Submitted by: Lori Hunt, Vhunt1@uca.edu on 04/23/2026

Come join us at ������ Torreyson Library for our Pop-Up Flower Bouquet Bar. Make a bouquet to take on your way, Monday, April 27, 2:00-3:00pm (while supplies last).

Submitted by: Lori Hunt, vhunt1@uca.edu on 04/22/2026

Come de-stress with with us at ������ Torreyson Library and enjoy our various Finals Week activities starting 4/24/26 through 4/29/26. We have therapy dog, Ollie the Collie each day, Bubbles and Bubble Wrap, Mario Kart w/President Davis, a pop-up flower bouquet bar and more! Check out our libguide for our entire Finals Week schedule.

Submitted by: Jennifer Brewer, jbrewer1@uca.edu on 04/22/2026

Take Your Brightspace Skills to the Next Level: Faculty Training in May

Ready to go beyond the basics? CETAL is offering a series of focused, one-hour Brightspace sessions on special topics designed to help you build more intentional, efficient, and student-centered courses.

Each session dives into a specific topic with practical, hands-on strategies you can apply right away—whether you’re customizing your gradebook, streamlining course organization, or creating personalized pathways for your students.

Upcoming Topics

Release Conditions – Guide student progress and control access to content with simple, high-impact setup strategies.

Dates:

• May 8 at 2:00 pm
• May 12 at 1:30 pm

Weighted Gradebooks & Specifications Grading – Design grading systems that clearly reflect your course structure and simplify what students see.

Dates:

• May 11 at 2:00 pm
• May 14 at 9:00 am

Your Content, Amplified: Video Tools in Brightspace D2L – Explore Kaltura Media, Video Note, and YouTube to create engaging video content and feedback.

Dates:

• May 12 at 11:00 am
• May 13 at 9:00 am

Intelligent Agents for Student Success – Use automation to send timely messages, support students, and extend your teaching presence.

Dates:

• May 13 at 3:00 pm
• May 14 at 1:00 pm

Creating a Consistent Learning Experience with Page Templates – Design clean, accessible, and visually consistent course content using ready-to-use templates.

Dates:

• May 12 at 10:00 am
• May 13 at 1:00 pm

Whether you attend one session or several, you’ll leave with clear, practical ideas to enhance your course design and support student success.

Submitted by: Céline Evans-Kennard, ckennard@uca.edu on 04/22/2026

Join us in celebrating ������’s 2026 Student Worker of the Year, Megan Fresneda!

A sophomore and Marketing Student Worker in the Arkansas Coding Academy, Megan has made a lasting impact through her professionalism, initiative, and commitment to excellence. From supporting daily operations to elevating the Academy’s brand through her marketing and social media work, she consistently goes above and beyond in every task she takes on.

As her supervisor, Leslie Coger, shared, Megan is “an integral part of our team,” known for her reliability, strong communication, and solutions-oriented mindset. Whether assisting with major events like Demo Day or stepping in to support her team outside of regular hours, Megan approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and care—making a meaningful difference for students, staff, and the broader community.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Megan will receive a $100 scholarship and commemorative plaque. The Arkansas Coding Academy will also proudly display the Student Worker of the Year trophy for the 2026–2027 academic year. 🏆

We’re also grateful to celebrate all 24 nominees during National Student Employment Week. Care packages have been delivered across campus to reward and honor the incredible work of student employees who help ������ thrive every day.

Congratulations, Megan—and thank you to all of our outstanding student workers! 💜

Submitted by: Scott Austin, saustin@uca.edu on 04/22/2026

Griffin Planetarium shows this Friday April 24 and Saturday April 25 at 7:00pm: The one-hour shows this week include a tour of the current sky, a flight around the universe, and the full-dome movie “Big Astronomy” which visits the large observatories located in Chile. The planetarium is located in the Conway Corporation Center for the Sciences. Seating starts 10 minutes before show time. Admission is free. Seating limited to the first 94. No admission after the shows begin. No food or drink allowed.

/physics/planetarium/

Submitted by: Heather Harmon, hharmon3@uca.edu on 04/21/2026

The National Conference of Academic Deans (NCAD) convenes academic leaders from across the country for a dynamic and collaborative professional experience. The conference features distinguished speakers, engaging panel discussions, and thoughtful dialogue centered on the most pressing issues facing higher education leadership today.

We invite you to join us this summer to gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and connect with peers committed to advancing academic excellence.

Conference Details:
Dates: July 15–17, 2026
Location: ������ Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center

UCA Employee Registration Discount:
������ employees are eligible to receive a 50% discount on registration by using the code NCADFAC26.

Registration: /ncad/2025-conference/

Submitted by: Brian Earles, bearles@uca.edu on 04/21/2026

Take a break from finals to enjoy a short dance program presented by the 2026 Dance for Theater students. This demonstration includes three shorts dances that the students learned through the semester and also features student choreography. The performance will be held onstage of the Bridges/Larson Theater (Snow 230), the space will open to guests at 12:40 PM, and the performance will begin around 12:50 PM. We hope you’ll join us!

Submitted by: Jennifer Brewer, jbrewer1@uca.edu on 04/20/2026

Action Required: Download Blackboard Grades & Note Updated Incomplete Grade Deadline (Spring 2026)

As ������ transitions from Blackboard to Brightspace, there is a one-time need for faculty to download course data from Blackboard for Spring 2026 only.

Why this matters: After June 30, 2026, Blackboard courses for Spring 2026 will no longer be accessible. If you need grade data later for grade appeals, grade changes, or incomplete grades, you must download it now.

What You Need to Do

• Download your Grade Center for each Spring 2026 course
• Download assignment submissions and related student work
• Complete this process before June 30, 2026

If you need assistance, CETAL is happy to help. Contact us at cetal@uca.edu.

Important Update: Incomplete Grade Deadline (Spring 2026 Only)

Due to the Blackboard transition, the deadline for resolving Incomplete grades has been adjusted for Spring 2026 only.

• All Incomplete grades must be finalized by June 16, 2026
• This deadline applies unless an extension has been approved by the Registrar’s Office

If you need to request an extension beyond June 16:

Please use the Incomplete Grade Agreement Form available on the Registrar’s website.

Important: If an Incomplete will extend beyond June 16, you must download all relevant Blackboard course data needed to determine the student’s final grade before access ends.

Deadlines will return to normal after this one-time adjustment for Spring 2026.

Submitted by: Kristen Oitker, koitker1@uca.edu on 04/20/2026

Softball has a home series this weekend at Shock Stadium! Saturday is a doubleheader against North Alabama starting at 1 PM. Prior to first pitch we’ll honor our Most Valuable Professors (MVPs). Sunday the third game will start at 1 PM. All weekend is Alumni weekend! Any changes to game dates and times can be found on ucasports.com or ucasoftball social media. Use the link to claim your four free faculty/staff tickets!

Submitted by: Kristen Oitker, koitker1@uca.edu on 04/20/2026

Join us at Bear Stadium on Wednesday at 4 PM for First Responders Night! Free mini first aid kits while supplies last! Gates open an hour before first pitch and you can claim your four free faculty/staff tickets by clicking the link below!