Fanshawe seventh and eighth grade GEAR UP students recently traveled to Fayetteville to tour the University of Arkansas. The presentation began in Silas H. Hunt Hall with a video about the U of A. The admissions office is housed in this building, and students were given information about the writing center, student organizations, degree programs, scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and the admission process.
The tour began in the Arkansas Student Union. The Union contains many facilities including computer labs, dining services, technology center, fitness center, Treasurer’s office, post office, and the Razorback apparel shop. The Student Union also houses the Student Technology Center where students can relax and play video games after classes. The guide informed the students about the Razorback Transit, a free shuttle service that runs throughout campus.
As the students walked through campus, they were directed to the Fine Arts Center, track–and–field stadium, football practice field, and the fitness facility. Guides explained the cost of student sports passes and how they are used. Students were led past the housing options on campus—Founders Hall, Humphreys Hall, and Yocum Hall. Guides explained the differences in room types.
Fanshawe students continued around campus and were led past the Business Building and Kimpel Hall. Kimpel Hall houses the departments of English, journalism and communication divisions. The Class Writing Support Center is located in Kimpel Hall and offers tutoring assistance with any and all writing assignments. The Hillside Auditorium building contains two auditoriums for various school purposes.
Students continued past the Bell Engineering Center and G. David Gearhart Hall. Gearhart Hall is the Honors College and houses various services for honors students. Fanshawe students walked by the Old Main building, the oldest building on the campus. It sits at the heart of the campus. Senior Walk is a sidewalk on campus that begins at Old Main. It contains the graduating students’ names and is updated on a yearly basis. It is very popular among graduates. Next was the Vol Walker Hall which houses architecture classes. Architecture majors at the University of Arkansas have the opportunity to study abroad.
The David W. Mullins Library is the second largest library in the state of Arkansas. It contains four floors, each of which is specific for student use. The tour ended at the Union Mall, an outdoor area used for various events by student organizations.
“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Tara Martin. “The students enjoyed getting a first-hand look of what a college campus is about.”
The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant and serves over 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.
