UAFS Student Involvement Guide

STUDENT LIFE INVOLVEMENT GUIDE

WELCOME When I was a college freshman, I made a very important decision. As a first-generation college student, I decided I was going to fully embrace the college experience. I did not realize it at the time, but this one decision would ultimately change my life. I wouldn’t be welcoming you to UAFS had I not made that small, but important decision. Getting involved on campus can be a life-changing experience, and I am just one of the many examples of that.

Today we often want to know, what’s in it for me? If I follow your example and get involved outside of the classroom, what can I expect? After all, getting involved on campus is not a requirement for graduation.

I would tell you that you can expect to learn about leadership and many other skills that employers desire. You can expect to make memories that will last a lifetime and friendships that will last just as long. You can expect to be challenged, and you can expect to find support from our very talented faculty and staff advisors. Lastly, I believe you can expect to grow and develop as a young professional. The person you are today will forever be changed by the people and programs you choose to connect with here at UAFS. I believe that the university environment can be a magical one. The choice is truly up to you. I hope that you will choose, as I did, to engage in activities and events on campus. I hope this engagement connects you with people who will guide you on your college journey and beyond. I hope you will realize the joy and the struggle of being a student leader. I hope you will connect with UAFS and the greater Fort Smith community. I hope you will learn what it means to make a difference, and I hope that you will always be proud to be a Lion.

We can’t wait to see you do more here at UAFS! All the best,

Dave Stevens, Ed.D. Dean of Students

MISSION The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Student Life Office fosters student engagement, leadership development, and diverse co-curricular programming through facilitated opportunities, preparing students to become responsible global citizens and informed leaders.

STUDENT LIFE OFFICES Student Activities Greek Life and Leadership Non-Traditional Student Support

STUDENT AFFAIRS LEARNING DOMAIN OUTCOMES Knowledge Acquisition and Application Intra-personal Development Cognitive Complexity

Humanitarianism and Civic Engagement Interpersonal Competence Practical Competence

TOP TEN REASONS TO GET INVOLVED

Earn cords for

Promote Lion pride

Get FREE food

graduation

and t-shirts

Explore new opportunities

Develop

Build relationships

new passions

with fellow students, faculty, and staff

Gain valuable leadership skills

Educate yourself at Make memories

to last a lifetime

leadership presentations and conferences Make the most of your college experience

4

NUMA LINK NUMALink is our one-stop shop for campus involvement at UAFS. Students can search NUMALink by logging on to My.UAFS and clicking the Students tab. NUMALink can be found under Student Life. Use your UAFS login information to create your account.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT The Student Government Association is the recognized voice of the student body.

The SGA advocates for student issues and concerns in an effort to enhance the student experience.

“I am especially proud of my involvement with the Student Government Association (SGA). As a member of SGA, I am able to work to ensure our campus is a fostering environment for organizations to form and prosper and that my fellow students are able to follow their passion and find the organizations that are right for them. Join the SGA, join an organization, create a new organization. Your opportunities are unlimited at UAFS!” — Taylor Wewers SGA POSITIONS President Chief of Staff Treasurer 1 Representative per Class 4 Student-At-Large Representatives

Vice President Secretary 3 Representatives per College International Student Representative

CUB CAMP “My experience in Cub Camp was life changing. Coming into college I was shy, and I didn’t really know anyone. Cub Camp was the catalyst to breaking me out of my shell. I made life-long friendships, I was exposed to the student organizations that I am involved in now, and these student organizations have helped to further refine my leadership skills. As a counselor Cub Camp is fulfilling. It was a blessing to attend Cub Camp, and it is an honor to be a part of an event that can make such a huge impact in the lives of my peers at UAFS.” — Haylie West Cub Camp is a three-day extended orientation program that takes place on the UAFS campus. Cub Camp is designed exclusively for first-time, full-time, incoming college freshmen and provides those students with a unique opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and learn more about the many opportunities at UAFS. Cub Camp is led by nearly 100 UAFS upperclassmen who are passionate about their success. Each counselor is an experienced UAFS student with tremendous advice to share about college coursework and studying, fun things to do in Fort Smith, and how you can get involved on campus.

Contact us at cubcamp@uafs.edu or 479-788-7663. To learn more or register for Cub Camp, go to campuslife.uafs.edu/cub-camp-home.

