Parent & Family GUIDE
About This Guide
CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the University of Arkansas. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about the student experience at U of A and to connect you to relevant campus and community resources.
Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updates to information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.
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For more information, please contact:
University of Arkansas Parent & Family Programs
ARKU A640
1 University of Arkansas
�� (479) 575-5002
✉ parents@uark.edu
�� family.uark.edu
�� uark.campusesp.com
– Razorback Family Portal
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instagram.com/RazorbackParent
Welcome to the Razorback Family!
We are excited to welcome you and your student into the Razorback Family! Throughout your student's college years, our office is here to communicate with and support you and your family. While you may not be able to join us on campus every day, you are vital members of our campus community and critical to your student’s success and retention.
We are committed to keeping the parents and families of our students informed and involved, and look forward to partnering with you in the upcoming years. It is our hope that this guide will provide information that is helpful to you and your student as members of the Razorback Family.
In addition to a vast array of educational resources and support services for students, the University of Arkansas has a comprehensive Family Engagement Program with a variety of resources and services. We recognize that familial involvement in the college process plays an important role in student success.
Therefore, we encourage you to make the most of the following opportunities:
• Sign up and create a profile on our Razorback Family Portal to enhance your family's experience. You'll receive customized newsletters and access to information, news, and resources curated just for family members of University of Arkansas students.
• Join the Parent & Family Association as a Cardinal Member to receive expanded membership benefits and special resources.
• Participate in exciting programming and engagement opportunities for families like Family Weekend, Spring Family Reunion, Razorback Family Networks, and more.
Our staff is committed to being a resource for you. If you are not sure where to direct your questions or concerns, please contact Parent & Family Programs. We are always ready and willing to help provide the answers and resources necessary to ensure a positive experience for you and your student here at the University of Arkansas.
Welcome to the University of Arkansas and GO HOGS!
Jordan Frederking Associate Director for Parent & Family Programs
Parent & Family Programs
We recognize the crucial role that parents and family members play in their student’s college success. It is our goal to help you be a supportive voice for your student by providing you with resources, connections, education, and communication. These initiatives will provide you with the knowledge and understanding needed to help your student learn, grow, and ultimately reach their full potential at the University of Arkansas.
Goals of Parent & Family Programs:
• To encourage healthy and supportive family/student relationships
• To serve as a link between the University of Arkansas and parents/families
• To provide parents and families with resources, events, and communication to encourage their student’s growth and personal success
Parent & Family Association (PFA)
All parents or guardians of enrolled University of Arkansas undergraduate students are General Members of the Parent & Family Association. Families also have the option of becoming Cardinal Members of the Association.
General Membership:
• Razorback Family Portal (sign up at uark.camp usesp.com)
• Access to family events including Family Weekend, Tailgates, and Razorback Family Networks
Cardinal Membership includes the above benefits, and:
• PFA Book Scholarship opportunity for your student(s)
• 10% discount and early registration for Family Weekend
• $2 off lunch or dinner at all dining hall locations on campus
• Proud Razorback Family car decal
• Parent & Family Association tote bag
• Parent ID Discount Card (various nationwide hotels, car rental companies, and local businesses)
• Student Discount Card (allows your student to also take advantage of the local discounts)
Cardinal Membership is $75 per family mailing address per year, even if the family has more than one student enrolled at the University of Arkansas. Visit family.uark.edu for more information and to register for your Cardinal Membership in the Parent & Family Association.
Family Weekend
Parent & Family Programs sponsors a signature event each fall, Family Weekend. Family Weekend events are great opportunities to visit your student, learn about the University of Arkansas campus, and get to know other Razorback families.
Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to visit their students and make memories while enjoying a variety of familyfriendly activities. UARK Cardinal Nights, a traditional Tailgate Party, Razorback sports, and Sunday Brunch are just a few of the activities awaiting your family during this exciting event!
Razorback Family Networks
As family members, it is hard to be involved in the University of Arkansas community when you are in a different city, region, or state. In an effort to make things easier, Parent & Family Programs created Razorback Family Networks in various areas to better serve you and your family.
