UA Little Rock students visit Atlanta as part of a cultural enrichment trip with TRIO Student Support Services.

UA Little Rock TRIO Students Visit Atlanta

A group of UA Little Rock students involved in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program had the opportunity to take a free cultural enrichment and graduate school preparation trip to Atlanta. Continue reading “UA Little Rock TRIO Students Visit Atlanta”

First-generation college students and new transfer students participate in a Welcome Week back to school event on campus.

Cultivating Student Success: How UA Little Rock Resources Empower First-Generation Students

November is First-Generation College Student Celebration Month. With more than 40 percent of its student population being first-generation students, UA Little Rock is especially committed to providing resources that help this special group of students reach their potential.  Continue reading “Cultivating Student Success: How UA Little Rock Resources Empower First-Generation Students”

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”

A group of UA Little Rock students in the TRIO Student Support Services program traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, in June for a cultural enrichment trip.

UA Little Rock Students Have Fun in Nashville

A group of UA Little Rock students involved in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program went to Nashville, Tennessee, from June 2-4 for a cultural enrichment trip. Continue reading “UA Little Rock Students Have Fun in Nashville”

A rendering by WER Architects/Planners of the finished Learning Commons project in Ottenheimer Library.

Renovations Will Bring Reinvigorated Learning Spaces to Support Student Success at UA Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has two ongoing renovation projects this fall that will bring together academic student support centers and student success programs into two dynamic learning spaces. Continue reading “Renovations Will Bring Reinvigorated Learning Spaces to Support Student Success at UA Little Rock”

Photo of Cassandra Booker by Ben Krain.

UA Little Rock Alum Cassandra Booker Overcomes Incredible Odds That Lead to a Family Legacy of College Graduates

Cassandra Booker, a 2008 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, overcame incredible odds to graduate with the bachelor’s degree that she is so thankful for. Yet, her college journey is far from over. Continue reading “UA Little Rock Alum Cassandra Booker Overcomes Incredible Odds That Lead to a Family Legacy of College Graduates”

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.”

 

LaKendra Mackey

UA Little Rock Social Work Month: LaKendra Mackey

UA Little Rock is recognizing outstanding social work students in celebration of Social Work Month this March. The next student to be featured in this installment is senior and first-generation college student LaKendra Mackey Continue reading “UA Little Rock Social Work Month: LaKendra Mackey”