Fall 2026 Membership Expectations
Bear Life Membership Benefits
More Support. More Connections. More Ways to Make Your First Year Count.
When you join Bear Life, you鈥檙e not just signing up for another program鈥攜ou鈥檙e gaining a built-in support system for your first year at UCA.
Bear Life members have access to academic support, coaching, special events, campus connections, giveaways, and opportunities designed specifically for first-year students.
馃専 What You Get as a Bear Life Member
Personalized Success Coaching
Meet with trained Success Coaches who can help you:
- Adjust to college expectations
- Build stronger study and time-management habits
- Create an Academic Success Plan
- Set goals and stay on track
- Connect with campus resources when you need them
You can choose from individual coaching, group coaching, and wellness-focused check-ins throughout the semester.
馃摎 Study Support & Accountability
Bear Life helps you turn studying into a routine instead of a last-minute scramble.
Members can:
- Track study hours at approved campus locations
- Discover great study spaces across campus
- Build consistent weekly study habits
- Receive progress updates and encouragement
- Earn entries into Bear Life merchandise drawings for meeting study goals
馃帗 Academic Success Workshops
Get practical strategies you can use right away.
Bear Life workshops may include topics such as:
- Time management
- Study strategies
- Test preparation
- Academic planning
- Financial wellness
- Major and career exploration
- Career readiness
Many workshops are offered during X-Period, with additional Bear Life pop-up sessions throughout the semester.
馃 A Stronger Campus Connection
College is easier when you know where to go, who to ask, and how to get involved.
Bear Life helps you connect with:
- Other first-year students
- Peer and graduate Success Coaches
- Academic support services
- Campus organizations and events
- First-Year Experience opportunities
- The New Bear Bucket List
- Career and wellness resources
馃帀 Exclusive Bear Life Events
Bear Life members will have opportunities to participate in activities created especially for them, including:
- Game nights
- Bear Life Office Hours
- Special workshops
- End-of-semester celebrations
These events are a great way to meet other students, take a break from classes, and build your BT天堂community.
馃巵 Giveaways & Bear Life Merch
Yes鈥攖here are perks.
Bear Life members can earn chances to win campus merchandise and prizes by participating in program activities and reaching milestones throughout the semester.
That means the things that help you succeed can also earn you a little extra Bear pride along the way.
馃尡 Wellness Support
Your first-year success is about more than grades.
Bear Life members can participate in wellness check-ins that focus on the 8 Areas of Wellness and help you think about balance, stress, relationships, finances, physical well-being, and other areas that can affect your college experience.
馃惢 New Bear Bucket List Connections
Bear Life works alongside the New Bear Bucket List, giving you even more ways to explore campus, build connections, discover resources, and create memories during your first year.
Many activities can help you make progress in more than one first-year experience at the same time.
馃弳 Recognition for Your Success
We want to celebrate the work you put into your first year.
Bear Life members who stay engaged throughout the year will have opportunities to be recognized during program celebrations.
Complete Bear Life during both semesters, and your name will be added to the Bear Life Wall of Success.
Why Join?
Because your first year can shape the rest of your college experience.
Bear Life gives you a reason to:
Show up. Ask questions. Meet people. Build good habits. Try something new. And celebrate your progress.
You鈥檒l still create your own college experience鈥攚e鈥檒l just make sure you have a team cheering you on while you do it.
馃惥 Join Bear Life
Ready to make the most of your first year at UCA?
Join Bear Life and start building your success story.
Questions?
Student Success & Veterans Resource Center, Room 122
(501) 852-2117
bearlife@uca.edu