Off Campus 2017 - UCA Edition

CAMPUS

WHY UCA? Four students share what

they love about the campus and Conway p.8

Get Outside

See for yourself why Arkansas is “The Natural State”

p.28

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WHAT’S INSIDE 4

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22 ON CAMPUS

OFF CAMPUS

6 Academics

4 The City of Colleges

See how UCA stacks up against other higher education institutions in the state.

Learn what makes Conway stand out and why it should be your home away from home.

8 Student Profiles

Four UCA students from four states share why they made the right decision to come to Conway.

18 Parks and Recreation

10 Meet Dr. Houston Davis

20 Road Trips

UCA’s new president commits to putting students first.

Conway is just a short drive from some of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

14 Need to Know

Become familiar with the organizations on campus and around town committed to your health and safety.

No matter where you find yourself in Conway, you are not far from a park or recreational facility.

22 Dining Out Explore what’s beyond the food court and cafeteria.

28 The Natural State Conway is in the heart of The Natural State, making it a great place for an outdoor excursion.

28 ON THE COVER In May 2017, BuzzFeed listed UCA as the most beautiful college campus in the state of Arkansas.

Spanning 356 acres, UCA’s campus offers you plenty of shaded space for an outdoor study session or hangout spot. p.8

900 Oak Street Conway, AR 72032 501-327-7788

GetSmart@ConwayArkansas.org While the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has made every effort to ensure accuracy in this publication, we cannot guarantee the correctness of all information or the complete absence of error or omissions. For changes or to submit your comments, please contact the Chamber.

2017-2018 COLLEGE GUIDE

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e m Hoome

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m o r f y a w a

s u p m a c f f life o y t i C e h t n i of Colleges ider There’s a lot to cons llege: when choosing a co ee options, affordability, degr ity to reputation, proxim ore! home, and much m versity Attending the Uni s, which of Central Arkansa among consistently ranks ersities in the top public univ t choice the south, is a grea ons - one for all kinds of reas city in of those being the which it’s located!

So what makes Conway stand out?

nsas, the Off Campus guide will help you If you decide to attend college in Conway, Arka e hidden gems in and around your future navigate the “City of Colleges” and discover som the country, or somewhere in between, you’ll college town. Whether you come from a big city, home away from home. find Conway to be the perfect place to call your

2016 Population Estimate: 65,300 (and counting)

Conway’s population more than doubled from 1990 to 2010. Our city continues to grow and thrive – and for good reason.

60,000

40,000

28,767

43,167

58,908

30,000

10,000

While a place with more than 65,000 people is nothing to sneeze at, it is uncommon for a city our size to have not one, not two, but THREE colleges. So much so, that Conway’s nickname is the “City of Colleges.”

The University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College contribute to Conway’s rich arts and cultural scene – and help keep us young.

Median Age: 27.9

50,000

20,000

3 Colleges

1990

2000

2010

If you think back to your elementary math classes, you may recall that the median is the number in the middle. When it comes to the ages of Conway’s residents, our median age is not even close to 30 (just ask any 27-year-old). One reason is because students from Conway’s three colleges love this city so much they decide to stick around after graduation and take a job here.

More than a third of Conway residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher Another by-product of graduates staying in Conway after they earn their degrees is the positive effect it has on the city’s educational attainment rate – a term that refers to the highest level of schooling a person has completed. Of adults over the age of 25, 45% have a college degree and 37% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

For comparison’s sake, the median age for the entire state of Arkansas is 37.7 – 10 years older.

Population 25 Years and older: 35,552 37% 8%

7%

Less than high school, no diploma

24% 24%

High school graduate Some college, no degree Associate degree Bachelor’s degree or higher

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

U.S. Census Bureau, 2011-2015 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Still not convinced?

Keep reading to see what current UCA students have to say about Conway.

