Taking Aim at Education

The second annual “Aiming for Education” Skeet Shoot fundraiser for the UACCM Foundation was held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Point Remove Hunting Lodge in Hattieville. The event raised approximately $6,500 for the Foundation.

10 gauge sponsors for the event included Winrock Farms and Point Remove Lodge with donations of $2,500 to the Foundation. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Ronnie Stell Trenching, and the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas served as 12 gauge sponsors with a donation of $1,000 each. Conway County Regional Water District, Petit Jean State Bank, and Regions Bank of Morrilton were 16 gauge sponsors, with donations of $500 each. 20 gauge sponsors for the event included Entergy Arkansas, Koontz Electric, and Roberson Tire with donations of $250 to the Foundation. .410 gauge sponsors included Academy Sports and Outdoors, Birkner Brothers Limousin, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Pamela Brownlee, Representative Johnny Hoyt, and State Farm Insurance, each pledging a donation of $100. Coca-Cola of Morrilton served as beverage sponsor, and Ducks Unlimited was the youth trap shoot sponsor. Other donors included Ameristep, Cabela’s, The Duck Commander, Ducks Unlimited, Thermacell Mosquito Repellant, and Walmart of Morrilton. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission served as the ammunition sponsor.

“Aiming for Education” consisted of 13 three-person skeet shooting teams and a Ducks Unlimited Greenwing youth trap shoot contest with 15 youth participants. Door prizes were given out during the day, and expert marksman Andy Miller provided entertainment in the form of a shooting exhibition during the event. A catfish dinner provided by Point Remove Lodge rounded out the event.

The official winners of the tournament were as follows:

First place, First flight— Jake Corbin of Belleville, Dusty Darr of Dardanelle, and Mike Darr of Dardanelle

First place, Second flight—Dustin Combs of Russellville, Nick Thompson of Russellville, and Justin Rickman of Conway

8 to 10 year-old trap shoot—First place—Sam York of Morrilton

11 to 14 year-old trap shoot—First place—Will Stewart of Shirley

“Top Gun” Winner—Mike Darr of Dardanelle

Winning team members of the first and second flights each received a plaque, Under Armour provided by Roberson Tire, and a deluxe gun cleaning kit provided by Ducks Unlimited. The “Top Gun” of the individual contest received an engraved plaque and a deluxe gun case provided by Cabela’s. Winners of the youth trap shoot competition received plaques, a two-man bench from Ameristep, and shooting targets.

The UACCM Foundation, which is comprised of a volunteer board of directors, oversees the various fundraising activities undertaken on behalf of the college as well as the management and allocation of the funds received. Foundation Board members include Judd Adams, Diana Arn, Bill Brice, Mona Kay Boyle, Pam Brownlee, Doug Cahill, Mary Clark, Sandy Davies, Edward Lee Eddy, Lane Housley, Allen Lipsmeyer, Les Miller, Rich Moellers , Amber Murphy, Mary Newsome, Beverly Parks, Raye Pearce, Terry Resecker, Aaron Spivey, Amanda Young, Rhonda Trowbridge, and Steve Trowbridge.

The next scheduled Foundation event is the eighth annual “Just Desserts” fundraiser, scheduled for Thursday, October 15. Go to www.uaccm.edu for “Just Desserts” sponsor and ticket information.

Help a neighbor in need...

Here's your chance to help several area people in need:

The UACCM English department is collecting food items for Manna from Heaven in Morrilton, a food pantry that lost most of its stock in the recent fire downtown. The pantry serves approximately 800 area families each month and has been forced to throw out all food due to glass and smoke damage. According to a Manna from Heaven volunteer, the pantry was forced to throw out approximately $10,000 worth of food and is currently having to turn hungry families away.

If you would like to donate canned goods or dry goods (like cereals and pastas), please drop these items off in the English Department common area (Kirk Building Room 133) . These items will be collected until next Friday, October 1, at which time they will be delivered to Manna from Heaven.

