As UACCM prepares to become a smoke-free campus on May 15, many UACCM students are wondering what to do to be able to kick that habit and begin leading healthier lifestyles. Luckily, the UACCM Health, Wellness, and Safety Fair is just around the corner! This event will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in multiple locations across campus. Just look for the displays set up during the fair (you can’t miss them) and watch the Campus Link Blog for more information. Read on to see some of the things the FREE things the fair will have to offer. Information will be available on: Quitting Smoking Alcohol Awareness Drug Education Stress Relief Self-Defense Strategies Credit Counseling Nutritious Cooking/Eating (FREE snacks!) Heart Health Cancer Education Cholesterol Screening Healthy Blood Glucose Levels Some of the FREE activities that the fair will have to offer include: Yoga/Martial Arts Demonstrations Chair Neck/Shoulder Massages (remember—FREE) Fitness Consultations fr

Well, it looks like it’s time to put a fork in another successful year of UACCM Intramural Sports! The winners of this year’s coveted “Wolfie” award are…the members of the Faculty/Staff team! Congrats to all the following folks who participated in this year’s events (be sure to give them a high five when you see them): Nanette Berry Dane Blanchard Michael Booty Lisa Gunderman Tom McLeod John Southerland Aaron Spivey Shannon Vaughn Danae Watson Carol Wells

Happy Tuesday! Since I'm late this morning, let's get right to it. Here are the faces you won't be seeing today: Tina Lake - Classes cancelled Cindy Thompson - Classes not cancelled Karen Fielder Marilyn Thomas Hope y'all have a good one! the FINAL Campus Link newsletter with the FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE comes out tomorrow, so keep your eyes open!

The UACCM Choir and the Community Choir will perform their annual spring concert on Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium at UACCM . The event is being presented free of charge and is open to the public. The UACCM Choir is composed of UACCM students and is under the direction of UACCM Vocal and Choral Music Instructor Shannah Cummings. The Community Choir includes faculty, staff, and community members, and is under the direction of Suzanne McMurry . The concert will include a multitude of songs covering many different genres of music, and will offer “something for everyone” according to Cummings. All are invited and encouraged to attend what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for the entire family. For more information on the concert, contact Cummings at (501) 977-2198 or at cummings@uaccm.edu or Suzanne McMurry at (501) 253-3373.

Happy stormy Monday to you all. Here's who we have missing today: Shannah Cummings - 8:30 Class only cancelled Danny Gifford - Classes cancelled Cindy Thompson - Classes not cancelled Marilyn Thomas Peggy Lee Be sure to stop by SGA's Bingo Night tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in The Plaza. There will be tons of free popcorn, drinks, and all kinds of great prizes. Best of all, it's free to play for UACCM students, faculty, staff, and one (age 16 and over) guest. Have a great Monday, and try not to wash away!

Happy Friday, y'all. Hope you are all ready for a relaxing and FUN weekend. Here are today's missing people: Tom McLeod (math) Heather Solano (business) - Conference Nanette Lareau (business) - Conference Linda Jaramillo (humanities, social sciences, and math) Just a reminder: be sure to catch "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" tonight and tomorrow evening at 7:30 and on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. I caught the opening performance last night, and believe me it's well worth your time. Best of all, it's FREE for all k-12 and UACCM students (think cheap date, people.) Down in Foggy London Town Thinking about getting away next spring break? Though it seems far away, it's really just around the corner. If a trip to beautiful and historic London sounds good to you, mark your calendars for next Thursday, April 30, when a representative from EF Tours will be on campus to discuss the travel plans for the London trip, scheduled t

A couple of things for you all this morning. Here are the people out today: Linda Jaramillo Martha Gattin Renee Raper (morning) Michael Cox - Classes cancelled Charlie Brown Opens Tonight! That long-awaited day has finally come..."You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," performed by the UACCM Theatre Department, is kicking off this evening at 7:30 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. If you can't make the show tonight, stop by tomorrow or Saturday evening at 7:30, or Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Tickets to the show are FREE for ALL K-12 students, as well as all UACCM students, faculty, and staff. Adult tickets are $8.00 and will be available at the door. We hope to see you there for UACCM's FIRST MUSICAL!

