RAMP Scholarships now Available for Summer and Fall Terms at UA Cossatot

The University of Arkansas Cossatot is pleased to announce another opportunity for students who plan to attend classes in the upcoming summer or fall term.

The Regional Advance Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP) Grant has two $500.00 scholarships available to any student who meets the scholarship requirements and plans to pursue certificates of proficiency or technical certificates in various industrial or diesel trades coursework.

Students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in General Technology in the areas of industrial technology, diesel technology, industrial electricity, welding, or pipe welding can also apply. These scholarships can be used for college expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and/or supplies.

Applications are currently being accepted, and UA Cossatot will continue to take applications up until July 1, 2020, which will then be reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Chosen recipients will be notified immediately so that proceeds can be applied towards either the summer or fall term.

The RAMP Scholarship Application is on the UA Cossatot website, along with requirements for potential recipients. For more information, please contact Tommi Cobb, RAMP Coordinator at 870-584-1158, or tcobb@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot’s Criminal Justice Degree Proves to be Affordable

Each year, Online U publishes its “Most Affordable Online College Rankings List,” which represents the most affordable online degrees in the country across a variety of popular subjects. UA Cossatot’s Criminal Justice degree is listed as its twelfth most affordable Criminal Justice online degree in the nation at the associate degree level for 2020.

UA Cossatot’s tuition rate is $74 per credit hour. The estimated cost for tuition and fees for a full-time criminal justice student at UA Cossatot is $1,548 a semester. The college’s Professional Studies department offers an Associate of Science and a Technical Certificate in Criminal Justice.

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is a transferrable degree that allows students to further their education after graduating. Completion of the associate’s degree can also improve overall employability. The Criminal Justice Technical Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice as a dispatcher or a jailor.

Hector Cortez is a UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer and is also a student in the Criminal Justice program at the college. Hector said, “I have been interested in the criminal justice field since I was in junior high. After graduating from high school, I decided to apply at the Howard County Sheriff’s Department. I was given a job as a jailer and as a dispatcher. I couldn’t become a police officer until I turned 21. I decided to take classes at UA Cossatot while I worked because the college had a degree program for criminal justice, and I could take all of my classes online. Even though the classes were online, my instructors would work with me one-on-one, and they would respond to my questions within minutes!”

Hector added, “Taking classes at UA Cossatot has allowed me to get a great education in criminal justice. Some people want to go further into the criminal justice field, and more departments are now requiring applicants to have degrees or years of experience. Taking classes at UA Cossatot is inexpensive, and it allows people to check off the degree part of the requirement to apply.”

Officer Cortez went on to say, “I am now an employee of the college, and I can honestly say if criminal justice is your career goal, UA Cossatot is the place to help you achieve it.”

UA Cossatot is offering an Introduction to Criminal Justice class this summer, and this fall for anyone interested in this career field.

To view more information on Online U’s website, please visit www.onlineu.org. For any questions about UA Cossatot’s Criminal Justice program, please contact Barbara Lacefield at blacefield@cccua.edu.

OnlineU: Rankings of the Most Affordable Online Colleges

OnlineU provides unbiased rankings based on the factors you care about most - affordability, accessibility, and quality - to help you find the best match. Most Affordable Colleges Each year, we publish our Most Affordable Online College Rankings, which represent the most affordable online degrees in the country across a variety of popular subjects.

COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing in Nashville April 27th

UA Cossatot Adult Education Honors Spring GED® Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Adult Education students have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic like all public schools. During this time, students are not able to complete their GED® testing requirements to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Some students were only one test away from earning their credential. Nine students, however, did finish all of their test requirements and have earned their diploma.

Students who have passed their GED® tests and earned their diploma this spring semester include: Andrew Shelton, Gillham; Keith Perkins, Murfreesboro; Jeffery Scott Kimmel, Gillham; Dalton Saxour, De Queen; Brittany Kaylor, Murfreesboro; James Sellers, Gillham; Hector Barreto, De Queen; Brandon Gonzalez, Murfreesboro; and Memphis Jackson, Murfreesboro.

Adult Education offers many services other than GED® test preparation. Services offered include literacy, basic skills remediation, English as a Second Language, citizenship, digital literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, Accelerating Opportunities, and college preparation.

“Adult Education is a valuable part of community services,” says Jennifer Black, Director. “We help individuals to make a positive impact on their life. Students often come to adult education to earn their diploma to get a job, earn a job promotion, or go to college. It is so rewarding to be a part of students’ successes. They are often so grateful when they accomplish their goals, and that is what we are here to do, help each one succeed!”