Thanks in advance for your donations to this worthy cause!

Oooooze gonna' save us?

Oooze gonna save us?” The next “Starlight Cinema” free outdoor movie night event is scheduled for Thursday, October 8 in the UACCM Plaza Courtyard. The college is sponsoring the 2009 DreamWorks Animation movie “Monsters vs. Aliens” on an extra-large movie screen! The movie under the stars will begin at approximately 6:50 p.m., and admission is open and free to UACCM students, faculty, and staff and community members. Popcorn, drinks, and candy will be available for purchase during the event.

“Monsters vs. Aliens” begins when a meteorite from outer space hits a young California woman named Susan Murphy and turns her into a giant monster. She is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years. As a last resort, under the guidance of General W.R. Monger, on a desperate order from the President, the motley crew of monsters is called into action to combat invading aliens and save the world from imminent destruction! “Monsters vs. Aliens” has a running time of 94 minutes and is rated PG for sci-fi action and mild crude humor and language.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the event and are asked to refrain from the use of tobacco products while on campus in accordance with the college’s tobacco-free policy. In the event of inclement weather, the movie will be rescheduled to a later date. For more event information, visit www.thecampuslink.blogspot.com or contact Jacob Ward at (501) 977-2142 or at ward@uaccm.edu. The final “Starlight Cinema” of the season will be held on Friday, October 30 and will feature “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” before it is available to rent.

Wednesday, September 23 Class Cancellations

Here's a look at who is out today:

• Clem Gruen (drafting instructor) - classes cancelled
• Karen Caig (English instructor) - classes cancelled
• Colette Braud (nursing instructor) - classes NOT cancelled

There ya have it. Have a great Wednesday...the weekend is slowly creeping up on us!

Tuesday, September 22 Class (and volleyball) Cancellations

Good morning, everybody. Hope you all made it through the storms! Here are the cancelled classes today:

• Collette Braud (nursing instructor) - classes cancelled
• Jacob Braud - classes cancelled
• Jennifer Martsolf (adult education instructor) is out
• Karen Caig (English instructor) is out, but her classes are NOT cancelled
• Karen Fielder (childcare) is also out today

Remember to check ANGEL for any assignments your absent instructors may have posted. Have a good one!

Intramural Volleyball is canceled! If you were scheduled to play Intramural Volleyball today, take note: due to what can only be described as a monsoon of rain, volleyball play today has been canceled. Play will resume on Thursday (weather permitting, of course).

Have an Eye for Design?

Check it out (click to enlarge)...by the way, this is our 200th blog post!

Monday, September 21 Class Cancellations

Good morning, UACCM. Here's a look at who's out today...check and see if your classes are cancelled:

• Cindy Thompson (business instructor) - 9:00 am class NOT cancelled, remainder of classes ARE cancelled
• Juanita Owens (academic achievement instructor) - classes cancelled
• Karen Caig (English instructor) - classes cancelled
• Lyndsey Daniel (English instructor) - classes cancelled

Watch for several other things coming out today. Have a great week!

Opening the Library Complex in Style

UACCM held a grand opening and open house for the new UACCM Library Complex on Thursday, September 17. Members of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to the new facility before visitors were given the opportunity to get an in-depth look at the new 26,000 square-foot building. Guests attending the grand opening enjoyed refreshments and informal tours where they met faculty and staff members who were on hand to answer questions.

Ground was broken for the new facility on June 3, 2008, and is the latest new addition to the growing campus in Morrilton. It includes more than 15,000 square feet of library space for the relocated E. Allen Gordon Library, seven classrooms, 10 faculty offices, space for more than 75,000 books, the college academic success computer lab, and more. The new complex also offers Wi-Fi internet access with 20 laptop computers for student use and individual study rooms. According to UACCM Librarian Leroy Gattin, “The new E. Allen Gordon Library provides students at UACCM with an inviting, comfortable place for study and research.” Gattin also noted that “In the short time that our new facility has been in use, we have observed a great increase in the usage of computers and the book collection. In fact, the facility is experiencing an average of 700 users per day.”

