UCA Transfer & Returning Student Guide

Transfer & Returning Student Guide

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

4 ORIENTATION 6 ACRONYMS & TOOLS 8 STUDENT SUPPORT 10 LIBRARY & SERVICES 12 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 DINING 16 CAMPUS RECREATION 18 STUDENT LIFE 20 MCC & GETTING AROUND 22 SAFETY & PARKING 2

24 CAMPUS CONTACTS

WELCOME TO UCA Congratulations on continuing your education at the University of Central Arkansas! Whether you’re transferring from another institution or returning to your academic journey, we are excited to welcome you and recognize the unique perspectives and experiences you bring to UCA. This guide is here to help you navigate your next steps, from scheduling advising appointments to exploring the many student resources available to you. It’s designed to be a helpful resource throughout your time at UCA, supporting you as you pursue your degree and achieve your academic and personal goals.

We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way through this exciting transition. Go Bears!

Sincerely,

Online, Transfer, & Returning Student Services

TRANSFER|mation TRANSFER|mation is an optional orientation program for incoming transfer and readmit students, held the day before classes begin each fall and spring semester.

We recommend attending to explore key resources and opportunities that will support your success at UCA. Family members are also welcome to attend. Register online!

Fall 2026 transfermation: Wednesday, august 19 Spring 2027 orientation: Wednesday, january 13 uca.edu/fye/transfers

4

YOUR TRANSFER

CHECKLIST Mail final official transcripts Check email regularly Meet with your Academic Advisor & register for classes Get your UCA student ID card Pick up your parking permit Finalize financial aid Confirm housing (if applicable) Reprint schedule on first day Get your textbooks (save your receipts)

ACRONYMS AC CAHSS

Academic Coordinator College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

COB

College of Business

COE

College of Education

CHBS

College of Health & Behavioral Sciences

COSE

College of Science & Engineering

FDOC

First Day of Class

FYS

First Year Seminar

LDOC

Last Day of Class

LLC OARS

Living Learning Communities Office of Accessibility Resources & Services

RA

Resident Assistant

RC

Resident Coordinator

RWSC

Ronnie Williams Student Center

SAB

Student Activities Board

SGA

Student Government Association

SHC

Student Health Clinic

SSVRC

Student Success & Veterans Resource Center

x-period X-Period is a designated time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:40–2:30 PM when classes are not in session. It’s typically used for club meetings, campus activities, group projects, meeting with faculty, or catching up on coursework.

ACADEMIC TOOLS DegreeWorks is a web-based tool to help students and advisors monitor progress toward degree completion.

DegreeWorks integrates UCA degree requirements with the coursework a student has completed into a clear, easy-to-read worksheet.

DegreeWorks also offers a “What If?” analysis feature, allowing students to explore how their previously completed courses would apply to other degree programs without having to officially make changes to their degree plan. uca.edu/registrar/degreeworks

MyUCA features tools and resources that you’ll need during your time at UCA. Some of the most popular tiles you might want to favorite for convenience are Brightspace, DegreeWorks, Gmail, Self-service, and more. my.uca.edu/

STUDENT SUCCESS The Student Success & Veterans Resource Center is a central hub for our students to seek out the help they need. The victories of our students are critical, driving the commitment of our faculty and staff.

Student Success Services offers students Academic Success Workshops Weekly workshops during X-period (Tuesdays and select Thursdays) focus on essential skills like financial literacy, study strategies, career planning, and test preparation.

Tutoring Services Peer tutoring offers support for many lower-division and select major courses, both in-person and online.

Success Coaching Peer success coaches help you strengthen time management, build effective study habits, and stay motivated throughout your academic experience. uca.edu/studentsuccess

8

VETERANS & MILITARY RESOURCE CENTER The Veterans & Military Resource Center helps military-connected students access their education benefits and navigate the transition to college, providing support for a successful and rewarding experience. uca.edu/veteranservices

ADVISING All UCA students are assigned a dedicated academic advisor for their major, offering guidance on course selection, degree planning, and navigating academic challenges. Advisors are here to support your success and help you stay on track toward graduation.