For more information, please call UA Cossatot’s Adult Education department at 870-584-1467 or 870-584-1114.

Cossatot Community College

The Adult Education Department of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is committed in providing students with an opportunity to reach their educational goals and instilling in each student a dedication of "Learning for Life". If you need a copy of your GED transcript, please click on the the link below: Call 870-584-1114 and ask for Jennifer Black or Cathy Billingsley.

UA Cossatot Alumnus Finds Rewarding Career in Education

Victor Rojas was raised and currently resides in De Queen, Arkansas. After graduating from De Queen High School in 2014, Victor became an education major at UA Cossatot. Today, Victor works for the Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher at Westlawn Elementary and credits UA Cossatot as being a big part of his journey.

In high school, Victor took college credit classes and decided to pursue a degree in education at UA Cossatot.

Victor said, "I chose to attend UA Cossatot because of affordability and location. My experience at UAC was overwhelmingly positive. UA Cossatot gave me, a first-generation college student, a first-rate education for which I am immensely grateful. My instructors were there to help when I needed it, and our Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, was – and still is- approachable and resourceful."

For two years, Victor took classes at the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus and online. In 2016, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Science in Education K-6 degree.

Shortly after graduating, Victor was accepted into Southern Arkansas University's off-campus teacher education program. This program allowed him to stay in his hometown and work at his former high school as a substitute teacher and as a paraprofessional for the high school's alternative learning environment.

Victor graduated from SAU with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, graduating magna cum laude, in May of 2018. In addition to being licensed in the area of elementary education, he also received authorization by the state of Arkansas to teach middle school social studies and 4th-12th grade business technology classes.

In the fall of 2018, Victor began teaching Adult Education courses at UA Cossatot. For a full year, Victor taught beginning ESL and Citizenship 101 classes. In 2020, Victor returned to UA Cossatot to teach Citizenship 101, which prepares adult learners for the U.S. Naturalization exam.

Teaching this course is a rewarding experience for Victor. Victor Rojas said, "As the son of naturalized U.S. citizens, teaching this class is a special and meaningful way for me to help others.”

Since August of 2019, Mr. Rojas has worked for Westlawn Elementary in Texarkana, where he teaches 4th-grade math and science. Victor says that he enjoys preparing students for middle school and teaching them certain leadership habits – such as being proactive and synergizing. He also says his favorite part about being a teacher is forming relationships in the classroom.

Victor is currently considering attending the University of Arkansas School of Law this fall. He was recently granted admission, and he has a desire to further his education. He also plans to teach upper-level courses in the future.

Victor enjoys helping others learn, encouraging his students to reach their goals, and is very proud of his sister, America Rojas, who is a UA Cossatot Student Ambassador. He also urges those pursuing higher education to consider UA Cossatot.

"UA Cossatot is a great place to get a top-notch education. It is welcoming, affordable, and you will find support i

Lansdell Clinic Offering COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing

Mick Martin of Lansdell Family Clinic visited our De Queen studio of Ed 88 today to talk about a pair of COVID-19 drive through testing events planned for next week in southwest Arkansas.

From the Office of the Chancellor

The COVID-19 epidemic continues to influence our lives in so many ways. The potential spread of this disease has altered the lives of our students and our employees. In the most recent press conference hosted by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, he indicated that the peak of COVID-19 infections for Arkansas could possibly occur in late April. While we all pray and hope that this will be sooner, and the peak less severe, we have a responsibility to protect our students, staff, and community.

Based on the information that we have, UA Cossatot will continue to operate as we have been since this pandemic started. We will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors until at least Friday, April 17th. Our employees will continue to work either on campus or from home. Those employees that are working on campus must continue to observe the rules of social distancing and cleanliness.

We will continue to serve and provide all the resources our students need to be successful in the online environment. Our students, faculty, and staff have been unbelievable in answering these challenges in these very trying times. We will walk every mile with our students. We will make a determination regarding our hands-on technical course schedules on Friday, April 3rd. We understand that online learning is not an option for many technical students who learn many of their skills in lab and shop settings. We will be sensitive to the needs of these students and will find the best way to accommodate and allow them to complete their education in a safe setting.

As for the summer and fall semesters, our registration is open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process online for the safety and convenience of our students. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu. Our summer term will feature mainly online courses, but will have some in-class courses should the COVID-19 outbreak lessen enough to allow that to happen. We are planning on a full and normal fall 2020 semester. We are hoping that there will be additional educational assistance for students impacted by COVID-19.