First off this morning, let's take a look at who we have missing today: Linda Jaramillo Martha Gattin Danna Crook - 8:00 class ONLY cancelled; all others will meet This fine Wednesday is also Administrative Professionals Day, so when you run into some of the nice ladies who help us all so much, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate all that they do...this place just wouldn't work without them! Have a great Wednesday.

The UACCM Student Government Association is sponsoring its semi-annual Bingo Night on Monday, April 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in The Plaza. All students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to attend the event and bring one guest. In accordance with state law, each participant must be 16 years of age or older. The event is offered free, and will include popcorn, drinks and tons of nice prizes for those lucky enough to get to yell “Bingo!” A student ID is required at the door for current students and alumni membership cards will be available for anyone wanting to join the UACCM Alumni Association.

Good morning, all! Looks like the only people out today are our Higher Learning Commission folks: Curt Hippensteel , Anthony Holt, Tina Lake, Clara Paquette , Nanette Berry, and Linda Zambrano . They are still all the way up in Chicago learning all about how to make sure UACCM continues to improve and receives re-accreditation. Have a great Tuesday. Be sure to check out all the meetings going on during X-period today (look left).

Happy Monday, everybody. Hope you all had a great weekend. Let's take a look at who we're missing today: Curt Hippensteel, Anthony Holt, Tina Lake, Clara Paquette, Nanette Berry, and Linda Zambrano are attending the Higher Learning Commission meeting in Chicago, IL and will be out for several days this week. Heather Solano - Classes cancelled (Students need to check WebCT!) Dana Strassle - Classes cancelled Jamie Burris - Night class cancelled Looks like that's all we have today. Watch the blog this week for all kinds o' announcements. Have a great Monday and a fantastic week!

The UACCM Theater Department is making final preparations for it's first spring musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," scheduled for April 23-26 in the UACCM Fine Arts Auditorium (see after the cast for more info). Here is a look at the cast for this much-anticipated performance: Amber Addley of Conway—Lucy Van Pelt Brad Bergdoll of Clinton—Charlie Brown Tabatha Duvall of Russellville—Ensemble Catie Hubbard of Houston—Ensemble Shawn Huff of Morrilton—Linus Van Pelt Kaitlyn Neal of Mayflower—Sally Brown Devin Pettinger of Perryville—Ensemble Justin Pike of Morrilton—Schroeder Jace Stephens of Damascus—Snoopy Kendra Thomas of Conway—Ensemble Stephanie Yancey of Springfield—Ensemble Based on Charles Schultz’s loveable “Peanuts” characters, this award-winning musical is created from moments picked from the days of Charlie Brown and his friends. UACCM students and community members make up the cast. The evening performances on April 23, 24, and 25

Happy Friday, y'all. Here are a couple of missing folks this fine Friday: Jan Magie Leroy Gattin Lorraine Brown Maranda Rios-Blanchard Have a great weekend!

UACCM English Instructor Lyndsey Daniel was recently awarded a grant provided by the Freeman Institute to study Japanese language and culture in Honolulu, Hawaii. The grant will allow for an all-expense paid trip to a three-week intensive workshop, which will be held at Tokai University from May 24 to June 13. It will cover a wide variety of topics relating to Japan, including history, culture, politics, language, business, and the arts. The primary purpose of the workshop is to introduce college faculty to all aspects of Japanese society, so they can return to their institutions and begin incorporating Japan Studies into their courses. Daniel was awarded one of only 20 Japan Studies Association grants available nationally by submitting an essay on cultural mentoring in rural Arkansas. She said, “I was really excited to be chosen to take part in this workshop for several reasons. First, UACCM is leading a group of students and community members to Japan next year, and anything I can do

Well, it looks like Steve Wallace entertained us all so hard at Spring Fling yesterday that he couldn't make it in today! He will be out today and all of his classes are cancelled. Don't forget the FREE concert this evening (look below for more info.) and pick up a Campus Link newsletter located in the wall-mounted holders in each building. Also, be sure to check out the upcoming meetings and other important dates over to the left. Have a great thursday.

