Technology @ UCA

The University of Central Arkansas has embraced technology. Newly adopted technologies, along with ambitious plans for new technological capabilities in the future, have changed the way UCA students learn and interact with the university, their professors, the outside world and one another.

Wireless Campus and Laptops for Everyone

Roaming the campus with your wirelessly connected laptop is not a reality...yet. But UCA President Lu Hardin is working to make it happen. "I would like to see the university go wireless and be able to issue each student a laptop computer while attending UCA", he said recently. And he means what he says. Shortly after his statement, two revolutionary steps were taken. First, UCA partnered with IBM to develop a strategy for creating a highly advanced wireless network for the campus. Second, a laptop computer pilot program was launched. Beginning with the 2004 fall freshman class, students enrolling in selected residential college courses and Freshman Interest Groups will be furnished laptops by the university. Faculty teaching these classes will also be provided laptops and will receive advanced training in the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Approximately 160 entering students and 15 faculty members will participate in the pilot program. After a careful evaluation of the program's effectiveness, the program could be expanded to include the entire class of students entering UCA in the 2005 fall semester.

Regarding the campus wireless network strategy, Dr. Ronald Toll, UCA's dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and IBM Partnership Coordinator, said, “Using new and emerging technology solutions, we hope to create a mobile, campus-wide teaching and learning environment that supports UCA's academic mission and goals.” Donna Rumsey, vice president of wireless e-business, IBM Global Services, stated, "UCA is ahead of the curve in planning for a campus network that maximizes the latest offerings in wireless technology."

Click here for more information on the Laptop Initiative.

High Tech Buildings

UCA is growing and each new building is designed from the ground up to take advantage of technological advancements now and in the future. Over the last two years, UCA has completed and opened three new buildings and each one contains state-of-the-art technology. The new Mathematics/Computer Science and Technology Building features classrooms with built-in "smart" teaching/learning technology and a wireless Internet Technology Plaza. Stanley Russ Hall, which houses the Department of Mass Communications and Theatre is equipped with the same film editing equipment used by top production companies in Hollywood. Winfred L. Thompson Hall, widely considered the most beautiful building on campus, contains a level of technological sophistication within its walls that rivals the impressiveness of its exterior.

Virtual Library

UCA students, faculty, staff and alumni have a wide range of online access options to library services. Search for books, renew books, visit the virtual reference desk and review journal articles without ever physically entering the library. To find out more, visit Torreyson Library at library.uca.edu. Have a question? Ask the Cybrarian (that's right, the Cybrarian).

Online Learning

At UCA, students are learning online through the WebCT system which allows them to sign-in to complete homework assignments, participate in online discussions, take quizzes and receive grades electronically.

Online, Not In Line

Technology at UCA means students no longer have to wait in long, boring lines to register for classes or make payments. Waiting for snail mail to deliver your grades is also a thing of the past.

Know More About Technology Than Your Teachers?

UCA knows that, without considerable effort, the technological knowledge and demands of bright students could soon outpace the ability of faculty to keep up. For this reason, the university applied for a grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to create the Technology Faculty Associates Program. About 20 faculty members are accepted in the program annually where they experiment with ways to integrate technology into the traditional classroom.

Online Job Searches

Whether you are looking for the perfect first career position or a summer job, get help at the UCA Office of Career Services where students and alumni have access to online job searches for positions both in state and out-of-state.