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ARE FRONT AND CENTER AT UCA “Teaching the teachers” College of Education • The College of Education’s teacher candidates consistently have a 98-100% pass rate on Praxis Assessments • 61% of all first-year teachers in Arkansas public schools graduated from UCA in 2015

• 2,315 total hours of community service projects by studentathletes in 2016

“Educational works of art”

• The acceptance rate for the graduates of UCA’s Political Science degree into law school has been 86% over the past five years • The college offers new degree programs in Linguistics, Chinese, Anthropology, Criminology, and in African/ African-American Studies

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Athletic Department • Nearly 450 student-athletes • Combined GPA of student-athletes: 3.10

• Every year, UCA consistently scores in the top 10% for “satisfaction” in a survey administered to first-year teachers by the Arkansas Department of Education

College of Liberal Arts • All the degree programs in the college offer opportunities for internships, undergraduate research projects, service-learning courses, and study abroad

“Winning on and off the field”

™

• UCA has won conference championships in baseball, softball, football, women’s basketball, and volleyball over the past four years and has also had individual champions in men’s and women’s golf, cross country, and track and field

“A healthy respect for education” College of Health and Behavioral Sciences • UCA graduates more health-related professionals than any other university in the state -- The employment rate is over 90% for all graduates • The college has more than 1,100 contracts with various healthcare agencies for clinical experiences and internships for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels

“Success that adds up” College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics • Produces more Math Education graduates than any other school in Arkansas • Provides authentic research experiences in all its major areas of emphasis • The Jewel Moore Nature Reserve serves as an outdoor classroom for many biology courses • UCA is the home to the state’s only standalone Department of Geography

“Rooted as scholars, growing as citizens, thriving as leaders”

“Business Savvy” College of Business • Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) • 90% employment in select programs • Graduates of the college are among the first recruits for corporations such as Dillard’s, Walmart, Acxiom, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, and more • More than 1,500 undergraduate students and 100+ graduate students make up the College of Business • Only Insurance and Risk Management program in Arkansas

“Live and learn” Residential College • UCA was the first public, four-year institution in Arkansas to open a classical residential college • Residential College students have a 12% higher retention rate compared to on-campus students living in traditional residence halls • STEM@Arkansas’s retention rate is even greater with an average of 16.4% according to Institutional Research

“All the world’s a stage” College of Fine Arts and Communication • Music Education graduates have a 100% placement rate in school positions • UCA is home to: -- The only Film degree offered in the state -- The only Shakespeare repertory company in the state

Norbert O. Schedler Honors College • First honors college in the state • Honors students contribute more than 1,000 hours of community service each year • 80% of honors students attend graduate or professional school upon graduating • Honors students have traveled to six continents and more than 100 countries around the world 2017-2018 COLLEGE GUIDE

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s e l i f o r p t n e d u t s uca Dierdre HENLEY I’ve lived a lot of places in the South, and I’ve been in some busier, bigger cities. But what I like most about Conway is that you can get a big enough city feel to not be bored, but it’s quiet enough to not deal with the hustle and bustle of a big city. I consider Conway home, and I’ve been here going on four years.

I feel comfortable here and feel connected to the community.

HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee CLASSIFICATION: Doctoral Student AREA(S) OF STUDY: School Psychology CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Graduate Assistant in Psychology Department

Ryan PFAFF The size of UCA’s campus allows for a lot of opportunities, and the Honors College got me started with a community. In addition, there are over 200 RSOs (Recognized Student Organizations) on campus, so it’s pretty easy to find your niche. I always encourage other students to get involved with something they feel they can be a part of that would make their experience more than just being a student but also part of a community.

HOMETOWN: Austin, Texas CLASSIFICATION: Senior AREA(S) OF STUDY: Pre-Physical Therapy major, Accounting minor and Honors College CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: 2nd Year as Vice President of Finance for the Student Government Association (SGA)

Javier HERNANDEZ I chose UCA because I felt like it was the perfect size for me – not too big and not too small. I discovered who I really was while I was at UCA. My hometown is about 2.5 hours away, so I felt like Conway was a good distance to where I could be away from home and be independent but close enough to go home if I got homesick.

