Dear UCA Alumni, Staff, and Faculty,

In this unparalleled time in history, the College of Education has been focused on the well-being of our students. Faculty pivoted mid-semester to move classes online, helped students get computer access from home, identified wifi availability near students, and, through our COE Emergency Fund, supported those struggling as they lost part-time jobs. Instead of telling you about the student experience, I thought you'd like to hear it in their own words. This makes me proud to call UCA College of Education my academic home.

--Vicki Groves-Scott

Kyrah Phillips - "During this pandemic, colleges and schools are doing the best they can to support students and I appreciate the hard work UCA professors and staff have been doing these past few weeks. All of my professors have been working hard to give assignments, meetings, and videos to make it feel like we have been getting the same work as when we were meeting face to face. I definitely appreciate that UCA did not give up on us and continued to put effort on us students. Thank you to all faculty and staff."

Marlie Smith - "Throughout this pandemic, my UCA professors have been really understanding and flexible. This has helped me so much because it has given me the opportunity to be able to still go to work and earn an income during this crazy period."

Samantha Thompson - "UCA did a great job supporting its students by having caring professors willing to work with students through this tough time. My professors have been passionate and caring!"

Keylee Lewis - "I came into college scared and was warned that all professors are mean and don't care about your grades. This is quite the opposite experience I got here at UCA! I love my teachers and love to see that they want me to exceed in their class and for the rest of my life. I feel like all my teachers truly believe in me and want me to do good!"

Chenel Dale - "UCA has been outstanding with the pandemic of covid-19. I have never been left confused or not knowing what was going on. President Davis has always kept students updated to his best ability and letting us know where we would stand. Professors have kept us informed, as well as working with us diligently to get things done in a respective manner. I have not once felt overwhelmed and everybody is working together to make this process as smooth as possible."

Madeline Herrera - "UCA has done very well in understanding the difficulties students may have faced during the transition from in class to online. Especially through my education classes, the professors have made it a top priority to reach out to the students via zoom, video lessons, email office hours, etc."

Lilyana Espino - "One way I felt really supported by UCA this semester was just through my teachers, especially with how much they’ve checked up on me in the last few weeks. I’ve gotten lots of emails and texts just asking how I was or reminding me that I can go to them if I need anything. They’ve all been really understanding and have adjusted schedules and assignments to make their classes easier for us to do well in. I felt really supported and knew that I could turn to any of them for help."

Kallen Henry - "UCA has done an amazing job of getting us transitioned to an online platform with little to no trouble."

Madyson Wood - "UCA as a whole has done very well with communicating and being positive. I’ve not had any issues with my courses whatsoever. I look forward everyday to seeing the community working in different ways to make this quarantine a little better."

Whitli Walthall - "After the first case of the virus came out in our state, UCA acted fast on what to do about classes. That showed that they truly cared about us and our wellbeing. I also think that the teachers were very caring and informative during this whole thing. They understood when people had internet issues or forgot about an assignment during this chaos. They showed maturity throughout this whole thing."

Anne Sting - "I felt that UCA did an amazing job making sure that I was informed about what was happening not only campus wide but for my individual classes as well. My teachers also made an effort to make sure that our class was as similar to our normal routine as possible and gave me tons of opportunities to meet with them through virtual office hours!"

Jacob Jacques - "I feel like, in this time, UCA did a good job at preparing the professors and giving them good and reliable resources to continue online learning."

Peyton Barrow - "One thing good that UCA did well, during this time, was hire good professors because they are the ones that have made this transition easier."

Alexandria Blouin - "One thing UCA did well was making sure students were refunded. I was struggling financially because I lost my job. This helped my school bill tremendously. They also did a good job with communication."

Cassie Latta - "UCA has done many things through this unpredictable and difficult time for students. They have offered zoom support groups and have kept us as updated as possible. I personally have had to adjust to the changes as we all have, but my professors have communicated with me well, and I even have had the opportunity to become even closer to a few of my professors and classmates. I feel UCA has done a great job being supportive to their students during this time and this has created a bond between us all!"

From bottom left: Samantha Thompson, Kyrah Phillips, Keylee Lewis, Chenel Dale