FREE Money Time and More

Here's some information on another grant opportunity available for UACCM students. See the Financial Aid Office for more information on this and other scholarships.

UACCM will soon begin awarding Trauma Scholarship Grants for the current spring 2010 semester and the fall 2010 semester.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in the 8 hour EMT class. The grants are also awarded based on financial need of the student with preference going to students that do not qualify for other types of need-based aid (excluding student loans).

• Six scholarships in the amount of $455 each will be awarded for the Spring 2010 semester.
• Six scholarships in the amount of $455 each will be awarded for the Fall 2010 semester.

Applicants must complete a UACCM Scholarship Application. Please note on the scholarship application that you are applying for the EMT Scholarship. DEADLINE: April 16, 2010

Tomorrow's Events

The Spring 2010 UACCM Job Fair is coming up tomorrow, April 1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Union Station in the Kirk Building. Dozens of employers are scheduled to be here, so click here to find out more. 

Eden's Edge is coming to UACCM for a free concert tomorrow evening. The event starts at 7:00 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium and is open to the public (no tickets required). Eden's Edge just signed a major label record deal (earlier this week), so we're sure to hear a lot more from them in the future. Click here to find out more.    

Who Says Video Games and College Don't Mix?

For those of you who find it hard to put down your XBOX 360, PS3, or wii controller long enough to make it to class, you're in luck! Your UACCM SGA is bringing your favorite gaming systems on campus tomorrow, March 30 for a 5-hour long tournament/free play from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in Union Station.

The event will feature XBOX 360s, PS3s and wiis set up with huge projection screens giving you the opportunity to challenge your buddy in a tournament or free play by yourself or with a group. Be sure to stop by between classes to play Halo, Guitar Hero, etc. and have some fun. If you're enrolled in a spring "B" or 10-week class, tomorrow is the last day (so you'll have NO excuse for not stopping by for a game!)

If you'd like to help plan events like this throughout the year, it's time to join the Student Government Association! If you're already a member, maybe it's time to become an officer, and now's your chance. The deadline to apply for a spot in the SGA officer election is this Friday, April 2. Click here to find out more.

• Don't forget to check out the important dates to the left of this post, and watch our Twitter feed up top! Have a good one!

A Job Fair, TEAS Test Dates, and Another Break!

Good morning, UACCM and welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your spring break and are ready to get back to class and finish out the semester. Here are a few things you need to be aware of over the next few weeks in addition to all of the scheduled meetings and events you see to the left:

The UACCM Spring 2010 Job Fair is coming up this Thursday, April 1. The event will be held from 11:00 am-1:00 pm in Union Station in the Kirk Building and will feature dozens of employers including:

• ACN, AFLAC, AR Army National Guard, AR Dept. of Corrections, AR Dept. of Education- Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Atkins Care Center, Avon, Bosch, Conway County Literacy Council, Experience Work, Inc., Freyaldenhoven Heating & Cooling, Girl Scouts – Diamonds of AR, OK, TX, Mary Kay Cosmetics, MassMutual Financial Group, Riverview Healthcare Center, Max Media of Arkansas, Primerica Financial Services, Schlumberger, Technical Corp., St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Southwestern Energy Company, XTO Energy, USDA - NRCS and more.

Students will be given the opportunity to speak with reps. from these and other companies, so be sure to bring a few copies of your resume, dress the part, and network! For more information, contact Lynn Baker at 977-2012 or at baker@uaccm.edu.

Students: ready to enter the Practical Nursing Program and need to take the TEAS Test? Several dates are coming up for the test, and students MUST make an appointment during one of the scheduled test times. The test dates/time as well as associated fees can be seen on the Testing Services web site by clicking here. Contact Renee Raper at (501) 977-2132 or at raper@uaccm.edu to schedule an appointment. NOTE: These test dates are for the June 1 PN selection period ONLY, and students are urged to schedule a testing appointment well before the June 1 selection.

If you can't get enough of spring break, we have good news for you! ALL DAY UACCM classes will be canceled next Tuesday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 7 for advising appointments. Your advisors will be posting sign-up sheets on their doors, so be sure and sign up for an appointment ASAP. Classes which normally meet at or after 4:30 pm will meet on these days.

Have a great Monday!

School Counts! Receives Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation Grant

UACCM is the recipient of a $125,000 grant designed to increase high school graduation rates and improve higher education levels among students in Conway County. The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation announced that its grant will help the Conway County School Counts! Initiative by providing support to coordinate the project. Previously, the School Counts Initiative was managed by volunteers.

“This grant enables the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton to provide much needed project coordination support to the initiative and strengthen its efforts to increase high school graduation rates reduce poverty,” said Dr. Sherece West, president and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. “This funding will be used to promote the value of higher education, advocate for and monitor students’ progress, and work with local business and industry leaders to identify workforce training needs.”

The grant is for three years and targets high school students and community members in the county. One of its goals is to encourage high school graduates to recognize the need for post-secondary education, to begin higher education at UACCM and to remain in Conway County as employees.

