- Mission
- Division of Student Affairs
- Student Affairs mantra
- Promotes Student Development Through Intentional Services, Programming, and Structures
- Encourages a Health University Community
- Advocates for the Excluded
- Provides an Environment in Which Students Can Pursue Their Educational Goals
- Future Goals
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- Promotes student development through intentional services, programming, and structures
- Encourages a healthy university community
- Advocates for the excluded
- Provides an environment in which students can pursue their educational goals
Being a student isn’t just about the education, it is being part of a community
Student Affairs mantra:
At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock students are:
- The most important people on the campus. Without them there would be no need for the institution.
- Not cold enrollment statistics, but flesh and blood human beings with feeling and emotions like our own.
- Not people to be tolerated so we can do our own thing. They ARE our thing.
- Not dependent on us, rather we are dependent on them.
- Not an interruption of our work, but the purpose of it. We are not doing them a favor by serving them. They are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.
Features
Promotes student development through intentional services, programming, and structures
UA Little Rock has the best counseling services I have ever encountered in any university… these services were life saving to me and I could not be more grateful for the help I received.
Counseling Services
After several years of trying, Counseling Services finally got the Active Minds student organization off the ground. Four officers were elected, and activities were held throughout the fall and spring, supported by the department.
Group therapy sessions called Understanding Self and Others were developed, implemented, and facilitated by a Master of Social Work clinical intern. The sessions provided coping skills for symptoms of anxiety and depression through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and focused on a sense of community and growth.
Suicide Prevention Week in September educated students about campus mental health resources and help-seeking behavior.
Campus Living
Residential Curriculum 2.0, a community development model based on one-on-one conversations, active and passive programming, and monthly themed informational bulletin boards, was implemented.
This model was tailored to educate and develop students in three areas:
- Community Engagement
- Self Care
- Identity Development
Resident Assistants hosted a program to inform and educate residents on the risks and safety precautions when consuming alcohol. Over sixty residents attended.
Chancellor’s Leadership Corps
Redesigned the program with activities and benchmarks for freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years, including transitioning from high school, resume and portfolio workshops, job seeking, and preparing for graduate school.
Scholars provided over 22,000 service hours to UA Little Rock, the city of Little Rock, and the state, which equates to $531,080.
Student leaders defined personal values and goals, as well as barriers to interpersonal communication and navigating those barriers.
Disability Resource Center
Departmental retreat focused on setting expectations for the year, and relationship building with new staff, and translating those relationship building skills to interactions with students.
Dean of Students
Developed a webinar series that included a focus on student success.
Partnered on Safety September with the University Police and Counseling Services, which included Suicide Prevention Week and Campus Safety Week.
Did you know?
Over 100 faculty and staff have been through Safe Zone training and display a sticker to indicate they are an ally to the LGBTQ community.
Donaghey Student Center
The Donaghey Student Center hosted five high school and college-aged students from the City of Little Rock Summer Internship Program. Each student was provided a place to work during the summer, and was provided the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, that was discussed as a group with DSC professional staff.
Study Abroad
There were 111 students who participated in Study Abroad, and visited the following countries:
Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Scotland, Spain, Taiwan, Tobago, and Trinidad.
Study Abroad is working with faculty members on campus to build interdisciplinary faculty-led programming relevant to UA Little Rock students.
Health Services
Health Services collaborated with the Department of Nursing to provide flu vaccines to students and employees. Nursing faculty and Health Services clinicians supervised the event which offered a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for the nursing students. Vaccine clinics were also held at the Jack Stephens Center for the Trojan athletes and at the Bowen School of Law. Over 1,800 shots were administered.
Staff worked with Dr. Avinash Thombre, Associate Professor of Applied Communications, to offer free HIV screening on World AIDS Day. 75 individuals were screened.
Trojan Card
Trojan Card moved all ID printing and card operations to DSC 114B and 114C, providing a more physically secure location, and allowing strict control over printing of Trojan Cards while offering a more visible and accessible location for students, faculty, and staff.
Partnered with Public Safety to offer Trojan Cards and parking passes in the same office.
Began providing Trojan Card printing and parking passes at traditional, non-traditional, and fast-lane student orientations for the convenience of students.
UALRworks
Collaborated with the Office of Academic Advising, TRIO programs Student Support Services, and McNair Scholars to create the Student Success Workshop Series. Workshops in the series included professional communication, using social media professionally, studying for finals, and time management.
Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy
Students participated in a three-day workshop that exposed them to key elements needed to enter and succeed within the professional environment. Topics included situational dress attire, basic computer workplace skills, and presentation techniques.
