Online Education is Affordable at UA Cossatot

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities across the nation are offering the majority of their classes strictly online. With so much uncertainty about on-campus course work, college students are being encouraged to sign up for courses with an online format. UA Cossatot, the first college in Arkansas to offer a fully-accredited degree completely online, has been offering online education since 1997 and continues to offer several classes, certificates, and degrees online for students to take at a friendly price.

UA Cossatot has eight associate degrees, two associate of applied science degrees, five technical certificates, and two certificates of proficiency that can be completed 100% online. The majority of classes in other degrees and certificates at UA Cossatot can be completed online as well.

Students can earn degrees and certificates in general studies, business, agriculture, criminal justice, and psychology, to name a few, without ever stepping on one of UA Cossatot’s campuses.

Tuition at UA Cossatot is $74 per credit hour, meaning full-time in-district resident students taking 12 hours can expect to pay less than $1600 a semester. Additionally, UA Cossatot’s online courses generally require no textbook purchases, saving students over $500 each semester.

UA Cossatot was recently listed as one of the Top 60 Online Community Colleges in the nation. Out of 60 colleges, UA Cossatot was ranked at number 15 and was also listed as the most affordable online community college in the country, according to Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning.

UA Cossatot Student Accounts Officer, Tiana Kelly, said, “Taking classes at a community college is a great option. If students are going to have to pay for coursework online, they might as well take them at UA Cossatot, where they will be far cheaper! We are happy to welcome local, transfer, new, and returning students to our college. UA Cossatot students are given the option to make monthly payments through the mail, online, or over the phone. To set up payment plans, please call the business office at 870-584-1113. We would love to help you and answer any questions!”

For more information about online classes or online programs offered at UA Cossatot, please contact Student Services at studentservices@cccua.edu or 870-584-4471.

UA Cossatot Releases Three-Phase Plan for Reopening

The purpose of this three-phase plan is to prepare UA Cossatot’s staff, students, and community for the gradual reopening of all UA Cossatot campuses.

Based on current guidance, UA Cossatot will employ a gradual return to normal for our students and community. Since the advent of COVID-19 in our community, UA Cossatot has shuttered campuses to students and visitors. Employees of UA Cossatot have been allowed to work from home (providing employees can effectively and productively complete their job duties) from the very beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, while many employees have been coming to work on campus under strict social distancing and other CDC safety guidelines. This plan is designed to guide our college and inform our public through the summer to prepare for a full reopening this fall. UA Cossatot’s COVID-19 Task Force is currently preparing the reopening plan for fall of 2020.

This plan should be considered a fluid response to the COVID-19 epidemic and may be changed based on the prevailing or impending health conditions locally, statewide, and regionally.

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LIVE VIDEO: Lockesburg School Campus Historic Restoration Project - Dr. Steve Cole

UA Cossatot Cosmetology Grad Juanisha Finley

Congratulations Juanisha Finley is a UAC Cosmetology Graduate! Covid couldn’t stop this girl!!

A Look at the Cosmetology Career Program at UA Cossatot in Nashville, AR

Fall registration is underway at UAC. One of our many technical career programs is cosmetology on the Nashville campus of UA Cossatot.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

On Wednesday, members of the Arkansas Legislative Council were given an update on unemployment claims in the state. This week, we have also been reviewing a preliminary report from the Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force.

Arkansas’s unemployment rate doubled from 5.0% in March to 10.2% in April. The U.S. rate is 14.7%. There were more than 206,000 of initial unemployment claims filed from the week ending March 7 to the week ending May 9. For the week ending May 2, there were 119,332 continued unemployment claims.

Since May 1, close to 39,000 Arkansans have applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance resulting in $19.3 million of paid claims. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is being offered through the CARES Act and provides compensation to those not typically eligible for unemployment benefits such as free-lancers and those who are self-employed.

If you have filed for unemployment or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, be sure to check your emails for updates to your account and make sure you submit your weekly claims.

While Arkansas’s economy is faring better than many other states, the fact remains that Arkansans are hurting. The challenge now is to restore our economy and consumer confidence in a way that protects the health of workers, customers, and communities.

The Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force was created in April to develop a strategy for economic recovery efforts.

The task force released a preliminary report this week outlining several recommendations. Those recommendations include increase testing and tracing, addressing COVID-19 related liability concerns for businesses, increasing childcare resources, workforce training, and broadband availability.

The task force noted that much of Arkansas’s recovery will be predicated by our citizens and our businesses continuing to be responsible stakeholders in the recovery efforts. The report states, “Over the next few months, we will all need to adhere to Arkansas’s Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control’s directives in order to manage the impact of COVID-19 throughout our state. Importantly, we need Arkansans to maintain social distancing protocols set out by the Arkansas Department of Health in public settings. Doing so will help protect our friends and relatives from the spread of the virus and undoubtedly accelerate our state’s economic recovery.”