Membership in a Razorback Family Network is extended to any parent or guardian of a University of Arkansas undergraduate student. Some events require a fee to cover costs, but there are no membership dues
to be a member of a Razorback Family Network. Typical events include Razorback sports watch parties, meet and greets with parents and families, care package assembly parties for students, and more.
Razorback Family Networks are currently located in:
• Austin, TX
• Dallas–Ft. Worth, TX
• Houston, TX
• Kansas City, MO
• Little Rock, AR
• Memphis, TN
• Northeast Arkansas (NEA)
• Northwest Arkansas (NWA)
• Oklahoma City, OK
• San Antonio, TX
• Shreveport, LA
• St. Louis, MO
• Tulsa, OK
For information about Razorback Family Networks, visit family.uark.edu
Traditions
Old Main
Old Main is the oldest building on campus. In 1873, construction began for a permanent and symbolic building for the University of Arkansas. It was finished in 1875, only three years after the first classes started at the University of Arkansas. Every college currently on campus had its origin in Old Main. It was used until 1981 when it was closed for safety concerns. Thanks to many contributions by alumni and friends of the University, work on restoration began in the late summer of 1989. Completed in 1991, the building now provides 100,000 square feet of classroom and office space. Old Main is one of 11 campus buildings on the National Register of Historical Places.
Spoofer’s Stone
During the early history of the University of Arkansas, male and female students were not allowed to mingle. With such strict social policies in place, students sought ways to let their infatuations be known. To the students’ fortune, workers had blundered many years earlier by breaking a piece of limestone intended for the construction of Old Main and leaving it on
the University’s front lawn. Here tucked into the crevices of Spoofer’s Stone, admirers left love notes for their would-be suitors. As time wore on, Spoofer’s Stone became a popular site for marriage proposals during which couples would often remove a portion of the stone as a memento. Over the years, the campus produced many couples: so many, in fact, that the stone started to show wear from the many pieces taken from it. In 1933, the students repaired the stone and placed it on a foundation to preserve it for the many admirers to come.
School Mascot
From 1894, when University of Arkansas football began, until 1910 the University’s mascot was the Cardinal, chosen because the school color was Cardinal Red. While addressing a large group of students after returning from a 16–0 victory over Louisiana State on November 13, 1909, Coach Hugo Bezdek informed the crowd that his team had performed not like football players but “like a wild band of Razorback hogs.” In 1910 the student body voted to change the official University mascot from the Cardinal to the Razorback.
Senior Walk
Senior Walk is the University’s longest tradition in miles as well as years. Stories of the origin of Senior Walk vary, but the most common is that it began with the class of 1905. A few years later, the class of 1904 added their names on the sidewalk. Each graduating class since then has had their names engraved in the walk. In 1930, slabs were placed for all the graduating classes prior to 1904. Originally, the names were stamped by hand, but that changed in 1986 when University Physical Plant employees invented the Sand Hog, a machine designed specifically for the purpose of etching the names in Senior Walk. More than 170,000 graduates are now listed on Senior Walk.
Alma Mater
The Alma Mater was written by a University of Arkansas alumnus in 1909 and set to music by the director of the Glee Club at that time. In 1931, the University College Song Association in New York reviewed a collection of 500 college tunes, and the University of Arkansas Alma Mater was judged to be one of the 25 best college songs of the United States. It is tradition to point to the Towers of Old Main during the last line of the first verse.
Fight Song
The University of Arkansas fight song was written in the late 1920s. We sing the fight song at every home Razorback football, basketball, and baseball game. A newer tradition has emerged in recent years, where the Arkansas football players sing the fight song to the student section following every home football game win.
Hit that line! Hit that line! Keep on going, Take that ball right down the field!
Give a cheer. Rah! Rah! Never fear. Rah! Rah! Arkansas will never yield!
On your toes, Razorbacks, to the finish, Carry on with all your might!
For it’s A-A-A-R-K-A-N-S-A-S for Arkansas!
Fight! Fight! Fi-i-i-ght!