Approximately 200 students attended dining etiquette workshops, about 200 attended professional dress, hair, and makeup workshops, and around 100 attended public speaking workshops.
Senior Success for 74 PCSSD high school students included two weeks of online instruction, followed by face-to-face instruction for 11 days. Students collectively bypassed 121 remedial courses as a result.
Did you know?
88% of Resident Assistants believed that the Residential Curriculum
provided them with enough guidance to effectively program for their residents.
Student Affairs Success Initiatives
Power Luncheon allowed students to share a meal and visit with administrators at the university and discuss leadership skills.
Freshmen retreat focused on networking, social skills, positive communication, money management, scholarships, time and stress management, and campus resources.
Student Experience Center
Homecoming festivities were expanded to include a golf cart parade, while keeping the traditions of Cardboard Boat Regatta and Trojan Tailgate.
Did you know?
The Student Affairs Success Initiatives’ 2016 Summer Bridge Academy successfully transitioned 20 students to UA Little Rock. The goal is to help students bypass remediation. It ran concurrently with CWDSA’s Senior Summer Bridge Academy. The results are as follows:
20 total students (Percentage tested out of remediation):
-Reading 80% (8/10)
-Math 90% (18/20)
-Writing 83% (10/12)
Campus Bookstore
Textbooks
Sold: 19,156
Rented: 9,091
Students saved $755,963 by renting vs buying textbooks
Encourages a healthy university community
Campus Dining
Offered Mindful Meals, an approach that focuses on transparency of ingredients, delicious food, satisfying portions, and nutritional information so that making mindful choices becomes second nature.
Campus Dining now provides gluten-free meal options.
Campus Living
Campus Living, in collaboration with Health Services and Counseling Services, coordinated the Trojan Wars session during Trojan Daze, providing education on safer sex, pregnancy prevention, consent, Title IX, and preventing STIs and HIV.
Provided information to each resident from Health Services’ pregnancy prevention campaign.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services teamed with the School of Social Work’s student organization and the Student Nursing Association to provide a free depression screening opportunity for the campus community. Utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire- 9 (PhQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, staff and the students provided assessments for 483 individuals in October 2016. This year, Active Minds student organization participated by setting up an information booth and handing out Depression Sucks lollipops.
Provided eating disorder screenings to 162 individuals in March, in collaboration with Social Work Organization, Student Nurse Association, and UAMS Eating Disorders Clinic.
Dean of Students
Implemented AlcoholEDU to educate students on the dangers of negative outcomes of alcohol abuse. Information was sent via email to all new and residential students.
Coordinated Title IX / sexual misconduct training for all students.
Donaghey Student Center
In collaboration with the University District, DSC provided the Health Fair in the Fitness Center. This continues a grant funded for University District residents to promote a healthier lifestyle through discounted rates in the DSC Fitness Center.
Health Services
Total visits: 6,820
For the fifth year, Health Services partnered with the UA System office to conduct the annual Employee Wellness Program / Biometric Screening, which included total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose, BMI, and blood pressure. Employees who complete the screening, online health assessment, nicotine pledge, and personal health pledge received a reduction in their 2017 health plan out-of-pocket expenses. Approximately 530 employees participated.
In compliance with Arkansas Act 943, which directs colleges and universities to develop and implement action plans to help students prevent unplanned pregnancy or delay plans for pregnancy, Health Services partnered with Division of Student Affairs to implement an online training for incoming freshmen to educate them on the negative outcomes of unplanned pregnancy, distributed informational cards to all residents, presented at Trojan Wars, and spoke in all PEAW 1300 classes about pregnancy prevention and sexual health.
146 international students from 24 countries were screened for tuberculosis, with no active cases.
Student Affairs Success Initiative
Collaborated with Sigma Lambda Gamma to host Latin Fest, a dance instructional with a Latin themed potluck.
Held a series of sessions called Woman to Woman and Man to Man that allowed students a safe space to talk with peers about different topics such as intersectionality, empowerment, and self-identity.
Student Experience Center
5,821 participants in fitness classes, including Boot Camp, Zumba, and Yoga Fusion.
Fitness classes were added at Bowen School of Law.
490,441 meals were served 2016-17
Advocates for the excluded
Campus Dining
In a partnership with Easter Seals, regular volunteer groups of 5-10 people came to the campus to experience working with Sodexo and learn more about potential future careers.
Campus Living
Resident Assistants hosted two programs to support members of the military: 1) creating and distributing personalized holiday cards to active duty military during the holiday season, and 2) the Valentines for Vets, which gave residents
the opportunity to create and write meaningful messages to veterans that were distributed to the Veterans Hospital in Little Rock.