WEEKEND LIBRARY HOURS Do you realize that finals are ONLY THREE WEEKS AWAY!?! Have you gotten so busy that you find yourself needing to catch up before this rapidly-approaching end of the semester? If you need to sneak in some study time over the weekend, the E. Allen Gordon Library in the Kirk Building will be open on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday, April 19 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The library will also be open during the same hours on April 25 and 26. Be sure to use this opportunity to get caught up and get ready for exams before it’s too late! FREE MONEY TIME! Worried about how to pay next semester's tuition? The Arkansas Association of Developmental Education is offering a $500 one-time scholarship for the fall 2009 semester. Qualified applicants must have completed 12 semester credit hours of college work with at least three credit hours of developmental coursework. Students must have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Selection for the

There are several people out today...unfortunately they are missing one of the many fun campus events we have throughout the year...Spring Fling! Read a couple of posts down to find out more about this event. It looks like it will be a b-e-a- utiful day, so stop by between classes and enjoy some free food and a good time. Now on to today's cancellations: Larry Lachowsky (drafting/surveying) - Classes cancelled Lewis Hunt (biology) - Classes cancelled Susan Pardee (math) - Classes cancelled Alice Dixon - Classes NOT cancelled Margie Fillinger (early childhood development) - Conference Marilyn Thomas (health sciences & adult ed.) - Conference Well, that about does it. Don't forget about the free swing, jazz, and big band concert on campus tomorrow evening. Have a good one!

The UACCM Early Childhood Student Organization is holding a drawing for a Razorback gift set or Walm art Gift card! The drawing will be held April 16. Read on for more... Razorback Gift Set includes: 1. Miniature Razorback Helmet signed by Darren McFadden 2. 5 Razorback Trading Cards: Darren McFadden Oakland Raiders Trading Card in case Marcus Monk Chicago Bears Trading Card in case Felix Jones Card in case Peyton Hillis Trading Card in case Matt Jones Trading Card with Jersey Piece in case 3. Razorback Automobile Window Flag 4. Razorback Bag 5. Razorback T-Shirt Or $25.00 Walm art Gift Card Donations can be made to Margie Fillinger in Room 133 in the Kirk Building or to any Early Childhood Student Organization member! Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00. You can also drop by the ECSO Spring Fling booth tomorrow (the giveaway items will be there, too). All proceeds will go towards the ECSO members professional development

Happy Tuesday, everybody. Let's take a look at who couldn't be here with us today: Susan Pardee (math) - Classes cancelled Nanette Lareau (business) - Classes cancelled Charles Harrell (auto collision) - Classes NOT cancelled Aaron Spivey (community outreach) Be sure to get ready for SGA's Spring Fling tomorrow for free food, entertainment, and fun. See the previous blog post for more information. Have a great Tuesday!

The grass is getting greener and gas prices are getting higher every day, so that can only mean one thing…it’s spring! At UACCM , spring equals Spring Fling! The annual event, sponsored by the Student Government Association, will be held this Wednesday, April 15 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Plaza Courtyard and Pavilion. Classes are NOT cancelled during the Fling, so plan on stopping by between classes to join in the fun. Activities this year include: Rock Climbing Wall Wax Hands Bull Riding Velcro Wall Giant Twister CIS Club Puts you in Jail for Bail The CIS Club will again be hosting a “jail” during this year’s Spring Fling. For the low, low price of one measly buck, you can put out a warrant on your enemies (and your friends)! Once a warrant has been issued, the offender will be tracked down by the club’s crack troops and incarcerated for not more than fifteen minutes in the CIS Club lockup located at the fling. Offenders also have the option of posting bail in the amount of

G'morning . Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. There's quite a list of missing folks today, so here we go: Juanita Owens (English) - Classes cancelled Susan Pardee (mathematics) - Classes cancelled Charles Harrell (auto collision) - Classes NOT Cancelled Leroy Gattin (librarian) Janie Wagner (community outreach) Clara Paquette (assessment) Watch the blog today for a couple of new things coming out, and be sure to check out the dates to the left. Spring Fling is coming up this Wednesday, and another FREE special event is headed your way Thursday. Stay tuned...

