- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Scivally named Trojan Outstanding Academic Advisor

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:05:21 +0000

A hard-working academic advisor in the College of Social Sciences and Communication with a passion for helping his students succeed has been named the winner of the inaugural Trojan Outstanding Academic Advisor Award. Louis Scivally, transfer and Bachelor of Applied Science advisor, will also receive a $1,000 prize for winning the new award, which recognizes excellent academic advising. It also emphasizes the importance and expanding role academic advisors have in serving ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s students and helping them be successful in a changing college environment. “I have enjoyed helping students investigate their passions, plan their pathways, and experience the joys of education,” Scivally said. “I am most proud of the observations I have made from the floor of Jack Stephens Center when I have helped students walk at their commencement ceremony. I have been able to watch many students put their lives in high gear when working on a degree.” Scivally earned a Bachelor of Science in printing management and a Master of Science in college student personnel services from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He began his ��Vlog��ý Little Rock career in 2012 and has worked as a recruitment coordinator in the Office of Admissions and an advisor for the College of Business before joining the College of Social Sciences and Communication. One of Scivally’s former advisees, Robert Aikman, who now works for a Fortune 500 company, said he wouldn’t be where he is today without Scivally’s guidance. “Louis is a rare breed,” said Aikman, business development analyst at Insight Enterprises. “Louis was instrumental in my academic strategy during my time at ��Vlog��ýLR. Initially, I was a biology major, but after taking just one week of an economics course, I realized I had a passion for the subject. I was reluctant to change my major, as I was unsure if economics was a viable route, but Louis walked me through the choice.” Scivally advised Aikman to look at the earning potential and need for economics majors, helped him apply for scholarships, designed a class schedule that fit in with his job, and told him that his happiness is the most important factor when choosing a career. “Regardless of his schedule, he was always ready to throw some time on the calendar and sync up to discuss academic strategy,” Aikman said. “Without Louis and his guidance, I might have never pursued analytics and economics. Now, I am the business development analyst for an entire inside sales organization of a Fortune 500, and I am very excited about my prospective career trajectory.” Scivally’s coworkers describe him as someone who can always be found getting to know students around campus and helping them reach their goals at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Louis walks with students every step of the way through their college career, from recruiting to graduation,” said Shannon Gwinn, director of the Center for Students and Career Services in the College of Business. “He takes the time to get to know the students as more than just a major and T-number. When Louis walks across campus or into an event, students immediately recognize him and reach out to visit with him. It is obvious that Louis is passionate about assisting students reach their goals at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” On campus, Scivally has been an early adopter and trainer for new advising technologies, including College Schedule and Ellucian Degree Works. “Another tribute to the dedication and expertise of Mr. Scivally is that he was chosen to be the foundational advisor for the new Bachelor of Applied Science degree program, which is a growing educational pathway for transfer students with military and/or technical credits to leverage and apply toward a bachelor’s degree,” Registrar Malissa Mathis said. “From its inception in 2015, Mr. Scivally’s efforts have grown that program to serve hundreds of transferring students.” In the upper right photo, Jennifer Owens (right) presents Louis Scivally (left) with the Trojan Outstanding Academic Advisor Award during the Staff Awards Ceremony. Photo by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to honor top academic advisor with $1,000 award

Ajani Oyindamola — Thu, 31 Jan 2019 14:32:24 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has unveiled a new staff recognition program that will honor the work of those who guide students through the academic process. In recognition of excellent academic advising, a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trojan Outstanding Advising Award will be presented to a deserving advisor during the spring semester 2019. The deserving recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award. Dr. Daryl Rice, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the new award recognizes the importance and expanding role academic advisors have in serving ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s students and helping them be successful in a changing college environment. “The vital importance of good academic advising to student success has been recognized across the country,” Rice said. “Advising used to be viewed as merely informing students of the courses to register for in order to stay on track to graduation. It still includes that, but the increasing professionalization of advising has expanded the role, which now includes help with career exploration to life coaching and much in between. It’s great that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will recognize excellence in professional advising alongside outstanding teaching, research, and service among faculty.” Professional academic advisors who have been employed by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for at least one year and hold a position below the rank of assistant dean are eligible for the award. A five-member selection committee comprised of one staff member, student, alumnus, faculty member, and administrator will choose the winner, who will be announced at the Staff Achievement Awards ceremony on Friday, April 26. Nominees will be evaluated on qualities and practices that include, but are not limited to: strong interpersonal skills; efforts to create a caring, helpful, and positive relationship with advisees; effective monitoring of student progress toward academic and career goals; supportive of the needs of a diverse student population; and knowledge of institutional policies and procedures, campus resources, and appropriate referral activities. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students, alumni, and employees can show their favorite advisors some love by filling out a nomination by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. To make a nomination, visit the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost website and click on the “Nominate an Outstanding Advisor” section. Once nominated, the nominee will be notified and must submit an application packet by 5 p.m. Monday, March 4, to be considered for the award. For more information, email Suzanne McAlister at swmcalister@ualr.edu.

