Lifelong Learners
The supplemental Lifelong Learners guide linked below has been written specifically to inform, support, and encourage nontraditional students who may be entering college for the first time or who are returning to school. Students who are 25 years of age or over (or feel nontraditional for other reasons) will benefit from each of the sections about life as an adult student, learn more about UALR, and have the opportunity to apply for a peer mentor. To view the supplement, click on the link below or visit the Office of Campus Life.
It’s Time for Lifelong Learning at UALR
Your new UALR family of faculty, staff, and fellow-students realize that lifelong learning is a way of life, and as a new adult student the Office of Campus Life created this publication to focus on you:
• Your questions and concerns - and information you need
• Your goals and opportunities - and self-discovery process
• Your life and relationships - and coping skills
First, you’ll find information to answer the burning questions many new students ask - especially those who feel nontraditional because of their age, independence, or responsibilities. The following section on personal insight and evaluation of your goals, both short term and long term, will help you reach them, suggest some coping skills, and help you to see opportunities during your educational journey at UALR. Quotes from adult students are printed throughout the Guide which is intended to supplement the Office of Campus Life Student Guide. Community resources and tips on taking care of yourself and your family are included so that your life off-campus will be as stress-free as possible. And finally, there is a section to transparently provide information that you have a right to know, but may not know to ask about.
We understand if your life happened but your education didn’t. Now it’s time for UALR. You’ve waited long enough!
ASAP
ualr.edu/adults
The Office of Campus Life at UALR has an Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP) to help you conquer many of the obstacles previously reported by adult students. The advocate was also an adult student before successfully completing an undergraduate degree and graduate degree. The ASAP office is located in the Donaghey Student Center (DSC) Room 216G. It’s a place that you can drop-in or call 569.3370 any time for information, assistance, encouragement, or questions. Here are some of the other ongoing aspects of the program, which will help you relax as you become a member of the campus community so that you can put all of your energy into your studies:
• Come & Go to an adult student lunchtime gathering offered most Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in DSC Room E.
• Complete and return the application at the back of this booklet to participate in ASAP Peer Mentoring. You will:
- Receive a free adult student t-shirt.
- Gain support and information from your mentor, another adult student.
- Build a community of adult students on campus.
• Subscribe to the listserv grownups-l@ualr.edu and receive notification of campus news and updates, as well as scholarship opportunities. Email asap@ualr.edu for instructions.
• Apply for membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society for adult learners once you have accumulated 24 credit hours at UALR with a GPA that places you in the top ten percent of your respective classification.
• Ask for details if you are 60 years of age or more on how to get tuition and general fees waived. Other fees and expenses will apply and vary depending on your interest. The dates for registering are limited, and admission is on a space available basis. Visit ualr.edu/adults for more info.
Basically, you have support at UALR.
You Need to be Fully Admitted
You may think you are fully admitted and registered for classes as you read this. Check the following list to make sure you have tended to all the necessary business of the
admission process:
• Complete the online application at boss.ualr.edu.
• Submit all documentation required. Check BOSS and/or speak with staff in the Office of Admissions to determine that paperwork you requested from other institutions has been received and that your status has been updated to fully admitted.
• If you have been admitted with provisional transfer student status, it means you have missing paperwork and cannot receive financial aid monies. You will be allowed to register for up to 13 credit hours without seeing an academic advisor, but required to submit all documentation and to see an advisor in subsequent semesters.
• Read and keep the letter you received from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. It provides you with an official student I.D. number (T -number) and a six digit PIN. You will need these to access the Banner On-Line System Service or BOSS. This computer system is used by administrative staff and faculty to maintain your records, and it may sometimes be referred to as Banner. See the Registration Guides created by the Office of Records and Registration for an overview of tasks, but it is strongly recommended that you make the time to explore the system to discover on your own all the capabilities you’ll have at hand. Contact the Adult Student Advocate for a handout with more details about navigating BOSS to the full extent.