The School Counts! initiative is a local effort led by Conway County business, education and community leaders. The goal is to help students achieve success in the classroom, work place, and the community by raising funds locally to invest in the education of the county’s youth. Students who meet the yearly criteria upon graduation from participating high schools are eligible to receive up to $1,000 per semester to attend The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

“Support from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation will give the initiative the basic support needed to grow and be successful,” said Dr. Thomas Flowers, a member of the School Counts! Steering Committee. “We will be able to reach more students, do a better job tracking them and anticipate positive movement in Conway County’s educational system.”

UACCM Foundation Golf Tournament Coming Up

Fore! The UACCM Foundation is making preparations for its fifth annual “Links for Learning” fundraising golf tournament. The three-person scramble tournament is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the Morrilton Country Club with a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start.

The cost of entry for the tournament is $75 per person or $225 for each three-person team. Players will receive access to a golf cart, snacks and beverages throughout the day, lunch, access to an awards ceremony reception, and a gift bag with each paid entry fee. The awards ceremony reception will be held in the Morrilton Country Club dining room following the tournament, and prizes will be awarded for top scorers in three flights. There will be a hole-in-one contest with the opportunity to win a John Deere lawnmower, a putting contest, and chances to improve overall scores through donations. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day in the clubhouse, and prizes will also be given for longest drive and closest to the pin winners.

New to the tournament this year is a golf ball drop contest. The contest will allow tournament participants as well as the general public to purchase chances for numbered golf balls which will be dropped from the sky during the tournament. The owner of the ball that lands closest to the pin will win a $1,000 grand prize. Tickets for the contest are $10 each and will be pre-sold to the public beginning April 1 by calling (501) 977-2060. Tickets will also be available for purchase during the tournament at the Morrilton Country Club.

The College Foundation is currently seeking sponsors in the form of Platinum ($3500), Gold ($2000), Silver ($1000), Team ($500), and Hole ($100) sponsorships. The benefits of each level of sponsorship are listed here.” Team ($500) sponsors and above will each receive at least one free team entry valued at $225.

The tournament will fill when 36 teams have registered, so hurry and sign up today! Entry and sponsorship forms are available here or by calling Mary Clark at (501) 977-2011. Forms should be returned by Monday, May 17.

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. The Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation making most contributions tax-deductible.

SGA Officer Elections...Deadline April 2!

SGA announces NEW OFFICER ELECTIONS!

Check your UACCM e-mail for an application form or stop by Union Station to apply.

• Deadline to apply is Friday, April 2
• Candidates may campaign on campus Monday, April 12 through Wednesday, April 14
• Election will be held Thursday, April 15
• New officer induction will be held Tuesday, April 20 at the SGA Senate meeting

Here are the criteria for officers:

1. All candidates must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credit hours at UACCM 
2. Must have served one (1) semester as a member of the SGA Senate
3. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 while serving on the Senate

The following offices will be declared open for election:

1. SGA President - Presidential candidates should assume the named duties: Presiding over all meetings, committee appointments, and other duties as needed or assigned.
2. Vice President - Vice Presidential candidates should assume the named duties: Public relations/advertising, presiding over all meetings in the absence of the president and other duties as needed or assigned.
3. Secretary/Treasurer - Secretary/Treasurer candidates should meet the following requirements and assume the named duties: Candidates should have basic bookkeeping or accounting skills in addition to basic computer skills. Duties include recording and presenting minutes for all Senate meetings, updating Senate on committee activities, keeping record of Senate attendance, and assisting the president with official correspondence. Other duties include presenting a monthly report of SGA expenditures, maintaining accurate financial records and gathering bids/estimates for SGA purchases.
4. Parliamentarian/Historian - Parliamentarian/Historian candidates should meet the following requirements and assume the named duties: Candidates should be familiar with, or willing to learn, Robert’s Rules of Order and will be responsible for sending thank you notes to SGA guests and sponsors of events, planning refreshments, and keeping a scrapbook of SGA events. The scrapbook will include flyers, pictures, handouts, and other relevant materials. Other duties include supervising procedures of all SGA meetings and preparing applications and promotional items for new Executive Council and Senator periods.

FREE Eden's Edge Concert Coming up at UACCM

(REMINDER: Class cancelations and other quick info. now posted in Twitter feed at top of this page!)

Eden’s Edge, a music trio originally from Arkansas, will present a concert at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 1 in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. The band, described as today's country with wings and roots, is noted as "standing on the brink of their wildest dreams coming true" with a unique sound featuring the guitar, mandolin and dobro along with stunning vocals. The concert at UACCM is being offered free of charge and is open to the public.

Band members Hannah Blaylock, Cherrill Green, and Dean Berner followed their music from Arkansas to Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. Since moving there, they have signed a management deal and have been writing and recording a new album while taking their show on the road all around the country. Eden’s Edge is quickly catching the attention of the music industry—recently opening for Randy Travis and being featured in several publications including Country Weekly and Fringe. The group is preparing to serve as an opening act for Lady Antebellum, Kellie Pickler, Gloriana and Keith Anderson and is in final negotiations with a major record label.  