The majority of funding for the Library Complex was $3.15 million dollars UACCM received in revenue from the Arkansas Higher Education Technology and Facility Improvement Act of 2005, a bond issue approved by the state’s voters in 2006. Mary Clark, UACCM director of public relations and marketing, expressed gratitude to the people of Conway County and the state of Arkansas and said the library would not have become a reality without their support. Clark said the library helps bring the new facility closer in line with the rapid enrollment growth experienced by the college. “Our new library facility reinforces the college’s commitment to excellence in learning and personal enrichment.”

Mo' $Money$!

Who wants some $$$?

Pell Grant refund checks will be available for pick up on Monday, September 21st beginning at noon at the Student Accounts Window in the University Center. These refunds are for students who have already received their Pell Grant award letters prior to September 1st. (You can check Campus Connect to see if your Pell grant was awarded before September 1st.) If you are unable to pick up your refund check on that day, it will be available for pick up at the student account window during regular business hours for 3 weeks. After that time, your refund will be mailed to the address that is on file with the Registrar’s Office (you can also check Campus Connect for this address).

Remember: You must have your UACCM ID in order to pick up your check. If you do not have your ID, you may purchase another ID for $10.00.

So if you can make it through the weekend on what's in your pocket now, you've got it made! 

Attention Pre-PN Majors: Are You TEASing?

Time is running out to take the TEAS test and submit your application for the Practical Nursing program.  Here are a few things you must do, if you have not done so already!

• If you have already completed all of your prerequisite courses or are currently enrolled in them, you need to take the TEAS test.  This test can only be taken one time per application period.  You must contact Renee Raper at 501-977-2123 or at raper@uacc.edu to schedule a time to take the test.  You must have the test taken by the application deadline Oct. 1, 2009. 
• Prerequisite courses include any development math (Math I and Math II), reading and writing courses you may have scored into because of the Compass or ACT Scores, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Nutrition, Computer Applications and Professional and Ethical Issues in Nursing. 
• Turn in your Practical Nursing application to the Admissions Office by Oct. 1, 2009.  Make sure that it is filled out completely.  You MUST include copies of your ACT or Compass test scores that you want to use and your TEAS test scores.  If you need help completing the information on your application, please make sure to come by the Admissions Office BEFORE  Oct. 1.
• If you need to obtain copies of your ACT or Compass scores or TEAS test results, please come by the Admissions Office.  You must have a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or student ID card.
• If you have any questions, please contact Shelley in the Admissions Office. 

Do you know more about pop culture or the US Constitution?

Do you know more about pop culture than the US Constitution? If you do, then you're not alone! In a survey released by the National Constitution Center, evidence of a lack of constitutional knowledge is quite apparent. More students have a greater knowledge of pop culture versus the United States Constitution. Six-hundred students responded to the survey.

Key findings from the survey included:

• 25.5% of respondents know that Philadelphia is the city where the Constitution was written compared to the 75.2% who know that city the zip code 90210 is attributed to.
• 21.1% of respondents know how many senators served in the U.S. Senate compared to 81.2% who know how many members are in the music group "Hanson."
• 35.5% or respondents know the first three words of the Constitution compared to 71.2% who know that www is the first three letters of most Web site addresses.
• 1.8% of respondents know that James Madison is considered the father of the U.S. Constitution compared to 58.3% who know that Bill Gates is the father of Microsoft®. 
• 25% or respondents know that the Fifth Amendment protects against double jeopardy/self incrimination/right to a grand jury/due process/compensation for private property taken for public use compared to 63.7% who know that "The Club®" protects against care theft.
• 41.2% or residents know the names of the three branches of government compared to 59.2% who know the names of the Three Stooges.

Why do we celebrate Constitution Day?

