Students, as we wrap up the semester, I am thinking often about you and the work you have put into preparing for finals. You are ready for the challenge, and this community stands behind you with complete confidence. Our faculty and staff are hard at work as well, supporting these final days before commencement and preparing for the holidays ahead. It is truly a wonderful time of the year at The University of Alabama.
Dr. Peter J. Mohler
As You Step Into Finals Week
- Students, give yourself time to focus, recharge and finish strong. Use your study hours wisely and reach out for support when needed.
- Gorgas Library is open 24 hours throughout Finals Week, with additional study spaces available across campus. Check hours for all library locations → UA Library Exam Hours
- Graduates, I look forward to celebrating you this weekend. Ceremony details are available here → UA Commencement website
Campus Momentum
- Congratulations to Coach DeBoer and the Alabama football team for being selected for the College Football Playoff. We look forward to the opportunity that awaits the Crimson Tide as they compete in the first round Dec. 19 in Norman, Oklahoma.
- Denny Chimes now rings with exact synchronization thanks to new precision timing technology from the UA’s QuanTime Lab — an atomic clock ensemble that keeps time to nanoseconds, bringing one of our most recognizable campus landmarks into the 21st century.
- New economic impact data from 2023–2024 confirms that UA continues to be a powerful driver of growth across Alabama, contributing a record $3.4 billion statewide, $2.354 billion in the Tuscaloosa metro area and supporting more than 15,000 jobs — further proof that a UA degree delivers lasting value for students and communities.
Pride In Our People
- Congratulations to the 2025 Blackmon-Moody Award recipient, Dr. Jennifer Feltman, associate professor of medieval art and architecture. Her work contributing to the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris and her ongoing efforts to preserve medieval art and architecture reflect exceptional dedication to scholarship, collaboration and service.
- Thank you for your generous support of the UA United Way Campaign. Together, we not only met our goal but exceeded it, raising nearly $403,000 as of Dec. 3. There is still time to join in this effort — the giving portal remains open until 5 p.m. on Dec. 12.
- Beat Auburn Beat Hunger reached a record in 2025 with nearly 631,000 pounds of food raised for the West Alabama Food Bank, highlighting the compassion and leadership of our students and partners to address food insecurity in our region.
- Operation Iron Ruck united students and veterans once again, honoring service, sacrifice and commitment through a powerful 151-mile walk from the Walk of Champions to Jordan-Hare Stadium — a tradition that raises awareness for veteran suicide and brings our communities together in meaningful support.
Holiday Sparkle at the Capstone
For those remaining in Tuscaloosa after finals or visiting campus in December, I encourage you to enjoy the holiday spirit across our campus. Lights, decorations and special events offer meaningful moments of reflection and connection for our community.
Explore free events with UA Museums → Holiday Fun