For more information on the concert, contact Jacob Ward at 501-977-2142 or at ward@uaccm.edu. The Eden’s Edge web site, www.edensedgeband.com, provides links to the band’s Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube accounts, several of which contain videos and music samples.

Thursday, March 18 Events

Just in: Todd Steffy's classes are canceled today.

Good morning, UACCM! Spring break is near! Only a couple of days worth of classes stand between you and a weeklong vacation! Here are a few things going on today, in case you've missed them:

• Drunk & Dangerous/Get Carded Safe Spring Break Activity, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, sidewalk between BTC and FA buildings. Come by and race some remote controlled cars while wearing vision impaired goggles. Bring your student I.D. and you'll get "carded" to win some free stuff. The Safe Spring Break Week 2010 wraps up today with this event. 
• Meetings, meetings, meetings! Check out the student organizations that are meeting today as well as the times and locations of the meetings on the left of this page. 
• The Intramural Sports Partner Fitness Challenge, 12:10 pm, Union Station. Grab a partner and head to Union Station to test your stamina and endurance while doing sit-ups, push-ups, an obstacle course, a relay run, and tug of war! Events will be timed, and winners will receive a shiny new medal. ALL participants will receive a t-shirt. 
• The spring 2010 Choir Concert, 7:30 pm, Fine Arts Auditorium will have the theme "A Little Bit of Everything" and will feature songs from a number of musical periods throughout history. The concert is being offered free for students and community members, and concessions will be available for purchase during the event. 

Have a good one!

UACCM Chancellor Crook Announces Retirement

Chancellor Nathan Crook, who has led the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) through a period of phenomenal change and growth, has announced that he will retire as chancellor on June 30, 2010.

At that time, Crook will have led UACCM for 25 years as only the second leader in the near 50 year history of the institution. He succeeded Thurston Kirk in 1985 as director of then Petit Jean Vocational-Technical School. Crook joined Senator Allen Gordon of Morrilton to champion Act 1244 of 1991, which enabled 14 of the 24 post-secondary vocational-technical schools in Arkansas to convert to two-year colleges. According to Crook, “The greatest challenge of my career was the period from 1988 to 1990 when I worked with Senator Gordon, Senator Nick Wilson, and Representatives Jody Mahoney and John Miller on Act 1244. As a result of this act, these campuses now have much broader offerings and serve thousands more Arkansans each year than they did prior to 1990. I am very proud to have made contributions to this conversion process.” Crook served as chancellor of then Petit Jean Technical College, and in 1997, the institution was renamed Petit Jean College to emphasize the more unrestrained scope and mission of the institution which had expanded to offer academic and workforce education, community education, and adult education in addition to technical training. He also led the institution through the merger with the University of Arkansas System in 2001, an event which changed the name of the institution yet again to the present University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Student enrollment during Crook’s tenure has exhibited unprecedented growth, increasing by more than 660 percent since the institution became a two-year college in 1991 and more than 100 percent since merging with the University of Arkansas System in 2001. In each of the past five years, UACCM has averaged a 10.2 percent increase in student enrollment over the previous year. Crook said, “Since becoming a two-year college in 1991, we have worked diligently to put the programs, services, and infrastructure in place to serve 2,500 students. We are there today and are now putting plans in motion to serve 4,000 students in anticipation of continued growth in the future.”

The growth of the college in physical terms is another one of Crook’s extraordinary accomplishments. He has overseen the construction of several major academic and student support buildings including the UACCM Technology II Building, Earle Love Child Study Center, Science Building, Plaza, Fine Arts Building, Fine Arts Auditorium, Business Technology Center, University Center, and Library Complex. During his tenure, the college has also renovated and expanded virtually all pre-existing campus buildings and has acquired the present Maintenance Complex, University Bookstore, and Health and Fitness Building as well as the future Leadership Development Institute and Adult Education Center in downtown Morrilton to accommodate a burgeoning student population.

Beyond the campus in Morrilton, partnerships have been forged under Crook’s leadership with the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, University of Arkansas at Monticello, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Criminal Justice Institute of the University of Arkansas System. These partnerships have made expanded educational options available via on-campus compressed video and online degree-transfer programs.

According to University of Arkansas System President Dr. B. Alan Sugg, “Nathan Crook has provided outstanding leadership for the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. Over the past several years, the college has seen dramatic growth in student enrollment, new academic facilities, and degree production. UACCM has achieved this success while maintaining excellent quality in its academic programs. I am extremely proud and appreciative that Nathan has been our Chancellor.”

Among other honors, Crook was named District IV “Pacesetter of the Year” in 2002 by the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations. The award recognizes a community college president or CEO who has demonstrated special leadership and support in marketing and public relations efforts in their institution. Crook said, “If I am considered to have been successful, it is because of a supportive family, exceptional UACCM personnel, outstanding board members, and local community support. Working together, we have created an outstanding community college of which we can all be proud. It has truly been a blessing to be associated with UACCM these past 25 years."

The Hunt is Over! Fitness Challenge & Concert Coming Up!