You can read the entire report at www.arkansasready.com

Home

The Arkansas Economic Recovery Task Force was formed to provide information to help Arkansans confidently and safely return to life and work. This industry-specific platform provides a single source for recommendations on how you can help the Arkansas economy recover from the effects of COVID-19.

UA Cossatot and the University of Arkansas Create a Pathway for Business Transfer Students

On May 21, 2020, UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, signed an articulation agreement with the University of Arkansas Walton School of Business in Fayetteville for the Associate of Science Business transfer degree. This degree will allow students completing the degree to seamlessly transfer to the University of Arkansas Walton School of Business online or as a resident student.

UA Cossatot Division Chair of Professional Studies, Barbara Lacefield, said, “We have been working for quite some time to get this agreement completed, so we are excited to finally have everything in place. We have had an agreement with other schools in the state for several years but nothing specific for the University of Arkansas, until now.”

Students who choose to complete this 62 credit hour associate’s degree at UA Cossatot can do so entirely online. They can then transfer to the Fayetteville campus to major in a variety of subjects, including business administration, marketing, management, and supply chain management. The agreement also allows students to transfer online to earn a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, accounting, and general business.

Business transfer students from UA Cossatot who choose to move to Fayetteville and take classes on campus can qualify for the Arkansas Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship allows transfer students living on campus to pay the same tuition rate they paid at UA Cossatot ($74 per credit hour) at Fayetteville.
The Associate of Science Business degree at UA Cossatot is designed to improve employability and also transfer. With this new transfer agreement, more business students can earn more affordable degrees with excellent quality.

For more information or any questions, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.

From the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees

Summer Courses at UA Cossatot Begin June 1

UA Cossatot is offering several online courses this summer that are available in 4-week, 6-week, and 8-week terms. Most of these courses will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020, and it is not too late to sign up for classes.
Students who are home for the summer or who are living anywhere can find rewarding benefits by taking an online college course at UA Cossatot this summer.

The full list of classes can be viewed at www.cccua.edu/enroll.

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 (5.18.2020) Fall 2020 Schedule (4.16.2020 Find specific courses through Campus Connect Course Search. There's no need to login.

In as little as four weeks, students can earn college credit hours that can be used to transfer or obtain a certificate or a degree at UA Cossatot.

To enroll in any one of the courses offered at UA Cossatot this summer, students need to contact a Student Services Advisor. Student Services Advisors include Lizz Garza, Jocelin Galvez, Holly Norman, Sheila McCandless, Rachel Barfield, Addison Hill, and Suzanne Ward. Their contact information can be found on the directory page of UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/directory. Students can also sign up for classes by emailing Student Services at studentservices@cccua.edu.

The last day to sign up for classes is also June 1. For more information, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.

Cossatot Community College

©2020 Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

More Rainfall and River Flood Warnings Expected

Flood Warning Flood Statement
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
1006 AM CDT Tue May 26 2020

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Oklahoma...Arkansas...

  Little River Near Idabel affecting McCurtain, Sevier and Little
  River Counties.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive cars through flooded areas.
Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

1006 AM CDT Tue May 26 2020

...The Flood Warning is now in effect until early Thursday morning...

The Flood Warning continues for
  the Little River Near Idabel.
* Until late Wednesday night.
* At 9:30 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 27.6 feet.
* Flood stage is 30 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage Tuesday
  night to a crest of 30 feet just after midnight Tuesday. It will
  then fall below flood stage Wednesday morning.
* Impact...At 30 feet, Several hundred acres of lowland will flood
  at the confluence of the Glover and Little Rivers. Farmers and
  ranchers should move cattle and farm machinery to higher ground
  until the high water ends.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7 PM CDT Wednesday
evening.

Thunderstorms will remain in the forecast through end of the work
week as a closed low meanders near the region. An isolated strong
to severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out, but widespread severe
weather is not anticipated. However, more rainfall could lead to
a renewed threat for flash flooding.

Camping Spots Closed on Area Lakes Due to Heavy Rains

Recent heavy rains and high water have caused the closing of both Story Creek and Pine Ridge areas on De Queen Lake. The Bellah Mine area has yet to reopen after storm damage this spring. That leaves Oak Grove Park as the only open camping area on the lake.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Memorial Day will be different this year. The threat of the coronavirus will limit the large gatherings of people who typically come together at ceremonies.

But the virus cannot stop us from taking a moment of private reflection to honor the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform who died protecting freedom.

Arkansas was and is home to so many brave men and women who deserve our recognition. Our state lost 2,183 Arkansans in World War I.

