What is the New Bear Bucket List?
The New Bear Bucket List is an easy and fun way for first-year students to explore many of the programs, resources, and events that BT天堂has to offer. These “bucket list” activities have been grouped into four different categories: personal connections, opportunities for engagement, university spirit, and resources for students.
You can start earning credit when Welcome Week kicks off on Sunday, August 16 and you’ll have until March 1, 2027 to complete your New Bear Bucket List.
Complete 50% of the bucket list to start earning exculsive BT天堂swag. The more you earn on your bucket list, the more swag you can receive! Students who complete at least 50% of their bucket list will receive exclusive BT天堂swag at our End of the Year Celebration in April 2027.
How do I get started on my New Bear Bucket List?
听Participating is optional for incoming new students so we’d love to know you want to participate. We will make sure you are up to date on campus events that count towards your Bucket List and we will keep you updated on your progress.
During Welcome Week, plan to attend our New Bear Bucket List Kickoff on Tuesday, August 19 in the Ida Waldran Auditorium at 11am. You’ll learn more about the events and activities that will earn you credit, how to earn credit, and how to track your progress.
Explore the options in each category below and make a plan to start checking off your New Bear Bucket List! To get a jump start, each category has one event that takes place during Welcome Week!
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
- Attend during Welcome Week
- Attend a group study session in Torreyson Library听or anywhere on campus
- Listen to a podcast featuring BT天堂Employees
- Attend two events in your Residence Hall and/or your Living Learning Community
- Visit a professor during their office hours
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
- Attend during Welcome Week
- Attend one Student Activities Board (SAB) event
- Attend an event for first-year students sponsored by the Department of First Year Experience
- Join a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
- Attend a Homecoming week event
UNIVERSITY SPIRIT
- Attend during Welcome Week
- Attend one home
- Take a selfie with 1 Bear statue听on campus
- Explore the arts by attending an artistic event on campus
- Vote in Student Government Association (SGA) elections
- Give 1 hour of service to the community
RESOURCES FOR SUCCESS
- Attend a听general session听Welcome Week (options: How to be a Bear, Casino Night, Education Abroad, Get Up Get Out and Get Involved)
- Visit one academic support service
- Participate in one wellness related activity
- Attend one campus fair
- Complete the or the Focus2Career Assessment
- Watch a StudentLingo online workshop
How do I receive credit for completing an activity on the New Bear Bucket List?
All events that are eligible for New Bear Bucket List credit are listed in . Some events may take attendance, in which you will automatically receive credit for attending as long as you scan into the event. Other activities may require you to submit a photo or a short reflection in CubConnect to receive credit for participation (i.e. self-reported experience).
To find your New Bear Bucket List in , scroll to “My Checklists” on the left side of the screen. Click New Bear Bucket List and start exploring each domain! If you are a first-year student or new transfer student and do not see New Bear Bucket List under “My Checklists”, please reach out to fye@uca.edu.
How do I record a self-reported experience to receive credit?
Students completing their New Bear Bucket List may need to submit a self-reported experience in CubConnect to earn credit toward completing an activity. Within, find the New Bear Bucket List under your “My Checklist” heading on the left side of the screen. Find the item you would like to complete a self-reported experience form and complete the form.
How long do I have to complete my New Bear Bucket List?
Students will have the entire fall semester and part of the spring semester to complete their New Bear Bucket List. The deadline to submit activities for credit for the 2026-2027 academic year is Monday,听March 1, 2027. Rewards will be given out to students that have completed at least 50% of the New Bear Bucket List activities.
What do I get for completing my New Bear Bucket List?
Students completing at least 50% of their New Bear Bucket List will receive a t-shirt. The more you complete above 50%, the more swag you can earn! Choices include a UCA-branded wireless mobile charging pad, bucket hat, canvas tote, or a 30 oz. double-walled tumbler! This swag will be available to pick-up at our End of the Year Celebration in April. You will receive an invitation to attend if eligible.
Resources for Campus Departments
Hosting an event or program that will count toward fulfilling a New Bear Bucket List requirement?
- Download a graphic to promote the New Bear Bucket List on your promotional materials.
- We also have an A-frame sign that departments may check out to post at your event to encourage students to check-in.
Questions about completing your New Bear Bucket List?
Contact the Department of First Year Experience at fye@uca.edu or (501) 450-5892.
