OSAS Has Busy Start To Semester
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas student-athletes are back on campus attending classes, workouts and events but there is even more to do to help them acclimate to the new year thanks to the Office of Student-Athlete Success.
Several events were scheduled to help with the transition from high school to college as well as to serve as a welcome back to all Razorback Student-Athletes. The OSAS staff was busy with Razorback Orientation, the first Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meeting and a welcome back celebration.
Read a little more about each of these events below.
Razorback Orientation – Sunday, August 23rd
The new academic year is filled with excitement. In particular, Razorback student-athletes began with multiple programs to assist with making the fall semester productive. On Sunday, August 23rd, freshmen and transfer student-athletes attended the Razorback Orientation. Ninety student-athletes attended the program designed to help orient new student-athletes to becoming Arkansas Razorbacks. Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director, Jeff Long personally welcomed the student-athletes. Additionally, Mr. Long introduced members of his executive staff. Next the student-athletes attend breakout sessions where staff from the Office of Student-Athlete Success (OSAS) facilitated sessions on topics related to personal branding, academic success strategies, academic integrity, goal setting and time management. Subsequently, current student-athletes Rick Nomura (baseball), Flavia Araujo (women’s tennis) and Aiden Lister (women’s swimming) served as guest panelists. The program concluded with Captain Greg Foster from the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) providing information about resources to ensure safety on campus.
First Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the Semester – Tuesday, August 25th
Forty-seven student-athletes attended the first Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meeting for the fall semester. The Razorback SAAC is comprised of leaders from each team who represent their fellow student-athletes and act as liaisons to the University of Arkansas, the Athletic Department, the SEC and the NCAA. Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director, Jeff Long attended the meeting. He emphasized the important role SAAC members play in the department. Additionally, he challenged the student-athletes to make recommendations related to expanding departmental process for gathering student-athlete feedback.
Welcome Back Celebration – Sunday, August 30th
On Sunday, August 30th the Arkansas Department of Athletics continued a tradition of hosting a welcome back event for student-athletes, coaches and administrators. The welcome back event is designed to greet new student-athletes, coaches and administrators, while building unity throughout the department. Additional excitement surrounded the event this year because it was an opportunity to visit the newly built Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center. Once again, Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director was present to welcome the audience and encourage the student-athletes to strive for great achievement academically, athletically and with their personal development. In addition to touring the 55,000 sq. ft. facility, student-athletes received information about the expanded fueling and nutrition program. The student-athletes had the opportunity to sample some of the food selections that will be featured on the fueling program menu.
Student-Athlete Quotes
Razorback Orientation:
“Orientation was a good experience because it will help me make a smoother transition during my freshman year.” – Ty Harris (Baseball)
“I thought that orientation was awesome! It was great getting to meet the other freshman athletes. The presentations and speakers were so helpful!” – Peyton Carter (Softball)
Welcome Back Celebration:
“The Welcome Back event was a great experience and very beneficial towards helping me figure out the Jones Center. The food was probably the best part!” – Cameron Case (Men’s Track & Field)
