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

Cultivating Student Success: How ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Resources Empower First-Generation Students

John Hill — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:44:55 +0000

November is First-Generation College Student Celebration Month. With more than 40 percent of its student population being first-generation students, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is especially committed to providing resources that help this special group of students reach their potential. “One of the biggest challenges first-generation students face in college is navigating a complex system such as a university,” said Heather Reed, director of Student Retention Initiatives. “There are so many processes that involve many offices. Luckily, Student Retention Initiatives can assist first-generation students in learning the university. It can be difficult to ask for help, and we make it easy through the Care Team, a support network for all students.” Members of the Care Team work closely with students to establish steps to reduce barriers to success. They take proactive action to support students in their pursuit of academic success, connect individuals to campus and community resources, create a supportive and caring culture for students, and establish best practices and standard protocols of response for academic referrals. Students who need assistance can contact the Care Team by filling out while faculty and staff who are concerned about a student can fill out . “We also offer peer mentors who are upper-class students who have successfully navigated various processes and have knowledge of the university,” Reed said. “First-generation students can request to be matched with a peer mentor to help them with a variety of issues, such as building locations, learning traditions, tips for academic success, and how to get involved on campus. Many of the staff in our office are first-generation college students so we understand first-hand the challenges students face and how to overcome those challenges.” The Office of Student Retention Initiatives also holds welcome events for new students and celebrates first-generation students every November during First-Generation College Student Celebration Month. “For me, being a first-generation student is a catch-22. I’m very excited that I decided late in age to go back to school,” said Veronica Tess Myers, a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration. “I finally finished getting my bachelor’s and am looking forward to acquiring my master’s degree. However, it’s also a little bit of sadness. I’m considered to be a know-it-all because I went further. A lot of the reason why I went further is because of my autistic son and having to learn what I needed for him to succeed.” Since 1978, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s TRIO Student Support Services has provided resources to help increase the rates of academic achievement, retention, and graduation among historically disadvantaged students. “TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides services to a limited number of eligible ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students,” said Dr. Desarae Nelson, director of TRIO SSS. “Eligibility requirements include: first generations, and/or limited income, and/or disabled. SSS offers: a scholarship, weekly workshops, financial literacy, cultural events, textbook loans, tutoring, career readiness, and graduate school trips. SSS seeks to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The goal of the program is to increase participants’ college persistence, support them through graduation, and facilitate the transition from one level of higher education to the next. The program is funded by the US Department of Education.” Dr. Mike Kirk, director of health services and counseling services, said that both units offer great resources to help first-generation students adapt to college life. “Health Services for certain can immediately impact first-generation students,” Kirk said. “To have a convenient family care clinic right here on campus is excellent for them. They can get in and take care of virtually any medical issue that you go to the doctor’s office. Also, the cost is going to be less here than when you go outside to your doctor’s office.

Dr. Mike Kirk

Counseling Services can help normalize the college experience. It’s not as easy to get students to come see us in Counseling Services. We know students can get anxious and concerned about succeeding in college. We can help normalize those feelings and give students strategies to help make them successful.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock also supports students in several other ways. The office of Student Retention Initiatives coordinates peer mentoring, academic coaching, and tutoring to help all students thrive. Additionally, student researchers in the Signature Experience Program receive grant funding and are mentored by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty, helping prepare students for advanced study and improving persistence. The Multicultural Center provides several mentoring programs that help empower, support, and assist African American students, Hispanic/Latinix students, and students of color in achieving their goal of earning a college degree. Students in these programs meet with career and professional mentors for regular support. The university’s Learning Commons, which opened during the spring semester, provides a space where students have access to study space and tutoring assistance. The Learning Commons is the home of the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “The Learning Commons is a great free resource available to students,” said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator. “In this space, we can help students be successful by providing them with direct access to resources that can help them in their courses. Collectively our centers cover a large variety of subjects, everything from intro-level courses, math, writing and communication. We also provide a comfortable space for students to study individually or to study in groups. Here in the Learning Commons we aim to equip our students with the necessary skills and strategies that they need to be successful.” Genesis Dominguez, a junior double major in Spanish and anthropology and first-generation student, helps many students in her work at the Communication Skill Center. “The Communication Skill Center is a great opportunity for the students,” Dominguez said. “This center helps students do presentations, organize slide presentations, prepare them for a speech or interview, rehearse, organize ideas, and manage anxiety while speaking. It has a great team that is willing to help you every step of the way and will celebrate with you every win that you make.” ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has a number of student ambassador programs that create leadership opportunities for successful students who serve as tutors, mentors, and guides for their fellow students.

