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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock officials share secrets for success with new students

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 16:36:02 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock students, professors, and administrators shared their secrets for success as they welcomed new students to campus during the Freshman Convocation Aug. 17 in University Theatre. The Freshman Convocation is an annual tradition offered by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Affairs to mark the beginning of students’ academic journey. “An academic convocation is a solemn ceremony that invokes centuries of tradition in higher education while serving as a significant event in the lives of new students,” said Dr. Velmer Burton Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Our robes and colorful hoods both symbolized significant events in higher education and honor the long-standing, historic role of teacher and scholar.” Lucee Lugo, a senior interdisciplinary studies major and member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, said she Googled great Freshman Convocation advice many times in order “to come up with something so great that you would remember it four years from now,” but decided to leave students with three tips that helped her make it through college: the importance of getting involved; know your university, and the importance of knowing yourself. “College can be tricky to navigate at times, and it can be hard to figure out where you belong,” Lugo said. “Find a club or student organization and just jump in. I never pictured myself as someone who would join a sorority, but I found that if you surround yourself with people who share the same beliefs as you and who are in your corner, it just makes life better.” Additionally, Lugo advised new students to “know your university” by becoming familiar with the resources the university provides, such as health and counseling services, writing centers, and student organizations, and to ask for help when needed. Finally, Lugo advised students to make the right choices in their new freedom at college. “You no longer have a parent or guardian looking over your shoulder,” she said. “Make sure you make a choice that is best for you.” Chancellor Andrew Rogerson bestowed his wisdom on students with advice for succeeding in their college careers, including:

��Own your education and make it yours
��Experience new things, people, and places
��Use this as a starting point for your future and rest of your life
��Make an impact in everything you do
��Go to class. You have to be in it to win it
��Take advantage of the educational and cultural aspects of Little Rock and the university
��Consider taking 15 credit hours per semester so you can graduate in four years

“Regardless of where your heart lies, I encourage you to choose a major early on. It really helps you to connect when you choose a major, and remember that there are many to choose from,” Rogerson said. “You have to take this opportunity you have been given seriously and take your degree seriously. You might be the first in your family to attend university and don’t know what to expect. Do not be scared to ask for help from faculty, staff, and everyone. We are all Trojans, and we look out for each other. I congratulate you on your choice of university.” Dr. David Briscoe, professor of sociology, served as the faculty keynote speaker for the convocation. “I am here to inform you that I do not think you could find a better university in the nation that cares as much for its students as ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” he said. “The university administration, faculty, and staff are a caring group who desire for you to succeed in every course that you take and every degree that you earn. I am very excited for each of you, for each of you have taken that first step on your academic journey.” He offered some practical advice for students to be successful at the start of their academic pilgrimage at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Be happy for the opportunity to be here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Learn all you can while you can. There are so many other individuals who would love to be in your shoes right now,” Briscoe said. “In closing, remember ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is not only an institution dedicated to learning, but it’s also a vibrant community. Within this community, be helpful to all with a servant attitude as you never know when you might need help. Sometimes, standing up for what is right is not always popular, nor is it always easy. Doing what is right is evident that you are an individual of high character. Last but not least, but most important, be committed and dedicated to your faith, not only in word but in deed. I wish you a blessed academic journey at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.” As students left the convocation, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock deans and administrators presented them with a Class of 2022 pin to wear as a symbol of the beginning of their academic journey and a reminder of their commitment to academic success leading up to their graduation in four years. “I was once 18, a long time ago, dizzy with the freedom I had been given, but I never missed class, never missed an assignment,” Rogerson recalled. “Higher education opens doors you can’t imagine. Get on board and enjoy the ride.”

Convocations will welcome new freshman, faculty, and staff to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 13:38:35 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will welcome new students, faculty, and staff for the start of a new academic year Friday, Aug. 17. The Freshman Convocation, an annual tradition offered by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Affairs to mark the beginning of students’ academic journey, will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the University Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts. Following the Freshman Convocation, afternoon activities will include lunch, a pep rally with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s athletic teams, and an organizational fair beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Fitness Center followed by a fashion show at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Bookstore at 1 p.m. In addition to the Freshman Convocation, the 2018 Faculty and Staff Convocation will be held from 3-4:30 p.m., also on Friday, Aug. 17, in University Theatre. Dr. Velmer Burton Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, will introduce new faculty members, while Chancellor Andrew Rogerson will discuss university initiatives and priorities for the 2018-19 academic year. After the convocation, a Champagne reception will be held in the University Theatre foyer to honor new faculty members.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to host convocations to welcome freshman, faculty, and staff