Hog Call
Pure as the dawn on the brow of thy beauty
Watches thy soul from the mountains of God
Over the Fates of thy children departed Far from the land where their footsteps have trod.
Beacon of hope in the ways dreary lighted; Pride of our hearts that are loyal and true; From those who adore unto one who adores us— Mother of Mothers, we sing unto you.
Razorback fans have been “Calling the Hogs” since the 1920s. It is said to have begun when a group of farmers attending the game began issuing hog calls to encourage a lagging Razorback football team. The encouragement worked and the attending crowd took notice of the farmer’s calling. By the next game, a group of men had organized to cry “Wooo, Pig, Sooie.” Since then, this rallying cry has grown to become the school yell that unites Arkansas fans everywhere.
Woooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Woooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Woooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Razorbacks!!
Facts About the University
ʘ Established in 1871, the University of Arkansas is the only comprehensive doctoral degree-granting institution in Arkansas. It is classified as a Carnegie I Research Institution.
ʘ The University offers more than 271 degrees and certificates.
ʘ Total fall enrollment for 2024 was 33,160, which included 28,859 undergraduates, 4,355 graduate students, and 396 students studying law.
ʘ The campus includes 200 buildings, spanning 300+ acres.
ʘ The University of Arkansas has all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and over 120 countries represented in its student population.
ʘ More than 400 Registered Student Organizations are active on campus, including governing, Greek, international and cultural, professional, religious, honorary and service, and special interest groups.
ʘ With 1,574 instructional faculty members on campus, the University of Arkansas has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio for undergraduates.
ʘ Senior Walk includes the names of 170,000 U of A graduates over 4 miles of sidewalks.
A New Role for Parents
Just before Thanksgiving break last year, I received a flurry of texts from my college student.
Daughter: “I’m so excited to come home!”
Me: “YAY!”
Daughter: “Please don’t ask a million questions. I’ll talk more if you don’t pester me.”
Me: “Ummm…okay?”
As a developmental psychologist, I had a good chuckle. The contrast of the enthusiasm to come home with the preemptive “don’t bug me” so perfectly exemplifies this college age — no longer a child, but not quite all grown up either.
As a parent, honestly, I appreciated her clear statement about what she needed from me.
She knew I’d have a million questions, and she also knew she didn’t want to have to talk on demand.
As the parents of college-aged kids, we have to walk a fine line between letting go and continuing to provide the safety net for their inevitable stumbles. We may not always approve of their decisions — about classes, majors, where they go over the breaks — and yet we have less and less input into those decisions. Even if we approve of their choices, often they are also pulling away from us in subtle or sometimes not-so-subtle ways. The daily texts may go unanswered, the family group chat ignored, they pop home just to go out with friends again.
What does it mean to parent a young adult child? How can we foster strong and supportive relationships?
4 Tips for Strengthening Relationships with College Students
1. Give space – and mean it.
Letting our young adult kids set the pace on contact gives them some much-desired control. After so many years of their time not being their own, college kids relish the opportunity to do what they want when they want.
If they don’t respond to your “just checking in” texts or phone calls, rather than upping the frequency, consider slowing it down. Understand they're not being ungrateful or uncaring — they are just absorbed in their own lives, as is normal. They are also learning to rely on others for support.
Have an open and gentle conversation about how much communication you can both agree to. Instead of, “Why haven’t you haven’t responded to my texts??” try “We haven’t been able to connect this week. I know you’re busy. Is there a good time to call this weekend?” One scheduled and valued FaceTime call a week will feel better in the long run than daily texts that go unanswered and build resentment.
2.
Focus on the important questions.
When you do have the opportunity to connect, be curious but nonjudgmental about their lives. Try to avoid the litany of pressing (to you) questions about classes, majors, job plans, grades or social life that imply what you think should be happening in their lives.
Instead ask the questions that really matter: Are you happy? What are you liking best? Anything that is harder than you expected? Can I help you in any way? These questions communicate curiosity and openness to their experience, and express that your concern is for their well-being not their achievement or success.