Successful students report that they designated a box or file for all forms or documents given by the University and for copies of paperwork, which they submitted to the University. It’s also a good idea to document contact with any staff by making a note of that person’s name, the date and time, the purpose - and the result of the communication, whether it is in person or over the phone. Always take the initiative and follow-up on all business concerning your attendance at UALR, especially admission and financial aid.
You Need to be Advised
Make an appointment your first semester with an advisor in the University College, Office of Academic Advising to be cleared for registration. The office is located in Ross Hall 406. Once you declare a major, your department will advise you, but you must be advised each semester. Continuing students may opt for email advising, if they meet the requirements at ualr.edu/advising. Provisional students may call and request an information session.
If you have transfer credit questions, visit the Office of Transfer Student Support Services in the Education Bldg. Room 204, or call 682.1286.
You Might Test Out
The Credit by Examination Program was established so students who have done college-level work outside of the classroom setting can demonstrate their achievement and receive college credit. Any prospective, currently enrolled, or continuing students may take the tests.
Credit obtained through examination is recorded as approved hours on the official permanent record. Schedules and costs for the examinations vary. Information is subject to change. For complete information, see the Testing Services website at ualr.edu/testing.
The following tests have been approved for credit for UALR:
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Excelsior College Examinations (ECE)
• Departmental Examination Program (DEP)
Your assessment needs are served through the Office of Testing Services and Student Life Research, Ross Hall 409, 569.3198. Information about a wide variety of testing programs is available from this office, including placement tests and credit-by-examination.
You Need to Register
Login to BOSS and register for courses using your T-number and PIN. A PIN cannot be released over the telephone for security reasons, and students must go to Administration South 203 with a photo I.D. if a PIN is forgotten. Be sure to check the Undergraduate Catalog for prerequisite requirements.
Pick up a Registration Pocket Guide to check for the schedule adjustment dates, and save it until the end of the semester for information on the academic calendar, registration schedule, payment due dates, and more.
• Courses are commonly referred to by a 4-digit code that signifies the level followed by the department code.
• Registration requires a 5-digit course registration number (CRN) followed by a section code that signifies when it will occur.
Tips for reading the online course schedule:
• The days of the week are represented by M, T, W, F, & S for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday - but Thursday is R and Sunday is U.
• TBA means to be announced.
• When the word Staff appears instead of an instructor’s name, it just means that the department has yet to assign the instructor.
• Section numbers that end with 99 designate an online course.
• For more information about the course entries, see the Guide to UALR section of the UG catalog.
The length of a standard 3 credit-hour class is defined by a University-wide administrative memorandum (#635.1 updated in 2006) as 50 minutes of instruction that will take place 45 times in a regular term. In order to meet student needs, there are variations that make up UALR scheduling options. Typically, MWF classes meet for 50 minutes while MW or TR classes meet for 75 minutes (1 hr. & 15 min.). Once a week evening classes are about 150 minutes (2 hr. & 30 min.).
You Need Funds for your Education
The first step when seeking assistance with funding your education is to apply for federal student aid at fafsa.ed.gov. You will use the federal school code for UALR: 001101. Your eligibility will be displayed on the Financial Aid tab of your BOSS account. It is your responsibility to check your account and respond as needed and to communicate with your financial aid advisor when you have questions or concerns.
Visit ualr.edu/financialaid and follow the links. Next, find and complete the applications posted for state assistance, UALR funding opportunities, and private scholarships.
If you receive funding, any surplus money after tuition and fees are covered will be returned to you in a change check. You have the option of signing up for direct deposit on BOSS. Check ualr.edu or the current Registration Guide for a notice of the date.
Students will receive a 100% refund only during the schedule adjustment period and only if a withdrawal form is completed in the Office of Records and Registration. Not attending class is not enough; you must withdraw or you will be charged tuition and fees if you registered for a class during the regular registration period. Your application and registration during regular registration periods is a legal contract.
