Off Campus 2018-2019 - UCA Edition

CAMPUS Safeguarding the internet New cyber range at UCA trains students on cybersecurity p.9

JOB SEARCH TIPS

Experts weigh in on how to set yourself apart from the competition p.11

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!

WHAT’S INSIDE 4

3

5

7 19

29

9 ON CAMPUS

OFF CAMPUS

5 Academics

3 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.

7 Student Profiles

Three UCA students share what they love about UCA and Conway.

19 Parks and Recreation

9 Safeguarding the Internet UCA is at the forefront of cybersecurity education in the state.

13 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.

ON THE COVER As one of few institutions in the nation with a fully functional cyber range, UCA is on the path to training the next class of cyberwarriors.

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

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

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

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.

COLLEGE GUIDE

2

e m Hoome

h

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

2017 Population Estimate: 65,782

3 Colleges

(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

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: 28.5

50,000

20,000

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.”

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 28-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, 47% have a college degree and 39% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

For comparison’s sake, the median age for the entire state of Arkansas is 37.7 – 9 years older.

Population 25 Years and older: 36,420 6.5% 39.1%

23.7%

8% 22.7%

Less than high school, no diploma 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, 2012-2016 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Still not convinced?

see what current UCA students have to say about Conway in the profile section on page 7.

COLLEGE GUIDE

4

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 • UCA graduates work in 95+ Arkansas school districts.

61% of all first-year teachers in Arkansas public schools graduated from UCA.

• 1,786 total hours of community service projects completed by student-athletes in 2017-2018

“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

5

OFF CAMPUS

Athletic Department • 400+ student-athletes • Combined GPA of studentathletes: 3.14 (with 30+ studentathletes maintainnig a 4.0 GPA)

• 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 -- 70% of students continue on to graduate programs.

• The college has more than 1,200 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 1,600 students majoring in the College of Business in 2017 • 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 4.7% 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 COLLEGE GUIDE

6

s e l i f o r p t n e d u t s uca Jocelyn PEREZ I chose UCA because of the countless amount of opportunities there are. I wanted to move away from home and have liked feeling independent and learning to take more responsibilities on my own. Conway isn’t too big or too small. It’s perfect. My favorite place to hang out in the city would have to be the local Hispanic ice cream shop, Las Delicias. They have a variety of Hispanic treats, which makes me feel a bit closer to home and helps relieve the stress I may have.

I encourage high school students to come and experience the time of their lives. Not only could you be involved with Greek life, student organizations, and other programs, but faculty and staff care for you and will help you reach your goal – graduation.

HOMETOWN: Green Forest, Arkansas CLASSIFICATION: Senior CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Latino Student Association OFF-CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Arvest Bank employee; St. Joseph Catholic Church

Teasia CARTER UCA is far enough for me to feel the freedom of attending college away from home but close enough to go home as needed or wanted. The campus is beautiful and safe, and the activities offered are diverse and entertaining.

Conway is a very college-friendly town. Although I have many places I like to hang around in Conway, I would have to say my all-time favorite place to be is Cadron Settlement Park, also known as “Hippie Rock.”

This park is full of bike trails and picnic tables for any gathering or function. It also overlooks the beautiful Arkansas River, lined with big beautiful rocks that have been painted by the many visitors that come there. It is so peaceful, and I feel like it is a nature lover’s heaven.

HOMETOWN: Fayetteville, Arkansas CLASSIFICATION: Sophomore OFF-CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Dairy Queen employee

Tye WEAVER Leaving Dallas and coming to school at UCA was one of the hardest transitions of my life, because I knew a grand total of two people when I first came here (and only one of them was a student).

However, the student population at UCA is full of friendly people who’ve made this chapter of my life one I almost don’t want to leave! I’m glad I made the decision to come to UCA and experience a totally different environment than what I’m used to.

UCA and Conway offer a plethora of ways to get involved on and off campus, which plays a vital role in helping you meet new friends, give back to community, stay in shape, branch out of your comfort zone, and learn from others’ experiences. I love how Conway and its residents are constantly investing in the city to make improvements every year. I enjoy hanging out in downtown Conway. It has some really cool shops on Oak Street, and I love the historic vibe!