Campus Living partnered with World Services for the Blind during an East Hall Parlor open mic night to welcome local blind members of the community to perform and educate East Hall residents on acceptance and inclusion.
Disability Resource Center
The DRC reached out to students from the Clinton School of Public Service, Social Work, TRIO program, Speech Communication, and Bowen School of Law by presenting information on the process for requesting accommodations.
Chancellor’s Leadership Corps
Collected over 16,000 items for Reach 13,000 Food Drive. Four successful events were held and trophies were awarded for the winning department
(Human Resources) and organization (Leadership Institute).
Counseling Services
Counseling Services assisted the Active Minds student organization with their first event, Stamp Out Stigma on October 3, 2016, the National Day Without Stigma. A table was set up in the DSC with information on mental health issues, Active Minds student organization membership, and Counseling Services. A cupcake bar bake sale raised funds for future events.
In an effort to destigmatize mental health issues and start an open conversation, Active Minds and Counseling Services hosted approximately 20 guests for the Active Minds Speaker Series.
Due to its success, plans are to expand the event in the coming year.
Everyone is always super friendly and open to any questions I might have.
Donaghey Student Center
Created a gender-inclusive shower/bathroom in the fitness center.
Student Affairs Success Initiatives
Worked with underrepresented populations in order to ensure their interests are represented on committees, boards, and student organizations. Many of the students that participate in leadership development provided by SASI have gone on to serve in leadership roles in other organizations like SGA, Greek organizations, and Student Engagement Team.
Student Experience Services
The homecoming committee evaluated the criteria for Homecoming Queen selection and decided to open the competition to individuals regardless of gender identity,
and renamed the winner as Homecoming Royal.
Student Government Association
Students were able to voice their opinions about the new bill that passed allowing faculty and staff to carry concealed weapons on university and college campuses.
After student concerns over meal plans were brought to the attention of SGA, an open forum was hosted for students to ask questions and provide suggestions for redesigned meal plans. As a result of their feedback, the plans were redesigned to allow more flexibility at an affordable cost to the students.
Study Abroad
Hosted scholarship workshop specifically for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, which is targeted at underrepresented students in study abroad.
Denzel Jenkins won the Gilman Scholarship ($3,500) for fall 2016, and studied abroad in Costa Rica. Rebecca Hallet won ($4,500) for fall 2017, and plans to study in the Czech Republic.
A recruitment plan was developed that targets students in underrepresented groups.
Did you know?
Freshmen and new resident applications for the 2017-2018 academic year increased 12% in comparison to the previous year thanks to the Campus Living “I found” campaign.
Disability Resource Center staff trained employees from other Arkansas colleges on digital book conversions for blind students and students with learning disabilities.
Student Experience Center held Leadership Retreat discussions regarding UA Little Rock adding a football program which led to a petition with over 1,000 student signatures. As a result, the university plans to conduct a feasibility study which will be funded by Arkansas Parks & Tourism and the City of Little Rock.
Camping Living staff are great. They are always very friendly and helpful.
Provides an environment in which students can pursue their educational goals
Campus Bookstore
Increased usage of FacultyEnlight book adoption software for faculty, increasing promptness of textbook arrivals in the bookstore.
Campus Dining
To better serve the Bowen School of Law, Campus Dining created a dining location at the Bowen School of Law to better serve law students which included the option to utilize a tailored meal plan to fit their needs.
Redecorated the serving area of the Trojan Cafe.
Campus Living
Commons Hall Council prepared and distributed a Finals Goodie Bag which included study tips, snacks, drinks, and Scantrons for residents before finals.
Resident Assistants throughout each residential facility hosted community study nights to promote educational achievement.
Counseling Services
Served as a clinical internship site for UA Little Rock graduate students, continuing the tradition as a training site for mental health practitioners. During both fall 2016 and spring 2017, the department hosted interns from the School of Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Counselor Education program. Additionally, our psychiatric nurse practitioner served as proctor for a practicum student during the spring 2017 semester.
SASI
Held the fall 2016 graduation ceremony that recognized 19 graduates
Fifteen students successfully completed and graduated from the Leadership Institute in Fall 2016.
Collaborated with the NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on Headlines, an event that involved social justice figures from the community and focused on law enforcement and politics in the African American Community.
Student Experience Center
New Student Orientation underwent a full redesign. Three sessions were added to target the needs of transfer and adult students. Fast Lane registration sessions were added in partnership with Admissions, academic colleges, Academic Advising, and Athletics so students can get admitted, be advised, registered, and get their Trojan Card all in one visit.
