Speakers UCA sociology professor Douglas George and former UCA student Matt Farr informed students about the importance of academics and provided advice for success at Academics on the Yard.

UCA’s Minority Mentorship Program hosted the event during x-period Aug. 27 at the amphitheater as part of MMP Transitions Week.

George talked about the skills that potential employers are going to expect students to have. He said the most important skill they are looking for is self-discipline.

Farr presented five keys to success in academics: organization, time-management, prioritization, concentration and motivation. He said students should stay true to their motivation, emphasizing that “everyone needs motivation.”

MMP members handed out an “Academic Achiever Survival Guide” brochure that encourages students to “seize the day.” The brochure provides tips for class and note taking, studying, test taking, utilizing college resources, and career planning.

Food, drinks, drawstring backpacks and music were provided at the event.

Co-chair Kelsey Allen said she was excited about the success of Academics on the Yard.

“The whole focus of our program is to get the freshmen involved to make sure they stay in school and make sure they graduate,” she said.

Catherine Miller, MMP marketing chair, said the MMP will use this year to form initiatives “to get the retention rate up and increase the graduation rate.”

Many of the members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which consists of nine historically African-American fraternities and sororities, are involved in the MMP and at the event to show support. The organization hosted a Transitions Greek Show at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in Ida Waldran Auditorium.