HOMETOWN: Flower Mound, Texas CLASSIFICATION: Junior AREA(S) OF STUDY: Music major, Business Administration minor CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choirs, Student Worker, member of multiple Honor Societies OFF-CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT: New Life Church; Teaches private music lessons at a local high school; Member of a running club

7

OFF CAMPUS

CYBERWARRIORS

By Syd Hayman

UCA at forefront of cybersecurity education in the state The University of Central Arkansas is on the path to developing the next class of cyberwarriors.

That’s because UCA is now one of few institutions in the nation with a fully functional cyber range. In October 2017, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, UCA would be home to a fully functional cyber range for educational training.

Housed in the Lewis Science Center on the UCA campus, the cyber range includes a computer system that emulates a computer network that can receive viruses and cyber attacks. The range, which has received technical and training support from cyber operations company Metova, creates scenarios that will help cyberwarriors identify attacks and prevent them.

Stephen Addison, dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at UCA, said his goal is to make Arkansas a hub for cybersecurity.

9

OFF CAMPUS

“We can simulate anything computer-systemlike, and we can run that computer system program within the range,” Addison said. “It’s a sandbox environment, so it’s closed off from the external internet, but we can simulate the entire internet on there.”

The implementation of this cyber range on campus will also support UCA’s Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. Students who earn this degree will have learned theories, ethical hacking, computer forensics and other transferable skills.

They can also go on to secure jobs in fields such as business, banking, health care and the military, where cyber ranges got their start.

According to CyberSeek.org, whose mission is to help close the cybersecurity skills gap through providing education on its job market, there are more than 27,000 entry-level cybersecurity job openings with average salaries ranging from $78,000 to $86,000. There are even 200,000 openings asking for related skills in the job market.

“It’s important for the economic well-being of the state that we train people in cybersecurity.”

“We aren’t releasing a simulation,” he said. “If we’re putting a virus on there, we’re putting the actual virus in the system.”

Most people are not aware of the cyber threats that exist and just how easily attacks can happen, Addison said.

According to the 2017 Internet Crime Report from the FBI, cybercrimes contributed to $1.42 billion in victim losses last year. Crimes can include nonpayment and nondelivery, phishing, identity theft, extortion, government impersonation, viruses and more.

“We’re trying to develop people who will be able to respond in any security simulations needs,” Addison said. “We’re using a degree program to develop transferable skills. We don’t just want to build what are frequently called ‘code monkeys’ who can do one particular task.”

UCA’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will also work with public schools and other state institutions on training and best practices. The Arkansas Department of Career Education is working toward implementing cybersecurity programs in various schools’ careers centers, and UCA will provide support developing curriculum for the department’s pilot program schools in El Dorado, Jacksonville, Marion, Southside in Independence County, Vilonia and West Memphis. UCA is also working with the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) to develop programming and online content supporting education in information security in K-12 schools, Addison said.

Addison said a feature that sets UCA’s cyber range apart from others in the nation is that it uses emulators to train students rather than simulators, which achieve similar results to a cyberattack but not quite the same effect.

“This is not a range for UCA; this is a range for Arkansas,” Addison said. “It’s important that everybody across the state have access to one. It’s important for the economic well-being of the state that we train people in cybersecurity.”

2018-2019 COLLEGE GUIDE

10

Job Search Ask-the-Experts

Zippia – a site that provides tools and information for job seekers – named Conway the best city in Arkansas to start a career. But before you secure your first “real” job after graduation, you’ll benefit from the experience – and the paycheck – that comes with part-time employment. Experts both on and off campus weigh in with advice on how college students can land a job in their new community.

OFF-CAMPUS EXPERT

ON-CAMPUS EXPERT

Drew Spurgers

Marie Smallwood

Drew Spurgers is a marketing and human resources professional and owner of Kangabloo Creative and SHADE Sunless Spa. He spends his days in communication and leading teams to success.

As a business owner, you have a lot of experience hiring college students. What is the most important quality you look for in a job applicant?