Senator Robert C. Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat and the United States Congress unofficial constitutional scholar, believes that American primary, secondary, and post-secondary students lack significant knowledge regarding the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Byrd offered an amendment passed by both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge. 

The legislation requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds implement educational programs relating to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year. September 17th was selected as the date for celebration due to the fact the on September 17, 1787 the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the United States Constitution and presented it to the American public. This purposeful and educational programming relating to the United States Constitution provides students with increases awareness and appreciation of this important document of freedom.

UACCM Enrollment Nears 2,500; 24 Percent Increase Over Last Year!

UACCM reported an enrollment of 2,423 students for the fall 2009 semester on the 11th class day, the deadline for public institutions to report their enrollments to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

This represents an increase of 24 percent from the fall 2008 semester. The fall 2009 semester marks the third largest increase in enrollment in the 48-year history of the institution and the largest single-year increase experienced since 1997. Additionally, the fall 2009 semester marks the first time in UACCM history when more than 2000 credit students are enrolled. Since UACCM’s last year as a vocational technical school in 1990, overall enrollment has increased 662 percent, and has also seen an increase of 88 percent since merging with the University of Arkansas System in 2001.

Conway County students account for 22 percent of enrollment at UACCM. In addition, 39 percent from Faulkner County, 7 percent from Perry County, 17 percent from Pope County, 5 percent from Van Buren County, 5 percent from Yell County, and 5 percent from all other counties.

Of the 2,423 students, 41 percent are pursuing Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, and 51 percent are enrolled in technical, business, health, and service-related occupational programs. The remaining 8 percent are non-degree seeking students, undeclared majors, and concurrently enrolled high school students.The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) rate increased from 1,485 in the fall 2008 semester to 1,844 in the fall 2009 semester as well. A higher FTE rate means that students are taking more credit hours on average.

UACCM Director of Public Relations and Marketing Mary Clark said “We are extremely pleased with the increase in enrollment this semester, which echoes reports from many colleges all across the nation.” She added that “The economic downturn has convinced many members of the workforce to return to school to re-train, and the high quality of our programs and instructors, lower tuition costs, and personal attention they find at UACCM are helping make this an easy transition.” The significant increase in enrollment in recent years can also be attributed to an expansion in available programs of study at UACCM and an increased interest in programs focusing on some of the fastest growing industries in the state such as Petroleum Technology and Nursing.

Wednesday, September 16 Class Cancellations

Here's a look at our class cancellations for today: 

• John Southerland (welding instructor) - classes canceled
• Lewis Hunt (biology instructor) - classes canceled
• Laura Meek (nutrition instructor) - classes canceled 
• Danae Watson (math instructor) - classes canceled

Hope you all make it through the storms today! Good luck! 

Get Fit and Meet Your new SGA

Good afternoon, UACCM. If you're looking for a place to get fit, check out the new Fitness Center located in Union Station in the Kirk Building on campus. The fitness center currently consists of nine MedX selectorized machines, two Kell machines, and one treadmill and is free for UACCM students to use from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Remember: sign in as you enter the fitness center. If you have questions about your health, or if you haven't worked out in a while, be sure to consult a physician before beginning a fitness program.

Now, meet the new members of your UACCM Student Government Association! The following students were recently elected as officers for the 2009-2010 SGA:

• Dustin Taylor - President
• Shawna Shannon - Vice President
• April Hudson - Secretary/Treasurer
• Tonnie Lott - Parliamentarian/Historian

This group, along with the other members of SGA, are responsible for bring lots of FREE and FUN stuff to UACCM throughout the year, so be sure to give 'em a pat on the back if you see 'em!

Also...don't forget to sign up by tomorrow if you want to participate in intramural volleyball! Stop by Union Station in the Kirk Building for more info. or to sign up.

No Class Cancellations for Tuesday, September 15

Enough said!