Your advisor will notify you when it’s time to schedule an appointment each semester. If you’re unsure who your advisor is or have questions, contact advising@uca.edu. uca.edu/advising

TORREYSON LIBRARY uca.edu/library

Our library is not just a repository of books; it’s a hub of learning and innovation. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or staff, we’re here to support your academic and research needs.

We also offer:

Interlibrary Loan | computers | borrow & renew

10

CENTER FOR WRITING & COMMUNICATION The Center for Writing & Communication supports students across all disciplines throughout the composition process—from early ideas to final drafts and presentations. Through a student-centered approach, the CWC provides personalized guidance to help you strengthen your writing, develop effective communication strategies, and build confidence in your work. Appointments are available in person, by video, or through email, offering flexible support to meet your needs. uca.edu/CWC

CAREER SERVICES CENTER The Career Services Center assists UCA students and alumni in maximizing their education experience by providing access to career coaching, programs, presentations, experiential learning, and employment opportunities. career services also offers: • • • • • • • •

Mock Interviewing Focus2 Career Assessment W.O.W. Closet Professional Photos Campus Interviews Career Fairs Internships Resume Reviews

uca.edu/career

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Taking care of your physical and mental health is an important part of your college experience. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

12

At UCA, a balanced, individual lifestyle is essential to create a healthy campus environment. Wellness weaves through our campus life, blending outdoor adventure with comprehensive care.

student health center Our Student Health & Wellness Center is a place where you can get the support you need to stay healthy and thrive. Our team of physicians and nurse practitioners is here to help you with a wide range of health services, including general check-ups, physicals, immunizations, and more.

women’s health clinic Our Women’s Health Center is a safe and confidential space dedicated to women’s health. Whether you need an exam, birth control options, pregnancy testing, or counseling, our team is here to provide compassionate care.

counseling center College can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, our Counseling Center is here for you. We offer free and confidential mental health counseling, group sessions, and crisis/emergency assistance for all currently enrolled UCA students. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Office of accessibility Resources & Services The Office of Accessibility Resources & Services is dedicated to ensuring full access for all students and service members with disabilities at UCA. Our main goal is to foster an inclusive environment, empowering students to excel academically through independence and holistic development. uca.edu/studenthealth

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DINING & COFFEE No matter where you live on campus, you’re close to great food selections.

Christian Cafeteria offers a variety of stations that serve everything from pasta and deli selections to all-day breakfast and fresh market fruits and vegetables. You can also go to the Student Center or Donaghey Hall for more fan favorite options. We have coffee shops across campus to cover your caffeine needs too! uca.edu/dining

Student Center Chick-fil-A Einstein Bros. Bagels Mooyah’s Pizza Hut Quiznos Sushi-C

donaghey hall

1907 Bread Co. Great American Cookie Co. Twisted Taco

christian cafeteria other locations

DINING

Starbucks in Torreyson Library THINK Coffee in the College of Business

CAMPUS RECREATION

The Department of Campus Recreation strives to give students the resources they need to remain active during their time at UCA.

Our Campus Outdoors program allows students the opportunity to take courses to learn new outdoor skills, join guided adventures and rent recreational equipment, while the Thomas C. Courtway Recreational Center includes a 10,000 sq-ft weight room, 3 group fitness studios, a 6 lane pool and various other options for students to utilize, ensuring there is something for everyone! uca.edu/campusrecreation

16

INTRAMURALS UCA’s Intramural sports program offers individual, dual, and team sports for students of all skill levels.

