The mission of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) is to promote the awareness of the profession of Occupational Therapy in the UCA community and in the state of Arkansas.

To encourage occupational therapy students to become active in their community and in professional organizations

And to maintain contact and networking with occupational therapy alumni.


Purposes of SOTA
The purposes of  SOTA according to the organization’s constitution:

1. To promote OT on the Campus of the University of Central Arkansas

2. To assist in recruitment in occupational therapy students

3. To engage in advocacy activities that affect the practice of occupational therapy

4. To participate in community service activities

5. To encourage participation in state and national occupational therapy associations.

6. To maintain contact and encourage networking with UCA occupational therapy alumni


Eligibility Requirements
Members must be current students in the Occupational Therapy Program at the University of Central Arkansas. Members must attend meetings and participate in activities to remain an active member.


Meeting Times
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month during x-period (1:40-2:30) in the OT suite (Doyne Health Sciences room 309). During the meetings we discuss upcoming SOTA activities and often have guest speakers who present employment opportunities.


Recent SOTA Activities
SOTA encourages members to participate in state and national conferences to learn more about the profession and to network with occupational therapy students and professionals from across the state and nation.  The student organization supports attendance through fundraising such as t-shirt sales and chili lunches.  Representatives of SOTA sell shirts to occupational therapists attending state conferences.

SOTA members participate in the National Occupational Therapy Association’s Backpack Awareness Day.  Members of SOTA typically set up a booth on campus for students to weigh their backpacks.  UCA students are made aware of the proper way to carry a backpack and advised that they should not carry more than 17% of their body weight in their backpack.

Each year, SOTA sponsors the tuition for one camper to attend the Arc Arkansas’ Performing Arts camp.  This allows one camper to participate in the week-long camp that culminates in a performance for their family and community.  Students also have the option to take an elective where they are able to facilitate the participation of about 80 campers. Campers may sign up to participate in drama, dance, music, set design, or videography. 

Another annual fundraiser is maintenance of a snack cabinet made available to occupational therapy students. SOTA officers stock the cabinet with snacks and drinks made available to other students and sell the items for a profit. This is a very easy and very popular fundraiser.


Current SOTA Officers
President- Erin Colwell
Vice-President – Melissa Hawkins
Treasurer- Heath Pharris
Secretary- Alicia Claflin
Liason- Morgan Hopkins