3. Invite, don’t demand.
One key goal these years is to create a relationship in which kids are spending time with us because they want to, not because they feel they have to. In order to create this culture, we must first acknowledge and honor that they may not want or need to talk to us regularly, to come home over breaks, or to participate as consistently in family events or traditions as we’d like.
Once we let go of the assumption that they must and reframe to we’d like them to, it can alter how we communicate. Instead of “I expect you to come home for the holidays” or “You need to go see Grandma when you’re home,” consider “Do you think you'll come home for the holidays? We hope so!” and “I know Grandma’s hoping you have time to visit with her.”
When they're home, give them the opportunity to join in rather than demand participation. Invitations often result in greater joining in than do demands.
4. Create the home base they want to come back to.
If home remains a place they feel safe, can rest and recharge, and can connect with favorite foods/traditions/people, then they will want to return. If home becomes a place of obligation, command performances or intrusive questions, they may not be eager. Not sure what your college student needs? Just ask.
An example: The first time my college daughter came home, I stocked up on all her favorite snacks then was flabbergasted when her first morning home she went to the grocery store and returned with items I’d never seen her eat before. These days I shoot her a text a day or two before she comes home: “Heading to the store. Any special requests?” This lets her know I want to “mom” her a bit but also allows her to have new tastes and preferences, like oat milk instead of half-and-half in her coffee.
Building a Bridge
On the last night of that Thanksgiving visit, my 19-year-old sat near me at the kitchen counter sending emails while I unloaded the dishwasher. She started talking about her classes and her plans for declaring a major next term. She volunteered a little about a breakup she’d gone through, and from what she said I could tell she’d gotten needed support from her roommates. I asked a question here and there but mostly listened. After a while her phone dinged with an incoming call, she left to answer it, and the conversation was over.
She left the next day. She gave me a huge hug goodbye at the airport and several hours later texted from her dorm: “Back safely! It was such a great trip home. I love you!”
�Amy Mezulis
Maple Hill South Residence Hall
Fulbright Dining Hall
Pat Walker Health Center
Old Main: J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
Silas H. Hunt Hall
Vol Walker Hall: Fay Jones School of Architecture 18.Willard J. Walker Hall: Sam M. Walton College of Business
Mid-Semester Conversations
Halfway through fall semester is a good time to check in with your first-year student — and also a time when they may need extra emotional support.
Midterms matter for a few reasons. The midterm grade can be a reality check about how well (or not) they’re doing in a class. One of the biggest differences between high school and college academics is that students may not receive as much feedback on their work throughout the semester. Some classes may even have only a midterm and final exam.
Before Midterms: Coping With Stress
Studying for midterms is a chance for students to solidify their grasp on material covered so far in a course and check for any gaps in their understanding. They’ll find out whether their study habits are working or if they need to make changes for the second half of the semester.
There’s no getting around it, though; stress levels ratchet up as midterms approach and students focus on just how much they have to get done. Exams are around the corner and projects and big papers are due, and they might also discover that they have a few overlooked assignments or textbook chapters they didn’t get around to reading.
While some students thrive on pressure, for others it can feel debilitating. Students need to develop their own strategies for dealing with stress, but parents can provide guidance and support.
• If they want to talk, sympathize with their challenges. Listen a lot. They may just need to vent about how much they have on their plate. If they don’t, give them space. They’re busy right now.
• Steer them to resources. Encourage them to attend study sessions and faculty office hours and get individual tutoring in subjects where they’re struggling. Recognize that they need to figure this out. If they fail an exam, it will be part of their learning process and they’ll be stronger and wiser later.
• Provide perspective. Midterm stress is part of the rhythm of the academic year. It will pass and things will get better. And though midterms are important, there is other work in the course and the semester is only half over. Most students won’t fail a course because of one exam.
• Send a care package, or gift card for a coffee shop or restaurant they like in town.
After Midterms: Reflect and Move Forward
Midterms are over! Your student survived. How can you help them make sense of the information that midterm grades and assessments can provide?
• Remember FERPA. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives students ownership of their academic information. Grades go directly to your student, not to you. Ask whether they are willing to share their grades and talk about them.
