The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will continue its commitment to inclusive community engagement during its upcoming Mane Event orientation on Friday, July 28, 2023, with specialized Spanish language sessions to help parents and families learn about enrollment, engagement, and college life at UAFS. The program is set to host hundreds of new UAFS students, alongside their parents, families, and guests, beginning at the UAFS Stubblefield Center and extending across the entire university campus. Registration is required and must be completed by Friday, July 21.
“Our Spanish-speaking parents will have the opportunity to learn about different campus resources, financial aid, campus life, and housing completely in Spanish,” said Betsy Corona, Admissions Advisor for Diversity Outreach, who will lead some of the Spanish information sessions. “They will also be able to ask current students questions about how their experience has been so far. College is a big step, and it is important for our Hispanic families to know what the process looks like and how UAFS can help their children reach their goals.”
The Spanish Track, a new feature of the Mane Event, offers information in a format more accessible to the Spanish-speaking community. The track starts with an English address for students and parents, followed by a warm Spanish welcome by UAFS professor of World Languages Dr. Mary Sobhani. The track includes presentations, discussions, a student panel, and an overview of support services and other facets of student life and available resources, all delivered in Spanish.
According to Landon King, “We are excited to start making the steps to help our Hispanic population obtain the information that they need to help with their student’s success. This is through the work of those who are giving up extra time and energy to help with this project. It is not an easy task, and we are so grateful to our bilingual staff members who enable us to provide this much-needed information to our Spanish-speaking families.”
Similar to the English track, the Spanish Track of Mane Event will guide families through campus tours, academic resources, and opportunities available to their students at UAFS. Parents and families can expect to meet faculty and staff, hear firsthand experiences from current students, and learn about the different resources and opportunities available to their students.
Beyond the academic aspect, the Mane Event will also include Cub Camp registration, which the university strongly encourages all first-time students to participate in. As always, the program will guide students through necessary processes like class registration, payment plan setup, and financial aid application.
Adding to the excitement, the university will offer scholarship giveaways to some lucky attendees. Furthermore, a Resource Fair showcasing various areas of campus life, including Athletics, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Housing, Career Services, Library, and more, will also take place during the Mane Event.
As per the university policy, all students must attend an in-person orientation like Mane Event, Lion Launch, or Cub Camp and complete an Online Orientation. This comprehensive approach ensures that every new Lion is well-prepared and fully equipped for their journey at UAFS.
For more information, students may visit the UAFS Mane Event website.
About the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: Founded in 1928, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has served the citizens of Arkansas for nearly a century, empowering the social mobility of its students and fostering the economic growth of the River Valley. Through dynamic academic programs, innovative research and development, and robust community partnerships, brings the power of education to the nearly 6,000 ambitious students who call it home. A commitment to experiential learning means UAFS students are ready to enter their careers the day they cross the commencement stage, and a dedicated body of faculty and staff who truly care prepare them for success at every stage of life.