These are unprecedented and unexplored times but we will all make it through by working together. You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU and https://www.ed88radio.com websites.

Thank You,

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot

Cossatot Community College

UA Cossatot embraces diversity and is committed to improving the lives of those in our region by providing quality education, outstanding service, and relevant industry training. The University of Arkansas - Cossatot Community College offers degrees and certificates in more than two dozen fields.

Governor Hutchinson Directs State Parks To Implement New Measures for Public Health

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has approved temporary changes to Arkansas State Parks’ operations to protect public health during the COVID-19 crisis, he announced at a news conference today. 

The Governor has directed that Arkansas State Parks implement “day use” operations only, effective 8 a.m. on Friday, April 3, a decision he made in consultation with Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst.

“Arkansas State Parks will remain operational,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Arkansas is known for our outdoor recreation, and we want to allow Arkansans to safely enjoy what our state has to offer. These new safety measures will reduce the risk of overcrowding at our parks and discourage visitors from out-of-state until the threat of COVID-19 has passed.”

“This Friday, we will move to ‘day use’ only across our state parks system, eliminating all overnight stay opportunities,” Secretary Hurst said. “This is consistent with 28 other states, and we believe it will further reduce the number of out-of-state visitors. We are staying on top of the data and best practices and will adjust if further limitations are needed.”

Under the new “day use” directive, Arkansas State Parks will close overnight facilities, such as cabins and campgrounds. 

In addition, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism is temporarily implementing safety measures to prevent visitation surges in state parks. Arkansas State Parks will deploy park rangers to enforce social distancing, disperse gatherings of more than 10 people, and implement parking restrictions to limit overcrowding at popular parks.

Secretary Hurst will closely monitor problematic areas such as trails that are overcrowded or too narrow for proper social distancing and close such areas as needed. 

Information on the park closings can be found at https://www.ArkansasStateParks.com/covid-19-update.

COVID-19 Update | Arkansas State Parks

Arkansas State Parks remain open as we monitor COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus in our state. We are taking the CDC's recommended precautions as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors. Parks continue to be your gateway to hiking, kayaking and canoeing, golf, mountain biking, fishing and boating and other outdoor experiences.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media (04.01.20) 1:30 p.m.

Governor Asa Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, 04/01. Press play button above.

UA Cossatot Colts Seeking New Basketball Coach for Men’s and Women’s Basketball

De Queen, AR - UA Cossatot announced today that they are now taking applications for their next Men’s and Women’s basketball coach after the departure of Head Coach Brad Phillips. According to UA Cossatot Chancellor Dr. Steve Cole, “Coach Phillips and I visited last week about his desire to be closer to his home and family in eastern Arkansas and I totally understood. I think what is happening now in the world is making a lot of people take on a renewed appreciation for faith and family and I applauded Coach Phillips’ decision!”

The Colts and Lady Colts are coming off their first year of successful NJCAA competition, with the men posting a 13-15 record and the women posting a 12-11 winning record. Chancellor Cole spoke of the foundation Coach Phillips has laid, “To have the kind of success we had in year one is testament to the hard work of Coach Phillips and assistant Kenny Tabler. We have a firm foundation, a lot of great players coming back, and a lot of great recruits signed on for next season”.

The new basketball coach will assume the duties of coaching both teams and serving as UA Cossatot’s athletic director. The position is a 12-month position and has a starting salary of $50,000 plus benefits. The application deadline is April 24th. “We expect to receive dozens of applications from top-flight coaches who want to be part of a starting tradition at UA Cossatot. There is a lot of interest in playing in a league as competitive as Region II of the NJCAA”. UA Cossatot expects to name a successor by May 1st, depending on the progress of the COVID-19 outbreak. Cole added, “We are very cognizant of the COVID-19 outbreak and our college remains in a very fluid state to help protect our employees and students.

Interviews will be performed safely by using one of three world-class videoconferencing technologies that UA Cossatot has on campus. We want to hire the perfect person for this job, our returning and future student athletes deserve our best”. Interested applicants can go to this link after March 30th to access the complete job description:

Cossatot Community College

Cossatot Community of the University of Arkansas is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or veteran status. Applications from qualified women and ethnic minority group members are strongly encouraged.

Janelle Barnes in the Ed 88 Studio on Thursday about COVID-19

Janelle Barnes of Dr. Walker's office discusses anxiety and depression that can be triggered by the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation.