• If your student has great midterm grades, congratulate them. Don’t take good grades for granted!
• If they’re not sure about their midterm standing, or question a grade, encourage them to talk to their professor.
• Remind them that midterms come at the calendar midpoint but not necessarily at the midpoint in the coursework. There may be more than half of the work left — an opportunity to raise their grade by doing well.
• Do they need to make changes in order to get back on track? You can help your student interpret what midterm information is telling them they need to do. When they think about all of their courses together, are most grades solid with one low grade? Focus on that course. Are there several poor grades? Think about the amount of time spent studying or approaches to studying.
• Suggest they meet with their academic advisor. Is pass/fail an option? Should they consider withdrawing from a class? Should they think more carefully about which courses to take next term based on difficulties and successes this go-round?
� Vicki Nelson
Student Life
Division
of Student Affairs
�� studentaffair s.uark.edu
The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated personally and professionally to ensure that U of A students have a successful university experience, both in and out of the classroom. From staff in the residence halls to the personnel in the Union, every member of the Division is committed to creating a campus climate that includes all, supports diversity, and strengthens students for success.
Parent and Family Programs
�� family.uark.edu
The Office of Parent and Family Programs connects students and their families to the University of Arkansas campus and community by providing diverse, innovative programs and resources that support a successful collegiate experience.
Campus Card Office
�� campuscardoffice.uark.edu
Along with being the student identification card, the Campus ID Card is used to gain access to a student’s resident hall and athletic events and campus programs as well as buildings such as the HPER. The card can be equipped with a meal plan and/ or loaded with “Razorbuck$” and used as a debit card to purchase meals, snacks, books,
and school supplies. In addition, the card is required to check out books and materials from the library, wireless computers, and digital cameras from the Student Technology Center and athletic equipment from University Recreation.
Campus Police
�� uap d.uark.edu
The UA Police Department (UAPD) is a nationally accredited police department that has been an active law enforcement agency since 1972. UAPD officers have the same authority as any municipal police department officer or county sheriff’s deputy in Arkansas. UAPD offers a wide range of services such as 24-hour campus patrol, criminal investigations, crime prevention programs, women’s self-defense (R.A.D.), safety bulletins, fingerprinting for employment purposes, motorist assists, the Razorback Patrol Escort Service, and daily crime logs.
Office of Career Connections
�� caree r.uark.edu
The Office of Career Connections (COCC) helps students prepare for their future, whether it is choosing a major, preparing a resume, or career advising and interview techniques. With a variety of resources and insights available, the COCC can help your student prepare for life post-graduation.
Center for Community Engagement
�� service.uark.edu
The Center for Community Engagement (CCE) is made up of a variety of servicebased programs run by the Volunteer Action Center. Programs like the Full Circle Food Pantry, the VAC Literacy Program, Make a Difference Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service give students the opportunity to give back to the Fayetteville and University of Arkansas communities. Other programs that fall under CCE include Alternative Break programs and the volunteer.uark.ed u website.
Center for Educational Access
�� ce a.uark.edu
The Center for Educational Access serves as the central campus resource for helping students with disabilities obtain the accommodations they need for equal access to classroom activity. Center staff work with students individually and assist academic units to determine reasonable accommodations that will enable every student to have access to the full range of programs and services at the University of Arkansas.
Greek Life
�� uagreek s.uark.edu
More than 30 Greek lettered organizations fall under purview of the Greek Life Office. Greek Life provides students with opportunities that enhance their personal development, academics, and leadership skills while building lasting relationships with members of their Greek organization as a way to actively engage and build exemplary men and women for life.
Office of Student Activities
�� os a.uark.edu
The Office of Student Activities is home to the Associated Student Government (ASG), Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), University Programs (UP), Headliner Concerts Committee, and the Distinguished Lectures Committee. These areas work to provide programs, activities, and involvement opportunities that focus on the educational, cultural, and social needs of University of Arkansas students.
