UAPB sets new student, welcome week
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host UPROAR: New Student Week and the Welcome Week 2024 schedule to welcome students and help integrate new and returning students into the campus community.
UPROAR: New Student Week will take place Aug. 19-24. UAPB Welcome Week starts Aug. 25 with the first day of instruction Aug. 26.
UPROAR WEEK
Aug. 19 — The UAPB UPROAR week will kick off with the New Student Move-In, where freshmen assigned to Stevens Hall and Johnson Hall will move in from 8 a.m. to noon, and those assigned to the Delta Housing Complex, Copeland Hall, and Fischer Hall will move in from 1-5 p.m. Guided campus tours will be offered from noon to 1 p.m., starting at the L.A. Davis Student Union, followed by the Freshman Welcome Ceremony at 6 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena and a Welcome Celebration from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Aug. 20 — “How to LEAD at UAPB” will be held from 9-9:50 a.m. in the Henderson-Young Business Building, featuring the Student Involvement & Leadership and the Student Government Association. “UAPB 101: An Introductory Course to Campus Success” will take place from 10-11:30 a.m., with presentations from TRIO Student Support Services, John B. Watson Memorial Library, and Career Services. From 2-3:30 p.m., students will attend “A Guide to University Living,” featuring the Office of the Dean of Student Life, University Police & Public Safety, and Student Health & Wellness. Additional activities include campus tours starting at 3:30 p.m.; student ID processing at the Campus Public Safety Office; a visit to the University Museum & Culture Center in Childress Hall; and Campus Traditions Night from 6-8 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower.
Aug. 21 — The mandatory Gathering of the Pride orientation will be held for new students from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Henderson-Young Business Building. Students can get professional headshots taken from noon to 2 p.m. at the L.A. Davis Student Union and enjoy Pine Bluff DAZE from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower. The day ends with an outdoor movie screening from 7:30-10 p.m., also at the Bell Tower.
Aug. 22 — A diverse range of activities will be held including kickball, outdoor aerobics, a day party sponsored by Aramark Food Services, Karaoke & Game Night and a Freshman Lock-In.
Aug. 23 — The Freshman Class Photo will be held. The academic open houses provide an opportunity for students to learn more about their respective schools and the resources available to them.
Aug. 24 — New Student Week ends with the second annual FRESH-Start Freshman Leadership Summit, sponsored by Sam’s Club, from 9 a.m. to noon, and the Back to School Bash from 1-4 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field.
UAPB WELCOME WEEK
UAPB will host Welcome Week from Aug. 25-31, targeting all students to foster community and school spirit.
Aug. 25 — The day features a Splash Bash from 1-4 p.m. at the Pumphrey Soccer Complex and the Chancellor’s Ice Cream Social from 6-8 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower.
Aug. 26 — The Do’s & Don’t Fashion Show will be held in the STEM Conference Room from 7- 10 p.m.
Aug. 27 — Meet the Greeks will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the STEM Conference Room.
Aug. 28 — Pretty Wednesday is held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower, Lion Yearbook Pictures from 2-5 p.m. at the L.A. Davis Student Union, the Registered Student Organization Fair from 6-8 p.m. and a Silent Headphone Party from 8-11 p.m. at the Bell Tower.
Aug. 29 — The Golden Lions vs Razorback Game Watch Party will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. at the L.A. Davis Student Union, Chick-fil-A area.
Aug. 30 — The Welcome Back Cookout & Open House is set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the NPHC Yard Show from 5-7 p.m. at John B. Watson Library.
Aug. 31 — The 2024 L.A. Torrence Institute for Excellence in Student Leadership will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a Gym Jam from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at H.O. Clemmons Arena, offering a diverse range of activities.
Details: Office of Student Involvement & Leadership, (870) 575-8866 or osil@uapb.edu or UAPB.EDU.
State Police issues school safety tips
Arkansas State Police wants to remind Arkansans that school days bring heavier traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons when school buses are picking up riders, parents are hurrying to drop off their kids before heading to work, and new drivers are hitting the roads, many for the first time in rush hour traffic.
On any given day during the school year, 350,000 children are riding school buses on Arkansas roadways, according to a news release.
ASP recommends the following guidelines for driving near school buses:
Always be cautious and attentive, especially before and after school hours.
If driving behind a school bus, maintain a greater following distance than behind a car. This will give you more time to stop when the yellow lights start flashing.
Never pass a school bus from behind or from either direction if you are on an undivided road and the bus has stopped to load or unload children. In Arkansas, drivers can be fined up to $2,500 or face up to 90 days in jail for illegally passing a stopped school bus.
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. This is a critical zone where alertness can prevent accidents.
Stop far enough back to allow school bus riders space to enter and exit the bus safely.
Be alert, as children are often unpredictable and may take risks when crossing the road to their destination.
Be attentive and patient with young, inexperienced drivers on the road. Remember, they are still learning and need understanding. ASP recommends that parents practice driving routes to school with new drivers to help them become familiar with traffic flow and potential dangers.
ASP also encourages commuters to leave a few minutes earlier than usual and anticipate increased traffic and potential delays during the school drop-off and pick-up times.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation IDrive app contains information for checking for traffic delays and congested areas.