FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has joined other colleges in the state and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to support “Say Go College Week,” Feb. 16-22.

“We hope that our participation will have a positive effect on college awareness throughout the state but in particular among high school students in Washington County,” said Karen Hodges, interim director of admissions. “We are eager to talk with students about the importance of attending college and to help them learn more about the admissions and financial aid processes.”

The university’s involvement will kick off with a contest sponsored by the office of admissions for junior high and high school students. Students may submit entries outlining the top 10 reasons for attending college. Prizes will be awarded to the student submitting the best overall list and to the student with the most original single reason for attending college. Contest information and entry forms are available by visiting http://saygo.uark.edu. Winners will be announced during the College Goal Sunday event.

Throughout the week, personalized tours of the University of Arkansas campus will be offered by the office of admissions. Students may choose from four tours each day, will meet with admission counselors and may have the opportunity to meet with representatives of the academic department they hope to join. Registration is available immediately by visiting http://visit.uark.edu.

“We want to help all students and perspective students for the upcoming year and hope they will take advantage of this event,” said Kattie Wing, director of financial aid at the University of Arkansas. “Our state and national professional organizations along with the Lumina Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America sponsor this in an effort to assist students from all walks of life complete the financial aid application process regardless the college they plan to attend. It is a time truly to provide assistance in starting the financial aid process for families. We hold College Goal Sunday at 37 sites around the state on this day. We are proud to offer our professional services free of charge.”

In addition, the office of admissions in cooperation with the office of university housing and the Multicultural Center will host Diversity Impact, Feb. 19-21. Diversity Impact is a competitive admission college preparatory program that exposes students to college life, helps them prepare for scholarship essays, and offers them the opportunity to take the ACT for free while on campus. More than 60 high school juniors have been accepted into the program during the 2009 Say Go College Week.

Local high school counselors have also contacted university admissions officers to arrange advising sessions at their high schools. To schedule additional high school visits during the week of Feb. 16-22, contact Matt Hargis, associate director, by calling 479-575-5242.

The Say Go College events culminate with the statewide “College Goal Sunday” on Feb. 22. Sponsored by the University of Arkansas office of financial aid, the event will assist area students with their applications for financial aid. Hosted in Silas H. Hunt Hall between 2 and 4 p.m., registration is available by visiting http://arcollegegoalsunday.org.