Walk-in advising available through Jan. 25

Ajani Oyindamola — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 16:13:24 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students can see an academic advisor without an appointment through Thursday, Jan. 25. The Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising is offering walk-in advising sessions from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Student Services Center Room 320. Students only need to check in at the new front desk located directly off the Student Services Center third floor elevator. For more information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising, 501-569-3386 or advising@ualr.edu.

Fastlane events make ��Vlog��ý Little Rock advising, registering easy

Ajani Oyindamola — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 13:15:59 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students who need a fast and easy way to get ready for the fall semester can attend one of five Fastlane Registration Nights. Sessions are scheduled 4 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday from July 11 to Aug. 8 in the Jack Stephens Center on the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock campus. Students can stop by without an appointment to meet with an adviser, register for classes, check financial aid, and set up a payment plan all in one stop. Fastlane events are especially helpful for students with full-time jobs and/or children and who cannot attend advising and registration appointments during the university’s regular business hours. Representatives from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock colleges will be on hand to assist with advising and registration for all undergraduate majors. For first-time students thinking of applying to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, admissions representatives will be onsite to assist. For more information, contact the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Office of Admissions at 501.569.3127 or admissions@ualr.edu.

An Admissions official helps a University of Arkansas at Little Rock student register for classes during a Fastlane event.

National association recognizes ��Vlog��ýLR student advisor

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 02 May 2014 20:48:08 +0000

The National Academic Advising Association has awarded Carla Griffin a 2014 Outstanding Advising Award-Primary Advising Role Certificate of Merit. Griffin received the honor for her role as academic advisor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is the first adviser from ��Vlog��ýLR to be selected for the distinction, which was given in recognition of her advising abilities following a nationwide competition. The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students. The Academic Advising-Primary Role category includes those individuals whose primary role at the institution is the direct delivery of advising services to students. Since 1983, NACADA has honored individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the improvement of academic advising. The goal is to promote quality academic advising and professional development of its membership to enhance the educational development of students. Griffin will be honored and presented with her award in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the national fall conference.

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Rock for the Cure

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 20:39:37 +0000

Our guest post this week comes from Kim Tran, assistant director of academic advising.

We’re so excited that this October marks the fourth year for ��Vlog��ýLR’s Race for the Cure team, !

The 2013 race will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, in downtown Little Rock.

The ��Vlog��ýLR Rock for the Cure team was formed in 2010, and was started as a way to help build the capacity of our first year students in coordination with the first year experience, and to rally the many various groups around a common health cause.

I have gone into classrooms and asked if anyone knew someone that had been affected by breast cancer – about half of the class in any given room would raise their hands. So, yes, this does matter.

Over the past three years, we have raised more than $7,500 in support of the Susan G. Komen foundation. Pretty impressive if you ask me.

We encourage all faculty, staff, and students to get involved as it’s a way to help raise awareness and funds for a cause that matters. This race shows that you can make a BIG impact and still have fun!

This year, we’re having a Race Rally on Wednesday, Oct. 16 to get everyone excited about the race. We’ll have a table where you can decorate a tribute card or make your own button, learn about cancer screening opportunities, hear the ��Vlog��ýLR Concert Choir sing, and listen to author and comedic performer Tania Katan. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in DSC rooms A and B.

Please contact me at kttran@ualr.edu or 569-8685 if you have any questions. We hope to see you bright and early Saturday morning!

Rock for the Cure team holds pre-race rally featuring breast cancer survivor, author

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 15:37:00 +0000

The ��Vlog��ýLR Rock for the Cure team captain reminds the campus community that it is not too late to join fellow team members in supporting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, near the intersection of Broadway and Second streets in Little Rock. “This effort is to engage students and demonstrate you can have fun around a common cause,” said Team Captain Kim Tran. T-Shirts are available for pick-up in room 320 of the Student Success Center. Graduate student Delice Kayishunge is serving as lead student coordinator and peer mentor. She said participating on the team has been a great opportunity for personal growth and supports a great cause. “I’ve learned how to manage the responsibilities that come doing something like this,” said Kayishunge. “So far, it’s been an awesome experience.” A Race Rally will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Donaghey Student Center, Ledbetter Rooms A and B, and will include photos with the Trojan mascot, team T-Shirts, a donation table, a “Make your own Button” station, and tribute card decoration stations. A performance by the ��Vlog��ýLR Concert Choir will be at noon, followed by singer Amber Smith, first-year experience instructor and Student Services Success Initiatives coordinator. Author, playwright, and breast cancer survivor, Tania Katan, will speak at 1 p.m. The talk is sponsored by the Office of Academic Advising. Information about breast cancer and screening opportunities from the ��Vlog��ýLR Office of Health Services. Team members are soliciting donations to support mammogram screenings and breast cancer research. Since 1992, the Komen Arkansas Race has distributed more than $11 million throughout the state to provide support and information focused on early detection. For questions or more information about the ��Vlog��ýLR team, contact Tran at kttran@ualr.edu or 501.569.8685. Interested participants can .