Ajani Oyindamola — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 13:00:14 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will welcome students, faculty, and staff for the start of a new academic year Tuesday, Aug. 15. The Freshman Convocation, an annual tradition offered by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Affairs to mark the beginning of students’ academic journey, will be held at 11 a.m. in the University Theatre in the Center for Performing Arts. Following the Freshman Convocation, all students, faculty, and staff are invited for lunch, a pep rally with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s athletic teams, and an organizational fair at noon in the fitness center located in Donaghey Student Center. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Bookstore will host a fashion show at 1 p.m. During the Faculty and Staff Convocation beginning at 2 p.m. in University Theatre, Chancellor Andrew Rogerson will introduce new faculty members and talk about university initiatives. Provost Velmer Burton, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Mark Allen Poisel, Faculty Senate President Andrew Wright, and Staff Senate President Richard Harper are also scheduled to speak. In addition, six faculty members will give short TED Talks-style presentations on exciting research happening at the university: · ��Dr. Tito Viswanathan, professor of chemistry, will speak about water purification. · ��Dr. Moiz Bhal, assistant professor of economics, will discuss the outcomes of national teaching certifications. · ��Dr. Naveen Nagaraj, assistant professor of audiology and speech pathology, will talk about hearing, language, and cognitive science. · ��Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Jerry L. Maulden-Entergy endowed chair and professor of information science, will review his extensive work in social media research. · ��Dr. Rebecca Glazier, assistant professor of political science, will give a presentation about her research into religion and electoral politics. · ��Dr. Suzanne Penn, associate professor of clinical law, will discuss her work at the Delta Legal Clinic. After the convocation, a Champagne reception will be held in the University Theatre foyer to honor Provost Burton, Vice Chancellor Poisel, and new faculty members.

New students welcomed at Freshman Convocation

Ajani Oyindamola — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 15:02:40 +0000

In the 2001 movie “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” the character Samwise Gamgee realized that when he was about to take one more step from the Shire, he would be the farthest from home he had ever been. While delivering the keynote address at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Freshman Convocation on Aug. 16, Dr. Julien Mirivel described this movie scene as one that relates to new students. “We can all identify with this moment,” Mirivel said. “We are all on a journey. Some of you are far from home. Many of you will live probably for the first time without your parents around. All of you in this room are like Sam; you are about to make a pretty big step on an important journey. You are about to start your undergraduate experience.” During his address, Mirivel, interim associate dean for student success, instruction, and engagement in the College of Social Sciences and Communications, encouraged students to “keep their hands open.” “Learning is about opening your hand,” he said. “Learning is about accepting. It’s such a beautiful idea that one way you can embody this idea of opening your hand on this journey is to be wide open to learning. Ideas, concepts, theories across disciplines will change the way you see things.”

Interim Chancellor Dr. Zulma Toro delivers well wishes for new students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during the Aug. 16 Freshman Convocation. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ýLR Communications.

University leaders attended the convocation dressed in black academic regalia to welcome new students with inspiring speeches and well wishes for the Class of 2020. The tradition of wearing distinctive academic attire originated in Europe during the 12th century. Faculty members at the university wear regalia as a show of support and commitment to the success of ��Vlog��ýLR students. “An academic convocation is a ceremony that invokes centuries of tradition in higher education,” said Dr. Zulma Toro, interim chancellor and executive vice chancellor and provost. “The faculty are dressed in their academic regalia. Our robes and colorful hoods both symbolize significant events in higher education and honor the longstanding historic role of teacher and scholar.” Dr. Brad Patterson, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, assured new students they can be successful at ��Vlog��ýLR and follow their dreams into graduate school, a career, volunteer work, or wherever life may take them. “You’re the Class of 2020, which means that you are going to stay on track for graduation, and we are going to get you all on to the next step in your journey in the next four years,” Patterson said. “We want to do everything we can to ensure that you reach those educational goals and that we help you take that next step, no matter what it may be.” Connor Donovan, president of the ��Vlog��ýLR Student Government Association, encouraged students to be active in their college careers. “New members of my Trojan family, this is where you will make it,” Connor said. “This is where you will get up early and go to these classes, and you learn things you never imagined existed. You join in at pep rallies, and then all of a sudden one day you are surrounded by love and friendships that will empower you to do whatever your heart desires. This university has all the resources you could possibly imagine.” In the upper right photo, Dr. Julien Mirivel delivers the keynote address at the Aug. 16 Freshman Convocation at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Photo by Lonnie Timmons III/��Vlog��ýLR Communications.

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

����Vlog��ý Little Rock officials share secrets for success with new students

Convocations will welcome new freshman, faculty, and staff to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock to host convocations to welcome freshman, faculty, and staff

New students welcomed at Freshman Convocation

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

��Vlog��ý Little Rock officials share secrets for success with new students

Convocations will welcome new freshman, faculty, and staff to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock to host convocations to welcome freshman, faculty, and staff