Provost Robinson Provides Tips to Help Students Finish the Semester Strong

Charles Robinson, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, who is also a tenured faculty member teaching courses in history, recently offered some advice to University of Arkansas students on finishing the semester strong.

In an email sent to all students Tuesday, Nov. 10, Robinson acknowledged the challenge the semester has been for everyone, and outlined some tips that will help students be successful through the end of the fall semester. He also informed students who have said they feel like they are missing out on the college experience that there are still many safe, in-person activities that are still being held on campus. Here is an excerpt of that email to students:

• If you're attending your classes remotely, participating with your video camera on can help you remain present and eliminate distractions. Having your video camera on will also help hold you accountable to engage in the class and will better ensure that you are in an environment that helps you be alert and able to contribute meaningfully to the teaching/learning dynamic.
• Some of you enrolled in face-to-face instruction have chosen to attend those classes remotely. Even if you've made that decision, it is still important to engage during class time, reach out to your professor if you are struggling, and avoid binge watching recordings of your classes.
• If you are having trouble in a class, you should speak with your instructor and/or seek out academic support such as tutoring or supplemental instruction. This advice is the same now as it was prior to remote learning. You can also seek help through the Remote Learning Feedback Form. I encourage you to keep progressing in your classes through the end of the Fall and reach out to your instructors regularly to get the support that you need.
• Many of you have indicated that you are missing out on the college experience. Although I understand that it may appear to be more difficult, I want to direct your attention to the fact that we continue to have co-curricular, on-campus programming regularly. Since the beginning of the fall, the Division of Student Affairs and Registered Student Organizations have hosted 315 on-campus events with an emphasis on health and safety. Despite the pandemic, we have held some of our traditional programs such as sorority and fraternity recruitment, Cardinal Nights, Homecoming activities, the distinguished lecture series, programming within the residence halls, athletic events, and access to UREC facilities and programs including some intramural offerings. These programs and many others suggest that you should engage the campus actively and intentionally in order to nurture the broader college experience that is so important to your overall development. In the next few days alone, you could participate in a Veterans Day Celebration, watch a movie in the Union Theatre, or attend BWA Live, an exclusive student-only event to tip off the Razorback Men's Basketball season. Check out HogSync.uark.edu for other programs, such as this Pet Painting Workshop, and GivePulse for service opportunities.