UCA will release Degree Works, the new program featuring several options that allow students to closely follow their degree, March 17.
Degree Works will be accessible to all undergraduate students. Students can access Degree Works through MyUCA, by clicking on “Student and Financial Aid” and clicking “Records”.
Degree Works project manager Jane Andis said, “It’s like a road map and if [students]follow this, [they]can graduate from this university.”
On the program, students will find their GPA, any academic advising holds and a list of all degree requirements for a particular major or minor. On the top of the page is a progress bar that shows students what percent of their degree they have
completed thus far.
“There really is a big need for this [program]. It has all the information [students]need,” Andis said.
For the first time, students will be able to view their major and minor GPAs, as well as view the class catalog and plan upcoming semesters directly from the program. Students can also email their advisers through Degree Works and write notes within the program.
Andis said the program is partially designed to help students stay away from classes they don’t need.
Another feature included in Degree Works is the calculator and “What if” audit. The calculator can estimate a student’s prospective GPA for the semester as well as by graduation. The “What if” audit will allow students to hypothetically change their major and see what classes they would need to take in order to graduate.
“Instead of having to sit down with their adviser, students can come on here any time and see what the change would look like,” Andis said. The Degree Works program is offered at only two universities in Arkansas: UCA and Arkansas State University – Jonesboro.
Assistant Academic Advising Director Jenny Ruud said, “We are really excited about this. It is so much better than anything we had prior to this.”
Upperclassmen in the old general education program have the option to change to the new UCA Core program as part of general education changes. Degree Works allows students to can look at what their class requirements would look like before making the decision to switch.
Faculty members, residential college mentors and students assisting in the tutoring center receive training on how to operate Degree Works. When the program is released, Andis said she hopes to hold training sessions for
students who wish to learn more about the program.
While Degree Works is only available for undergraduates, there is a graduate student program under development. It is set for release this summer.
A student should contact the Help Desk if they encounter a login problem. If the student has problems with their program requirements, they should see their advisor or department chair for assistance.