It provides a great opportunity to compete with your friends and meet other students, faculty, and staff.

uca.edu/go/intramurals

intramural opportunities include: baggo basketball battleship billiards Dodgeball

flag football paper airplane golf racquetball sand volleyball soccer

table tennis tennis ultimate frisbee volleyball

CAMPUS LIFE UCA offers over 175 student organizations, clubs, and recreational activities to help students engage in campus life, and become active members of the community. Student organizations host regular activities throughout the year such as guest lectures, dances, comedy acts, movie nights, and concerts. uca.edu/cubconnect

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puppy love event

sneaker ball The Office of Student Advocacy and Community provides resources tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re married, a parent, a veteran, a reservist, active-duty military, a transfer student, or over 25, you may be considered a non-traditional student and we have resources for you! Visit our website to explore what’s available. uca.edu/osac

Minton Commuter College is UCA’s living learning community for students who live off campus.

MCC provides access to resources and services designed to make your time on campus as a commuter more convenient, connected, and productive.

What MCC provides: •

Commuter classes

•

Comfortable commuter loungey

•

Designated computer lab

•

Secure lockers

•

Microwave and refrigerator

•

Lactation suite

•

Support from the MCC Academic Coordinator and Community Mentors connecting with campus resources and opportunities

uca.edu/llc/mcc/

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GETTING AROUND UCA is committed to providing students easy access to essential resources and buildings.

There are numerous shuttle stops around campus to aid students from parking lots and apartments on the perimeters to hot spots in the center of campus and back again. The Center for Global Learning and Engagement also offers free regular shopping shuttles for international students to popular destinations like Walmart and Kroger.

CAMPUS MAP

CAMPUS SAFETY Safety is a cornerstone of the UCA experience.

Residence halls are secured 24/7 by our police department, and the Safe@UCA app complements these efforts with features like Mobile Bluelight and Friend Walk, ensuring that safety resources are within reach. uca.edu/student/student-safety

The UCA Police Department CommCenter is always staffed. Contact them to report a crime in progress, suspicious activity, or if you feel you or someone else is in danger. In an emergency, always call 911.

UCA’s non-emergent number: (501) 450-3111

22

PARKING On campus, we have plenty of parking options depending on where you need to be. You’ll need to be mindful of the type of parking pass you’re issued and the color of the parking lines. You can also utilize our shuttle system during busy hours when you can’t get your first choice of parking lot!

TYPE

DECAL COLOR

PARKING SPACE COLOR

Commuting Student

White

White

Resident Student

Green

Green or White

Faculty & Staff

Yellow

Yellow or White

Visitor & Reserved

Purple

Meter Parking

Orange

uca.edu/police

Keep in mind!

After 4:30 PM and before 6:30 AM Monday thru Friday and on weekends, drivers are free to park in any areas except for handicapped, reserved sign spaces, and enforced 24/7 lots.

CAMPUS CONTACTS Bear Card Center

Housing & Residence Life

Bear Essentials Food Pantry

IT Help Desk

Career Services

Recognized Student Organizations

Center for Global Learning & Engagement

Registrar

Student Center Ste 104 uca.edu/bearcard Physical Plant Room 40 uca.edu/foodpantry Bernard Hall 318 uca.edu/career/jobs

Schichtl Ste 120 uca.edu/global

Dean of Students

Student Health Center 308 uca.edu/student/dean

Financial Aid

Harrin Hall 200 uca.edu/financialaid

First Year Experience

Student Center Ste 203 uca.edu/fye

Bernard Hall 201 uca.edu/housing Burdick Hall 103 uca.edu/it

Student Center Ste 207 uca.edu/rso Harrin Hall 224 uca.edu/registrar

Student Accounts

Bernard Hall 110 uca.edu/studentaccounts

Tutoring Services

Torreyson Library 223 uca.edu/success

Uca online

ucaonline@uca.edu

University Testing Services Torreyson West 315 uca.edu/testing

313-talkuca Students can text 313-TALKUCA (313-825-5822) to report concerns anonymously. A staff member will follow up on the next business day.

This service is not for emergencies. For immediate assistance, call 911 and indicate you are on UCA’s campus.