HOMETOWN: Springdale, Arkansas CLASSIFICATION: Senior AREA(S) OF STUDY: Radiology CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Resident Assistant (RA), founder of Fuerza Integridad a Todos (F.I.A.T.), member of Phi Iota Alpha

Layla BUTLER Conway is an ideal college town. It’s easy to get around, has plenty of green spaces, and has almost everything a student needs. I also love Toad Suck Daze (try explaining that one to an out-of-towner!).

The city also has a great network of support for the arts. From art installations to public concerts, Conway is constantly engaging the community through entertaining and thought-provoking events.

HOMETOWN: Muldrow, Oklahoma CLASSIFICATION: Alumna (May 2016) AREA(S) OF STUDY: Music Education major, Interdisciplinary Studies minor and Honors College CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: National Association for Music Education

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DR. HOUSTON DAVIS 11th President of the University of Central Arkansas

President Houston Davis began his tenure as the 11th president of the University of Central Arkansas in January 2017. Upon arriving at UCA, he said Conway looks like the type of community that “receives new people very well.”

“Conway has ways to be able to immediately get you involved in the community and make you feel like it really is a home.”

President Davis spent his first months in his new role on a “listening tour,” attending dozens of meetings and events each week with faculty, students, alumni, community members, and staff. One of his goals is to be a leader who centers the student in all decisions the university leadership makes.

“Being student-centered is making certain that we are making decisions focused on opportunities to serve students,” he said.

TWITTER @UCApresdavis

INSTAGRAM @houstondavis

President Davis has demonstrated his commitment to students by being an engaged, hands-on leader. On his first day, he worked with the Student Government Association to pack 10,000 meals for the UCA Bear Essentials Food Pantry. He also attended Bear Facts Day with the Student Ambassador team and participated in a banner display and silent MLK March hosted by the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture.

On top of this, President Davis is a good sport; he volunteered to sit in a dunk tank at a spring picnic for UCA faculty and staff. Needless to say, he did not stay dry.

Learn more about Dr. Houston Davis by reading the facts to the right and by connecting with him on social media.

UCA FACTS & STATS Founded: 1907 School Colors: Purple & Gray Mascot: Bear 2016 Enrollment: 11,487 Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17 to 1 Enrollment by Gender: Male: 4,406 (38.4%) Female: 7,081 (61.6%) Source: UCA Institutional Research, 2016.

Declared Majors by College: Health and Behavioral Sciences: 3,301 Undeclared: 2,188 Natural Sciences and Mathematics: 1,645 Business: 1,536 Education: 1,068 Fine Arts & Communication: 925 Liberal Arts: 824

Geographic Location: In-State: 9,807 (85.4%) Out-of-State: 1,050 (9.1%) International: 630 (5.5%) 43 states represented 75/75 Arkansas counties represented 73 foreign countries Top Five Countries Represented: 1. Côte d’Ivoire 4. The Bahamas 2. China 5. Saudi Arabia 3. Nepal

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Political Science University of Memphis Master of Education, Educational Administration Tennessee State University Doctor of Philosophy, Education and Human Development Vanderbilt University

FAMILY

Married 22 years to Jenny Three children: Polly (20), Whitney (17), and Joshua (14)

“Conway has ways to be able to immediately get you involved in the community and make you feel like it really is a home.”

HOMETOWN

Clarksville, Tennessee

PREVIOUS ROLES

Interim President Kennesaw State University, Georgia Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer University System of Georgia Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Project Director and Principal Investigator National Educational Needs Project Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Tennessee Board of Regents Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor Austin Peay State University

FAVORITE MUSICIAN/BAND Jack White…and any of his bands

FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION I love Italy as a destination, but as far as places, any beach house will do.

FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE

One-hit-wonder songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s

BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY

One Christmas, when I was about eight, we made a sled out of a box. I dressed my brother Matt as a reindeer and I dressed as Santa. Then, we took the sled around the house and gave presents to our parents. The gifts were things we had picked up around the house.

Source: Sharkey, Fredricka. “Introducing UCA’s 11th President: Houston Davis.” UCA Magazine, Vol. 107, Issue 1.