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD The Campus Activities Board is a student-run programming board for our university.

These students are responsible for planning events that the entire campus can enjoy.

CAB is divided into several different committees including Athletics, Cultural and Awareness, Traditions, Late Night, and Entertainment.

MISSION STATEMENT Through leadership and teamwork, the Campus Activities Board is committed to creating impactful yet fun social experiences for the entire UAFS Community.

CORE VALUES Teamwork • Creativity • Leadership • Commitment • Experience • Fun

CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD “Coming to college was a scary thing for me. I did not know what to expect, but I figured out very quickly that getting involved makes the college experience worthwhile! I joined Campus Activities Board to help me make the most of college, and it has done so much more. I have gained skills in leadership and teamwork while working under pressure. CAB also provided a family to come to to get away from stresses that arose from life. To anyone that is wanting to get involved and help make a difference here at UAFS, the Campus Activities Board is the place to be!”

— Landon King EVENTS PLANNED BY CAB Howdy Dance • Casino Night • Haunted Union • Midnight Breakfast • Blood Drives Island Party • Fresh Check Day • Be the Match

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS UAFS has more than 100 Registered Student Organizations on campus. RSOs are a great opportunity for students to gain skills in leadership, communication, event planning, marketing, and much more! Each RSO works with an on-campus faculty or staff adviser to plan programs and opportunities for their members that align with their mission.

RSO CATEGORIES Academic • Arts • Cultural • Fraternity and Sorority Life • Honor Societies Political • Religious • Special Interest • Sports Clubs • University Outreach For a full list, please visit NUMALink.

Want to start a new RSO? Create your new RSO on NUMALink!

BLOCK PARTY The Campus Picnic and Block Party is held the second week of the fall semester.

Students can visit with more than 80 booths, including RSOs and local non-profits, to learn how to get involved on campus and in the local community. Our UAFS administrators serve food to more than 1,500 students annually at this event. The highlight of each year’s Block Party is the “Build-Your-Own-Numa” station, where students can stuff their very own lion!

NUMAS The NUMA Awards Ceremony, or NUMAs, is an end-of-the-year celebration of RSOs. All RSO members and advisers are invited to attend this semi-formal award ceremony.

AWARD CATEGORIES Organization of the Year • New Organization of the Year • Legacy Maker Award Student Leader of the Year • Advisor of the Year• Community Supporter of the Year Community Service Organization of the Year • Non-Traditional Student Leader of the Year

LEADERSHIP UAFS offers several leadership development opportunities for students. UAFS appreciates the success and development of our students leaders. Be sure to keep an eye out around campus for spotlights of current student leaders and ways to develop your leadership skills.

LEADING LIONS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE A premier day-long leadership development conference offered every year at no cost to UAFS students. The conference consists of one large keynote and several educational breakout sessions. Facilitators for the conference consist of national speakers, prominent community members, faculty and staff, and even students!

FRESHMAN LEADERSHIP RETREAT An emerging leaders retreat geared toward acclimating freshman students to all the leadership opportunities UAFS has to offer.

Students can apply to participate in this freshmen-only leadership experience.

FAMILY WEEKEND UAFS Family Weekend takes place in the fall semester and invites families of UAFS students to attend various campus events and learn what life is like for UAFS students in and out of the classroom. Events have included theatre shows, Greek events, movie nights, tours of facilities like the Recreation and Wellness Center, and the Chili Cookoff Tailgate prior to the Lady Lions volleyball game. Families are also encouraged to dine on campus or in the local community, taking in unique Fort Smith features, such as the Unexpected Arts Festival murals downtown.

HOMECOMING UAFS Homecoming is celebrated in the spring semester with our Lions and Lady Lions basketball programs. In addition to a week full of school spirit events, such as Yell Like Hell and the Homecoming Bonfire and Pep Rally, RSOs compete in various competitions to include king and queen selection, banners, yells, megaphone decorating, and much more! Homecoming also welcomes back UAFS alumni through weekend events like the Alumni Reunion Dinner and Homecoming Street Fair.

GREEK LIFE Fraternities and sororities at UAFS offer many opportunities for students to be involved in a growing community that includes three sororities, four fraternities, two governing councils, two all-Greek honor societies, and a programming board.

Students in fraternities and sororities develop the foundation for a life built on leadership, academics, social engagement, and service.