Come and get your $$$ and ANOTHER part-time job opportunity

Are you entitled to a student loan refund check? The first group of refund checks is available NOW! These checks are available for any student awarded a loan prior to September 1st which UACCM has received funds for. Checks can be picked up at the Student Accounts windows in the University Center. NOTE: You are required to provide a photo ID to pick up your check. Pell Grant refunds are not yet available, but watch your student e-mail and the Campus Link Blog for more information soon.

How about an on-campus part-time job? UACCM is currently in need of students willing to serve as UACCM workstudies working Monday-Friday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm. If this sounds like a good deal to you, fill out a workstudy application in the Financial Aid Office. Stop by the office and visit with Vicky Lee for more information.

If Intramural Sports are more your cup of tea, you're also in luck! UACCM is currently searching for 5-6 students interested in helping set up/take down equipment, keep score and officiate during games, etc. (approx. 5 hours/week) for the UACCM Intramural Sports Program. Stop by and see UACCM Director of Student Activities Kelley Roach in Union Station in the Kirk Building to fill out an application. Previous experience with sports and/or officiating is a plus, but it's open to anybody interested!

Monday, September 14 Class Cancellations

G'morning, everybody and welcome to another week! Here's a look at who's out today and if their classes are cancelled. Remember: even if your classes are cancelled, you should always check your ANGEL account to see if your instructor has posted an assignment for you.

• John Southerland (welding instructor) is out, and his classes BEFORE noon are cancelled today. 
• Traci Caldewll (English instructor) is out today, and all classes are cancelled.
• Leslie Gomes (math instructor) is out, but her classes are NOT cancelled.
• Ken Lee (graphic design instructor) is out, but his classes are also NOT cancelled.

More info. to come throughout the day, so keep your eyes peeled!

Feeling Sick? STOP...and read this

A memo from UACCM Vice Chancellor for Instruction Diana M. Arn:

Due to a larger than normal outbreak of illness including the flu, Chancellor Crook has suspended Policy # 0017 Attendance Policy/Administrative Drop Policy for the Fall 2009 semester.

What does this mean to you as a student?

• While regular attendance is expected of students, faculty members will not drop students for excessive absences.
• If a student is failing a course, unless the student initiates the drop process themselves, the student will receive a grade of “F” for the course at the end of the semester.
• Faculty will continue to report attendance for financial aid purposes. Non-attendance could affect financial aid for this or subsequent semesters.

Faculty will also be working with students who are out because of flu or illness. Students are NOT required to have doctor’s notice verifying that they have the flu. UACCM will be operating on the honor system.

What should you do if you are ill or someone in your family is ill and you are the primary care giver?

• Call or email your instructors immediately.
• If possible, stay current with homework. You may be given extra time to make-up tests, quizzes, or homework when you return to class but you will also be working on current class assignments.
• You may find that you have missed too much of the class lectures to be successful. Students who miss one week of class can usually catch up and be successful. Missing two weeks of class is harder to make-up. If you are in this position, the best course of action for you may be to drop a class or two during the semester so that you can be successful in other classes. Missing three weeks of class will be almost impossible to make-up. Unfortunately, the best action may be to drop all courses for the semester. Please discuss these options with your instructors or advisor.
• Faculty will contact me if they think students are using the flu as an excuse to have extra time to make-up work. Please remember furnishing false information is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and being honest about absences is expected of all students. Not coming to class because you haven’t done your homework or because you are in the deer woods, are not instances where we are willing to work with students to make-up work.

If you would like to discuss any part of this memo, you can contact my office at 977-2007 and make an appointment.

Raffles, races, and who needs an extra job?

Attention Hunters...Raffle Tickets Available - This Saturday marks the UACCM Foundations "Aiming for Education" Skeet Shoot Fundraiser. Even if you're missing out on Saturday's action, you can still win some awesome prizes! Stop by the UACCM Office of Institutional Advancement in the University Center (ask for us at the Information Desk) and purchase your tickets to have a chance of winning one or more of the following hunting-related items:

• Ameristep Doghouse Blind
• Ameristep 2-man Jakehouse Blind
• Duck Commander Gift Set (2)
• Ameristep Deluxe Blind Bench
• Thermacell Personal Mosquito Repellants (2)
• Tree-Stand Convenience Kit

Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Drawing will be held this Saturday following the skeet shoot event, and you need not be present to win. Good luck!

