The official blog for the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences

Welcome Back: Stay Safe, Get Involved and Be in the Know

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Community, Diversity & Inclusion, Events, Features, Outreach & Impact, Student Success

To our new and returning students, welcome to the U of A! You are a valued member of our campus community, and we are eager to support you throughout your time on the Hill. Here are some reminders to help you stay on your A-game.

GO HOG WILD!

The first week of classes are here! Check out everything our campus and community have to offer:

  • Follow @uarkansas on social media to stay updated on all official university announcements.
  • Make sure you have a pulse on campus events and explore HogSync. This is a central online community that connects students with registered student organizations. Log in with your U of A username and password.
  • Plan ahead for getting to class.
    • Riding the bus? Razorback Transit provides bus routes to and from campus and various parts of Fayetteville. The interactive PassioGo map shows the routes and real-time bus tracking.
    • Biking to class? 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. Map out your route and review trail etiquette.
    • Need a scooter? 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 fellow travelers.
    • Parking a car? Permits for students are available in several classifications and our new parking map helps outline the renumbered parking lots. Remember that before home games and other special events, certain parking lots do have to be vacated. Parking tickets can be handled online.
    • Need assistance? For those with accessibility needs 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.
  • If you get a little turned around finding those first-week classes, locate a Help-A-Hog table to get you pointed in the right direction.
  • (Aug. 19) As you navigate your first day, wind your way through the Arkansas Union Mall for HillFest, an informational fair to learn about campus offices, departments, and registered student organizations. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a chance to get involved with the Razorback community.
  • (Aug. 21) You are also an integral part of the Northwest Arkansas community. Learn more about local businesses and non-profit organizations at Razorbash, an informational fair on the Arkansas Union Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

STAY SMART

  • New students: Check out Destination Arkansas Blackboard Activities (DABA), a free, non-credit course that helps you prepare for your first year at the U of A. DABA is a one-stop shop for undergraduate students with first-year tips, checklists and more. Log in at learn.uark.edu.
  • Online students: Find information about student services and campus resources by visiting the One Stop Student Guide.
  • Graduate students: The Office of Graduate Student Support provides programming, student engagement and professional development opportunities.
  • 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.
  • Student Success Center: Located in the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence, tutoring, academic coaching, writing and career support are available at your fingertips. Stop in to find your favorite corner for studying, find resources to succeed and grab a bite of lunch or coffee downstairs. Look for “CORD” on the U of A campus map.
  • Academic accommodations: Get assistance from the Center for Educational Access (CEA).
  • Student handbooks: Information about the code of student life, housing, Greek Life or registered student organizations can be found in the Student Handbook. Graduate students can also access the Graduate Student Handbook for additional information.
  • Academic calendar: Mark these dates on your calendar for holidays, deadlines and other important dates.
  • University Bookstore: Visit the bookstore for textbooks, course materials, supplies, Razorback gear, as well as graduation regalia during the month leading up to the fall and spring commencements.
  • IT Services: 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.

STAY HEALTHY

  • Campus Dining: There are lots of dining options on campus and also an app for mobile ordering. Learn more about meal plans and rates.
  • University Recreation: Move your body and clear your mind with UREC classes, teams, facilities, indoor and outdoor activities for every fitness and skill level. Check out the campus scenery with a hike or bike ride through some of the natural surface trails on campus.
  • Pat Walker Health Center: explore the diverse range of services and programs offered to support the overall health and wellness for every student. Medical health care, mental health care and substance use and support services are offered by appointment.

STAY SAFE

  • 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 U of A 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’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): Offers critical mental health services such as short-term individual counseling, group counseling, psychiatry, case management and a 24/7 emergency mental health service for students, faculty and staff (479-575-5276).
  • 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. You can always make a report of non-emergency concern at report.uark.edu.
  • 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.
  • 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).

STAY CONNECTED

  • Razorback Athletics: 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 football tickets, men’s basketball and baseball games, in addition to attending all other Razorback home sporting events.
  • Front page news: Arkansas News is an official university weekday news email. Student media on campus includes The Arkansas Traveler newspaper, Hill magazine, KXUA radio, Main Hill Media ad agency, Razorback Yearbook and UATV television studio.

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 and Economic Development News.

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