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GoPurple.UCA.edu Your first step toward college in Conway is visiting GoPurple.UCA.edu.

You can apply online, register for upcoming events, and stay informed about key deadlines.

Upcoming Events Bear Facts Day

Campus Tours

High school seniors, transfer students, and their families are invited to spend the day with us for Bear Facts Day. This event is designed to give students a sneak peek of campus life, academic opportunities, and housing facilities. Check the website for dates of the next Bear Facts Days.

Come see our gorgeous campus! Campus tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. when the university is open for operation.

Sign up for a campus tour at gopurple.uca.edu or call us at 1-800-243-8245. Students can also visit campus anytime through our virtual tour at uca.edu/virtualtour.

Bear Necessities Day High school juniors have a unique opportunity to get a jump-start on the college selection process at Bear Necessities Day. We’ll help students prepare for the college application process and provide tips for selecting a university that best fits individual needs.

Check the website for dates of the next Bear Necessities Day.

Do you want to bring a group of high school students, junior high students, or even elementary kids? We would love to show them how to be a bear! You may complete a group tour request so we can serve your group to the best of our abilities. Go to uca.edu/admissions/groupcampus-tours to complete our form and an admissions representative will contact you.

We hope to see you soon!

IMPORTANT STUFF YOU NEED TO

With more than 11,000 students, UCA is a community in its own right. Providing public safety and health and wellness services to thousands is no small job, and it’s something the university doesn’t take lightly. A fully staffed health clinic and a 28-officer police department are evidence of UCA’s commitment to the health and safety of the campus community.

HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES Conway has two full-service hospitals complete with emergency rooms and other specialty services.

Conway Regional Health System 2302 College Avenue 501-329-3831 conwayregional.org

Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway 1555 Exchange Avenue 501-585-2000 baptisthealthconway.com

HEALTH CARE UCA Student Health Clinic

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health services, labs, and much more. A full-time physician and four nurse practitioners are on staff.

Student Health Clinic Hours: Fall and Spring Semesters: Monday–Friday 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.

Hours: Monday–Friday from 3-11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Distance from UCA: 0.9 miles (4-minute drive)

Summers and Between Semesters Monday–Friday 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:15 p.m.

MedExpress Urgent Care

The Student Health Clinic observes the same closings and holidays as UCA.

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

805 Oak Street 501-504-2329 medexpress.com

(8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Distance from UCA: 1.8 miles

Student Health Building – 1st Floor 501-450-3136 uca.edu/studenthealth

URGENT CARE FACILITIES IN CONWAY

UCA has an on-campus Student Health Clinic on the first floor of the Student Health Building, located between the HPER Center and Baridon Hall. The clinic offers a wide range of medical services free of charge to students (made possible by the health services fee), including X-rays, immunizations, women’s

If you feel under the weather during a time when the Student Health Clinic is closed, you can take advantage of your parents’ health insurance and visit one of the many urgent care clinics in town.

These clinics offer extended hours in the evenings and on weekends, and walk-ins are welcome.

Of course, if you have a medical emergency, dial 911.

OFF CAMPUS

Conway Regional After Hours Clinic

437 Denison Street, Suite 2 501-504-2330 conwayregional.org/afterhoursclinic

(5-minute drive)

PrimeCARE Medical Clinic Salem 605 Salem Road, Suite A2 501-764-1800 pcmc-ar.com

Hours: Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Distance from UCA: 1.4 miles (4-minute drive)

PrimeCARE Medical Clinic Harkrider 1014 Harkrider Street, Suite B 501-327-7100 pcmc-ar.com

Hours: Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Distance from UCA: 1.8 miles (5-minute drive)

Sherwood Urgent Care

222 Dave Ward Drive 501-505-8400 urgentteam.com/sherwood-urgent-care

Hours: Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m.

Distance from UCA: 2.3 miles (5-minute drive)

PUBLIC SAFETY UCA Police Department

Located on campus between State Hall and Hughes Hall (Intersection of Marian Ross Avenue and W.J. Sowder Street) 501-450-3111 (Non-Emergency) ucapd.org @UCAPoliceDept

With a mission to protect and serve the academic community, the UCA Police Department provides aroundthe-clock law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, and 9-1-1 services to the UCA community.