Congrats to UACCM students Elizabeth Manning and Julie Emery (see photo with UACCM SGA Member Clayton Crotts), who just found the SGA Scavenger Hunt item! For their efforts, they win a Nintendo Wii gaming system complete with games. Thanks to all who participated! Now, on to the next event...

Thursday, March 18 is the date for the Intramural Partner Fitness Challenge. Beginning at 12:10 p.m. at Union Station, it will feature five events for you and your most physically fit partner. Here are the events:

• Sit-ups
• Push-ups
• Obstacle course
• Relay run
• Tug of war

Awards will be given to the first place male team, female team, and faculty/staff team. Each participant will get a t-shirt, and the winners will get a shiny new medal (and who doesn't like shiny things?) Each event will be timed (except tug of war) and points will be given on the place each team finishes. The team members with the most points at the end will be declared UACCM Fitness Champions! So start training now (you have a whopping two days to prepare!) Good luck!

Safe Spring Break Week 2010 continues to march on this week. Click on the link to the left to see what's happening tomorrow and Thursday.  

This Thursday, March 18 also marks the spring 2009 UACCM Choir Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. The theme for the concert will be "A Little Bit of Everything," with musical selections highlighting each period of music from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. The concert will include works by many recognizable names such as Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven, and choir members will explain to the audience how and why music changed stylistically throughout the periods.

The concert is being offered for free and is open to the public, and concessions will be available for purchase during the event.

The Ultimate Internship

Attn: Students interested in journalism, marketing, graphic design, business, and computer information systems

The Arkansas Business Publishing Group announces The Publisher: The Ultimate Internship! The internship will be at the Arkansas Business Publishing Group headquarters in Little Rock from June 1 to August 6, 2010. (There will be a one-week break from July 5 – 9).

This experience will give you the chance to work side by side with professionals at the state’s largest publishing company, the Arkansas Business Publishing Group. Starting June 1, interns work 40 hours per week, get paid, and compete for a $1,000 first place and $500 second place cash prize. Positions are open in editorial, information technology, graphic design, advertising sales, and marketing.

The application deadline is March 31. You may get more information and a downloadable application at the following link: http://www.abpg.com/publisher/

Monday, March 15: Let Safe Spring Break Week Begin

It may be Monday, but doesn't knowing that next Monday will mark the beginning of your spring break week make it so much easier? One class cancelation to start the day off:

• Lewis Hunt (biology instructor) is out, and his classes are canceled today.

Did you notice our new Twitter feed at the top of this blog page? From now on, class cancelations will be posted there instead of here in our blog posts so we can reserve the space here for more...umm...interesting reading. There will be exceptions, of course...in the case that half of the entire UACCM faculty is out due to swine flu, bird flu, or some other pandemic, we'll take the space in the blog to tell you about it (that would certainly be interesting enough reading). If you want to follow us on Twitter, click the link up top. We'll gladly let you tag along. 

It's Safe Spring Break week! Click here to read more about all the activities going on this week, and click here to read about how to win a Wii gaming package at the SGA Scavenger Hunt. 

Intramural Bracketology begins today. Read on for more info...Come by Union Station today and grab a bracket or check your student e-mail to print off your own bracket, fill it out and bring to Union Station by Tuesday before 4pm, March 16 to get in on the action.

Points will be given for each game in this manner:

• 100 points for choosing the correct play in game winner (64 v 65)
• 5 points for choosing the correct winner of a game
• 25 points for choosing the correct sweet 16
• 25 points for choosing the correct elite 8
• 50 points for choosing the correct Final Four
• 75 points for choosing the correct championship game
• 25 points for choosing a team that makes it to the championship game
• 100 points for choosing the correct national champion 

Have a great Monday!

It's Friday! Next week's events...

Happy Friday, UACCM! One class cancelation today: Tina Lake (art instructor) is out today, and her classes are canceled.

March 15-19, 2010: "Road Trip 2010" Safe Spring Break/SGA Scavenger Hunt!

It's almost that time...SPRING BREAK! Whether you're headed to the beach, taking a road trip, or just catching up on some sleep, there are several things coming up next week which will provide a lot of FREE fun and prizes throughout the week. The week is marked as "Road Trip 2010" Safe Spring Break, an event which will feature all this and more: 

• Monday, March 15, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ Union Station - Experience driving under the influence with the DUI Motion Simulator. Participants will also have the opportunity to race three giant tricycles on a race track while wearing impaired-vision goggles. Get free stuff for participating!
• Tuesday, March 16, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. @ Union Station - Come by and play Root Beer Pong and Baggo! More free stuff!
• Wednesday, March 17, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ UACCM Pavilion (Plaza if raining) - St. Patrick’s Day offers the “Get Lucky” Ducks event. Participants will select a rubber duck from the pool...each duck has a message about the connection of alcohol/drug use and risky behaviors. More free stuff!
• Thursday, March 18, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. @ Sidewalk between Business Technology Center and Fine Arts Auditorium - The last day of events will include the Drunk and Dangerous/ Get Carded /Watch Your BAC activity event. While wearing vision-impaired goggles, participants will drive an obstacle course with remote-controlled cars. You can also play the Distract-a-Match game, where students will “get carded.” Hint: bring your UACCM ID.