Our fraternities and sororities conduct separate formal recruitment processes during the beginning of the fall semester in an effort to recruit new members. Specifics regarding recruitment activities can be found at campuslife.uafs.edu/greek-life/fraternities-and-sororities.

For more information contact greeklife@uafs.edu | 479-788-7694

GREEK LIFE FRATERNITIES Kappa Alpha Order Kappa Sigma

Pi Kappa Phi Sigma Nu

Interfraternity Council The governing council for men’s fraternities on campus consists of an executive board and delegates from each represented fraternity at UAFS. The council provides programming for its member fraternities, facilitates formal fraternity recruitment in the fall, and promotes camaraderie throughout the fraternity community.

SORORITIES Alpha Omicron Pi Delta Gamma

Gamma Phi Beta

Panhellenic Council The governing council for women’s sororities on campus consists of executive officers who lead delegates from each represented sorority at UAFS. The council focuses on promoting a lasting sisterhood and programming for leadership and service opportunities in the sorority community.

Greek Programming Board The Greek Programming Board is responsible for programming focused on social engagement, service, and leadership for the entire fraternity/sorority community at UAFS. Examples of events organized by the Programming Board include Greek Week and National Hazing Prevention Week. The Programming Board is chaired by members representing all chapters on campus.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS A non-traditional student can be defined as any of the following: Returning or attending college for the first time after an interruption in education Married • A parent • A veteran • Balances college with other obligations 25 years or older • Attending classes while working 30+ hours a week

MISSION STATEMENT Connect students with campus resources, recognize academic achievement, advocate for nontraditional student concerns, and provide leadership opportunities through student organizations.

Office of Non-Traditional Student Support Campus Center Room 111A 479-788-7319 | ntsupport@uafs.edu

LION LAUNCH Lion Launch is a one-day intensive success workshop designed for students who fit any of the following: Enrolled in classes at UAFS for the following semester • Transfer students • A parent • A veteran Have not been enrolled in high school or college courses for one year or more • Part-time students 25 years or older • Attending classes while working 30+ hours a week

ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS Lion Launch is led by Peer Ambassadors, who are experienced and involved UAFS students. Each Peer Ambassador is a volunteer who is dedicated to helping new students adjust to campus life, get connected with other students, and find the resources necessary to be successful.

Extensive and Interactive Tours of: Gordon Kelley Academic Success Center (ASC) • Campus Center services Computer labs • Boreham Library • Recreation & Wellness Center Workshops Research at the Library and Online • My.UAFS 101 First-Year Survival and Time Management Skills

RECREATION AND WELLNESS The UAFS Campus Recreation and Wellness Department is here to enhance the quality of life for our students, faculty, and staff by providing opportunities for participation in various recreational programs, services, and facilities. The Campus Recreation and Wellness Department includes the Recreation and Wellness Center (RAWC), intramural sports, fitness programs, club sports, climbing and bouldering walls, and other outdoor programs. Join us and plan to make many memories through our department during your time at UAFS. RAWC 35-foot climbing wall • 15-foot bouldering wall • Matrix strength & cardio equipment • track fitness classes • two full-size basketball courts • studio rooms for group & personal fitness

RECREATION AND WELLNESS FITNESS The RAWC offers a full line of state-of-the-art Matrix cardio and strength equipment. Patrons can participate in a variety of organized and structured fitness classes and programs. Yoga, Cardio Dance, Indoor Cycling, Zumba, Core Crunch, and others are offered weekly.

SPORTS CLUBS Students with an interest in specific sports can compete against other university teams in sanctioned leagues and tournaments. UAFS Sports Clubs include Quidditch, Bass Fishing, Men’s Soccer, Tennis, and Ultimate Frisbee.

OUTDOOR PROGRAMS The Outdoor Adventure Program provides opportunities for students to have fun, exciting, adventure-based experiences. The philosophy of this program is to provide for the cultural and physical development of students in a wide range of outdoor pursuits and environmental settings.

Our past adventures include lake kayaking, hiking, geocaching, and rafting.

INTRAMURALS Campus Recreation and Wellness offers the opportunity for students to form a team, make friends, and compete in intramural sports.

Leagues and tournaments are played during the year, with most sports offering opportunities to compete in men’s, women’s, and co-ed leagues.