Shirley Chauvin of Hot Springs and her six-piece little big band “S’Wonderful” will swing into UACCM for a free concert on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The community is invited to attend, which will feature a wide variety of songs performed originally by the great big band vocalists of the 1950s through 1970s including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and others. Chauvin was a vocal major at North Texas University in Denton, Texas, with an emphasis in jazz music studies and she has toured the south and mid-west with Buddy Morrow, Les Elgart, Charlie Barnett, Paul Neighbors and others. She managed her own Jazz Fusion and Swing Ensembles in Texas and was the opening act at the “Summertop” series in Dallas for Dionne Warrick, John Davidson and Mel Torme. Chauvin also served as guest vocalist with “Sorta Dixie Jazz Band” in Las Vegas. Performer Bios. Vocalist SHIRLEY CHAUVIN Shirley Chauvin was a vocal major at North Texas University in D

Have an instructor who has inspired you, helped you out when you need it, or is just an awesome guy/gal? If you're wondering what you can do to pay them back for all the great things they have done for you, YOU can bestow a great honor upon them by nominating them for UACCM Faculty of the Year! Read on to find out how... Any full-time instructor at UACCM is eligible for the award. Nominations will be accepted from students, staff, or faculty, but if a faculty member has not been nominated by at least one student, the nomination will not be placed on the ballot. Only faculty members will be allowed to vote. The following individuals have been honored with this award within the last five years and are not eligible to receive the award at this time: Linda Zambrano (2004), Ron Beckman (2005), Nancy Patterson (2006), Chris Holtz (2007), and Ken Lee (2008). Check your student E-mail or take a look at the bulletin boards in each building on campus to pick up a form to fill out (be

Welp , it's finally Friday! Let's take a look at who started the weekend off early (or who is sick or at a conference): John Southerland (welding) - Conference, classes cancelled Charles Harrell (auto collision) - Classes cancelled Bobby Duvall (auto tech.) - Conference, Classes NOT cancelled Thanks to everyone who made it out to the photography presentation yesterday...it was a really great show! Have a good Friday and great fun weekend!

Two UACCM instructors spent their break leading a group of 14 students and community members through an adventure-packed and educational nine day tour through Greece—and they lived to tell about it. Instructors Lyndsey Daniel and Karen Caig teamed up with EF Tours to offer the spring break trip, which included stops in Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Epidarus, and several other historic locales. While the task of leading 14 travelers through a foreign country may seem daunting to some, Daniel said “the local guides at each site did a great job of telling us what we were looking at. From the moment our fabulous tour guide Rob met us at the airport, we all felt at ease. He not only made our travel run smoothly, he always made us laugh while teaching us about the current culture and the ancient history of Greece.” In Athens, the group experienced both ancient and modern Greek culture, and in Olympia, the group saw the original torch lighting area and ran in the ancient Olympic stadium. Other hig

Well it's Thursday and the week is starting to wind down, so let's see who's already outta here... Terry Cleaver (surveying) - Classes cancelled Susan Pardee (mathematics) - Classes NOT cancelled Charles Harrell (auto collision repair) - Classes NOT cancelled Betty Hurst (BTC Lab) There's your list for today! Take note of the meetings/events in the upcoming dates section to the left. Have a good one!

Interested in photography, art, or just generally breathtaking stuff? Be sure to check out this free interactive photography presentation tomorrow evening on campus featuring sights from Arkansas to Alaska and everything in-between. It’s FREE. It’s FUN. Be there.

Here's a list of those of us not fortunate enough to be here on this b-e-a- utiful spring Wednesday: Clem Gruen (drafting) - Classes cancelled Heather Solano (business) - Classes cancelled Traye McCool (history) - Classes cancelled Kira Livingston (applied technology) Don't forget about the free photography presentation tomorrow evening in the Fine Arts Auditorium (more on that later...or check your student E-mail). Watch today for the announcement of an event that will help us all swing into the mood of spring. Have a good one!

Students and employees at UACCM and FBLA members from Perryville High School had a chance to learn about success from a professional when the PBL chapter on campus hosted well-known speaker J. Duey Hatton on March 12. Hatton presented “Winning Is Within Your Reach”—a presentation he has made across America. Referred to as Mr. Enthusiasm by those who have heard him, Hatton holds audiences spellbound with his mixture of high-energy and soul-touching messages. Hatton is a former high school football coach and college administrator, and he currently serves as the Director of Public Relations and Develop for Abundant Life School in Sherwood, Arkansas. If you missed out on this motivating experience, keep your eyes peeled...you may just get another chance to 'get motivated' soon.

