Office of First Year Experience Changes Name to 'New Student and Family Programs'

The office of First Year Experience in the Division of Student Affairs is changing its name to better reflect the types of programs and services that it offers students and families. As of April 1, the department will be known as New Student and Family Programs.

“The name First Year Experience no longer accurately describes the variety of areas that make up our departmental unit as it once did,” said Quincy Spencer, director of New Student and Family Programs. “While we do work with first year students, we also work with parents, transfer students and upperclassmen.”

Programs like Welcome Weeks and R.O.C.K. Camp are traditional first year programs. However, leadership programs including Emerging Leaders and the Graduating Student Leader program, are also now part of this department.

“A name like New Student and Family Programs allows us to better represent the populations we work with,” Spencer said. “It also showcases the important role that these students hold, with an office that is clearly identified for them.”

There are several exciting programs and services offered by this department, from leadership building programs to regional parents clubs.
 
“We have enhanced leadership programs including Emerging Leaders and the University of Arkansas Student Leadership and Career Academy,” Spencer said. “These programs were housed in another area in student affairs, but are a great fit for our office.”

One of the most exciting things happening, and a big reason for the name change, is a greater focus on parent and family members of Arkansas students including the establishment of regional parents clubs in different parts of the country.

“We are starting Regional Parents Clubs across the nation, hiring Parent Ambassadors who will help in the transition process for parents, and continuing events like Family Weekend and Spring Family Reunion,” said Alison Leach, assistant director of Parent and Family Programs. “Our goal is to provide parents with as much information as we can so they can successfully support their students.”

Parent and Family Programs offers events, regular communications, resources, and networking opportunities for parents and families of U of A students. Every family is different, so the hope is that with our various ways of reaching out there's literally something for everyone!

At the first Regional Parents Club, held in the Dallas area in February, the crowd gathered seemed very excited about the opportunities that this connection means for them and their students.

“I actually had parents clap when I shared with them about how the Division of Student Affairs is helping students identify their talents and develop them into strengths for future success,” said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “Our New Student and Family Programs office plays a big part in helping us involve students and parents in this process.”

The next regional parent club will be established in Little Rock, possibly in May. The next club to come online would be Northwest Arkansas.

“My hope is that when anyone contacts our office, either directly, through an event, or a publication they know there is someone on campus dedicated to helping them,” Leach said “Regardless of the individual need, I want them to know that even if they have a simple question or a complex issue, we are here to help them. It's not always easy for parents to support their student, especially from a distance; and it’s not always a smooth transition for students either but they don't have to do it alone.”