Sports include flag football, indoor and outdoor soccer, 3-on-3 basketball, 5-on-5 basketball, volleyball, softball, dodge-ball, ultimate frisbee, and golf.

HOUSING Live in an ideal place designed exclusively for UAFS students. The Lion’s Den, primarily for first-year students, offers separate men’s and women’s wings, a co-ed upperclassman wing, on-site dining, and student lounges with kitchens. Sebastian Commons, primarily for upper-level, non-traditional, and married students, offers private bedrooms, a full kitchen in each unit, and a living room. Both options come with a choice of meal plans for the Lion’s Den Dining Hall. Applications are accepted year round, and inquiries may be sent to housing@uafs.edu. Statistically, students who live on campus perform better academically and are more likely to complete their degrees.

Residence Hall Association The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a great way for residents to become involved in an organization right where they live! RHA is here to be a voice for the residents, to plan fun and educational programs, and to create and sustain a welcoming living environment. From running for an office or being a general member, to attending regional conferences and representing UAFS, RHA is a great leadership opportunity in campus housing!

ATHLETICS The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is home to the nationally known Lions. UAFS competes in NCAA Division II in men’s and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, and cross country as well as men’s baseball and women’s volleyball. Lion Athletics strives to prepare our student-athletes to succeed socially, athletically, and academically.

All Lions athletics games are free to UAFS students.

Connect With Us! @UAFSLionsAthletics

@UAFSSports

@uafsathletics

Download our app in the App Store or Google Play!

STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SAA’s objectives are to promote lion pride and traditions among students and alumni, further the overall goals of the campus whenever possible, give students leadership and career networking opportunities, create a link between SAA and the Alumni Association, and engage a diverse student population within the organization.

Sign up to be a member of SAA on NUMALink For more information email us at alumni@uafs.edu

SEASON OF ENTERTAINMENT The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith inaugurated the Season of Entertainment in 1981 and for 37 38 years has proudly brought an exceptional lineup of shows and concerts to our community. Performances range from student groups, such as Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Catz, Chorale, and Theatre@UAFS, to nationally touring plays, concerts, and artistic performances. Our missions is to entertain, inspire, and educate, as we believe participation in the arts is an integral part of not only the university curriculum, but also the human experience. Our goal is to bring quality entertainment at an affordable cost to increase the quality of place in the greater Fort Smith area. Due to the support of campus members and the community alike, the UAFS Season of Entertainment has become one of the longest-running entertainment series in the region.

LION HEARTS UAFS Lion Hearts empower students, staff, faculty and UAFS supporters to work collaboratively with campus and community partners to become responsible global citizens and informed leaders. Sign up to be a Lion Heart today and receive information about volunteer opportunities on and off campus.

For more information go to campuslife.uafs.edu/student-activities/lion-heart or email lionheart@uafs.edu.

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK The Alternative Spring Break program at UAFS provides an opportunity for students to participate in meaningful service experiences and work collaboratively with community agencies to become active citizens. The program seeks to develop student leadership skills that guide and motivate humanitarianism and civic engagement.

#CONNECT CUB CAMP

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

GREEK LIFE

@UAFSCubCamp

@SGAUAFS

@UAFSGreekLife

@CubCampUAFS

@SGAUAFS

@UAFSGreeks

@UAFSCubCamp

@SGAUAFS

@uafsgreeks

479-788-7695

479-788-7309

479-788-7694

cubcamp@uafs.edu

sga@uafs.edu

greeklife@uafs.edu

Campus Center Room 110

Campus Center Room 119A

Campus Center Room 110

CAB

STUDENT ACTIVITIES OFFICE

NON-TRAD SUPPORT

@UAFSCAB

@UAFSStudentActivitiesOffice

@UAFSNTS

@cabuafs

@UAFSSAO

479-788-7319

@cabuafs

@UAFSSAO

Campus Center Room 111A

479-788-7318

479-788-7699

cab@uafs.edu

studentactivities@uafs.edu

Campus Center Room 114

Campus Center Room 115

LION HEART @UAFSLionHeart @lionheart_uafs

#UMATTER Stand up against alcohol, drugs, sexual assault, and other issues through the #umatter program. Watch for #umatter topics on campus and learn how U can help.

@lionheart_uafs

Housing @uafshousing @uafshousing