Online registration confirmation for Fall 2011 opens on July 18. After being advised and registering for courses, payment in full or a down payment on a deferred payment plan must be made for any charges not covered by financial aid in order to confirm and reserve your class selections. Early registration opens on May 2, but a failure to pay and then confirm will result in your class selections being deleted. To confirm your registration, log into BOSS and select the Student Services tab, then select the Confirm Your Registration link. You will be given a confirmation number at the end of this process. Please retain this number for your records.
| If you register between | You must confirm by |
|---|---|
| April 18 - August 12 | August 13 - August 24 |
| August 12 – 5:00 pm | August 24 – 5:00 pm |
Once confirmed, if you decide not to attend UALR for that semester, you must withdraw by 4:00 p.m. on August 24, 2011, to receive a 100% charge adjustment. This policy is subject to change and should be verified each term. Summer terms will also follow a different policy. For more information on the confirmation process visit ualr.edu/bursar.
Finally, students should research targeted opportunities that may apply to them for access to educational funding. Many for-profit companies, foundations, and non-profit organizations allocate funds to assist a variety of people.
Check out the following websites for additional funding options:
• Arkansas Department of Higher Education adhe.edu
• Arkansas Community Foundation arcf.org
• Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship aspsf.org
• Federal Student Aid studentaid.ed.gov
• Scholarship America scholarshipamerica.org
• Fund My future fundmyfuture.info
• College Scholarships collegescholarships.org
• International Education Financial Aid iefa.org
• FinAid! finaid.org
You Need Books
The UALR Barnes & Noble Bookstore stocks textbooks and supplies requested by UALR faculty. You can perform an online search for books at ualr.bncollege.com, which will allow you to plan for your semester. You can save money with used books and by selling your books during designated times. Keep the receipt from book purchases, and read the attached refund policy. Do not remove any shrink-wrap until you attend the first class and make sure that you have the required book.
You Will Get E-mail
Activate your free UALR.edu email account 24 hours after registering for a class. Go to mail.ualr.edu to login to your account. In most cases, user name will be the first letter of your first name, the first letter of your middle name, and your full last name. Your password is your T-number but it can be reset on BOSS. Call Computing Services if you have any problems. Be sure to check your UALR email frequently as this is the primary means of communication with students.
Get a Campus Card
Get a photo I.D. card made in DSC 114, next to the bookstore. You must be registered in at least one credit hour. There will be a $15 charge for replacement of lost, damaged, or stolen cards. You can use your campus card to
• Purchase books and supplies at the UALR Barnes & Noble Bookstore if you have financial aid funds in your account after tuition and fees are deducted (The book voucher program ends after the 4th week of class or when a change check is issued).
• Purchase food on campus with a Dining Services declining balance meal plan.
• Check books out of the library, gain entrance to campus events (including Trojan basketball games).
• Add or drop a course in person.
Academic Success Center
Visit the Academic Success Center in Speech 101 to apply and take advantage of services, including free counseling, tutoring, math and reading labs, cultural enrichment, and academic skills instruction. You may be eligible as a first generation college student (neither parent has a college degree), because of your income level, or due to disabilities. Also, test scores may indicate your need for College Reading, Composition Fundamentals, or Elementary Algebra during your first semester, and the ASC is prepared to help you.
Ask about enrolling in the following options:
• First Year Experience course designed to assist you in the transition to college life (PEAW 1300).
• Math Prep, a noncredit course, to refresh your math skills before tackling Elementary Algebra.
• College Study Skills for techniques to succeed in your classes.
It’s Time for Self-Discovery
Attending college as an adult signals that you are ready to change your life, to grow intellectually, and to discover your full potential. Consider the following tips to help you gain insight and enjoy the journey.
You Need to Listen to Yourself
Worries about going back to school and fitting in are not all in your head, although some of them really are. Intuition is one of those little voices you should welcome and listen to, but the voice of fear is one that should be banished!
Fuel Your Brain
The simple fact is that humans need fuel to function effectively. Healthy nutrition every day, including drinking enough water, is essential to get your brain to function at maximum capacity. Just as you would never purposefully put inferior gas in your car, you should restrain yourself from putting inferior food in your body. Listen to your body and the current health professionals and choose wisely.
