University Programs Wins Pair of Awards at Regional Conference

University Programs

University Programs received two awards at the National Association for Campus Activities central regional conference earlier this month. Attending for UP were (from left) Graduate Advisor Thomas Patterson; Mallory MacDonald, UP Comedy chair; Elizabeth Ellington, UP Daytime chair; Landry Chopin, UP president; Stephanie Nguyen, UP Visual and Performing Arts chair; and Graduate Advisor Haley Boevers.

University Programs was recognized with two awards for its activities on campus at the National Association for Campus Activities central regional conference this month in Arlington, Texas. The "Outstanding Low Cost Event" award was presented for Swap Till You Drop, an event from February where students could trade in their unwanted clothes for an equal number of other student clothing items. The "Best Promotional Item" award was presented to UP's iconic custom socks, a staple at any University Programs event around campus.

The National Association for Campus Activities is the recognized leader in higher education providing knowledge, ideas and resources for campus life. Its annual regional and national conferences provide students opportunities to preview talent and other events to potentially bring to campus.

"NACA is a great opportunity to make connections with other schools while collaborating ideas," said Landry Chopin, University Programs president. "We had such a great time watching all of the acts and networking with agencies, UP can't wait to bring new and diverse events to campus!"

Attending the conference from University Programs were Mallory MacDonald, UP Comedy Chair; Elizabeth Ellington, UP Daytime Chair; Landry Chopin, UP President; and Stephanie Nguyen, UP Visual and Performing Arts Chair. Graduate students Ali Bontrager and Katie Mahar attended the conference, and graduate student advisors Haley Boevers and Thomas Patterson also attended and were on the NACA Central planning committee as well.

University Programs is a volunteer student organization responsible for coordinating and planning events annually for the campus community. University Programs provides UA students with cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment experiences. Seven committees along with committee chairs and their executive officers select, schedule, and produce events such as concerts, movies, lectures, fine arts performances, and gallery exhibits. University Programs provides excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills and to gain practical experience in a variety of areas. Supported by an activity fee instituted in 1988, the events are free to the student body. University Programs is a program in the Office of Student Activities and is part of the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Office of Student Activities: The Office of Student Activities provides an environment for involvement, empowerment, and collaboration through student organizations, programmatic experiences, and shared governance. OSA maximizes the UA experience by advocating for all students, promoting intercultural understanding, and developing citizens who are prepared to positively impact their communities.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.