I have my career mapped out, but I need to earn some money now! How do students find out about job opportunities on campus or around town?

Drew: The most important thing we look for when hiring for either company is that people be clear communicators.

This starts with them writing well. If they can’t write well, we assume they won’t be good communicators, and they usually don’t make it to an interview. So, the most important quality for us is that they be a good communicator.

Marie: UCA students can visit uca.edu/career/jobs to find a list of on-campus jobs, internships, and part-time positions in the community. The website is updated daily with positions from employers that are specifically looking for UCA students of all majors.

What are some reasons you may disregard an application?

Drew: We disregard or throw out a candidate’s application if their cover letter or resume is full of typos or if they just printed an Indeed resume and handed it to us.

It’s important to us that we feel like they put effort into applying for the job. If they don’t put effort into applying, we don’t expect them to put effort into the job. We also look closely at people following instructions. If we ask them to submit a resume and cover letter, and they don’t submit a cover letter, we throw the application out.

It’s really important to pay attention to details.

Give us your tips for a winning interview.

Drew: Dress well. Arrive on time. Put effort into your appearance. Research the company beforehand and come prepared with questions to ask during the interview.

Show that you are well-informed about what you’re applying for and that you care about the job. Follow up a couple of days later; I love a handwritten thank you note.

11

Marie Smallwood is the assistant director of the career professional development center at Florida A&M University. She is an alumna of the University of Central Arkansas, where she completed her Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services and Administration.

OFF CAMPUS

I’m a first-year student with limited work experience.

What are some resume tips for someone in my situation?

Marie: As a first-year student, it is OK to place high school information and accomplishments on a resume. However, this is only suggested for the transition between high school and becoming a college student. During the first year, Career Services strongly encourages students to participate in Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and servicelearning projects to gain valuable experience that can replace the high school information on their resume.

When should I start attending career fairs and how often do they happen?

Marie: Students should begin attending career fairs their first semester at UCA! These events are a great way to start building rapport with the variety of companies that attend each fair. We offer five career fairs each academic year: STEM Career Fair/Graduate School Fair, Health Career Fair, Fall Career Fair, Teachers’ Fair, and Spring Job Fair. Students can stay up to date on upcoming events by following @ucacareer on Instagram or by visiting uca.edu/career.

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

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

Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway

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

2302 College Avenue 501-329-3831 conwayregional.org

1555 Exchange Avenue 501-585-2000 baptisthealthconway.com

HEALTH CARE UCA Student Health Clinic

13

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

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

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

Hours: Monday–Friday from 1-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

MedExpress Urgent Care 805 Oak Street • 501-504-2329 medexpress.com

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

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

Distance from UCA: 1.8 miles (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-Oak 812 Oak Street • 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)

PrimeCARE Medical Clinic-Oak 812 Oak Street • 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-Dave Ward 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)

Sherwood Urgent Care-Skyline 1065 Skyline Drive • 501-499-6222 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

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

(9-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 24-hour emergency information hotline is updated periodically during emergency situations or school closures.

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.

COLLEGE GUIDE

14

15

OFF CAMPUS

COLLEGE GUIDE

16

PARKS & REC 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.

#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.