The department consists of 28 full-time, sworn police officers; nine full-time support staff; and several part-time staff.

Here are some of the services UCAPD offers in order to give you peace of mind on campus: UCAAlert The UCAAlert System is used to send emergency notifications to the campus community via text, voice message, and email. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to provide their contact information through the myUCA portal.

Safe@UCA Info Line Call the Safe@UCA Info Line at 501-852-INFO (4636) at any time of the day or night to hear a recorded message about the status on campus. This 24hour emergency information hotline is updated periodically during emergency situations or school closures.

The UCA Police Department provides around-the-clock law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, and 9-1-1 services to the UCA community.

Blue Light Emergency Telephones These emergency telephones are located throughout campus.

If you need assistance, press the call button to reach an on-duty dispatcher. The dispatcher instantly knows the location of the caller.

Motorist Assistance If you lock your keys in your vehicle or need a jump, the UCA Police Department can help.

Stranded motorists can call the non-emergency number or press the call button on any blue light emergency phone.

Safety Programs The UCA Police Department updates its website regularly to announce programs that promote on-campus safety. These programs include pedestrian safety (“Brake for Bears”), theft prevention, sexual assault prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, and hazing prevention awareness.

Health clinics both on and off campus offer convenient, comprehensive medical services.

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#ConwayOffCampus How do you stay active? If you enjoy bike riding, Conway offers miles of trails and the state’s only bike-share program. If you prefer indoor workouts, our city has two rec centers in addition to UCA’s HPER Center. Show us how you like to move it, move it. Post a photo or video to Instagram using the #ConwayOffCampus hashtag.

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City of Conway Parks Facilities

Basketball

Baseball

Pavilion/ Picnic Playground Area

Airport Park 425 6th Street

x

x

Bainbridge Park 80 Kensington Drive

x

x

Beaverfork Lake Park 20 Kinley Drive

x

Cadron Settlement Park 6200 Highway 319

x

x

x

x

Curtis Walker Park 1700 Museum Road

x

Tennis

Volleyball

Walking/ Jogging/ Biking

Water Sports

x

x

x

x x

Conway Station Park 1501 Robins Street

Softball

x

x

City of Colleges Park 1025 East Siebenmoregen Road

Restrooms

x

x x

x

x

x x

x

x

Don Owen Sports Complex (Indoor) 10 Lower Ridge Road

x

x

x

x

x

Fifth Avenue Park 600 5th Avenue

x

x

x

x

x

Gatlin Park 2325 Tyler Street

x

x

x

x

x

x

Laurel Park Robinson Avenue & Prince Street

x

x

x

x

x

x

McGee Center (Indoor) 3800 College Avenue

x

Pine Street Park 690 Pine Street

x

x x

Pompe Park 2550 Prince Street

x

x

x

x x

x x

Simon Park 805 Front Street

x

Tucker Creek Walking/Bike Trail 275 Salem Road

x

x

With well-maintained parks scattered throughout the city, two indoor sports centers on the east and west sides of town, and an expo center and fairgrounds, Conway’s Parks and Recreation Department has something for everyone. No matter where you find yourself off campus, you’re never too far from an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, be active, or simply sit and enjoy nature.

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Out on the Open Road

With its central location in The Natural State, Conway is just a short drive from some of the region's most popular tourist towns, giving you the perfect excuse for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Little Rock Drive Time: 30 min.

Don’t Miss: River Market

Hot Springs

Memphis Drive Time: 2 hours 26 min.

Don’t Miss: Beale Street

Drive Time: 1 hour 22 min.

Don’t Miss: Oaklawn

Fayetteville/NW Arkansas

Oklahoma City

Drive Time: 2 hours 28 min.

Don’t Miss: Dickson Street Crystal Bridges Museum

Drive Time: 4 hours 37 min.

Don’t Miss: Bricktown

Dallas Nashville Drive Time: 5 hours 38 min.

