25-26 University of Central Arkansas Viewbook

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

UNDERGRADUATE VIEWBOOK

WE ARE BEARCOUNTRY

At UCA, we believe in learning by doing, dreaming big, and showing up for one another. Our students tackle real-world challenges with curiosity and courage—backed by faculty who teach, mentor, and inspire. We’re a community rooted in connection, where first-generation trailblazers, honors scholars, artists, athletes, and innovators all belong. Here, support is personal, success is shared, and every voice matters. From day one, you'll be surrounded by people who believe in your potential—and give you the tools to unlock it. Because at UCA, we’re not just shaping our future—we’re shaping yours.

EXPLORE

WELCOME

TO CENTRAL ARKANSAS

This is our landscape, our inspiration

Surrounded by Arkansas’ natural beauty, from the majestic Ozarks to the waters of the Arkansas River, we live where nature thrives. Our culture is rich with local flavor, with easy access to farm-fresh produce and local food truck creations. Active living is second nature to us—spending sunny days on the lake, exploring forests, floating on rivers and embracing the great outdoors. In Arkansas, life is an adventure, a place to grow, innovate and pursue your dreams.

600 THOUSAND ACRES OF LAKES IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS

9,700 MILES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS

9 MILLION ACRES OF FORESTS

DISCOVER OUR COMMUNITY

visitconway.org

In Conway, community is how we live, work, and thrive together

Conway blends small-town charm with big opportunities. Known as the "City of Colleges," it's home to multiple higher ed institutions and a downtown full of local coffee shops, small businesses, and green spaces. Events like Toad Suck Daze and the Conway Art Walk bring everyone together and showcase the city's creativity and liveliness. Conway offers a low cost of living, a supportive job market, and nearby parks, trails, and lakes, making it more than just a place to study, but a community where you can truly belong.

ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING CITIES IN ARKANSAS, FEATURING LOW COST OF LIVING, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND CONTINUED RECOGNITION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TECH INDUSTRY GROWTH, AND LIVABILITY.

BUSINESSES IN DOWNTOWN CONWAY

A COMMUNITY BUILT FOR STUDENTS

STUDENT LIFE

Crafting your story

You'll want to be involved here. We offer opportunities for connection, growth and engagement, year-round. Our campus is alive with more than 150 Recognized Student Organizations, and over a dozen fraternities and sororities. Make friends, give back and grow in a supportive community where you can chase your dreams and develop both personally and academically.

UCA is a place where you can show your spirit, find your people, and help shape a community that values everyone. Here, your story matters.

uca.edu/studentlife

CAMPUS AMENITIES

Everything you need to thrive on campus

Campus life at UCA is designed to support your success—in and out of the classroom. You’ll find a variety of dining options to match your schedule and tastes, from the Christian Cafeteria to campus coffee spots. The Torreyson Library offers quiet spaces for study and research, and the scenic campus encourages time outside with friends or on your own. At the center of it all is the Ronnie Williams Student Center, home to the student-run radio station, a campus grocery store, and the UCA Bookstore. Full-time staff across campus are here to help you thrive at every step.

Services that Support You

› CAMPUS SHUTTLE

› POST OFFICE & PO BOXES

› CHARGING STATIONS

› BIKE RACKS

› IT HELP DESK

› CAREER SERVICES

› RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

› TORREYSON LIBRARY

› UCA BOOKSTORE

HEALTH &

Your well-being is supported from every angle

Support at UCA extends beyond academics. The Student Health Clinic, Counseling Center, and Office of Accessibility Resources and Services provide care for your physical, mental, and academic needs. Our Office of Student Advocacy and Community connects you with essential resources when life gets complicated, whether it’s financial stress, food insecurity, or finding a safe space to be heard.

You’ll also have access to career coaching, mental health support, and even the WOW Closet, where you can grab free professional attire for interviews or job fairs—at no cost to you.

With 24/7 campus safety services through the UCA Police Department, a wide range of student support programs, and a community that truly cares, you’ll be empowered to show up as your full self, every day.

This is a place where people look out for each other, so you can focus on what matters most.

SAFETY is a priority at UCA. Our residence halls are safeguarded 24/7 by our campus police department so our campus is a secure space where students can thrive. The Safe@UCA app complements these efforts, offering features like Bear Patrol Safety Escort and Chat with UCAPD, ensuring safety resources are always within reach. Explore more at uca.edu/go/safe

REPORT UCA is committed to assisting all members of the UCA community in providing for their own safety and security. UCA’s Clery Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is prepared by the UCAPD. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the UCAPD at (501) 450-3111 or P.O. Box 4994, Conway, AR 72035. The report is available online at ucapd.org/go/cleryreport. The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, university police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies,

procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or properties owned or controlled by UCA; and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This notice is required by law and is provided by the University of Central Arkansas Police Department.