Pat Walker Health Center
�� healt h.uark.edu
The Pat Walker Health Center is the University of Arkansas' exclusive medical, mental health, and wellness facility. The health center offers: allergy shots, diverse health programs, general medical care, group therapy, and workshops, gynecological health, illness/injury treatment, immunizations, international travel consultations, laboratory and diagnostic services, limited same-day appointments, mental health crisis intervention, minor surgeries, nurse triage phone line, nutrition consultations, orthopedic services, psychiatry, short-term counseling, substance abuse prevention and recovery, treatment of chronic medical conditions, tuberculosis screenings, and x-rays.
Safe Ride
�� saferide.uark.edu
Safe Ride provides currently enrolled students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation. During operating hours, students are taken from any place within the Fayetteville city limits to their residence as indicated on UAConnect.
The CORD: Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence �� success.uark.edu
The CORD is here to help your student find the resources they need to achieve their academic goals, develop into the most engaged learner possible, and find fulfillment in an academic career that will lead to graduation and beyond. Explore support services designed to make even the most difficult subjects manageable, including academic coaching, basic study skills training, personal tutoring, additional instruction time, and other individualized services.
Study Abroad & International Exchange �� studyabroa d.uark.edu
The Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange works with numerous study abroad programs and provides campus wide support to students seeking to integrate a study abroad experience into their degree program.
University Housing �� housing.uark.edu
University Housing is composed of 20 campus communities, providing safe, convenient, and reasonably priced oncampus living and learning environments aimed at enhancing student success. Each residence hall is staffed by University of Arkansas students called Resident Assistants (RAs) as well as professional staff members called Coordinators for Residence Education (CREs).
University Recreation
�� ure c.uark.edu
The Department of University Recreation (UREC) is a major campus wide service unit in the Division of Student Affairs. UREC serves the university community by providing a diverse selection of recreational opportunities and facilities, which are designed to enhance the quality of life for each participant. The mission of University Recreation is to empower students for success through recreation and wellness.
Full kitchen (w/o oven) and a sofa sleeper in all rooms � Fitness center � Indoor pool • Complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking • Social hour w/ complimentary appetizers, wine, and beer (Mon–Thurs) � Courtyard w/ fire pit & gas grills � Pet-friendly SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Academic Colleges
Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
AFLS E-202
�� (479) 575-2252
�� bumperscollege.uark.edu
Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design
120 Vol Walker Hall
�� (479) 575-4945
�� fayjone s.uark.edu
J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
526 Old Main
�� (479) 575-4801
�� fulbright.uark.edu
Sam M. Walton College of Business
328 Business Administration Building
�� (479) 575-5949
�� walton.uark.edu
College of Education and Health Professions
324 Graduate Education Building
�� (479) 575-3208
�� coehp.uark.edu
College of Engineering
4183 Bell Engineering Center
�� (479) 575-7455
�� engineering.uark.edu
Honors College
244 Gearhart Hall
�� (479) 575-7678
�� honorscollege.uark.edu
Global Campus
2 E. Center Street
�� (800) 952-1165
�� globalcampus.uark.edu
Graduate School and International Education
213 Gearhart Hall
�� (479) 575-4401
�� graduate-and-international.uark.edu
School of Law
1045 W. Maple Street
�� (479) 575-5601
�� law.uark.edu
Understanding FERPA – Access to Records
As a University of Arkansas student, your student is covered by a set of laws that protects the privacy of their records. Many family members are surprised when they call the U of A and, unlike high school years, cannot gain access to information related to their student's records, such as paying a bill or checking grades.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), a federal law, states that a student must give written consent prior to the institution disclosing educational records. These records include personal information, grades, enrollment records, and class schedules.
The University of Arkansas does not release information regarding your student without their permission to ensure the protection of your student and family as a whole.
