SEAR Spring Resource Carnival Brings Live Bands, Interactive Games, Food and Vendors to Campus April 8

It's time to join the fun at the annual Spring Resource Carnival hosted by the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) program and Razorbacks Offering Accountability Resources (ROAR). This year's event will be held April 8 from 2-5 p.m. at the Arkansas Union Mall.  

This high-energy celebration for students, faculty and staff features live bands; free food including Mamaka Bowls, Kona Ice and Burton's Creamery; interactive games, activities and a timed obstacle course; giveaways; and a variety of resources, such as harm reduction stations, wellness and self-care booths focused on mental health and stress management, recovery and support services, and more. 

"SEAR hosts the carnival in honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, celebrated annually in April," said Smruthi Vaishnavi Chintakunta, Ph.D., L.A.C., and SEAR program prevention and education coordinator. "Our main goal is to create a fun, engaging and stigma-free space where students can connect with campus and community resources that support their well-being." 

The event offers the opportunity for students to discover resources they may not know exist, build connections with supportive staff and gain practical tools for safer decision-making. 

"This year's theme centers on the Stay RazorSharp campaign, which empowers Razorbacks to look out for themselves and one another," Chintakunta said. "Stay RazorSharp follows the 'STAR' tenets: stay safe, take care of yourself, address social norm misconceptions and reduce stigma." 

From prevention, harm reduction and recovery resources to peer support, mental wellness and advocacy, Stay RazorSharp reminds students that safety and well-being are community efforts and that help is always within reach.  

Chintakunta emphasized the importance of raising awareness because many students may not seek help due to stigma or misconceptions. 

"By normalizing conversations around substance use, mental health and self-care, this event helps shift campus culture toward one that prioritizes safety, inclusion and informed decision-making," she said. 

And, learning to Stay RazorSharp isn't just for students when they are on campus. It's a mindset they can take anywhere, whether they're studying abroad or on summer break. 

With a strong emphasis on interactive learning and engagement through the Stay RazorSharp STAR tenets, this year's activities offer a dynamic, memorable, game-based experience and expanded harm-reduction strategies alongside a broader range of resources. 

"The Spring Resource Carnival is near and dear to the SEAR team as a chance to build connections, challenge misconceptions and empower students with knowledge that can positively impact their lives," Chintakunta said. "Whether someone is looking for support, curious about available resources or simply wants to enjoy a fun campus event, we are excited to engage with the campus community and kick off Alcohol Awareness Month."

About the Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery (SEAR) Program: SEAR provides individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis and other substance-related concerns. SEAR offers research-based prevention, early intervention and recovery support services designed to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices and raises awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a Pat Walker Health Center program and is part of the Division of Student Affairs. To learn more, visit health.uark.edu/sear. 

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.