Racing for a Cure - Hey, ladies! The Race for the Cure is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 in Little Rock, and the UACCM team is ready to organize! Anyone interested in joining the team can stop by during one of the following times to talk details, costs, shirt design, and more:

• Tuesday, September 15, X-period (12:00 noon), Room 106, Business Technology Center
• Wednesday, September 16, 1:00 pm, Room 106, Business Technology Center

Intramural Workers Needed - Interested in getting involved in intramural sports? Really involved? UACCM is currently searching for 5-6 students interested in helping set up/take down equipment, keep score and officiate during games, etc. (approx. 5 hours/week) for the UACCM Intramural Sports Program. Stop by and see UACCM Director of Student Activities Kelley Roach in Union Station in the Kirk Building to fill out an application. Previous experience with sports and/or officiating is a plus, but it's open to anybody interested!

Who decided to stay in bed on this rainy Thursday?

Happy raining Morning, everybody. Here's a look at who's out today:

• Shannah Cummings (music instructor) is out sick, and her classes are cancelled.
• Lori Gibbons (adjunct instructor) is out. Students in her classes should check for an assignment on ANGEL, and the previously planned test has been postponed until Tuesday.
• Larry Lachowsky (drafting instructor) is out at a conference.
• Charlotte Sax (practical nursing instructor) is out, but her classes are NOT cancelled. 

Don't forget to check the dates to the left to see if a club/organization you are interested in might be meeting today during X-period. Have a great (dreary) day!

09-09-09 Class Cancellations, Career Pathways, and Volleyball!

Happy 09-09-09, everybody! Here is a look at who's out today:

• Danna Crook (academic achievement instructor) is out, and her classes are cancelled.
• Pat Bailey (speech instructor) is also out, and her classes are cancelled.
• Shannah Cummings (music instructor) is out again today, and her classes are also cancelled.
• Karen Caig (English instructor) is out today; classes cancelled.
• Charlotte Sax (practical nursing) is out.
• Janie Wagner (community outreach secretary) is out.
• Leroy Gattin (librarian) is also out today.

Career Pathways Students: Don't forget about the CP orientation sessions for new students today at 9:00 am and tomorrow at 12:00 noon in the Career Pathways Computer Lab in the Kirk Building. If you have questions, call 977-2186.

Intramural Volleyball is coming up ASAP! Signup sheets are available now in Union Station (former library space) in the Kirk Building. If you've got a team together, you can sign up together, or you can sign up as a free agent and meet some new friends. Volleyball will be played September 21-30, so sign up today!

Tuesday, September 8 Cancellations and Events!

Good morning, UACCM. We hope you enjoyed your 3-day weekend, and we know you are just dying to get back in the groove of things this morning. On the bright side, it's a short week! Here are a couple of items you might be interested in:

• Danna Crook (academic achievement instructor) is out again today and her classes are cancelled.
• Debbie Rodgers (nursing) is out, but only her 8:00 a.m. class is cancelled.
• Nancy Patterson (business instructor) is out and her classes are cancelled.
• Pat Bailey (speech instructor) is out as well, and her classes are also cancelled.
• Shannah Cummings (music instructor) is out, but only her 8:00 a.m. class is cancelled.
• Josh Markham (learning center tutor) is out today.
• Leroy Gattin (librarian) is out today.

La Pizza Con Funghi - Tonight!

Members of the Faulkner Academy of Arts from Conway will be on campus at UACCM on at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8 to present an evening of music and theater. The event, held in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium, is open to UACCM students, employees, and the community and is offered free of charge.

