New Students Invited to iConnect Event That Links New Students with Campus Resources

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education will present the iConnect Kick-Off event will take place from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in the Shollmier Plaza of the Donald W. Reynolds Center. The iConnect program is a year-long initiative designed to address specific challenges students may encounter in their first year at the University of Arkansas.

Each of the major academic units at the university will have representatives present during the College Connect session, to provide new students with information about their programs. Students will be encouraged to interact with deans, faculty and students by asking questions and sharing concerns. One goal of this session is to address popular myths about the work load, pace, discipline and student responsibility associated with coursework and interaction within their college or school.

Students will also attend sessions specifically concerned with

• The technology they’ll need to use in their first year of college, from Blackboard, ISIS and exchange mail to the university’s iPhone and Android apps.
• Their health, safety and welfare on campus, through tips and information from the University Police Department and the Pat Walker Health Center.
• Academic tips to prepare for the first two weeks of classes, covering topics such as  the importance of the syllabus, dropping classes, grade forgiveness, and establishing a GPA strategy.
• Social and personal experiences of upperclassemen, to give a realistic picture of what life is like as an underrepresented student at the University of Arkansas.