Don’t Miss: Live Music

Drive Time: 5 hours 3 min.

Don’t Miss: Professional Sports Theme Parks

New Orleans Drive Time: 7 hours 26 min.

Don’t Miss: French Quarter

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OFF-CAMPUS

#ConwayOffCampus Go ahead and take a picture of your plate or latte art if you find yourself dining out in Conway, and post it to Instagram using the #ConwayOffCampus hashtag. We won’t judge.

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More than 200 Conway restaurants lay just beyond the food court and the cafeteria. Food trucks, ethnic cuisines, late-night eats, coffee, and more are all minutes away from campus.

COFFEE

Zetêo Cozy coffee spot tucked under the gateway to downtown.

Blue Sail Sprawling coffee crafter with WiFi and outdoor seating at their Front Street and Donaghey Hall locations.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Streetside Creperie Downtown eatery specializing in sweet and savory crepes.

Stoby’s New building (opening late summer 2017) at intersection of Donaghey and Robinson will have even more room for the big breakfast crowds.

The Patio Café Quaint downtown eatery serves breakfast all day. Enjoy weekend brunch on the patio.

CHEAP EATS

DESSERT

Las Delicias Homemade ice cream and paletas (popsicles). The sweet corn ice cream does not disappoint.

Marble Slab Creamery/Great American Cookie Two locations in Conway serving gourmet cookies and homemade ice cream with unlimited mix-ins.

Andy’s Frozen Custard Mix and match dozens of toppings to concretes, sundaes, splits, malts, and more. Walk up or drive through to order.

US Pizza Pizza, salads, and sandwiches in a downtown location.

Uncle T’s Deli Market Neighborhood market setting offers deli foods and daily specials.

Breakfast served Monday through Friday.

McAlister’s Deli Famous for sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes, and sweet tea.

La Huerta Downtown spot has lightning-fast Mexican favorites. Try the “college special.”

LATE NIGHT

COMFORT FOOD

Old Chicago Downtown pizza and tap room.

Holly’s Country Cookin’ Count on lines out the door for this down-home lunch spot.

Hole in the Wall Café Traditional Southern favorites served downtown during lunch.

Eat My Catfish Catfish and crawfish are on the menu at this sit-down restaurant. The homemade tartar sauce is a customer favorite.

Summer of 2017

1

DAVID’S BURGERS Regional chain with the highest quality burgers and all-you-caneat fries.

2

MIKE’S PLACE Great for special occasions, dates, or when your parents are paying.

3

PASTA GRILL Giant portions to share make this cozy downtown spot great for date nights.

4

TACOS 4 LIFE GRILL Creative tacos, burritos, and more. Each meal purchased earns a donated meal.

5

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ Regional fast-casual chain specializing in Greek and Mediterranean fare.

6

ZAZA FINE SALAD & WOOD-OVEN PIZZA CO. Build-your-own salads and Napoli-style pizza.

7

MARKETPLACE GRILL A variety of fresh American standards in this traditional sit-down restaurant.

8

CRACKER BARREL National chain serving American comfort food.

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BLAZE PIZZA Build-your-own pizzas at an affordable price.

SANDWICHES

Don Pepe’s Gourmet Burritos & Tacos Create custom burritos, tacos, and nachos.

Ceci’s Chicken-N-Waffles Casual sitdown restaurant serves traditional or flavored chicken and waffles and other Southern cuisine.

TripAdvisor Rankings

JJ’s Grill Live music six nights a week.

TC’s Midtown Grill Live music, billiards, and a full menu served until 2 a.m.

TOP DATE NIGHT PICKS

According to Yelp* Mike’s Place Upscale downtown eatery serving Cajun-style seafood, steaks, and wood-fired pizza.

Pasta Grill Italian, steaks, and seafood in an intimate downtown setting.

Umami Sushi Lounge & Grill Fusion Fresh sushi, hibachi grill, and Asian takes on American favorites.

10

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ Award-winning barbecue joint.

Top off your smoked meat with your choice of seven homemade BBQ sauces.

