Off Campus Connections Changes Name to Off-Campus Student Services

Effective May 15, Off Campus Connections became Off-Campus Student Services. Within the Division of Student Affairs, Off-Campus Student Services provides resources, services and programs for off-campus undergraduates.

While the office has changed it's name, Off-Campus Student Services will still offer services in three priority areas: freshman commuter programs, non-traditional/adult learner support, and off-campus living education and services.

Sylvia Scott, director of Off-Campus Student Services, said her desire is for each student living off-campus to feel like an important part of the University of Arkansas, earn a degree, and have their name forever inscribed on Senior Walk.

"We wanted to change our name to better reflect the services we provide for students," Scott said. "We're still about making connections for students on- and off-campus, but we want students to know that we provide programs, resources, and countless other services as well."

Off-campus students are defined as undergraduates not living in a residence hall, fraternity, or sorority house. The University of Arkansas has approximately 15,400 undergraduates living off-campus each year. Some off-campus students live very near the university, while others commute from hours away. Some students take advantage of online classes or majors and seldom visit campus.

"Those students who commute need just as much guidance as traditional and on-campus students, but they might not be able to access the information and resources in the same way on-campus students can," Scott said. "That's why we're here to help."

Freshman Commuters are first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students who live at home with a parent or guardian during their first year of college. Scott said Off-Campus Student Services reaches out to approximately 500 freshman commuters each fall to share campus and academic resources, to provide opportunities to meet other cohort members, and to provide mentorship opportunities.

Non-traditional students and adult learners are also supported by Off-Campus Student Services, Scott said.

"Non-traditional undergraduate students may have children, be married, work full-time, or be older than traditional students," Scott said. "Because their needs are different, we offer various support and recognition programs to encourage those who may have competing interests or other responsibilities in addition to school."

Finding a place to live is a basic need for many students beyond their freshman year, Scott said. To help meet those needs, Off-Campus Student Services offers a free housing website, offcampushousing.uark.edu.

"We work extensively with rental property owners in the area to find the properties that are seeking student tenants and give off-campus students various options to meet their living needs," Scott said.

Off-Campus Living Fairs and educational resources are also offered to help students who are preparing to live on their own in the community, Scott said.

Off-Campus Student Services can also help students navigate Off-Campus Meal Plans. Meal plans designed to meet students' needs are available for purchase through Chartwells Campus Dining Services, but if a student needs more information or help on choosing the correct plan, Off-Campus Student Services can help.

"Having a meal plan encourages students to eat regular meals so they can better focus on academics," Scott said.

Meal plans are charged to a student's account, making it easier for costs to be covered with financial aid awards.

"Commuter and nontraditional students have a home in Off-Campus Student Services," Scott said. "We work hard to make the it comfortable and convenient for students with a refrigerator, microwave, television and study tables."

For more information, visit Off-Campus Student Services online at offcampus.uark.edu, email a staff member at iliveoff@uark.edu, or call (479) 575-7351. Off-Campus Student Services is located on the 6th West floor of the Arkansas Union in Room 632. The Commuter Lounge in Arkansas Union 632 provides study space, a refridgerator, microwave, and hot water kettle for off-campus student use.