Welcome Back: Reminders on Safety, Getting Involved and Finding Resources

First-year students and the Arkansas Marching Band form the letter A on the field of the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Welcome to the University of Arkansas! Whether you’re a new freshman or returning after summer break, the first week of classes can be stressful. Here are some reminders about all our campus has to offer to loosen things up.

UARKmobile, the university’s mobile app, is available for iPhone and Android and provides quick access to a lot of resources.

For online students, find information about student services and campus resources by visiting the One Stop Student Guide.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Student Success Center 
You want to succeed. We have resources to help. The Student Success Center in the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, north of Old Main, will help you overcome barriers on your path to success — from your first day on the Hill until your final walk across the commencement dais. Stop in and find a favorite corner for studying, sign up for tutoring, talk career paths with peers and grab a bite of lunch or coffee downstairs. Look for “CORD” on the U of A Campus Maps.

HogSync
Explore HogSync, a central online community that connects students with registered student organizations and the campus events that those organizations sponsor. Log in with your normal U of A username and password.

HillFest and Razorbash  
These two informational fairs are held on the Union Mall during the first and third day of classes to connect students with the community and the rest of campus.

• HillFest offers students a chance to find out about campus offices, departments and registered student organizations. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21.

• Razorbash engages the campus with local businesses, national franchises and non-profits in the Northwest Arkansas area. It will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. Stop by.

International Students and Scholars 
The Office of International Students and Scholars is committed to helping international students succeed. The office provides seminars, intercultural training and country-specific workshops. We also encourage campus and community involvement through cultural organizations such as the International Culture Team, iFriends and Cross Cultural Mentors.

University Recreation 
Get involved in recreation, group fitness classes, the outdoors and club sports with UREC. Facilities include fitness centers at the HPER Building and the Arkansas Union, the UREC sports complex, the recently opened UREC Tennis Center, climbing facilities at HPER and equipment rentals for climbing, paddling, cycling and camping.

STAY SAFE OUT THERE

RazALERT  
The RazALERT system (pronounced raise-alert) is the U of A’s primary emergency notification system and the most common form of communication about campus safety issues, including emergency weather alerts. Any time there is an immediate threat to campus safety, RazALERT emergency messages are sent automatically to all campus phones and email addresses. Set up or update your contact information for RazAlert.

Campus Safety 
The University of Arkansas Police Department is an accredited police department made up of campus security officers, patrol officers, a criminal investigations unit, K-9 unit and support services — including community outreach and a communications center. You can contact UAPD for non-emergencies at 479-575-2222. For emergencies, dial 911. The free SafeZone app can also be downloaded to your mobile phone, connecting you to UAPD for personal safety.

Pat Walker Health Center 
The Pat Walker Health Center offers comprehensive medical care for students, compassionate and evidence-based mental health care, and education and promotion of healthy lifestyles. The center’s Counseling and Psychological Services offer critical mental health services such as short-term individual and group counseling, psychiatry, 24/7 emergency mental health services and case management.

Sexual and Relationship Violence Center  
Part of the Division of Student Affairs, the Sexual and Relationship Violence Center provides members of the university community with victim advocacy and education services related to sexual and relationship violence. All services are free, confidential and focused on students. The center’s offices are in the Garland Center on Garland Avenue.

UACares 
Some things in college are just tough to navigate. If you’re having trouble with anything and need support or guidance, the UACares office can help.

CAMPUS NUTS AND BOLTS

Dining on Campus 
All students, whether living on campus or not, can purchase meal plans via a variety of options to fit your needs. Learn more about meal plans, dining dollars, specific dietary needs and locations.

Getting Around 
There is more than one path to reach the Hill. Here are some options.

• Razorback Transit — Transit bus routes provide options for students to navigate campus and travel to and from campus and various parts of Fayetteville. The interactive PassioGo map shows the routes and real-time bus tracking.
• Safe Ride — This program provides students with a safe means of transportation from any uncomfortable or inconvenient situation, after normal bus hours. To request a Safe Ride, call 479-575-SAFE (7233).
• Paratransit — For those with disabilities that keep them from being able to use Razorback Transit, our Paratransit service is here to help. While Razorback Paratransit’s base mode of service is curb-to-curb, assistance beyond the curb may be available. Call 479-575-6993 for more information or to apply for Paratransit use.
• Bicycles and e-Scooters — Bicyclists on sidewalks are required to follow the same rules as pedestrians, while bicyclists on streets are required to follow the laws covering motor vehicles generally. Two outside companies provide e-scooter rentals in the Fayetteville community. E-scooters may be ridden anywhere that bicycles are allowed. The core of campus is a slow zone, meaning stay below 6 mph and be considerate of your fellow travelers.
• Campus Parking — Permits for students are available in several classifications, although some require prior approval due to space, such as a space in one of the parking garages. Remember that before home games and other special events, certain parking lots do have to be vacated. Parking tickets can be handled online.

Razorback Athletics 
Make your plans to join the greatest student section in the country — the Trough! With a Razorback Access Pass, you can be part of the biggest moments on campus. An Access Pass allows students to claim tickets for football, men’s basketball and baseball games. For any other ticketed sport, all students are permitted to claim a ticket.

Getting Plugged In 
IT Services provides help and support for services including network connection for personal computing devices, campus telephones, software, printing and more. The IT Help Desk offers 24/7 tech support for most issues at no cost. IT Services also oversees the Student Technology Center, as well as two Tech Stores and a Service Center — one in the Garland Center connected to the University Bookstore and a second in the Arkansas Union.

University Bookstore
The University Bookstore sells textbooks, course materials, supplies and Razorback gear, as well as graduation regalia during the month leading up to the fall and spring commencements.

Also, don’t forget to check the Fall Academic Semester Calendar for holidays, deadlines and other important dates.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas’ flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.