Throughout the events, participants will have the opportunity to pledge to be safe, make responsible choices and watch out for their friends during spring break.

Next week also marks SGA's Spring Scavenger Hunt. Click here to find out more about this event, where one lucky winner will win a complete Nintendo Wii gaming system! Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 11 Class Cancelations and Events

Here are a few class cancelations for today:

• Traci Caldwell (English instructor) is out, and all of her classes today are canceled
• Danna Crook (academic achievement instructor) - ONLY 12:55 pm class canceled
• Jonathan Snipes - ONLY 3:45 pm class canceled

Holocaust Survivor Margit Meissner will present accounts of her experiences during the Holocaust today at noon in H.B. White Auditorium at Morrilton High School and at 7:00 p.m. in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. Both events are being offered free and are open to members of the public of all ages.

Margit was born February 26, 1922 in Innsbruck, Austria, and she and her family moved to Prague, Czechoslovakia shortly after her birth. Margit spoke a number of languages with her family including Czech, French, German, and English. In 1938, attacks on Jews in central Europe escalated, and her parents decided she should leave secondary school in Prague and set out for Paris, France alone, where she would study dressmaking. Eventually, her mother moved to France as well, only to be captured and sent to a detention camp on the Spanish border when Paris fell to the Germans in 1940. At this time, Margit fled to the unoccupied south of France via bicycle, narrowly escaping death in a refugee building which was attacked. She eventually set out alone in search of her mother during one of the most dangerous times in history. After reuniting with her mother, the two fled, via Spain and Portugal, to the United States, where they settled in 1941.

2009 survivor presentations were standing room only, so early arrival is encouraged to ensure seating during the evening presentation at the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. Hope to see you there!

The Hunt is (Almost) On!

Next week marks the Student Government Association's Scavenger Hunt! The hunt begins on Monday, March 15 and ends on Friday, March 19 (or until the object is found). Clues will be posted in Union Station at 10:00 am each day until it's found! Read on for rules, tips, etc.: 

1. The object will be visible to the naked eye.
2. There will be no need to disassemble anything to find the object.
3. The object will not be on, in, or on top of any UACCM building.
4. There will be no need to climb on or go inside of a building to find the object.
5. The object will be located outdoors on the UACCM campus.
6. There will be no need to uncover a manhole or any piece of maintenance equipment.
7. Once the object is found, please follow listed instructions.

The winner of the SGA Scavenger Hunt 2010 will receive a complete Nintendo Wii Game system including the games Guitar Hero 5, Super Mario Brothers, and Active Fitness Kit. Keep your eyes peeled and good luck!

Wed., Mar. 10 Class Cancelations / Last Call for Japan!

Class cancelations today:

• All of Susan Pardee's (academic achievement instructor) classes are canceled today 
• Cindy Thompson (business instructor) is out, and her classes are canceled today

So, Are You Chinese or Japanese?

Two UACCM instructors will lead students and interested community members to discover the mystery of Japan on an EF Educational Tour this May. Those who want to earn three hours credit now have the opportunity to enroll in general education elective studying Japan. The course and trip will be part of UACCM’s May Intersession course offerings.

Karen Caig and Lyndsey Daniel, who will teach the course, will survey Japanese history, politics, literature, art, and religion. Both instructors received national grants from the Freeman Institute to learn more about Japan with the Japan Studies Association in a summer institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, Caig in 2008 and Daniel in 2009. They are eager to share their expertise.

In today's global society, students increasingly need international experience to succeed. As a board member for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills—the leading advocacy organization focused on infusing 21st century skills into education—EF strives to prepare students academically and professionally for our increasingly globalized economy. Also, a recent geography survey conducted by National Geographic found that young Americans (18- to 24-year-olds) who traveled outside the U.S. in the past three years performed 40% better on the survey than those who did not. Ms. Daniel stated, “I’d like my students to know more about their world—the culture, the people, the languages of other countries.”

The deadline to enroll on the tour is quickly approaching. Contact Karen Caig at caig@uaccm.edu or Lyndsey Daniel at daniel@uaccm.edu for more information.

Tuesday, March 9 Class Cancelations/Disc Golf is Here!

NOTE: Anita Fowler's 6:00 pm Comp II class is canceled tonight.

Good morning, UACCM. Only one class cancelation so far today:

• Dana Strassle (physical science/biology) is out and her classes are canceled

TODAY: American Red Cross Blood Drive 10:00 am-4:00 pm @ Bloodmobile; SGA BINGO day: 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Union Station (don't forget your I.D. to win some amazing prizes for free!)

Disc golf is here! UACCM has a new disc golf course open for use by students and employees. Located near the center of campus (around the creek), the course features nine holes ranging from 121 to 316 feet in distance. Stop by Union Station to check out a set of discs or bring your own from home for a quick game anytime. Scorecards and a course map are also available in Union Station and have been sent to your UACCM e-mail address.  