In order for the University to release information to you, your student must elect to give you access to the Parent/ Family Center through their UAConnect account. Upon completing the Parent/ Family Center Authorization in UAConnect, the newly authorized user should receive an email containing a temporary password. To access the Parent/Family Center within UAConnect, visit uaconnect.uark.edu and log in using the authorized email address
and temporary password assigned. Access to the Parent/Family Center does not give the University permission to discuss your student’s academic information with you. For discussions to occur, your student must complete and submit a Third-Party Release. For more information about the Third-Party Release, have your student contact the Registrar’s Office at (479) 575-5451 or via email at registrar @uark.edu
FERPA, for many families, is a confusing issue, especially when family members need information about their student for insurance purposes or enrollment verification. In situations like this, have a conversation with your student about their grades, class attendance, finances/tuition bills, and conduct. Having and maintaining open communication and a supportive environment will ease the tension for both you and your student. Often, your student will share openly what is going on, without the need of written consent.
Parent/Family Member Checklist
■ Help your student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.ed.gov).
■ Sign up and create a profile on our Razorback Family Portal to enhance your Razorback Family experience by providing you with customized newsletters and 24/7 access to information, news, and resources curated just for family members of University of Arkansas students (uark.campusesp.com).
■ Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/RazorbackParent) and follow us on Instagram (Instagram.com/RazorbackParent) for frequent updates.
■ Upgrade to a Cardinal Member in the Parent & Family Association (family.uark.edu).
■ Talk with your student about expectations and other relevant issues like:
■ Academics
■ Time management
■ Finances
■ Social involvement
■ Safety and travel
■ Alcohol and drugs
■ Set up a budget with your student to avoid unexpected expenses (family.uark.edu /family-resources/ budget-sheet.php).
■ Help your student start a packing list as they prepare to move on campus (movein.uark.edu).
■ Call or email us with any questions you may have at (479) 575-5002 , or parents@uark.edu !
2025–2026 Academic Calendar
Fall 2025
August 18 Classes Begin
September 1 Labor Day Holiday (no classes, University closed)
October 13–14 Fall Break (no classes, University open)
November 27–28 Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
December 4 Last Day of Classes
December 5 Reading Day
December 8–12 Final Examination Period
December 13 Commencement
Spring 2026
January 23
January 19
March 23–27
April 30
May 1
May 4–8
May 9
Classes Begin
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Spring Break (no classes)
Last Day of Classes
Reading Day
Final Examination Period
Commencement
Campus Contacts
Department
University Switchboard (479) 575-2000 uark.edu
Academic Scholarships (479) 575-4464 scholarships.uark.edu
Admissions (479) 575-5346 admissions.uark.edu
Arkansas Alumni Association (479) 575-2801 arkansas alumni.org
Athletic Ticket Office (479) 575-5151 arkansasrazorbacks.com
Campus Card Office (479) 575-7563 campuscardoffice.uark.edu
Campus Police (UAPD) (479) 575-2222 uap d.uark.edu
Career Connections (479) 575-2805 caree r.uark.edu
Center for Community Engagement (479) 575-4365 service.uark.edu
Financial Aid (479) 575-3806 finaid.uark.edu
Greek Life (479) 575-5001 uagreek s.uark.edu
Housing (479) 575-4687 housing.uark.edu
International Students & Scholars (479) 575-5003 international-student s.uark.edu
Math Resource & Tutoring Center (479) 575-3351 mrtc.uark.edu
Multicultural Center (479) 575-8405 multicultura l.uark.edu
Parent & Family Programs (479) 575-5002 family.uark.edu
Pat Walker Health Center (479) 575-4451 healt h.uark.edu
Registrar's Office (479) 575-5451 registrar.uark.edu
Study Abroad & International Exchange (479) 575-7582 studyabroa d.uark.edu
Student Accountability (479) 575-5170 accountabilit y.uark.edu
Student Success @ The CORD (479) 575-3174 success.uark.edu
Transit & Parking (479) 575-7275 parking.uark.edu
Transition Programs and Initiatives (479) 575-5002 transitions.uark.edu
Treasurer’s Office (479) 575-5651 treasurernet.uark.edu
University Bookstore (479) 575-2155 uark.bncollege.com
University Information Technology Services (479) 575-2901 it s.uark.edu
University Libraries (479) 575-4104 librarie s.uark.edu
University Recreation (479) 575-4646 ure c.uark.edu
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center (479) 575-8742 vmsc.uark.edu
