New 'U of A Cares' Program Offers Personal Assistance to Students

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Case manager Nicole Ferguson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – College can be a difficult time for many students. Newly found freedom, the rigors of academics, homesickness and trouble fitting in are just some of the things that can cause a student distress. During the fall semester the dean of students in the Division of Student Affairs established the new “U of A Cares” program to help these students. The program also makes it easier for faculty, staff and community members to let someone know when a student is in need of assistance or resources – someone who can help.

That someone is Nicole Ferguson, U of A Cares case manager for the office of the dean of students. Ferguson has visited with more than 400 students during the fall semester, dealing with everything from personal injuries and financial concerns to mental health issues.

“I’ve talked to students who were surprised that I’m even here,” Ferguson said. “There are students looking for someone to talk to, they just don’t know where to look, and I hope to raise awareness of our program for more students.”

Ferguson who reports to the dean of students office, wants all students to know that there is a place for them to come with problems in their personal lives that may be having an effect on their university experience.

“Retention is my goal. I want students to have fun, feel safe, stay healthy, and continue with their education here despite the issues they may be having,” Ferguson said. “I will connect them with resources and guide them on the pathway to success.”

“Nicole’s creativity and ideas were invaluable during her time as a graduate assistant in my office,” said Aisha Kenner, associate dean of students. “She is an important asset to both the campus and our students as case manager. From the very start we realized that her creativity and communication style would be an asset to the division and the students on this campus.”

“We wanted an easy process for anyone to be able to report a concern about a student, Ferguson said. “We have a website that allows anyone to fill out a form, which we will respond to within 24 hours.”

Students, faculty, staff and family members can get in contact with U of A Cares through the office on the third floor of the University of Administration building; by phone at 479-575-5004; and through the Report a Concern link on the website uofacares.uark.edu.

“We really need broad-based involvement from faculty and staff across campus,” said Melissa Harwood-Rom, dean of students. “The earlier we can get to a student who is in need, the more success we can have in helping them stay in class, stay engaged, and stay to meet their goal of graduating.”

The U of A Cares program was created as part of a national effort among professionals in student affairs that resulted in creation of the Higher Education Case Managers Association in 2008. The goal was to develop case management programs in universities across the country, and to help develop ways for college campuses across the nation to work with the challenges presented by students in need of services.

Ferguson completed her Master of Education in the University of Arkansas higher education program in May 2013 and was the graduate assistant for the associate dean of students for student life. Prior to returning to the Arkansas campus to complete her master’s degree, she worked for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Community Corrections.