UACCM Intramural Sports will sponsor a disc golf tournament in April, so get practiced up now, and scout out your team for the tournament!

Award-Winning Music Students-Concert Coming Up!

Recently, several student members of the UACCM Music Department competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singing student competition at Henderson State University. Students from several two and four-year colleges throughout Arkansas competed in the competition. Five UACCM students advanced to the semi-final round: Candie Arnold of Little Rock, Jackson Flowers of Morrilton, Aubrey Hoult of Russellville, Kim Stone of London, and Kendra Thomas of Conway. Thomas advanced to the final round and received a third place overall award in the freshman women category.

During the competition, students were required to prepare and memorize three classical songs, one being sung in a foreign language. In the preliminary round, students’ techniques were judged for proficiency according to their ages. In the semi-final round, students competed directly against other semi-finalists and received a score, with the top three highest-scoring students advancing to the final round to perform in front of all participants and spectators.

UACCM students participating in the competition will join the full college choir and Soundscape group for a spring concert on Thursday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. The theme for the concert will be "A Little Bit of Everything," with musical selections highlighting each period of music from the Renaissance to the 20th Century. The concert will include works by many recognizable names such as Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven, and choir members will explain to the audience how and why music changed stylistically throughout the periods.

The concert is being offered for free and is open to the public, and concessions will be available for purchase during the event. For more information on either concert, contact Shannah Cummings at (501) 977-2198 or at cummings@uaccm.edu.

March 8-12 (and beyond) Campus Events

NOTE: Two class cancelations today: Anita Fowler's classes are canceled for the remainder of the day, and Dana Strassle's 5:00-7:50 pm earth science class is also canceled.
Welcome back to UACCM after a b-e-a-utiful weekend. Hope you all got a chance to enjoy it. Take a look at some of the FREE events coming up today and in the next couple of weeks.

• Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9 - The American Red Cross Bloodmobile is on campus today and will return tomorrow to take your blood! If you're interested in helping save a life by giving blood, stop by the giant Bloodmobile, currently located near the Science Building, before 3:00 pm today and from 10:00 am-3:00 pm tomorrow.
• Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 11 will mark the next SGA BINGO days at UACCM! Stop by Union Station anytime from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm either day to play BINGO and win some amazing prizes including Zune mp3 players, a Garmin GPS, blu-ray player, and more. All games are free with student I.D., so drop by, grab some popcorn, and get ready to play. For more info., contact Kelley Roach at (501)354-7573 or at roach@uaccm.edu.  
• Thursday, March 11 - Holocaust Survivor Margit Meissner will be in Morrilton for two FREE presentations detailing her experience during the Holocaust. The first will be held at noon at H.B. White Auditorium on campus at Morrilton High School, and the second will be held at 7:00 pm in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. Both presentations are free and are open to the public. For more info., contact Jacob Ward at (501) 977-2142 or at ward@uaccm.edu. 
• March 15 - It's time for Intramural Kickball! Play will begin March 15. Sign up in Union Station in the Kirk Building for this great intramural activity. You can sign up individually or as a team.  
• March 15-19 - "Road Trip 2010: Safe Spring Break" Week will encompass a week-long scavenger hunt, DUI simulator, root beer pong, baggo, "get lucky" ducks, and more to help you get ready for spring break week. Watch for more info. soon or contact Lynn Baker at (501) 977-2012 or at baker@uaccm.edu. Sponsored by Students R Heroes.

Watch here for more info. soon on the events listed above. Have a great Monday!

FREE Money Time / Another Record-Breaking Enrollment

If you stopped by the spring transfer fair yesterday, you probably found out tons of information about transferring to a number of four-year colleges in Arkansas. If you're interested in Arkansas Tech University, read on to find out about their transfer scholarship opportunities.

• Any student planning to transfer to Arkansas Tech University for the Fall 2010 semester who has completed 30 to 60 hours of college classes can apply for a transfer scholarship to ATU. ATU allows the UACCM Scholarship Committee to select one student each spring for this scholarship, and preference will be given to students graduating with an AA degree in May 2010. This scholarship will pay up to $2550 per semester and is renewable for two years as long as the student maintains 15 hours with a 3.25 GPA. Applicants must complete a UACCM scholarship application in the Financial Aid Office.                                 DEADLINE TO APPLY: Thursday, April 1

UACCM has reported a record-setting enrollment of 2234 students for the spring 2010 semester, an increase of 17 percent above the spring 2009 semester. The official report was submitted to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).

Full-time students make up 67 percent of the student body. 33 percent are considered part-time students, enrolled in courses ranging from 1 to 11 credit hours.

Students enrolled in technical, business, health, and service-related occupational programs account for 53 percent of the student body. Students pursing Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, two-year degrees designed for university-transfer, also account for 40 percent of credit students. The remaining 7 percent are non-degree seeking students, undeclared majors, and concurrently enrolled high school students.

The average age of total student enrollment is 26 years of age. Students residing in Faulkner County make up 40 percent of UACCM students. The remainder of the student body is comprised of individuals from Conway County, 20 percent; Pope County, 17 percent; Van Buren County, 6 percent; Perry County, 6 percent; Yell County, 5 percent; and counties outside UACCM’s bordering service area, 6 percent.

