Over the past year, the Arkansas Union A6 floor, located above the Union Living Room, underwent major renovations to create a more student-focused environment.

Home to key student offices and organizations, including Transition Programs & Initiatives, Parent and Family Programs, Student Engagement and Outreach, Student Involvement & Leadership, the Associated Student Government, and Graduate Professional Student Congress, the A6 floor now offers a revitalized and welcoming space for student engagement.

Additionally, student organizations such as University Programs, Cardinal Nights and RSO workspaces now enjoy enhanced accessibility and functionality within the upgraded layout.

The renovation project, which began in March 2024, required offices to temporarily relocate to the second floor of the Student Union. Now, after a month of settling into the transformed space, staff and students are eager to celebrate its grand re-opening with the campus community.

The official grand re-opening is set from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore the redesigned floor, which now offers a modern kitchenette, conference rooms, expanded lounge areas and more. A brief statement and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 1:15 p.m., followed by an open house-style celebration featuring refreshments and engagement opportunities with the organizations housed on the A6 floor.

Mary Skinner, director of student involvement, expressed her excitement about the new space. "Finally!" she exclaimed when asked about the completion of the renovations.

"If you had been to the A6 Floor prior to renovation, you would have seen a maze of walls with very little space for students to gather and connect," Skinner explained. "Now, with a more open and inviting layout, students have room to study, relax and engage with one another."

Associated Student Government President Mason Berres shared his enthusiasm for the impact the renovations are already having.

"Being up here is exciting. We are seeing more students in our spaces than ever before," Berres said. "Students are using the lounge areas to unwind, meet with peers and connect with our organizations. The new design helps foster accessibility and engagement, making it easier for students to learn about the resources available to them."

Jerrod Lockhart, director of transition programs and initiatives, also praised the transformation.

"This beautiful space speaks directly to the institution's commitment to student success," Lockhart said. "It provides additional areas for students to plan and host co-curricular activities, which aligns perfectly with the mission of many of our offices."

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend the re-opening event to experience the new A6 floor firsthand and engage with the various student-focused initiatives now housed within the space. For additional questions or comments regarding the A6 floor, please contact Jonas Zabriskie at jezabris@uark.edu.

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About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.