CAMPUS RECREATION

Work hard, play harder

At UCA, staying active is fun, flexible, and part of everyday life.

The Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center is your campus gym, equipped with courts, cardio machines, a walking track, an indoor pool, weight rooms, and more. Take a fitness class, meet with a certified personal trainer, or join your friends for a pick-up basketball game all under one roof!

If you're craving adventure, Campus Outdoors organizes hiking, climbing, kayaking, and weekend trips throughout Arkansas. No experience or equipment required.

UCA also offers a full lineup of intramural sports every semester, from flag football and volleyball to dodgeball and esports. Whether you're competing or just having fun, there’s something for everyone.

Intramurals at UCA

18 ACRE

JEWE L MOORE NATURE R ESERVE

6 LANE, 25 YD LAP POOL

10,000 SQ FT WEIGHT ROOM

3 GROUP EXERCISE STUDIOS

6,000 SQ FT CARDIO RO OM

Intramural sports are a big part of student life at UCA. Each semester brings new options, from classic team competitions to quirky, one-day events that keep things fun.

Some popular picks include:

› FLAG FOOTBALL

› BASKETBALL

› SOFTBALL

› SOCCER

› ULTIMATE FRISBEE

› PICKLEBALL

› TABLE TENNIS

› PAPER AIRPLANE GOLF

› BATTLESHIP

HOUSING OPTIONS GREEK SPACES

LIVING & LEARNING

uca.edu/llc

A tradition of comfort, collaboration and engaged learning

Campus housing provides comfortable living spaces, convenient access to facilities and a built-in community supported by dedicated Residence Life staff. With eight residence halls dedicated to freshmen and over 15 other options for upperclassmen, you can immerse yourself in our vibrant campus life throughout your college years.

In our Living Learning Communities, education extends beyond the traditional classroom, blending academic exploration with daily life. Engage in collaborative learning and personal growth within a network of peers and faculty, enriching your college experience right from your doorstep.

Living Learning Communities

› Each freshman hall has dedicated faculty, staff, and student mentors to help guide you during your college transition

› The only college in Arkansas offering this enriching residential experience to all first year students

› Students participating in LLCs experience a higher GPA, improved retention rate and a smoother transition to college academic life

ATHLETICS

In Bear Country, victory is a tradition in competition and academics. Our Bears and Sugar Bears embody excellence, with alumni shining in the NFL, NBA and MLB. Experience the energy at the Stripes, dive into a beach volleyball game, or rally behind our basketball stars. It’s all about pride, passion and putting your #BearClawsUp in celebration of our shared triumphs.

ucasports.com

OVER 15

STUDY ABRO AD COUNTRIES OVER 15 AD COUNTRIES

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

A commitment to your comprehensive growth and success

Experiential learning is at the heart of a UCA education. Designed to take you beyond the classroom and into real-world settings that challenge, inspire, and prepare you for what’s next. Through internships, service-learning, undergraduate research, study away, and study abroad, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience and global perspective.

Students in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College dive even deeper, with access to enhanced research opportunities, service experiences, and exclusive travel grants that support international learning.

This immersive approach helps you graduate ready for the workforce and equipped to lead with purpose.

Global Learning

Study Abroad and Study Away programs allow you to fully engage with diverse locations and perspectives, enhancing your confidence, curiosity, and readiness for your career. With more than 30 available programs, there's an option for every major. uca.edu/globalstudy

RESEARCH & ACADEMICS

We're at the forefront of academic innovation and research

Our diverse colleges and programs foster a culture of inquiry and discovery, encouraging students to engage in research, experiential learning and internships. Our research areas explore everything from the intricacies of brain health to the sustainability of Arkansas' natural resources, contributing valuable insights and advancements.

UCA is preparing a new generation of scholars, problem-solvers and leaders by merging disciplines like biology, economics and health sciences with cutting-edge research initiatives. We're inspiring students to make a meaningful impact in Arkansas and beyond, readying them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

uca.edu/cose

Building a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking and a commitment to making

a difference

Your journey is all about discovery and innovation. We dive into the mysteries of the universe, turning curiosity into knowledge and ideas into solutions. Our commitment is to shape critical thinkers and problem-solvers ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our graduates stand out, ready to excel in diverse careers and contribute positively to society.

The Conway Corporation Center for Sciences

This building marks a new era for UCA, offering top-tier facilities for biology, engineering, environmental science and physics. As a beacon of innovation, this center invites collaboration and exploration in a state-of-the-art setting.

The UCA College of Science and Engineering offers hands-on, minds-in programs in all areas, with accreditation in Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, and Cybersecurity. This ensures that our graduates are well-prepared for the next level of education or the workforce.

Leading the way

Our programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring the highest standards of excellence in teacher education.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Igniting a passion for shaping futures

Born from the roots of the Arkansas State Teachers College, now UCA, our mission remains to forge dedicated educators ready to inspire and adapt within ever-evolving classrooms.