The full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment also increased by 280 to 1701. FTE is determined by converting the part-time student enrollment into a full-time equivalent, or dividing the student semester credit hours by 15 credit hours. The state uses the FTE number in its funding formula.

According to UACCM Director of Public Relations and Marketing Mary Clark, spring enrollment numbers are generally not as high as those during fall semesters, as graduating high school seniors from the previous school year typically enroll during the fall semesters. However, in recent years, UACCM has experienced a significant increase in students during both fall and spring semesters.

Clark stated, “Our growth in recent years shows that more people are recognizing the importance of a college education than ever before. Community colleges traditionally show significant growth during sluggish periods in our economy, and UACCM is no exception.” She added that college administrators are pleased with the growth the college has shown and expect the trend to continue, as community colleges are gaining more widespread recognition across the country.

Established in 1961 as Petit Jean Vocational Technical School, UACCM has experienced tremendous growth since becoming a two-year college in 1991. Enrollment has increased approximately 650 percent since 1991, and total enrollment has doubled since merging with the University of Arkansas System in 2001.

2010 PTK Inductees Announced

The Beta Eta Sigma chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at UACCM recently inducted 19 new members during a ceremony in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. The ceremony featured guest speaker and UACCM employee Bobbi Yarbrough who spoke to new members about the challenges of maintaining excellent grades in college while meeting obligations of family and full-time work.

New members inducted include:

• Conway/Perry counties: Tommy Joe Cothern of Morrilton, Cher-Ann Barnett of Houston, Kenneth Fugate of Morrilton, and Stephanie Yancey of Springfield
• Faulkner County: Bethany Ahne of Conway, Brittany Hand of Vilonia, Samantha Porter of Conway, Shawna Shannon of Greenbrier, and Tiffany Sutton of Greenbrier
• Pope/Yell counties: Kayla Bumgarner of Danville, Shanta Cecil of Dardanelle, Veo Condley of Atkins, Glen Henke of Atkins, April Hudson of Dover, Jamie LaGrange of Atkins, and Sharon Metzer of Dover
• Lonoke County: Carlton Hodge and Ethan Frazier of Cabot
• Van Buren County: Brenda Parker of Alread

Students who participate in Phi Theta Kappa have the opportunity and are encouraged to join in community service projects. UACCM group members are involved in several projects and have adopted Bruce Street in Morrilton, where the group sponsors a roadside cleanup day each semester. Additionally, the group uses money raised throughout the year by their chapter through fundraisers including the PTK recycling program to support other community projects and scholarships for future students.


Students who earn a grade point average of 3.50 or better on 12 or more credit hours are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa, which emphasizes the hallmarks of leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1.3 million members and 1,200 chapters located in the United States, U.S. Territories, Canada, and Germany. The purpose of the organization is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students by providing opportunity for the development of leadership and service, for an intellectual climate for exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.


Congrats, guys!

Transfer Fair/Registration/Other News

Did you know that Wednesday, March 3 is set aside to observe four holidays? Here they are: 

• "I want you to be happy" Day
• National Anthem Day
• Peace Corps Day
• "What if cats and dogs had opposable thumbs?" Day (my personal favorite)

Anyway, today also marks the UACCM Transfer Fair! If you plan on transferring to another college after UACCM, the transfer fair is your chance to visit with representatives from the following institutions:

• Arkansas Student Loan Authority
• Arkansas State University
• Arkansas Tech University
• Baptist Health Schools Little Rock
• Central Baptist College
• Central Baptist College – P.A.C.E.
• Ecclesia College
• Henderson State University
• Louisiana Tech University
• Southern Arkansas University
• University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
• University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
• UAMS College of Nursing
• UAMS College of Health Related Professions
• University of Arkansas at Monticello
• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• University of Central Arkansas
• University of the Ozarks

Even if you won’t be ready to transfer this semester, visit with the representatives and ask for a plan of study in your chosen field of study. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for the Transfer Fair:

• Talk to your UACCM advisor about applying for graduation
• Print your unofficial transcript from CampusConnect and bring it with you to transfer fair
• Look on-line today for requirements and deadlines of transfer scholarships and other scholarships at the schools you are considering
• Visit with all of the colleges represented to explore your options
• Set up a tour with the colleges you are considering, and make sure you visit the department of your major

Need to pick up a "C" term or 8-week #2 term class? Stop by your division chair's office today and register. Division chairs registering students are: Martha Gattin (1st floor in BTC), Linda Jaramillo (2nd floor in UC), and Marilyn Thomas (Kirk Bldg.)


Don't forget about the FREE live music, popcorn, and drinks tomorrow from 11:00am-1:00 pm in Union Station Presents featuring Some Guy Named Robb, sponsored by your Student Government Association.


Have a great Wednesday!

