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University of Central Arkansas

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, Arkansas 72035
Phone
(501) 450-5000
Email address
admissions@uca.edu
School Information
"The University of Central Arkansas aspires to be a premier learner-focused public comprehensive university, a nationally recognized leader for its continuous record of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, scholarly and creative endeavors, and engagement with local, national, and global communities." The university enrolls over 10,800 students, has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, and offers over 160 academic programs. (Source: https://uca.edu/about-uca/)
General Information
The University of Central Arkansas has not yet implemented a university-wide anti-racism initiative. However, it offers several classes which discuss Critical Race Theory. No Critical Race Training sessions are yet required of students. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • The university partnered with the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative (ABPC) and the Arkansas Peace and Justice Memorial Movement (APJMM) to create the "2022 Arkansas Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge." As part of "The Challenge," individuals will be able to participate in "self-guided daily learning activities."
  • The UCA received the "Insight into Diversity Jesse L. Moore 2022 Supplier Diversity Award."
  • The university has given students several awards in "Outstanding Diversity Outreach."
Program and Research Funding
  • The Faculty Senate and the Executive Committee will “support and promote diversity initiatives and programming offered by student organizations, colleges and departments, and the Office of Diversity and Community.”
  • The school has a section in its website devoted to listing all the DBIE grants both given by the school and to the school.
Resources
  • The Philosophy Department offers a course entitled "3340 Critical Theories of Race." According to the course description, "An elective for majors and minors in philosophy and African/African-American Studies. Attempts to understand the history, significance and value of the African American experience. Key issues include identity, alienation, justice and racism. Combines lecture and discussion."
  • The Philosophy Department offers a class titled, "PHIL 2360 Gender, Race, and Class: Philosophical Issues," which discusses Critical Race Theory and other subjects.
  • The Psychology and Counseling Department offers a wide range of anti-racism resources (some even provided by the American Psychology Association), along with names of certain organizations to support.
  • The school permits “Diversity, Equity, or Civility Concern Reporting” for all students and guests.”
  • The school’s library has a section devoted to “Anti-Racist Pedagogy and Inclusive Classroom Resources.”
  • The school celebrated DBIE week in 2023 by hosting numerous workshops on anti-racism and DEI.
  • The school offers the Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion, & Equity Award.
  • The school has a list of all works made by faculty members related to DEI.
Symbolic Actions
  • In November 2020, the unversity hosted Tim Wise, an "anti-racist" writer who gave a lecture on “Interest Convergence in a Time of Pandemic and Police Brutality: How COVID and Growing Authoritarianism Provide an Opening of Solidarity.” There was also student lecture on “Challenging the Culture of Cruelty: Understanding and Defeating Race and Class Inequity in America” and a faculty workshop on “Beyond Diversity: Steps for Uprooting Racism, Privilege, and Institutional Inequity.”
  • UCA released its Diversity Statement regarding its pursuit of a "diversified studennt body, faculty, and staff," as well as "maintain[ing] the highest academic quality and ensure that our programs remain innovative and responsive to the ever-changing and diverse needs of those we serve." It also "seek[s] to enhance interaction and understanding among diverse groups and cultivate enriched learning opportunities in a global community."
  • UCA has appointed several members to the "Diversity Advisory Committee."
  • The school carries out its Campus Climate Surveys for UCA in order to “realize its aspiration of attracting and supporting a diverse student, faculty and staff community, participate in enhanced multicultural learning opportunities as well as provide support and knowledge for diversity and inclusion.”
Last updated June 25th, 2024
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