Learning Commons Coordinator Brandon Solllars and Michelle Malone and De’Ja Johnson, applied communication graduate students, give a presentation in the Communications Skills Center in Ottenheimer Library. Photo by Ben Krain.

“I intend to help create pathways for opportunities for other ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students and specifically veterans, students of color, and nontraditional students to gain access to resources that hopefully will help generate more student success,” said Bryan Hernandez, a first-generation student and ambassador for the School of Business. “I hope to show that programs like the student ambassador program work! That they help to create a sense of community at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and build confidence in students that may deeply need it.” Additional campus resources that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students will find useful include:

Trojan Works is an institutional work study program that provides on-campus employment opportunities as well as a unique experience that prepares students for success beyond graduation.
Career Services provides opportunities for students to prepare for careers through internships, job postings, career fairs, and career coaching.
Trojan Career Closet offers a career closet to help ensure students are dressed for interviews and internships. Each semester, students can select outfits to wear for professional settings.
Trojan Food Pantry is open to assist students, faculty, and staff with food needs they may have throughout the year.
The Military Student Support Center offers support for the university’s more than 700 Active Duty, Reservists, National Guard Members, Veterans, and their families utilize the center each year.

SRI Celebrates ��Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

John Hill — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:54:59 +0000

In honor of First-Generation College Student Celebration Day on Nov. 8, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Student Retention Initiatives hosted an event to celebrate the university’s first-generation students and employees. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Trio Student Support Services, Student Success Center, Care Team, and Learning Commons all participated alongside SRI by giving out information about their services. The event was held beside the Learning Commons in Ottenheimer Library to show students the academic assistance available to them and encourage them to reach out to the staff if they’re struggling. The Learning Commons is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “Essentially, this is a one stop shop for all things student success, so we want students to be familiar with this space if they aren’t already,” said Tyler Harrison, associate director of Student Retention Initiatives. About one-third of college students in the United States are first-generation, and these students have challenges that go beyond many of their peers. “This is a demographic that needs to be recognized,” said Brandon Sollars, Learning Commons coordinator. “College is a big step, and it’s great to be here as a touchstone for them to find the support and resources they need or might need at some point. I think the university does a great job in providing a lot of these services, and this is just a good opportunity for us to get together and celebrate that.” Students were encouraged to attend with free popcorn and baked goods, but they left with much more. “My dad dropped out of high school, and my mom tried to get through college but never quite made it, so being able to get farther than either of my parents is a lot of pressure,” said Kayleigh Foster, a senior first-generation biology student. “It’s hard having to work for yourself and make your own money to support yourself and your education. It’s not handed to you; it’s difficult, especially when you don’t know how to manage your time between work and school. I feel like things like this event helps a lot. It’s a lot of weight off my shoulders knowing that other students are in a similar position, both financially and academically.” Dalen Villa, a sophomore computer science student who popped in to check out the event, also mentioned his family and the effect they have had on his college career. “I know I’m setting the next generation of my family up for success by being here. I’m doing this for them, and that’s my main motivation,” Villa said. “I feel a lot of pressure sometimes, but the fact that ��Vlog��ý Little Rock does such a good job accommodating us is one of the main reasons I chose to come here instead of somewhere else.” In the upper right photo, Veronica Tess Myers is a first-generation student studying applied communication who attended the Nov. 8 celebration.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Sollars as New Coordinator of Learning Commons

John Hill — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:00:57 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has hired Brandon Sollars, of Little Rock, as the coordinator of the university’s new Learning Commons. The Learning Commons, which opened during the spring 2022 semester, provides a one-stop location for tutoring services across the university. The 13,000-square-foot-facility located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library is home to the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring. “I’m very excited to be here, and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Sollars said. “I know I am on the right path. I feel confident that the Learning Commons will be everything we intend it to be and more. We want to provide easily accessible centralized resources that are available to everyone on campus.” As the Learning Commons coordinator, Sollars is responsible for sustaining an environment of academic and professional excellence for students and educational team members. He will monitor and coordinate daily operations of the Learning Commons and oversee Trojan Tutoring, which provides tutoring in areas not served by the other academic centers in the Commons. Trojan tutors will also provide a variety of services to support academic success such as study skills, time management, homework assistance, and much more. “We are delighted to have Brandon join the Learning Commons to provide leadership and his expertise to develop Trojan Tutoring,” said Heather Reed, director of student retention initiatives. “Brandon brings varied perspectives including being an adjunct instructor, graduate student, and former member of the Communication Skills Center.” Sollars is a two-time graduate of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in applied communication as well as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Applied Communication. As a student, Sollars used many of the resources that are now available in the Learning Commons to succeed in school, and he plans to share that knowledge with today’s students. “As a graduate assistant, I worked as one of the assistant directors in the Communication Skills Center. I also have used the University Writing Center and the Math Assistance Center,” Sollars said. “These are all services I used in my time as a student, and I believe in what they can do for a student’s academic career. I am excited to find out how I can contribute to the success of our students.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Opens Learning Commons to Provide All-Access Tutoring to Encourage Student Success