Margit Meissner: Surviving the Holocaust (FREE presentations)

UACCM is honored to bring an individual to the area who survived one of the most horrific events in history: The Holocaust. Margit Meissner will present an account of her experiences on Thursday, March 11 at 12:00 noon in H.B. White Auditorium at Morrilton High School and at 7:00 p.m. in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium. The events are being offered free and are open to the public.

Margit was born February 26, 1922 in Innsbruck, Austria, and she and her family moved to Prague, Czechoslovakia shortly after her birth. Her father was a banker from a religious Jewish family in Bohemia and her mother came from a Viennese family of Jewish origin. Margit spoke a number of languages with her family including Czech, French, German, and English. In 1938, attacks on Jews in central Europe escalated, and her parents decided she should leave secondary school in Prague and set out for Paris, France alone, where she would study dressmaking.

Eventually, her mother moved to France as well, only to be captured and sent to a detention camp on the Spanish border when Paris fell to the Germans in 1940. At this time, Margit fled to the unoccupied south of France via bicycle, narrowly escaping death in a refugee building which was attacked. She eventually set out alone in search of her mother during one of the most dangerous times in history. After reuniting with her mother, the two fled, via Spain and Portugal, to the United States, where they settled in 1941.

Margit’s visit to UACCM will captivate audiences in a way only a true living piece of history can, so please join us for this memorable and educational event. 2009 survivor presentations were standing room only, so early arrival is encouraged to ensure seating for all presentations (especially the 7:00 presentation at UACCM) For more information and to RSVP for the event, click here (don't forget to become a fan while you're there!)

Tuesday, March 2 News

Here are a couple of class cancelations today:

• Nancy Patterson (business instructor) is out today, and her classes are canceled
• Cynthia Minguez (academic achievement instructor) is also out, and her classes are canceled. (Be sure to check ANGEL for a newly-posted assignment!)

How does live music, popcorn, and drinks sound? How about if it's FREE? "Some Guy Named Robb" will be on campus this Thursday, March 4 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Union Station to entertain UACCM. Take a look at some of Robb's performances here: http://www.myspace.com/sgnrobb

Stop by between classes and check it out, and have some free popcorn and drinks while you're at it. It's all being provided by your Student Government Association.

Snow Days Aren't Always Free!

A message from UACCM Vice Chancellor of Instructor Diana Arn:

UACCM was closed for three days due to the recent winter weather. The spring semester has been extended to Wednesday, May 5 in order to make up one academic day. The final exam schedule has been modified in order to accommodate this change. Please check with your instructor if you have specific questions. Look here for the new final exam schedule.

Hope you enjoyed the snowball fights, because it looks like we have to pay for them now!  

We're marching into...well, March

Happy Monday, UACCM! Here's a class cancelation for you today:

• Traci Caldwell (English instructor) is out today, and her classes are canceled

Coming up this week: UACCM Transfer Fair. The annual transfer fair will be held this Wednesday, March 3 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the University Center. Click here to see what representatives will be on campus for the fair. If you're interested in transferring after UACCM, be sure to stop by and get some advice, applications, and free stuff!

UACCM Intramural Teams Play in State Tournaments 

While UACCM has sponsored an intramural sports program for several years, the past two semesters have represented tremendous growth in participation and success in the program both on and off-campus. The fall 2009 semester marked the first time in program history that a team consisting of UACCM students participated in a state intramurals tournament.

The UACCM Draft Picks team was the fall 2009 UACCM intramural flag football champions, and members received a prize package which included a pre-paid entry fee to the AIRSA State Flag Football Tournament at Arkansas Tech University. The tournament was held October 23 through 25, 2009 in Russellville. Draft Picks was made up of team members Jeremy Burton, Jordan Duvall, Ryan Hellum, Chase Hickey, Garret McPherson, Jacob Owens, David Picchoki, Case Rogers and Kaleb Yoder. A second UACCM team, the P.U.N.ishers, also represented UACCM at the tournament with members Delvin Calvin, Ryan Duncan, Jason Finkle, Gerrad Huffman, Tony Maxwell, Darryl McDaniel, Derrian Reed, Bradley Sutterfield, Tiger Walker, Damian Wright and Darius Wright.

More recently, the spring 2010 UACCM intramural 5-on-5 basketball champions, the T-Wolves, traveled to compete in the AIRSA State 5-on-5 Basketball Tournament. The tournament was held February 19 through 21, 2010 at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Team members included Brad Bittle, Lawson Bonds, Carlan Britton, Delvin Calvin, David Drayton, Renato Galligan, Zack Grey, Brandon Labot, Cameron Murray, Derrian Reed, Marcus Smith and Damian Wright.

According to UACCM Director of Student Activities Kelley Roach, “The students who participated in the two state tournaments represented UACCM very well. They are great representatives of our student body and the effort they put forth every day.” He added that “Intramurals provide recreation and relaxation from school and work as well as the rapid pace of modern society for students, faculty, and staff members.”

The UACCM Intramural Sports Program is open to participation from current UACCM students, faculty, and staff members, allowing students and employees to form relationships that would otherwise not be possible. Later in the semester, UACCM intramurals members will have the opportunity to participate in the First AIRSA State Softball Tournament at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.