19

OFF CAMPUS

City of Conway Parks Basketball

Baseball/ Softball

Airport Park 425 6th Street

•

•

Bainbridge Park 80 Kensington Drive

•

Facilities

Beaverfork Lake Park 20 Kinley Drive

Pavilion/ Picnic Playground Area

•

Restrooms

Tennis/ Racquetball

Volleyball

Cadron Settlement Park 6200 Highway 319

•

•

•

•

•

Centennial Soccer Park 5200 John W. Allison Road

•

Conway Expo Center & Fairgrounds 2505 East Oak Street

Water Sports

•

•

•

Walking/ Jogging/ Biking

•

• •

City of Colleges Park 1025 East Siebenmoregen Road

Soccer/ Football

• •

• •

•

•

• •

Conway Station Park 1501 Robins Street

•

Curtis Walker Park 1700 Museum Road

•

•

•

•

• •

Don Owen Sports Complex (Indoor) 10 Lower Ridge Road

•

•

•

•

•

•

Fifth Avenue Park 600 5th Avenue

•

•

•

•

•

•

Gatlin Park 2325 Tyler Street

•

•

•

•

•

•

Laurel Park Robinson Avenue & Prince Street

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

McGee Center (Indoor) 3800 College Avenue

•

•

•

•

Pine Street Park 690 Pine Street

•

•

Pompe Park 2550 Prince Street

• •

• •

Simon Park 805 Front Street

•

Tucker Creek Walking/ Bike Trail 275 Salem Road

•

•

COLLEGE GUIDE

20

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: Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

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

21

OFF CAMPUS

WHERE TO

SHOP

Conway has four distinct shopping districts, each of which is close to Interstate 40 and UCA. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store when you shop in Conway.

Downtown: Exit 127 Downtown is home to several trendy boutiques, such as Bell & Sward Gentlemen’s Clothier, making finding that perfect outfit or gift a breeze. Be sure to check out the variety of cuisine available in downtown restaurants while you’re out shopping.

Conway Towne Center: Exit 125 Anchored by a Cinemark movie theater, JCPenney, Bath & Body Works, and Office Depot, the Conway Towne Centre is also home to several other restaurants and retail stores.

Lewis Crossing: Exit 129 Conway’s newest shopping destination is Lewis Crossing. Located just off Dave Ward Drive east of Interstate 40, Lewis Crossing offers more than a dozen nationally known restaurants and stores, including Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ulta Beauty, On The Border, David’s Burgers, and Books-A-Million.

Conway Commons: Exit 127 Located off east Oak Street, Conway Commons features big-name brands such as T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, Belk, Target, Old Navy, Kohl’s, DICK’s Sporting Goods, and Francesca’s.

23

OFF CAMPUS

Who says shopping is only for the ladies?

Bell & Sward – a gentlemen’s clothier located in downtown Conway – offers dressy and casual looks for the modern gentleman.

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.

25

OFF CAMPUS

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 Wi-Fi and outdoor seating at its Front Street location.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Donaghey Hall restaurant serving pastries, sandwiches, an assortment of bagels, and Caribou Coffee.

BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Streetside Creperie Downtown eatery specializing in sweet and savory crepes.

Stoby’s Made-from-scratch breakfast attracts big crowds, especially on Saturday mornings.

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

CHEAP EATS

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

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

Twisted Taco Tex-Mex eatery offering made-to-order nachos, burritos, and its popular “Twisted Tacos” in its Donaghey Hall location.

COMFORT FOOD

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

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.

DESSERT

TripAdvisor Rankings Fall of 2018

Las Delicias Homemade ice cream and paletas (popsicles) at one of three locations in Conway, including a food truck. Try the sweet corn ice cream.

1

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

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

2

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

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

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

6

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

7

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

8

CRACKER BARREL National chain serving American comfort food.

9

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ Award-winning barbecue joint.

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

10

THE ORIGINAL FRIED PIE SHOP Homemade fried pies stuffed with a variety of sweet and savory, made-from scratch fillings along with mouthwatering burgers and fries.

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

SANDWICHES

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

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

LATE NIGHT

JJ’s Grill Live music six nights a week.

Old Chicago Downtown pizza and tap room.

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.

WunderHaus Downtown establishment offers handmade, locally sourced Eastern European cuisine.

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 departments 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.

COLLEGE GUIDE

28

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.

29

OFF CAMPUS

Fairfield Bay

Greers Ferry Lake

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Drive Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Nestled on Greers Ferry Lake, this community offers swimming, fishing, golf, hiking, tennis, and more. Annual events attract visitors year-round.

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.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park Drive Time: 40 minutes

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

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.

Petit Jean Mountain State Park Drive Time: 53 minutes

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

Cadron Settlement Park Drive Time: 19 minutes

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

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.

Hiking

Climbing

Mountain Biking

Fishing

Sightseeing

Swimming

Boating

Canoeing

2018-2019 COLLEGE GUIDE

32

33

OFF CAMPUS

COLLEGE GUIDE

34