College survival 101

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:12:57 +0000

If you’ve started college here, no doubt you have met Kim Tran, assistant director of Academic Advising. She was once an undergrad and works with students every day, so she knows first-hand about the freshman experience. She’s shared some tips for surviving your first year: Getting an education now is more important than ever. According to a multi-year study of 10,000 people, BLS economist Chuck Pierret discovered that members of that group held, on average, 10.8 jobs between the ages of 18 and 42. If this is the case for today’s generation, that means you will need to make sure you continually evolve your self to remain employable. First though, it is important for students to get a strong start in college.

Make sure you come with your books. Books are an investment. When you go to class, you should not only go to class and read only what is required, but use this as an opportunity to learn as much as you can about what you are studying. You should especially do this if you are a full-time student. You are here and if you truly value your time, you will want to make the best out of this great opportunity that you have. In short, it is up to you to make the most of your educational experience. Consider this a long-term investment in your SELF.
Balance. The biggest thing that students struggle with is workload versus academic load. so although some students start off as a traditional student, they often find jobs and start working (sometimes even taking on full-time work loads!). This makes it extremely hard to have a healthy work-life balance. Some students assume that financial aid is only possible carrying 12 hours of college credit or more, but financial aid is possible even at only six hours of credit. This is something that you can discuss with your academic advisor.
This is your fresh start. Many students also forget that college provides a clean slate and allow themselves to be defined by past success – or even failure. What you need to know is that now that you are in college, your performance here (for that semester) is what will matter. When I was working towards my undergrad degree at Arkansas State, I had a colleague who I attended the same high school as I had. When she was in high school, she was an average student and did OK; at that time, her goal was just to be social. But when she went to college, she decided that she wanted to get into optometry school. And she did. No one would have guessed based on how she performed in high school, but she studied very hard and graduated with almost a 4.0 in Biology. So, even though you may not have had a good start in high school, I remind all of my students that this is their time and that they need to use this as an opportunity to make the most out of their education at ��Vlog��ýLR.
Act short-term, but think long-term. True, you may be thinking just about getting off the ground this semester, but it is very important that you spend some time understanding your options. Your first and second semester (at the max) is when you should consider taking some academic risk. Ideally, you should have your options narrowed down to two or three majors and any exploratory courses you take should be used to help you further narrow down your options.
Get involved. In your first year, you will learn many things. How to manage your time, how to study, and even some things you may not have realized about yourself. That said, one thing you should also do is to get involved. There are many opportunities on campus. We have the Service Learning Fair in the Upper Concourse of the DSC on Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m, we have many academic clubs that you can join, intramural sports for those who like being active, and for those who like to lead – consider starting an initiative if there isn’t already something like that. This is your time and you should make something of it. You will carry this with you for life.
Be proud. It was not easy for you to get here, so you should be proud of getting this far! In addition to your family and friends, we – the ��Vlog��ýLR Community – are also proud of you!
Don’t forget to ask for help. If you encounter any problems with your courses or even need help with the content, reach out to your course instructor. We have a lot of intellectual assets at ��Vlog��ýLR, and, as always, your advisor is here to help as well.
Use your initiative. Make the most of this experience and have a great start to the semester!

Undergrads Encouraged to Explore the Majors

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:28:38 +0000

Freshmen students are encouraged to come Explore the Majors on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and learn more about the numerous academic programs available. The Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising will hold the annual Explore the Majors event from noon to 2 p.m. in DSC Ledbetter A, B, C. Undeclared students will have the opportunity to survey the many academic areas and determine their passion and major. More than 30 academic areas will be represented by faculty and staff who will be available to meet with students and answer questions. “One of the main goals for this event and for our office is to help students decide on a major that will lead them to the career of their choice,” said Valerie Breashears, academic advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Academic Advising. “Explore the Majors is an annual event that helps students make this important decision.” Food and drinks will be served. For more information, call 569-8685.

��Vlog��ýLR rocks for the cure

��Vlog��ý Little Rock — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 18:27:16 +0000

Our students showed up in full force this past October to represent ��Vlog��ýLR to our community.

Many of our first year students have told us that this was their first exposure to working on a project of this magnitude and that this was also their first social outing off campus. All in all, the students were proud of the team accomplishment and ability to garner the support of 190+ Race registrants and raise over $2,000 in only 41 days.

The money raised will support breast cancer research and mammogram screenings for our community. Go TEAM!

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock