This photo of UA Little Rock student LULAC scholarship recipients was taken by Brian Chilson of the Arkansas Times.

Seventeen UA Little Rock Students Receive LULAC Scholarships

Seventeen University of Arkansas at Little Rock students have been awarded scholarships from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for the 2022-23 school year. The 17 students are collectively receiving more than $29,000, with some matching funds from UA Little Rock. Continue reading “Seventeen UA Little Rock Students Receive LULAC Scholarships”

Maria Roman

Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Maria Roman

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, UA Little Rock is profiling students who received a League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) scholarship. Meet Maria Roman, a junior accounting and finance major. Continue reading “Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight: Maria Roman”

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.”