Keep Moving
Exercise is one of the best stress relievers. And walking can be like meditation in motion. It’s also free and easily assessable on the UALR campus. Plan ahead to park in a distant lot and use the walk to improve your circulation and your attitude. Don’t concentrate on problems or your studies; walk and enjoy it. If you prefer an indoor walking track, visit the DSC Fitness Center for more information. Organized exercise classes are also offered in the DSC each semester. Listen for warnings of stress-build-up and keep moving.
Face Your Fears & Live Your Dreams
Naming something, anything, takes some of the power out of it. What exactly are you worried about? What is the worst thing that might happen? And what would happen after that? Most of the time, it is something we can live with. Write down your worries, make a list. Putting them down on paper and getting them out of your head will help you to see that they are not as bad as you feared. Listen to your dreams and don’t give in to fear.
People Really Are Not Watching You
Don’t obsess over what people might think about you. Chances are that they are not thinking about you at all. Studies have proven that people are only concerned with themselves. This egocentrism means that they probably don’t take time to notice your age, your hair, your book bag, or you as much as you think. Listen to the psychologist and trust that you are not the focus of everyone on campus. So, while you’re worrying about why that 20 year old is looking at you, that 20 year old is probably only thinking about their self.
Listen to Your Intuition
When you just know something, without evidence or reason, it might be considered intuition. When you make a decision based on rationalization, but it just feels wrong, it might be considered intuition warning you that the decision was not the best for you. As you begin your educational journey, try to tune in to those hunches and that little voice in your head trying to guide you. Follow your gut and trust your instincts. Listen carefully for hints in the form of confidence, assurance, and relaxation that you are following your intuition.
You Need to Understand Yourself
People can be smart in many different ways. Adult students are no exception. Some will relate to music or arts, while others will relate to business ethics and still others write with ease. This is a time to think about what you’re good at and to figure out the best way to study. While there are many tests today to help with your self-discovery the following list is based on Howard Gardner’s theory of intelligence. These study tips can help you decide what intelligence type you are and how you will learn best. Other helpful self-analysis tools are available in the UALR Office of Counseling and Career Services, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
Word Smart (Linguistic intelligence) Word smart people are good with words, letters, and phrases. They enjoy activities such as reading, playing scrabble or other word games, and having discussions. If you’re word smart, these study strategies can help:
• make flashcards
• take extensive notes
• keep a journal of what you learn
Number Smart (logical-mathematical intelligence)
Number smart people are good with numbers, equations, and logic. They enjoy coming up with solutions to logical problems and figuring things out. If you’re number smart, give these strategies a try:
• make your notes into numeric charts and graphs
• use the Roman numeral style of outlining
• put information you receive into categories and classifications that you create
Picture Smart (spatial intelligence)Picture smart people are good with art and design. They enjoy being creative, watching movies, and visiting art museums. Picture smart people can benefit from these study tips:
• sketch pictures that go along with your notes or in the margins of your textbooks
• draw a picture on a flashcard for each concept or vocabulary word you study
• use charts and graphic organizers to keep track of what you learn
Body Smart (Kinesthetic intelligence) Body smart people work well with their hands. They enjoy physical activity such as exercise, sports, and outdoor work. These study strategies can help body smart people be successful:
• act out or imagine the concepts you need to remember
• look for real-life examples that demonstrate what you’re learning about
• search for tools, such as computer programs, that can help you master material
Music Smart (Musical intelligence) Music smart people are good with rhythms and beats. They enjoy listening to CDs, attending concerts, and creating songs. If you’re music smart, these activities can help you study:
• create a song or rhyme that will help you remember a concept
• listen to classical music while you study
• remember vocabulary words by linking them to similar-sounding words in your mind
People Smart (Interpersonal intelligence)
Those who are people smart are good with relating to people. They enjoy going to parties, visiting with friends, and sharing what they learn. People smart students should give these strategies a try:
• discuss what you learn with a friend or family member
• have someone quiz you before an exam
• create or join a study group
Self Smart (Intrapersonal intelligence)
Self smart people are comfortable with themselves. They enjoy being alone to think and reflect. If you’re self smart, try these tips:
• keep a personal journal about what you’re learning
• find a place to study where you won’t be interrupted
• keep yourself involved in assignments by individualizing each project
You Need Goals
Take a minute to think about yourself. This insight will help you to see how you resemble other adult learners. Research by Susan Imel has uncovered the following traits:
• Adult students have lots of life-experience that will serve as a resource for formal education and critical thinking skills.
