transfer students participate in a Welcome Week event to welcome them back to campus on Aug. 24. Photo by Benjamin Krain

Student Retention Initiatives Hosts First-Generation, Transfer Student Welcome

The office of Student Retention Initiatives hosted a student success welcome event Aug. 24 filled with food, fun, and great activities for first-generation freshmen and transfer students.

“Growing up my parents never got their education so they always wanted the best for me, so I went for my education and followed in my sister’s footsteps,” said Oreana Roman, a first-generation freshman.

Student success coaches and student support specialists engage with students one-on-one to help them develop skills for success throughout the semester, navigate UA Little Rock, and maintain a healthy balance between school and life.

The initiative helps students get connected to resources on campus and match them with peer mentors to “help answer questions, guide them, and be a student leader,” said Laura Casey, student success coach.

“I know how hard it was for me to be a first-gen,” said Maria Roman, peer mentor of five. “I hope this event will draw more people to the program.”

The event featured numerous programs such as the Multicultural Center, the Disability Resource Center, Student Support Services, etc.

“I saw a lot of organizations like TRIO that I didn’t know about, and learned about some different events that I wouldn’t have known about if I didn’t come here,” said Hayden Henderson, a first-generation freshman.

Student Support Services is a federally-funded program located in Suite 105 of the Speech building that provides online and in-person tutoring, academic advising, workshops for financial and economic literacy, scholarships, textbook loans, graduate school trips, and career readiness.

First-generation college students and new transfer students participate in a Welcome Week event to welcome them back to campus on Aug. 24. Photo by Benjamin Krain
First-generation college students and new transfer students participate in a Welcome Week event on Aug. 24. Photo by Benjamin Krain

“We focus on career readiness and enrichment workshops,” said Desarae Nelson, TRIO SSS Director. “We offer academic advising in resume writing, mock interviews, internships, and help with employment after graduation.”

Experienced staff and upper-class students advised that students don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything hindering academic success. Any undergraduate student who identifies as a first-generation college student, taking at least one class at UA Little Rock, can Request a Peer Mentor through the end of September.

“We work with students and faculty to make sure that the learning environment is as accessible as possible,” said Reed Claiborne, director of the Disability Resource Center. “Get to know all the departments on campus, find a department that will help you find resources all over campus, and  get involved.”

 

Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives, has received the Ben Fry Service to UA Little Rock Award. Additionally, Kelly Rigby, project coordinator, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Community Service. Tina Medlock, director of communications at William H. Bowen School of Law, has received the Staff Achievement Award for Personal Growth.

Reed, Rigby, Medlock selected as 2021 Staff Achievement Award Winners

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Staff Senate honored three of its staff members for excellence in the areas of service to the university, community service, and personal growth. Continue reading “Reed, Rigby, Medlock selected as 2021 Staff Achievement Award Winners”

Gertrude Thompkins

UA Little Rock’s newest student support specialist wants to help students succeed

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired a new student support specialist to provide students with the support and resources they need to succeed in college. Continue reading “UA Little Rock’s newest student support specialist wants to help students succeed”

UA Little Rock hires student retention director

UA Little Rock has hired Heather Reed as director of Student Retention Initiatives to develop, implement, and assess initiatives to improve student retention. Continue reading “UA Little Rock hires student retention director”