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Our Campus:

From the hills and from the lowlands, in Arkansas and around the world, choosing the right college to attend is never an easy task for any student. "What degree does this school offer" weighed against "what experience does that school offer" raises tough questions in the minds of all students. For many, college is more than just a means to a degree, it is a means to a better life.

At the University of Central Arkansas, a better life is as good as guaranteed. From its faculty to its students, UCA is always a step ahead of the crowd.

UCA is a comprehensive, four-year state-assisted coeducational university, large enough to offer academic diversity, yet small enough to show individual interest. UCA's International exchange programs offer global opportunities, and an expanding research program is bringing new challenges and experience to students.

The student to teacher ratio is about 20:1, offering students a personal touch. UCA's faculty is more diverse than ever, representing many of the nation's most prestigious universities. Its continuing commitment to strong teaching is reflected in academic programs that have received high or highest marks in national accreditation and independently commissioned reviews.

The University has served the state and nation since its establishment in 1907. The first classes began in 1908 with 107 students, a faculty of 10 and a small physical plant building. Recent times have been fertile in the evolution of the University. Enrollment has increased more than at any other four-year institution in the state and the educational experiences of student and faculty have been enriched by a growing International population. UCA students have won regional and national awards in music, journalism, computer science, kinesiology, speech-language pathology, forensics and other areas.

Growth has transformed the face of the university and its offerings. With enrollments exceeding 9,000, the students are taught by more than 525 instructional staff who have a commitment to teaching, and many are building national reputations. Diversity is seen in the faces of the nearly 400 International students from more than 50 countries. UCA students have also expanded their horizons by studying abroad in Russia, Mexico, Netherlands, France, England, British Isles and Spain. Growth has also been seen in the forty major buildings that now occupy the 262 acre campus, and the return to its original Georgian style of architecture has earned significant praise.

The recently remodeled Torreyson Library is the second largest library in Arkansas and the first to have a CD technology network. In the vital area of technology, a fiber-optic computer network connects faculty and students with the rest of the world through the Internet. Students can use several computers in the library which will connect them to the World Wide Web. This connection offers around-the-world E-mail possibilities, as well as access to unlimited resources for research. Computers labs with Internet connections are also available in many building around campus, as well as in the residence halls.

Students who live on campus interact with a diverse group of individuals. Many of the students in our expanding International population stay on campus and frequently share aspects of their cultures, which helps to broad the educational experience of all involved. Our own studies show that freshmen who live on campus, as a whole, attain a higher grade point average than freshmen who live off campus, largely due to structured quiet hours, closeness to the library, access to computer and study labs and greater interaction with faculty. UCA offers evening tutors for math, physical science, biology and history in many of the residence halls. It is for these and other reasons that freshmen are required to live on campus their initial year, unless they meet the exemption criteria.

UCA has on-campus housing for about 2,200 students in 10 residence halls. No matter which hall you choose, you are within easy walking distance to your classes, the library, student center, bookstore, dining hall and recreational areas. Residence halls are also located close to the University Police, which offer highly visible patrol efforts and a community-oriented policing policy, which provides a safe and secure campus.

But UCA is not only strong in academics, its expanding network of possibilities also includes opportunities for recreation and advancement in sports.

Varsity competition in men's football, basketball, golf, soccer and baseball and women's softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country, soccer and tennis are all offered at UCA. The university's recent affiliation with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II, Gulf South Conference has opened many more doors for athletes. Several UCA athletes have become stars in national professional sports, including basketball and football.

The extensive intramural program offers after-class stress relief, as well as entertainment and exercise. Activities ranging from bicycling and horseshoes to badminton, softball, volleyball and table tennis are available for all students. Recreation, academics and interaction with students from around the world are all part of college life.