As Arkansas' premier educator preparation college, we're committed to hands-on learning and cutting-edge teaching strategies. Our graduates are in high demand, with most of those who complete their studies working in Arkansas public schools. Many step into their careers before even leaving our halls. uca.edu/education

We launch leaders into a lifetime of making a difference

We're deeply committed to nurturing a strong passion for teaching. We believe in inspiring our students to fully embrace the role of professional educators, equipping them with the skills and enthusiasm to make a lasting impact in the world of education.

uca.edu/chbs

A culture of innovation and service, preparing you for a future in healthcare

We blend theory with action. Our students actively participate in service-learning and internships across fields from Exercise and Sport Science to Psychology, making a real impact in our community. This hands-on approach, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, prepares them to lead and adapt in the dynamic fields of healthcare and behavioral sciences, embodying our dedication to shaping responsible, versatile professionals ready for the challenges ahead.

Integrated Health Science Building

This building, featuring advanced classrooms, clinics, and the Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation, serves as a cornerstone of our practical approach. Additionally, it houses the Interprofessional Teaching Center, which ensures that students are knowledgeable and confident in their practical skills.

Real-World Experience

UCA students complete over 450,000 hours of clinical, internship or practicum experiences annually, several in our Interprofessional Teaching Center on campus, gaining invaluable real-world experience.

Creating Opportunities

Benefit from one of the most active internship and job placement programs in the state, ensuring you gain practical experience and secure employment opportunities in your field.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

uca.edu/business

Future business leaders driven by a passion for innovation and excellence

As a thriving hub for over 1,400 undergraduate students, this is where academic excellence meets practical knowledge, blending coursework with real-world experience. Proudly accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—a distinction earned by just 5% of global business schools—we commit to an education that equips you with essential skills and values for the ever-evolving business landscape.

Hands-On Learning

Our curriculum is a reflection of the modern business world, designed to ready you for its challenges. Emphasizing hands-on experience, we intertwine practical projects and internships with active participation in professional student organizations, ensuring you're not just learning theories but living them.

COLLEGE OF ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

uca.edu/cahss

Become a caring and globally aware individual through creative expression and academic curiosity

Embrace your future equipped with comprehensive knowledge, critical thinking and a deep sense of personal and social responsibility at UCA. Our focus is empowering you to make a meaningful impact in society, excel in your chosen paths and utilize the diverse skills and insights cultivated during your studies. This preparation ensures you're not just ready for today's career paths but adaptable for the challenges of tomorrow.

Artists in Residence Program

We’re committed to bringing professionals in performing arts, visual arts, writing and filmmaking to campus. They not only broaden the artistic awareness and appreciation but also provide in-depth master classes, workshops and discussions for our students, fostering enhanced understanding and professionalism.

Unique Academic Horizons

The Windgate Center for Fine & Performing Arts serves as a dynamic hub for students across all art disciplines, offering unparalleled access to cutting-edge resources that elevate artistic endeavors.

STUDENT SUCCESS

uca.edu/success

Here to support you every step of the way

Student Success Services is your home base for academic support at UCA. Whether you need tutoring, success coaching, help with time management, or just a place to focus, you’ll find what you need through two key locations: the Student Success Center (SSC) in the Student Success & Veterans Resource Center, and the Tutoring and Academic Support Center (TASC) in Torreyson Library.

Programs like FirstGen@UCA and Peer Coaching help students build confidence, make connections, and feel seen. Whether you're the first in your family to attend college, looking to get more involved, or just trying to stay on track, UCA offers the tools and the people to help you succeed.

Veterans & Military Resource Center

The center offers specialized resources for veterans and military-connected students to aid their transition to civilian life and enhance their academic and personal success. Support includes processing of educational benefits, unique events of interest to the military connected student, and dedicated staff to improve their overall experience.

uca.edu/veterans

uca.edu/profiles

RYAN HOUSTON, '10

News Anchor

Bachelor of Science, Mass Communication

"Enjoy the process. Enjoy the experience. You’re going to learn so many different things about yourself. You’re going to learn so much about different types of people, and you’re going to walk away a better, more well-rounded person, ready for whatever life brings."

RACHEL WHITFIELD, '22

Founder and CEO of Chef Curl Ardee

Bachelor of Economics

“Just trust yourself and do it. If I had waited for everything to be absolutely perfect, I would still be waiting. There’s never going to be a time where the sails are just right, or the wind is just right. You have to go out and make it right. You have to do it because you’ll always be waiting and wondering if you don’t.”

CHANCE GARRETT, '18, '23

Fish Ecologist

Bachelor of Science, Biology

Master of Science, Biology

"Professors give students opportunities for hands-on experiences out in the field so that they know what it’s like to be a professional in that field. Those experiences and connections made me confident during undergraduate studies and my decision to pursue graduate studies.”