• A need to know or do something affects the actions of adult students and helps them excel.
• Successful adult students are self-directed and able to stay focused.
• Adult students are self-motivated to learn, to persist, and to stay the course to degree completion.
• Adult students realize that learning will serve a purpose and will lead to success. They set goals.
SMART is a mnemonic used by many educators, managers, and students to define goals and find focus. Make your personal goals a priority. Some of the letters have come to represent more than one word or term that can be applied, such as A for Action-oriented. But the primary model for SMART goals is:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Results-oriented
• Time-phased
Write the following headings on a sheet of paper or electronic document to create your own list of goals for each day, week, month, semester, or year.
Specific Who & What?
Measurable How? Use objective measurements.
Attainable Be realistic and seek opportunities for success.
Result-oriented Why? Know the final purpose.
Time-bound When? Set a date.
You Need to be Resilient
Successful adult students have proven themselves flexible. They are able to adjust and accommodate the changes that life brings. Some people are not. A 2008 article from Portland State University and titled Preparing Adult Learners to be Resilient in a World of Non-Stop Change stated that, “Resiliency is a key factor in the success of adults who return to higher education.” To help you learn qualities and life skills that will make you more flexible, make an effort to live by the following guidelines:
• Learn from your experiences and do not feel victimized
• Seek out resources, allies, and support
• Ask lots of questions
• Follow your intuition
• Be playful and childlike in your curiosity
• Know your strengths
• Accept constructive criticism
• Be optimistic and expect things to work out well
• Anticipate what might go wrong so that it can be avoided
• Accept praise and compliments
• Express your feelings honestly and openly
• Learn to work without a job description
• Be a good role model of professionalism
• See things through the perspective of others
• Learn to laugh more often
• Cultivate your family relationships and your friendships - Don’t be a loner
It’s time for Life as a Student
Learn to Manage Your Time
You life is full and managing your time will be critical to your success at UALR. Here are some helpful tips on staying organized while you juggle life and school as an adult student:
- Pick up and keep a copy of the Pocket Registration Guide each term for a list of important dates.
- Develop a personal calendar that you can carry with you, like the UALR Life Planner. Mark important dates from the Guide and from each syllabus for your classes. Include not only test dates, but dates when papers are due, project due dates, scheduled readings, mid-term and/or final exams, study days, holidays and scheduled breaks.
- Next, be sure to enter dates important for your personal well being, social life, and family time. Include birthdays and celebrations, holiday events, and entertainment, as well as exercise and relaxation time.
- Each week develop a daily schedule that includes routines and important dates.
- Post this weekly schedule in your study area for referral and review.
- Mark your progress for a sense of accomplishment by checking or striking through the written entry.
- Each evening make a list or schedule to help you get ready for the next day. Include regular routines, errands and important appointments.
- Review your daily schedule first thing in the morning.
- Be prepared to exercise your flexibility. Plan to stay calm when things don’t go as scheduled.
Study Skills
The internet delivers a vast resource of not only study guides, but subject specific study guides. These are only a few of the websites that can help you improve your study skills, but only if you try-out and implement the suggestions:
• studygs.net/writing • academictips.org
• studytips.org • careeronestop.org
Online Courses, Discussion and Posts
Taking a web-based or online course is a practical part of being a college student in the 21st century. UALR online courses are designated within the comprehensive online course schedule each term. They will carry the same tuition and fees as on-site classes plus an additional Distance Education Fee. When you register for an online class, the instructor is responsible for opening the BlackBoard course on the first day of class. You are responsible for logging in to the system using an ID posted in BOSS. Then, you will read posted announcements and email messages from your instructor to guide you through the coursework.