World War II had a great economic and social impact on the people of Arkansas. During the war, an estimated 194,645 Arkansans served the nation in the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. That was approximately 10% of our state’s population in 1940. As a result of combat, 3,519 Arkansans lost their lives.

Arkansans continued to answer the call to serve. There were 461 Arkansans who lost their lives in the Korean War and 588 during the Vietnam War.

We lost 4 of our own in Desert Storm, 33 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 29 in Operation Enduring Freedom.

And today, there are thousands who serve willing to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom still.

In 2017, the Arkansas General Assembly passed Act 281 which instructed the Secretary of State to erect a monument honoring Gold Star Families. The monument is located directly behind the Capitol and was dedicated last fall. The Gold Star Family Memorial Monument honors those families who sacrificed more than most of us, and illustrates that the United States has citizens in every community willing to make such sacrifices. It further illustrates that families suffer and grieve when a dear relative is lost, and without their sacrifices, freedom could not and would not have been preserved.

Monuments and ceremonies are just two of hundreds of ways to honor our men and women in uniform, but the one act of appreciation each of us can do, even in the middle of a pandemic, is to be the kind of American worth fighting for.

From the Office of the Chancellor

We are now several months in to the COVID-19 outbreak and UA Cossatot has been working diligently to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. Now that we know our summer courses will be offered online, our attention has already shifted to how we will approach the Fall 2020 semester.

While we will keep relying on guidance from the Governor’s office, our state health care professionals and the University of Arkansas System, we will also be developing a local plan so our campuses can safely be open for students this fall.

To aid in our Fall 2020 decisions, I have appointed the UA Cossatot COVID-19 Task Force. This is a task force that is comprised of committees that will oversee developing our campus strategy for a safe Fall 2020 semester. The task force is comprised of the following committees: Contingency Planning, Academics and Student Assistance, Communicable Diseases, Communications, Events, Facilities/Partners/Contractors/Logistics, Finances, Health and Safety/Environmental Safety, Human Resources, Outreach/Alumni, Athletics, Information Technology.

These committees have already started working on contingency plans in all of these areas. They will be taking into account several different scenarios that UA Cossatot could face this fall. The scenarios range from the most likely to the most unlikely and will include how UA Cossatot will respond to each.

We feel that this contingency plan, along with continued input and guidance from the Governor’s office, health care professionals around the state and the University of Arkansas System will allow UA Cossatot to be fully prepared to have a safe and productive fall semester for our students, staff, and the community members we serve each day.

While we do not know what the future holds in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak, we do know we need to be prepared and we feel that the COVID-19 Task Force will create the blueprint that will allow this to happen.

We are seeing many students already enrolling for summer and fall and our registration is certainly still open for both semesters. We have made our entire registration process available online for the safety and convenience of our students. We are also working on virtual tours of our campuses. Our website contains all the information students need to register: https://www.cccua.edu.

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 http://www.ed88radio.com and http://www.cccua.edu 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.

UA Cossatot Virtual Tour for Fall Registration

Time to start planning for the future! Fall registration is underway now at UA Cossatot. For a taste of what we have to offer, check out this short video, then visit: www.cccua.edu

We would love to talk about how we can help you achieve your goals. And when you get your Associate's Degree at UAC, you can transfer to UA Fayetteville and pay the same low tuition you enjoyed at Cossatot! A member of our Cossatot family is standing by to answer all your questions and get you started on whatever career path you choose!

Summer Employment Opportunity!

Husqvarna, L&G facility, is currently accepting high school and college student applications for employment during the summer months for second shift. Openings include Motor Testers, Material Handlers, and Production workers.

Pay range $13.40- $15.15 per hour. Hourly pay rate includes a $2.00 per hour temporary premium.

Students must meet the minimum age requirement.

Apply at 1 Poulan Drive in Nashville, AR.

Tornado Warnings were Issued for the Region Saturday Evening

Thunderstorms moved across the region Saturday evening and tornado sirens and warnings from Code Red and the National Weather Service came across between 6 and 7 p.m. A Tornado Watch remains in effect through 9:00 Saturday night, 05/16.

Pockets of heavy rainfall came across the area and prompted Flash Flood Watches and Warnings for portions of southwest Arkansas, northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, and northeast Texas. According to the National Weather Service, skies should clear off Sunday bringing sunny and dry conditions throughout next week.

Carmelia Johnson captured this video Saturday evening, May 16, in Central.

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

The COVID-19 pandemic could be a source of stress, fear, or anxiety for many Arkansans. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to remind Arkansans of the resources available to help during this time. 

If you currently visit a provider for mental health services, these services can now be accessed by telephone or tele-video. Arkansas’s Community Mental Health Centers have also temporarily changed their services to utilize tele-video or telephone technology whenever possible.  

