Don't Be Afraid to Talk to Your Student About Sex

by Marybeth Bock, MPH

Living through a global pandemic has caused a lot of us to think more about our health over the past few years, and about ways to protect and improve our own health and that of our family members.

When it comes to our college students, we've been pretty consumed with COVID-19 issues and how the pandemic has affected their mental health. With all the news about mental health crises and higher rates of self-harm in young people, many of us have been paying attention to our students' levels of stress and anxiety.

In this way, the pandemic has conveniently given many of us a reason (or an excuse) to avoid talking to our college kids about sexual health. But college is still college, and a high percentage of this age group is sexually active.

No matter what kind of relationship you have with your young adult child, talking about sex with our kids can be awkward. You may be tempted to avoid sexual health discussions by making assumptions like these:

•	My kid isn't even in a relationship.
•	We talked about that stuff years ago.
•	They're smart, they know how to take care of themselves.
•	They have condoms/contraceptives, so they're fine.

If you've found yourself thinking along those lines, here are a few things to consider. READ MORE[READ MORE]

'YES!' When My Son Asks to Bring Friends Home from College

by Jennifer McCarthy

"Absolutely, yes."

This is what I said when my oldest son, a college junior, asked if he could bring his friends home during a three-day weekend. It was not the first time he’d asked to bring people home, and I am certain that it won’t be the last. I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“Come home, bring whoever, we can’t wait to see you!”

So in they came – with their pillows, bags, backpacks, shoes, computers, phones, and chargers. And their presence filled the house. READ MORE

Latest News

UCA celebrates 'Arkansongs' 25th anniversary

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will host “Arkansongs” in celebration of 25 years of broadcasting on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

The main event will start at 3 p.m., but visitors are also invited to an exhibit in the Windgate Gallery starting at 2 p.m.

Culled from the UCA Archives and the Old State House Museum, the exhibition will feature artifacts such as Louis Jordan’s saxophone; a Levon Helm bust by famed Arkansas sculptor, Kevin Kresse; Jimmy Driftwood’s guitar; the RCA Dog and more.

The event will feature co-founder Stephen Koch, who will entertain and educate the audience on the history of trailblazing Arkansas artists such as Levon Helm, Almeda Riddle, Jimmy Driftwood, Black Oak Arkansas, Sippie Wallace, Rosetta Tharpe and more.

“Arkansongs” highlights the legends as well as the forgotten heroes in every musical genre. The show first aired in 1998 with cofounders and journalists Stephen Koch and Keith Merckx. The radio program has continued to air for 25 years and focuses on showcasing Arkansas’ people, places, and music. Each week, “Arkansongs” examines another facet of Arkansas music, exploring the people and events that have influenced the state and the world. It is a respected staple of the state’s media fabric and is home to Red River Radio, a network of stations boasting one of the largest public radio coverage areas in the nation.

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UCA Eclipse 2024

The Great North American Eclipse will be only the third total solar eclipse to occur in Arkansas since the Louisiana Purchase.

Join UCA as we experience a unique moment in the state’s history!

Total Time in Eclipse: 3m 56s
Beginning of Partial Phase: 12:33:50 p.m.
Beginning of Totality: 1:51:05 p.m.
End of Totality: 1:54:57 p.m.
End of Partial Phase: 3:11:36 p.m.

Estes Stadium will be the site of one of our campus watch parties, and directly adjacent to the stadium will be the Eclipse 2024 Street Fair on Bruce Street. Join us at UCA to enjoy food trucks, live music, and a festive atmosphere for the whole community to enjoy! Pick up a pair of eclipse viewing glasses and enjoy what may be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The other campus watch party will be a pet-friendly dog barkanalia on the lawn of the College of Business.

UCA will have many opportunities to connect with campus leading up to and on the day of, the eclipse. Visit the Events page to discover all that we will have to offer.