John Hill — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:20:40 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has opened a new learning center that will help students succeed by providing a convenient one-stop location for tutoring. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Learning Commons is a student-centered space that is designed to allow for inclusive learning for any student in need of tutoring assistance. It’s a 13,000-square-foot-facility located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library. Students can receive tutoring from the Communication Skills Center, Math Assistance Center, University Writing Center, World Languages Center, and Trojan Tutoring, which provides general tutoring for core courses not served by one of the other centers. All tutoring is free for ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students. In addition, the space also features rooms for small work groups, hang-out areas, desks, and computer workstations. “Centralizing tutoring services at the center of campus will make it more convenient for students to use them; if a student is getting help with College Algebra, they can also get help with a paper, a class presentation, or the content of a core course, all without leaving the commons,” said Dr. Daryl Rice, who coordinated the creation of the Learning Commons. “The increased visibility and buzz in the commons will help convince those who may be reluctant to ask for tutoring see that help-seeking is something successful students do as a matter of course.” The Learning Commons will continue the mission of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to help each student excel in school and in life. Whether students need to conduct research with physical or digital collections, write a paper, create and practice a presentation, or increase their knowledge and skill in math or other subjects, the Ottenheimer Library Learning Commons will provide a space where students can access the technology and expert assistance they need to succeed.

Photos of the new Learning Commons at Ottenheimer Library by Ben Krain.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock saw a need to increase tutoring for particular courses that are not addressed directly by the existing academic assistance centers. The new general tutoring program will be funded in part as one of the new student success initiatives implemented by a $25 million anonymous donation the university received in 2020. Students may visit ualr.edu/learningcommons for hours and how to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact learningcommons@ualr.edu or call 501-916-3966.

Renovations Will Bring Reinvigorated Learning Spaces to Support Student Success at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:30:42 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has two ongoing renovation projects this fall that will bring together academic student support centers and student success programs into two dynamic learning spaces. The university’s new Learning Commons will be located on the first floor of Ottenheimer Library. The commons will be the new home of the University Writing Center, Math Assistance Center, Communication Skills Center, and Global Languages Center, as well as general tutoring at the university. The Learning Commons will also include rooms for small work groups, hang-out areas, and computer workstations. “The overall design of the new spaces will be very inviting with a fresh, new, and cool look,” said Leslie Hutchins, director of planning and capital construction at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “People will want to be at the Learning Commons. This is a place where students will want to spend time to study and meet and work on projects. The renovations will give the space a different feel.” The university saw a need to increase tutoring for particular courses that are not addressed directly by the existing academic assistance centers. The new general tutoring program will be funded in part as one of the new student success initiatives implemented by a $25 million anonymous donation the university received in 2020. Also under renovation is the first floor of Old Student Union Building B, which will be the new home of TRIO Student Support Services and the Ronald McNair Scholars program. TRIO serves first-generation and low-income students and students with disabilities, while McNair Scholars help undergraduate students explore and prepare for graduate school. Dr. Daryl Rice, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, said that the renovations will centralize student support centers that were previously scattered across campus.

A rendering by WER Architects/Planners of the finished Learning Commons project in Ottenheimer Library.

“We are very excited about this renovation project because it will make a real difference for students,” Rice said. “A student won’t have to travel across campus to visit the Math Assistance Center and the Communication Skills Center. All of these great student resources will be located within 150 yards of each other right in the center of campus. We want students to be able to go to one convenient place to fill all their tutoring needs.” Renovations are underway at both projects and are expected to be completed during the fall semester by WER Architects/Planners. Ottenheimer Library will remain open during renovations. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock will hold a grand reopening ceremony for the Learning Commons and Old Student Union Building B in the spring 2022 semester.

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

Cultivating Student Success: How ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Resources Empower First-Generation Students

SRI Celebrates ����Vlog��ý Little Rock First-Generation Students

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Names Sollars as New Coordinator of Learning Commons