Study Abroad
Work with programs including the Gilman Scholarship, Fund for Education Abroad, Freeman-Asia Scholarship, and other external scholarship programs to educate UA Little Rock students on the external scholarship dollars available for study abroad experiences.
UALRworks
The retention rate for UALRworks students from Fall 2016-Spring 2017 was 94% compared to the institutional retention rate of 85%.
Over 91% of UALRworks students surveyed reported a strongly positive experience with UALRworks.
90% reported experiencing unique opportunities to learn and grow through the program.
Disability Resource Center
The Stacy Willis Memorial Scholarship Committee selected a recipient for 2017-2018. This competitive $2,500 scholarship is awarded every year to a student of distinction with a disability at UA Little Rock.
Donaghey Student Center
The DSC was instrumental in increasing visibility for the Student Government Association by facilitating their move into a new space that is in close proximity to the food court and Trojan Cafe and is easy for students to find.
Delta Chi chartered in October 2016. Representatives from Delta Chi Headquarters presented the chapter with their charter. The UA Little Rock chapter makes them the first Delta Chi chapter within the state.
FUTURE GOALS
Campus Dining
Form a Food Service Committee comprised of employees and students.
Develop better student, faculty, and staff relationships through the use of focus groups and customer satisfaction surveys.
Campus Living
Increase training and professional development opportunities for staff.
Increase the longevity of the residential facilities by identifying deferred maintenance projects, specifically in East Hall and University Village.
Continue to develop Residential Curriculum, Campus Living’s programming and resident development model.
Chancellor’s Leadership Council
Four year completion / retention plan / packet for new freshman scholars.
Creation of a CLC Living Learning Community with Campus Living.
Counseling Services
Increase website services and social media presence.
Expand Student Satisfaction Survey to twice per year (fall and spring).
Training for staff in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Dean of Students
Formalize an all-Greek judicial board in partnership with Fraternity and Sorority Life, chapter advisers, and alumni members, to enhance the Greek experience.
Develop a briefing document for media inquiries that highlight programs and services centered around appropriate university policies and procedures.
Disability Resource Center
For each staff member to become more engaged within the UA Little Rock community by joining committees or working more closely with other departments.
Identify areas for cross training to maximize office efficiency.
Health Services
Increase the number of students receiving the Gardasil vaccine.
Improve the appointment system and check-in process.
SASI
Create engaging and innovative programming that supports retention.
Create financial stability through increased revenue.
Student Experience Center
Implement revised student organization budget allocation process.
Mentor program launch for freshmen students.
Donaghey Student Center
Re-implement orientation for all new student employees of the DSC (Aquatics, Conference Services, Environmental Services, Fitness Center, and Information & Call Center).
Continue progress on removing the turquoise signage from the building and increasing the UA Little Rock Trojan Brand.
Did you know?
During the 2016-2017 academic year, the Director of Study Abroad worked with the Study Abroad Advisory Committee to develop an assessment plan for the area. The plan for 2017-2018, is to formulate a survey based on the Global Perspective Inventory from Iowa State, the Intercultural Knowledge and Competence Value Rubric from the AAC&U, the Intercultural Development Inventory, and other prominent surveys in the international education field to best meet the needs of Study Abroad at UA Little Rock.
Study Abroad
Develop policies and procedures to streamline the study abroad process.
Increase participation in international education experiences, including both independent study experience and faculty-led trips.
Trojan Card
Develop the Trojan Card to track student involvement in university activities, and create co-curricular transcripts to supplement academic transcripts.
UALRworks
Enhance professional development for students in the program by requiring all UALRworks students attend at least one Student Success Workshop Series workshop per semester.
Require orientation for all UALRworks student employees to ensure that workplace expectations, program rules, and new program guidelines are discussed.
I always receive excellent care when I visit Health Services, and I am so thankful to have this incredible resource on campus!
Did you know?
During the fall 2016 semester, Campus Living administered a Campus Living Satisfaction with over 500 responses.
91% were satisfied with the customer service at the Campus Living Office
89% were satisfied with the amenities offered within their living area
90% were satisfied with the condition of the grounds around Campus Living facilities
Student Experience Center conducted a student survey regarding safety fee allocations. The data helped inform the Student Government Association regarding the move of $200,000 from transit to the campus lighting, cameras, and other measures to make the campus safer.
My RA is amazing and consistent. She makes an effort to know everyone on our floor and is helpful and engaging.