The first half of the program will consist of the group performing a comic opera entitled "La Pizza Con Funghi" (Pizza with Mushrooms). The show is a slapstick comedy that could certainly be billed as “the opera for people who hate opera,” according to UACCM Music Instructor Shannah Cummings, who is also a member of the Faulkner Academy of Arts. “La Pizza Con Funghi” is a famous one-act play about a wife who decides to murder her husband by feeding him a pizza with poison mushrooms. Unfortunately, the wife’s plan is spoiled by her maid in one of the show’s many twists. The second portion of the program will consist of a variety of musical theater pieces taken from Broadway shows throughout the years, designed to please audiences of all ages.

Don't forget about the Student Government Association meeting today at 12:05 p.m. (x-period) in Union Station (former library space) in the Kirk Building. Elections for new officers will be held, so be sure to stop by if you are interested in becoming a part of SGA. FREE PIZZA (but bring a drink). SGA is open to anyone and is a great way to get involved and make a difference at UACCM!

The Opera for Those Who Hate Opera next Tuesday and Intramurals Return!

"La Pizza Con Funghi"

Members of the Faulkner Academy of Arts from Conway will be on campus at UACCM on at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8 to present an evening of music and theater. The event, held in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium, is open to UACCM students, employees, and the community and is offered free of charge.

The first half of the program will consist of the group performing a comic opera entitled "La Pizza Con Funghi" (Pizza with Mushrooms). The show is a slapstick comedy that could certainly be billed as “the opera for people who hate opera,” according to UACCM Music Instructor Shannah Cummings, who is also a member of the Faulkner Academy of Arts. “La Pizza Con Funghi” is a famous one-act play about a wife who decides to murder her husband by feeding him a pizza with poison mushrooms. Unfortunately, the wife’s plan is spoiled by her maid in one of the show’s many twists. The second portion of the program will consist of a variety of musical theater pieces taken from Broadway shows throughout the years, designed to please audiences of all ages.

The Faulkner Academy of Arts is a non-profit group which aims to grow the arts in Conway and the surrounding areas and is also the sponsor of Conway Dinner Theater. For more information, contact Shannah Cummings at cummings@uaccm.edu or at (501) 977-2198.

Intramurals Return!
The UACCM Intramural Sports Program is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Both males and females are encouraged to join in the fun. Some tournaments are co-ed while others are divided by gender, and all student organizations are welcome to enter a team as well.

The following rosters will be available starting Tuesday, September 8 at Union Station (Room 105 in the Kirk Building). Drop by and get involved in the UACCM Intramurals Program. You can make your own team or join the free agent list to be placed on one. This is your chance to take home the Wolfie Championship!!!

• September 8 -16 Volleyball Sign-up (CO-REC)
• September 17 Volleyball Captain’s Meeting in at Union Station
• September 21-30 Volleyball (CO-REC)
• September 8-30 Flag Football Sign-ups

Starting the (3-day) Weekend Early and...Union Station is (un)officially Open!

Good morning and happy Friday! Here are a couple of absences/class cancellations for you:

• Danna Crook (academic achievement instructor) is out today, and her classes are cancelled.
• Jan Magie (humanities, social sciences, and math secretary) is out.
• Jennifer Martsolf (adult education instructor) is also out today.

Union Station is (un)officially Open

Finally, after many weeks of work, the new UACCM student center, Union Station, is unofficially open for business! The new facility is located in Room 105 in the Kirk Building (former library space). While not exactly complete, the student center area is up and running so that students may study, relax, or hang out between classes. The vending machines from the study lounge in the Kirk Building have been moved into this area as well.

In the near future, all aspects of this area will be complete to include a fitness center, a big screen TV, tables and chairs, a ping pong table and a variety of other games. The hours of operation will be 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, so stop by and check it out!

Thursday, September 3 Class Cancellations and More

G'morning, all. Here are a couple of instructor absences/class cancellations for your information today:

• Curt Hippensteel (petroleum technology) - classes cancelled
• Colette Braud (nursing instructor) - classes cancelled
• Linda Stanley (learning center tutor) is also out today

Don't forget about the FREE Comic Hypnotist performance scheduled for noon today in the Fine Arts Auditorium and the FREE outdoor movie night this evening (if the rain holds off!) Hope to see you there! Have a great Thursday (tomorrow's Friday!)