From the Office of the Chancellor

The COVID-19 epidemic has created one of the most perilous times in Arkansas history. UA Cossatot stands ready to adapt to these new times and while we are dealing with these changes, we will always respect the health and well-being of our students, employees, and the public we serve.

Effective immediately, UA Cossatot students in lecture courses will complete their entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping students complete their semester. As for our students who are enrolled in technical courses (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve these students. Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist students in any way possible to help them achieve their desired learning goals during these tough times.

Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules. While on our campuses, our employees will be strictly observing the rules of social distancing and cleanliness as we continue to fight the battle against COVID-19.

You can always find more UA Cossatot information on Facebook (ED88 and UAC) and on our CCCUA.EDU website.

Thank You,

Dr. Steve Cole
Chancellor, UA Cossatot

To UA Cossatot Students

Hello UA Cossatot Student!

This has been one of the most challenging semesters in our history. I know it has certainly been challenging for you. I wish we could just make COVID-19 go away, but for right now, that doesn’t look like that will happen anytime soon. When we make decisions at UA Cossatot, we make them with YOU in mind. We want YOU to be successful. We also want YOU to be safe. To make sure you can keep learning, and at the same time be safe, effective immediately, if you are a UA Cossatot student enrolled in a lecture course, you will complete your entire spring semester using the Blackboard Online Learning Platform. While we understand this presents a unique way of learning to some students, it is the best and safest method we have in helping you complete your semester. If you are a student enrolled in a technical course (Medical Professions, Welding, Industrial Maintenance, Cosmetology, Agriculture, etc.), we will be making a determination next week on how we will best serve you.

Our faculty, student services staff, Educational Resource Center, and our administration stand ready to assist you in any way possible to help you achieve your desired learning goals during these tough times. If you are having trouble with internet connectivity or have a computer or laptop that isn’t getting the job done, please call us and we will do our best to help get you through the rest of the semester.

Also effective immediately, UA Cossatot will continue to keep our campuses closed to students and visitors at least through April 3rd and our employees will be working either on campus or by their remote work schedules.

This semester is certainly a challenge but I wanted to personally let you know, we are all in this together and we want the very best for you, and that includes your safety! If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to email me at: scole@cccua.edu and I will be happy to respond to you.

Thank you and please stay safe!
Dr. Cole

Blood Drives Across the Area

Want to help your community during these uncertain times? Give blood! Blood drives are scheduled across the area over the next 30 days. Your help is needed!

Howard Memorial Hospital Remains in Lock Down

Howard Memorial Hospital will be further locked down in order to protect you, your family and our staff. Effective immediately, you will be required to enter through the Emergency Room entrance. A screening station is set-up outside the ER and after triage/screening, you will be directed by the nurse where to enter. We realize this may be a little inconvenient; however, it is for everyone's protection. Always remember to cover your cough, sneeze, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. Don't go out in public unless it is absolutely necessary.

UA Cossatot Scholarship Spplication Deadline Extended to May 1st

The 2020-2021 UA Cossatot scholarship application deadline has been extended to May 1. Please share with your students. The online application can be found here: https://cccua.awardspring.com/

Completing this online scholarship application before May 1 is the best time for students to apply for scholarships for the upcoming academic year and gives them access to all the scholarships we have available

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To UA Cossatot Students

From the UAC Financial Aid Office:
March 23, 2020

Dear Student,

All correspondence from the Office of Financial Aid will be sent to your UAC email account and the email account you provided on your FAFSA application. If you receive a Document Tracking Letter (DTL) from our office, please read the letter carefully, follow the link provided in the letter to locate the forms you will need to complete.

All forms will be accepted by mail, email or fax at this time. If you are returning documents that list social security numbers, please mark out all numbers but the last four numbers (XXX-XX-1234). If you have received a DTL letter from us for the 2019-2020 academic year, please return requested documents as soon as possible.

We encourage all of you that have applied for the upcoming academic year (20-21) to promptly return requested documents also.

The address is:

UAC
Financial Aid
183 College Drive
De Queen, AR 71832

Fax: 870-642-8766
Email: FinancialAid@cccua.edu

Sincerely,
Denise Hammond
Director of Financial Aid
870-584-1118
Fax: 870-642-8766
dhammond@cccua.edu

Summer and Fall Registration at UA Cossatot

At UA Cossatot, we understand the seriousness of the COVID-19 SITUATION. But we also know that there is an end to this uncertainty. We are planning for the future and you should be too. America needs more healthcare professionals, truck drivers, teachers, and technicians of all kinds. VIP registration for summer and fall classes begins March 30th. And in keeping with social distancing, registration will be available by email, phone, and text. Check out the available classes at: https://www.cccua.edu/apply-enroll/class-schedules

Cossatot Community College

Click the following links to access the PDF version of the current or upcoming semester's full course schedule. Summer 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (3.23.2020) Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.

