Family Programming
Welcome to The Pride!
The college exploration process is an exciting and important time for your family. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith recognizes that family plays an important role in a student's college selection and their success throughout their college career. One of the goals of the Office of New Student and Family Programs is to introduce new students and families to services and programs available on campus.
The most important role you can play in this process is listening to and supporting your student. Help them through the application process and in applying for financial aid including scholarships. At the same time, encourage them to remain focused on high school academics.
Lion Family Newsletter
Stay up-to-date with all of the activities on campus and share in your student's Lion experience by signing up for our Lion Family Newsletter. You'll receive timely information about upcoming events, important registration deadlines, and more. Registration is free & you can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up by clicking the newsletter registration button.
General Information
- Attend local college fairs to start gathering college information.
- Junior/Senior year — Contact us for information, admissions timelines, and to schedule a campus visit. Attend financial aid workshops hosted by your high school and/or »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ.
- Keep a file for each college considered.
- Take the ACT and/or SAT early to apply for scholarships. Testing the summer before senior year and early in the fall senior year is recommended.
- Senior year — Start applying for federal and state aid by submitting your FAFSA and your scholarship applications. Stay aware of deadlines such as the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ priority scholarship deadline Nov. 15. Parents can help their students through this process by watching deadlines and providing required materials. Enjoy your child’s high school experience and help them prepare for the college experience.
There are a variety of services available to help students succeed in the classroom. The Gordon Kelley Academic Success Center (ASC), located in the Vines Building, provides a variety of free services including math labs, a writing center, group tutoring, and computer support programs for a wide range of courses. The ASC provides many academic support services from mini academic workshops such as note-taking, time management, and study skills to individual and group tutoring to assist students with specific challenges of the course content and the student's overall college experience.
Payment is due by 5 p.m. on the published payment deadline date before classes begin. Payment deadlines can be found on the Registration Calendar. Payments may be made by debit card, credit card, or personal check. For a nominal fee, students have the option of setting up an installment plan during the fall and spring semesters. Installment plans are not available in summer.
We want your student to be successful in their courses, so we have implemented an Academic Early Alert Program! Faculty can initiate an academic early alert if a student is having academic problems in a course such as missing classes, poor test scores, needing additional skills support such as note-taking, etc. Students will receive an academic alert providing feedback on their progress and will be encouraged to see their faculty or advisor for additional help.
Yes. Career Services provides »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students and graduates with a full range of job placement guidance. The professional staff will advise students on a variety of areas such as coordinating internships, full-time and part-time employment, and providing job search assistance with resumes and interviewing workshops.
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ makes every effort to offer equal educational opportunities for all students. To ensure a total university experience for students with disabilities, we seek to provide reasonable accommodations and services for students who have physical, emotional, or learning disabilities. The underlying philosophy of the program is to provide support, where possible, that will maximize each student’s opportunities for academic success. Visit the ADA Services page for more information.
»Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ is one of Arkansas's largest providers of real-time, web-based courses. We offer a variety of alternative delivery methods to meet the growing needs of our diverse student population, including online, evening, and weekend courses. Many of our general education classes are offered online. Please note, however, that alternate delivery classes are often the first to fill, so students should register as early as possible.
No. All of our classes are taught by professional faculty. Our professors maintain scheduled office hours so they can assist students outside the classroom. And since we’re a learning-centered rather than research-driven institution, the number one priority of faculty is to ensure that »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students receive a quality education.
Yes. The Office of Housing and Residential Life is committed to creating a residential community that supports a vibrant learning experience at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ. The university currently offers two on-campus housing options:
Lion’s Den Residence Hall — Home to primarily first-year students, the Lion's Den is a sustainable design and features Living and Learning Communities focused on student success and civic engagement. Residents enjoy a variety of suite-style room options including one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with four to five people in each spacious suite. Amenities consist of fully furnished rooms, "loftable" extra-long twin beds, community lounges, safety and security features, and residential programming. The on-site dining facility accommodates students with flexible meal plans in a setting that is both convenient and comfortable. The dining hall is a buffet-style facility with several healthy options.
Sebastian Commons Apartments — Sebastian Commons is an exclusive apartment community that offers a unique student housing experience for upperclassmen who wish to reside on campus. Apartment layouts include one-, two-, and four-bedroom floorplans. Amenities include all basic utilities paid, full kitchen, individual rooms, queen-size beds, gated parking, a sand volleyball court, and basketball courts on-site. All rooms are equipped with extended basic cable as well as internet service.
Laundry facilities are located on-site in both Sebastian Commons and the Lion’s Den. For information on either facility, contact the Housing Office at 479-788-7340.
Officers of the University Police Department patrol campus buildings and parking lots 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. UPD also provides, by request, a security escort for students who are walking alone on campus at night or a jump start should students need assistance with their vehicle. Both services are available free of charge.
Whether students choose to take in a show, watch a battle between two nationally ranked athletic teams, or just relax with friends at a movie, campus life at »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ offers something for everyone. Our athletics program features men's baseball, women's volleyball, and men's and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, and golf. »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ has more than 100 student organizations including an active Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association. Our students perform throughout the semester in the jazz band, concert chorale, vocal jazz, symphonic band, and drama productions.