Just as faculty conduct classrooms differently, so to will you experience a wide variety of online styles. Communicate with your instructor in order to make the most of the technology, the flexible use of your time, and your quest for a degree. Be aware that discussion and interaction is a part of the learning process, so most online course instructors at UALR will require that a specific number of discussion messages be posted. Here are some hints (not rules) to help you respond and communicate effectively.
- Focus on the instructions. Be sure to follow the directions in the instructor’s prompt or syllabus closely.
- Work to respond with something that adds value to the discussion. Online does not mean easy, and you need to let your instructor know that you take the class seriously.
- Use emoticons to clarify any use of humor so that your readers understand the spirit of the communication.
- Treat others with respect even when you disagree.
- Acknowledge those who respond to you just as you would in a face-to-face conversation.
- Don’t send “Me too” or “I agree” posts; they waste everyone’s time and don’t contribute to the discussion. Make your posts substantial and communicative.
- Include the name of the text and page number when using direct quotations from the text.
- Expand on the original topic.
- Ask a specific question, but avoid those with yes/no answers.
- Ask an open ended question that relates to the current topic.
- Provide a story that helps to illustrate the main idea.
- Offer a different perspective to increase discussion from your classmates.
- Find an online resource relevant to the topic and include a hyperlink .
- Post early. You’ll get more response and become more engaged in conversation.
- Offer a learning method you’ve used or experienced in a different course.
- Avoid doing all of your posting at the end of the week, term, or topic deadline. You miss out on interaction and cause yourself more work.
- Provide a summary of the ideas others have posted so far. This kind of recap is good if you have joined the discussion late.
- Visit ualr.edu/support/blackboard.
This list was created based on the experiences of UALR adult students and the Adult Student Advocate. Your own experience will be shaped by the course topic, the instructor, your classmates, and your personal communication style. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for feedback, and then be prepared to adapt to suggestions.
Test Anxiety
Plan ahead and follow the tips found in this Guide to avoid stressing out over your test. Know that a first test with any instructor is always considered the worst, because students aren’t sure what to expect. It will get better. Adult students are encouraged to visit the Office of Counseling and Career Planning, RH 417, for assistance with test anxiety and to participate in the ASAP activities to share experiences with other adult students. If you attend classes, stay caught up with your assignments, listen to the instructor, take part in discussion, and do the required readings, trust that you will learn and make progress through the course.
Computer Skills
Access to the internet, computer software, and printing privileges is widely available in the Computer Lab located in the Ottenheimer Library. Internet access is available in other locations, too (see the Student Guide for details). It is an expectation today that every student will be computer literate. Tutorials that give overviews of software and practice in using them are available for the most common applications. Take responsibility for learning and becoming more comfortable with using the technology before your classes begin. Several student centers on campus have tutors trained and ready to offer guidance. If you need a beginner computer class, check with the Central Arkansas Library System for free community workshops. Call 501.918.3068, email rbailey@cals.org, or visit cals.lib.ar.us/events/classes.
Relationship Issues
Assistance in personal counseling, career and educational planning, and job searches is available to all registered students through the Office of Counseling and Career Planning, RH 417. A list of community resources for a variety of family related issues and off-campus programs are found online at arkansas.gov/dhs.
Daycare Services
If you have young children and need daycare service, visit arkansas.gov/dhs and search for childcare. Feeling secure in the decisions concerning the care of your children will help you focus on your studies and complete your degree. The University is not affiliated with any childcare centers. UALR does partner with Children International to provide educational enrichment, health care, and family assistance to over 15,000 children through seven public elementary schools in Little Rock. Visit ualr.edu/children for more information.
Testing Out of Coursework
Stop by Testing Services in RH 409 to learn about the Credit by Examination program. You might be able to test out of some credit hours.
Cooperative Education
Register with Cooperative Education in RH 417 to earn credit while you work.