Veterans Service Office in Howard County Courthouse Open Special Hours

The Veterans Service Office the Howard County Courthouse will be open from 8am - 1pm Monday and Tuesday and 8 till 12 on Wednesday . This will be until things get back to normal . You must call the office to be let in . That applies to every office at the Courthouse .

Handling Stress of Social Distancing

NEWS ARTICLE
Jean A. Ince
County Extension Agent-Staff Chair

Last week we all thought Covid-19 was going to be on its way out and life would return to normal. However, it looks like it may be around for several weeks and we all need to take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. Most of us are spending more time at home, avoiding contact with others and basically our lives have turned upside down. Here are some tips to help you manage the stress of being stuck at home, either by yourself or with those you love.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Some common feelings are anxiety, worry, or fear over you or a loved one catching the disease. Worry about how you will meet your financial obligations or how you will get the things you need such as groceries, personal care items and medicines.
You may be concerned over how you will care for your children. Who is going to watch them, if you are working? You may be asking yourself, “What are we going to do with all this time on our hands?” Boredom and frustration may set in because your normal routine has changed.
Frustrated at how long this will last. Loneliness and feeling like you are cut off from those you love.
So, what can you do to handle the stress of isolation? Here are some ways to help relieve the pressures.
Keep a Healthy Diet – When you are at home it can be tempting to become a “couch potato”. Instead of grabbing that bag of chips or cookies, try snacking on fresh veggies or fruit. Try a cup of yogurt with fruit. Canned or frozen fruits are great alternatives to fresh. They are healthy choices when fresh may not be available.
Prepare Healthy Meals – Again, it is easy to grab prepackaged foods and pop them in the microwave. Many prepackaged foods have extra fat, calories and sodium than foods prepared from scratch. Involve the family in helping you prepare a healthy meal. Check out the website www.choosemyplate.gov to see what makes a healthy plate. On a side note, there are games and activities that teaches eating right for children to do on the website. Check it out!
Enjoy Nature – If possible, get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Take a walk in your neighborhood, keeping distance between those you meet. Find activities to do with your children online that gets them outside. You might print off a scavenger hunt or keep a journal of what you see outside. Then research the insect, plant, bird or animal that you see.
Exercise! – There are many exercises you can do at home. There is plenty of research being done that connects our physical health with our mental health. Yoga, stretching or strength training exercises are great. If you still have a gaming system that involves bowling, tennis, baseball or dance moves, pull it out of storage. There are many exercise videos you can move to online. The idea is to get up and get moving!
Maintain a Sense of Routine – If you find yourself staying in your pajamas all day and you haven’t brushed your hair or teeth, maybe it’s time to evaluate your routine. Children and adults thrive on routines. Go to bed and wake up at regular times. Avoid falling into a cycle of sleeping, watching tv, eating and repeating. A routine gives purpose and wards off feelings of depression.
Make a Plan and Stick to It! – Set up a schedule of what you want to accomplish each day. Being isolated allows you time to do those chores you have been putting off. It also allows you time to start a new project! If you have children at home, set a time to play games, make a new craft, try out a new recipe, learn a new feature on your mobile device; such as, skyping, FaceTime, or new app. Read a book or start a garden by planting seeds that can be transferred to your outside garden later.
Stay Connected – Just because you are stuck at home, doesn’t mean you have to cut yourself off socially. Call someone and visit. Stay connected through email and social media.
Limit News and Media – Constantly hearing about the coronavirus can impact your mental health. Take a break from the news on the TV or on social media. Get information and updates at specific times during the day. Make sure the information you are receiving is from a reliable source.
These are challenging times for everyone. We will get through them and life will return to normal. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service has several resources for financial management, managing stress, eating healthy and exercise. Check out the website www.uaex.edu for more information.
The Howard County Extension Office is open and conducting business as much as possible. However, all meetings have been postponed for now. If we can assist you call our office at 870-845-7517. You can also keep up-to-date with activities through our Facebook pages at HowardCountyExtensionFcs, Howard-County-4-H, or howard co. uaex ag & natural resources. Just search and like the page you are interested in.

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Curfew Issued for Howard County in Arkansas 8:30PM - 6:00AM