Debbie Rodgers (nursing) is out today, and her classes are cancelled. Karen Caig (English) and Traye McCool (history) couldn't drag themselves in either, and their classes are cancelled as well. Martha Gattin (applied technology) is still out at a conference, so don't go a- lookin ' for her around campus today either. Be sure to check out the student organizations meeting today (look over to the left). Have a great one!

These people are off today (or they just decided not to roll out of bed): Linda Moses (childcare) - Out sick Martha Gattin (professional services and applied technology) Roni Herning (career pathways) CC Hogan (career pathways...she'll be here at noon) Watch the blog today for several new announcements. Don't forget the photography presentation by Terry Boyd this Thursday. The show will start at 6:30 pm in the Fine Arts Auditorium and will be FREE and open to the public.

This guy will be out, for one, so here's what else I know so far about tomorrow's missing folks: Miranda Rios-Blanchard (career pathways) - Conference Ron Beckman (business) - Classes cancelled Traye McCool (history) - Classes cancelled (you know what to do!) Have a great Friday and a safe weekend!

UACCM Fine Arts instructor Tina Lake received a cash award and blue ribbon for first place in the recent Rialto Art Gallery Photography Exhibition! UACCM Graphic Design student Allison Tapp also took a second place prize in the competition, and English instructor Gretchen Schol took a third place prize for her photographic work. Congratulations to all the talent on UACCM’s campus—keep up the good work! Reminder: Faculty Association meeting today during X-period in the BTC Koontz Room. Don't forget! Also, be sure to check out the choir concert this evening at 7:00 in the Fine Arts Auditorium (see story below).

Just a note to let you all know who is out today! There's a bit of a list, so here goes: Cailin Mistrille (math) - Classes cancelled Jennifer Coney (nutrition) - Conference - Classes Cancelled Marilyn Thomas (health sciences & adult ed.) - Conference Martha Gattin (professional services & applied technology) - Conference Miranda Rios-Blanchard (career pathways) - Conference Ron Beckman (business) - Classes cancelled Traye McCool (history) - Classes cancelled (you know what to do!) That's it so far. The newest issue of the Campus Link newsletter has been distributed throughout campus. Look for the wall-mounted news racks near the entrances of each building to find out about an upcoming photography presentation, FREE big band concert, SGA Spring Fling, and much more. You can’t miss this edition (it’s Pink and Yellow in honor of the great American Easter icon, PEEPS!) Happy Thursday.

Students, faculty, and staff at UACCM recently participated in the “Get in Shape by Spring Break” weight loss competition to get ready for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. The program, which ran for seven weeks prior to spring break, resulted in the loss of hundreds of pounds and a large percentage of bodyweight by participants. Faculty and staff members, motivated by a cash prize, lost a total of 230 pounds throughout the competition, resulting in a 5.3 percent loss of their total bodyweight. UACCM Mathematics Instructor Shannon Vaughn was the overall winner of the employee competition, having lost a whopping 13.1 percent of his total bodyweight. He gained nearly $300 as a result of the win. Other employee big losers included: UACCM Drafting and Surveying Instructor Larry Lachowsky—11.3 percent UACCM Accountant Dawn Fitch—8.5 percent UACCM students also participated in the contest, losing 126 pounds and 4.5 percent of their total body weight. Student Pam Chafton was the overall

Ron Beckman (business) is out today, and all of his classes are cancelled (no, really...we swear). Martha Gattin (professional service and applied technology) is also out at a conference today. Watch for the newest hard copy of The Campus Link newsletter, which comes out today. Check the wall-mounted holders in each building to get your hands on a free copy. Have a great Wednesday and happy foolin '. EDIT: By the way, today is the scholarship deadline, so if you want in on the free money action, stop by the Financial Aid Office FAST! Also, the 'non-trad' chats scheduled for today and tomorrow have been postponed. Watch for re-scheduled dates/times soon.