The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center can direct you to the center closest to you.

The Arkansas Lifeline Call Center (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7. This call center housed within theArkansas Department of Health answers calls from Arkansans to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call takers can route Arkansans to local resources. 

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming in both adults and children. 

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

The CDC recommends the following to cope with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

• Eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

While we may all be social distancing, it’s important to still connect with others. Technology allows us to connect in new ways. As we collectively work to get our state back to normal, don’t underestimate the importance of reaching out to family and friends.

Taking care of yourself can help you cope with stress and in turn, help others. Helping others is what will make communities stronger on the other side of this crisis.

Stolen Truck Found Wednesday in Saline River

Authorities found a stolen Hiland truck Wednesday in the Saline River near Steel Bridge Road. The investigation is ongoing.

Sevier County Investigator finds an Exciting Career by Staying Local

Brian Hankins is a Sevier County and Lockesburg, Arkansas resident who graduated from UA Cossatot. At an early age, Brian envisioned himself working for local law enforcement. Today he works for the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator, choosing to help and serve those in his community.
Hankins chose to pursue this career path after graduating from Horatio High School in 2004. Shortly after graduating high school, he began working as a jailer and as a dispatcher. From 2005 to 2008, Brian chose to work as a welder, but eventually discovered that his passion remained in law enforcement.
In 2008, Brian returned to working as a jailer. In hopes of one day moving up in law enforcement, he decided to take college classes. Even though a degree wasn’t a requirement at his agency, he knew that a college education could be beneficial.
In 2011, Hankins started his college career at UA Cossatot. In two years, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Arts degree, a degree that is designed to transfer to a four-year university.
Brian Hankins said, “I chose to go to school at UA Cossatot because it was local, and I did not have to move away. I took classes at the De Queen Campus and online. There were several things that I liked about UA Cossatot. It was close to home, the staff were friendly and excellent, and I also really liked the fact that I was able to pursue my basic college classes in a small-town atmosphere.”
After achieving his associate’s degree at UA Cossatot, Brian chose to continue his education online through Arkansas Tech University. In May of 2015, he graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies degree concentrated in Criminal Justice.
After getting into law enforcement, Brian began to work small cases and enjoyed the experience. He immediately set a goal to become an investigator. In 2017, his goal became a reality when Sheriff Robert Gentry promoted him to the role of investigator for Sevier County.
Brian says that he enjoys being able to solve cases, and one of the things he likes about his job the most is getting the chance to help return stolen property to a victim.
When asked about his education, Brian said, “I would absolutely recommend UA Cossatot. I think the college can give everyone a great experience, and I highly recommend it.”
In the spring of 2019, Brian worked as an adjunct instructor at UA Cossatot, where he taught criminal justice classes. As more students enroll in the program, he plans to teach again.
Hankins said, “UA Cossatot is a great place to pursue a criminal justice degree. People that are interested in seeking careers in the criminal justice field need education and experience. Plus, the majority of the bigger agencies at the state level and the federal level require both. I would advise all local college students to stay home and take classes at UA Cossatot, at least for the first year or two. It is a great college that offers excellent benefits.”
At the age of 33, Brian enjoys his work and having the opportunity to serve the community that he has always called home. In his downtime, he enjoys hunting, fishing, being in the outdoors, and spending time with his three children: Bentley, Canton, and Emersyn.
To learn more about the criminal justice program or other degrees and certificates offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Student Services department at studentservices@cccua.edu.

UA Cossatot Offering Free, Online Professional Development Courses this Summer

UA Cossatot’s Office of Continuing Education is offering ten free self-paced courses this summer to support the communities it serves during these uncertain times. Anyone wishing to improve their skills and learn new techniques for the workplace or for personal enrichment can benefit from enrolling. Online registration is available through June 30.
A full list of classes and course descriptions can be found at UA Cossatot’s website at www.cccua.edu/ceonline.
UA Cossatot’s Public Services and Workforce Development Director, Tammy Coleman says, “These courses offer excellent opportunities for individuals to learn more about customer service, time management, supervision, organization, marketing, effective communication skills, personal finance, creating webpages, and so much more. Individuals can leverage these free courses to enter the workforce or advance their career. We also invite area employers to use this as a professional development opportunity for their employees.”
Anyone can register and access as many of the courses as they wish for three months from the time enrolled. A certificate of completion will automatically be available to the student for print or download immediately after successfully completing each course.
To sign up for a class, please visit www.cccua.edu/conted to complete an online registration form. For more information about the professional development courses offered at UA Cossatot, please contact UA Cossatot’s Continuing Education department at 870-584-1178 or continuingeducation@cccua.edu