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Frequently Asked

?

QUESTIONS

For a complete list of FAQs, visit uca.edu/admissions and select “Frequently Asked Questions” under the “Apply & Learn” menu item.

ADMISSIONS

CAMPUS EXPERIENCE

How will I find out if I’m admitted?

Once we receive all required admission documents, an admissions analyst will review your application.

We will notify you of your status by mail. It takes approximately three weeks for review and notification.

Should I live on campus?

Studies show that freshmen who live on campus, as a whole, attain a higher grade point average than those who do not. On-campus living provides greater access to the library, computers and study labs, as well as support amongst peers.

Do I have to choose a major when I apply?

You do not have to declare a major when you apply for admission. Coursework taken throughout your first two years is flexible for most majors.

However, we always recommend you speak with your academic advisor about your academic standing and to declare a major.

COSTS & FINANCIAL AID How do you apply for scholarships and/or financial aid?

For first-time freshmen and transfer students, the application for admission serves as the academic scholarship application. To be considered for an academic scholarship, you must be unconditionally admitted by the scholarship deadline. For freshmen, the December ACT/SAT is the last test that will be considered for scholarship purposes.

Freshmen are required to live on campus their first year, unless they meet certain exemption criteria. If you have specific questions about on-campus housing requirements, you may contact the Office of Housing & Residence Life at housing@uca.edu or 501-450-3132.

How can I get involved?

Getting involved on campus is as simple as identifying your interest or cause. Whether you want to get a taste of Greek Life, help plan student activities, or promote a worthwhile cause, you can find your match through one of the more than 200 recognized student organizations (RSOs). Find your group by visiting the RSO webpage at uca.edu/rso.

There’s no excuse for not getting involved!

Performance scholarships are awarded by individual department and foundation scholarships are managed by the Foundation Office. All degree-seeking students are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA will show your eligibility for grants and student loans. If you have specific questions about institutional scholarships or financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@uca.edu or 501-450-3140.

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EXPLORE DOWNTOWN

Coffee Shops | Independent Boutiques | Restaurants | Nightlife

ConwayArkansas.org

is for

CULTURE Make the most of your college experience by taking advantage of the many arts and cultural opportunities in the City of Colleges.

✓ See a play in a downtown theater. ❏ ✓ Attend a Conway Symphony Orchestra concert. ❏ ✓ Visit an art gallery. ❏ ✓ Take a painting class with friends. ❏ ✓ Watch a live performance at Reynolds Performance Hall. ❏

501.327.7788 • ConwayArkansas.org

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Explore the Great

oUTDOORs With its location in the heart of The Natural State, Conway is a great place for an outdoor adventure. Possibilities for fishing, boating, swimming, or other water sports are just a short drive away, as are hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping grounds.

Hiking

Climbing

Mountain Biking

Fishing

Sightseeing Swimming

Boating

Canoeing

Pinnacle Mountain State Park Drive Time: 40 minutes

Minutes from Little Rock. Scenic hikes with sweeping views of central Arkansas.

Petit Jean Mountain State Park Drive Time: 53 minutes

One of Arkansas’s premier state parks. Tons of trails, waterfalls, camping, and lodging options.

Little Red River Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Home to world-record brown trout, full-service resorts, and easily accessible fishing.

Mount Magazine State Park Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

The highest point in Arkansas and one of the highest in the central United States. Resort-quality lodge, hiking trails, and climbing.

Greers Ferry Lake Drive Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

40,000-acre lake with camping sites, cliff diving, and public beaches.

Buffalo River Drive Time: 2 hours 16 minutes

America’s first “National River.” 500-foot cliffs line this 150-mile waterway that sees tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Woolly Hollow State Park Drive Time: 36 minutes

Only 12 miles north of Conway, this park has a 40-acre lake, campsites, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.

Cadron Settlement Park Drive Time: 19 minutes

Scenic overlook of the Arkansas River Valley. Mountain bike trails, pavilions, and historic markers minutes from campus.

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OFF CAMPUS

2017-2018 COLLEGE GUIDE

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