Second Languages
The UALR Department of International and Second Languages offers a Language Resource Center for all students currently enrolled in a second language course. Call 569. 3272 or visit ualr.edu/languagestudies for more information. You can see the Academic Policies & Requirements section of the UG catalog online for specific requirements depending on your intended major. After registering for a class, if you decide to seek private tutoring, contact the Adult Student Advocate for peer tutor information.
Public Speaking
Contact the Department of Speech Communication’s Communication Skill Center in SPCH 201 for free assistance preparing presentations, including oral presentations in front of your fellow-students. Tutors are available to offer guidance with speeches, PowerPoint, videos, online courses, and research. Visit ualr.edu/speechcomm for more information.
Math Problems
Utilize the free Department of Mathematics and Statistics’ Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC 1) in DKSN 600 if you need help with a lower level math class. Tutors are available, as well as instructional videos and graphing calculator rental. For upper level courses, visit MAC 2 in ERSC 104. Visit ualr.edu/mathematics for more details.
Writing Assistance
Visit the Department of Rhetoric and Writing’s University Writing Center in SUA 106 for one-on-one tutoring assistance from the staff of trained writing interns. You can get assistance with word processing, informative handouts, resource books, and software applications. Writing is a process that requires revision and the Center is here to help you learn it. Visit them online at ualr.edu/writingcenter for more information.
Stress and Your Health
As a registered adult student you pay a fee that provides you with resources in the Health Services and the Disability Resource Center. Please visit them online or in person for more information about the services they can provide for you. Check out the facilities in the DSC Fitness & Aquatic Center and the Fit/Well Program for various exercise opportunities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool and indoor walking track. As an adult, you know that your health is our own responsibility. Take care of yourself!
For Your Information - Education Will Pay Off
The United States Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections) is able to show that the weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers (age 25 and over in 2010) increased and chances of unemployment decreased with more education. For more information and complete details visit bls.gov/emp. In addition, recent studies by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation illustrate that adults with a college education are healthier. Visit commissiononhealth.org for all the details and to see how true this is for Arkansans. You should find this to be two more excellent motivators for staying in school and completing your degree.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, known as FERPA or the Buckley amendment, is found in Title 20, section 1232g of the United States code. This act was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. This means that no one can see your grades or student record without your permission. If you have any questions, visit the Office of Records and Registration in ADS 101 or online at ualr.edu/records.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the way a university or its programs may be measured against national standards. There are two kinds of essential assessment: 1) university-wide and 2) specialized by discipline.
1) For UALR, accreditation for the entire University is granted by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, one of six regional accrediting associations. This accreditation means, among other things, that your work at UALR will be recognized at any other accredited institution and vice versa. A self-study was completed in 2009, and to see a report, visit ualr.edu/accreditation.
2) For specific degree programs at UALR, accrediting associations vary. For a complete list and more information, visit ualr.edu/accreditation.
In addition, UALR conducted a thorough assessment of its intercollegiate athletic programs and filed a new NCAA Accreditation report in 2008. To view it, visit ualr.edu/accreditation.
Internal Assessment
As communicated in the UG catalog, UALR’s current core curriculum or foundation of courses, are based on stated competencies that serve as the general education requirement for undergraduate students. Core courses are assessed each year by
1) the department in which the course is taught, 2) by the college that houses that department, and 3) by the Provost’s Assessment Advisory Group (PAAG) a committee with members from all disciplines.
Faculty must come to an agreement about their program’s mission, goals, and learning objectives. Decisions regarding curriculum, instruction, and both academic and career advising are made within each Academic Affairs unit through annual assessment. The process involves students, alumni, and various stakeholders. For more information and reports on programs and core courses, visit ualr.edu/assessment.
The campus-wide commitment to assessment includes the Division of Educational and Student Services, which oversees the Office of Campus Life. With a commitment to quality support and services to complement and enhance student learning, five year assessment plans are submitted on a yearly basis by 15 departments covering 1) Student Development, 2) Enrollment Planning, and 3) University College. Contact individual departments, and for more information and data, visit ualr.edu/administration/vcess.