Whoa! That's alotta bodies!

We knew there were a lot of students around here this semester (take a look at the parking lots) but we had no idea there were this many! Preliminary enrollment numbers collected during the last day of late registration for the fall semester at UACCM showed that the college has experienced a 24.6 percent increase in students when compared to the last day of late registration for the fall 2008 semester, with 2,477 students this semester compared to 1988 at the same time last year.

Official numbers will not be released until the eleventh class day; however, the fall 2009 semester is poised to be one of the three largest increases in the 48-year history of the institution and the largest single-year increase experienced since 1997. Additionally, the fall 2009 semester marks the first time in UACCM history when more than 2000 credit students are enrolled in a semester. At this time, 40 percent of UACCM students are enrolled in Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for university transfer, 52 percent are enrolled in Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates designed for direct job placement, and 8 percent are enrolled as high school students, non-degree seeking students, undecided majors, and visiting students. More information will be released when the Arkansas Department of Higher Education releases official numbers for the fall semester.

FREE Events Tomorrow

The Back-to-School Bahamas Bash may be over, but Bahamas week is still going strong at UACCM. Read on to find a couple of FREE things on the schedule for tomorrow:

SEE the Show or BE the Show
Imagine a world where volunteers fall asleep at the snap of his finger and will obey the most hilarious and ridiculous hypnotic suggestions...Michael C. Anthony is recognized as one of the most successful stage hypnotists in the world today. Michael recently performed at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas and is bringing his hypnosis to UACCM tomorrow at noon in the Fine Arts Auditorium. This event is being presented free to all UACCM students as part of the annual Back-to-School Bahamas Week.

Campus Activities Magazine named him Campus Male Performer of the Year. His show is an avant-garde blend of the human psyche and eye-popping theater. Don't miss this chance to be entertained beyond belief for FREE! You don't have to be hypnotized if you don't want, but you will definitely want to see all the crazy things your hypnotized friends do!

The Future Begins
“Starlight Cinema” at UACCM is back with another free outdoor movie night event. The event will be held tomorrow evening in the Plaza Courtyard and is being sponsored by the college. The 2009 movie “Star Trek” will be shown on UACCM’s extra-large movie screen before it is released on DVD! The movie will begin at approximately 7:35 p.m., and admission is open and free to the community in addition to UACCM students, faculty, and staff as part of UACCM's annual back-to-school week. Popcorn, drinks, and candy will be available for purchase during the event.

Hope to see you at one or both of these events!

Attention all aspiring nurses!

Trying to enter the UACCM Practical Nursing Program? If so, then you will have to take the TEAS Test before the end of September! It will be offered the remaining Mondays in the month (excluding Labor Day), at 8:30 am & 1:00 pm, by appointment only. Contact Renee Raper at (501) 977-2132 or raper@uaccm.edu to reserve a spot for you to take the exam. Just a couple of notes about the exam:

• TEAS test takers arriving late for their scheduled appointment time will not be allowed to enter and will have to reschedule, so be on time!
• There is a $30.00 non-refundable, non transferrable fee for the TEAS test. Payment should be made at the Student Accounts Window in the University Center prior to testing, and a receipt of payment must be shown before the test is administered.
• Students are only allowed to take the TEAS test once during each Practical Nursing application period.

Don't forget about the Back-to-School Bash tomorrow. Click here to find out more about the fun, free stuff we'll have there!

Class cancellations for Tuesday, September 1

G'morning, UACCM! Here are a couple of class cancellations/missing people for you today:

• John Southerland (welding) is out today and his classes are cancelled.
• Linda Jaramillo (humanities, social sciences, math) is also out today, so if you're looking for her, don't bother!

More to come to the blog throughout the day. Have a good one!