A Message from the President – COVID-19

• March 12th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

COVID-19 presents serious public health concerns. The University of Alabama is committed to slowing the spread of the coronavirus, while maintaining our mission of teaching, research, and service.

Social distancing is a key barrier to the spread of the virus. To assist with this national task of social distancing, and in keeping with UA system policies, the following actions are in effect until further notice.

As you consider these measures, I call upon each of you – faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and supporters – to model the creativity and strength of the campus community we have come to expect.

Remote Teaching and Learning

After tomorrow, classes will be canceled until March 30 to allow additional time for UA to transition – to the maximum extent possible – to alternative and remote learning. Faculty will determine how to best use existing technology, such as Blackboard and Zoom, to support students as they work to complete their educational requirements for the semester. Teaching will resume March 30 via these new methods.

Student Accommodations

Students should not return to campus when classes resume, and will continue their course work via distance learning subject to the following limited exceptions: (a) international or other students who do not have alternative accommodations; (b) students from areas without high-speed internet or other means of receiving remote instruction; and (c) students with exceptional hardships, or academic, employment, clinical or research requirements that should be reviewed by the respective campuses on a case-by-case basis. Arrangements will be made to ensure any students who must remain on campus have access to essential services. A move out plan will be communicated at a later date.

Domestic and International Travel

In addition to previously announced travel limitations, all university-funded travel, both foreign and domestic, is suspended. Travel sponsors can apply for exceptions to this restriction by completing a form that will be posted at healthinfo.ua.edu.

University Events

All non-essential University meetings, gatherings and events are canceled until March 30. Any exceptions must be specifically requested and approved via a form that will be posted on healthinfo.ua.edu

Other University Business

Due to these changes, a number of essential personnel will be required to work over spring break. Supervisors will be in contact about those schedules. Other University operations will continue as originally planned, with employees returning from spring break March 23. Thereafter, there is a potential for flexible work arrangements in alignment with our focus on social distancing. Supervisors should work directly with employees to make any necessary changes.

Education Abroad

Education Abroad has created a list of FAQs on the coronavirus, international.ua.edu/educationabroad/prepare/health-safety/coronavirus-faqs/.

Exposed or Sick Individuals

Do not return to campus if you meet the following criteria:

• If you have traveled to a CDC COVID-19 Level 2 or 3 country (on personal or University business) or come in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, you are required to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health
• If you have the symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider. You may also call the Student Health Centerprior to visiting at (205) 348-3854 or after hours at (205) 348-0386. If you are an employee and have concerning symptoms, please call the University Medical Center at (205) 348-4696 or (205) 348-1770 before visiting.

Assistance with Remote Teaching and Learning Technology

We will examine how to best support employees and students who have special health or other needs impacted by these decisions. Faculty may call upon a specialized IT team to assist with online teaching. More information on IT assistance will be posted on healthinfo.ua.edu, as it becomes available.

I know this is not how we expected to begin spring break. Please take preventive measures to protect yourself and those around you. Exercise extra caution when traveling and interacting. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding shaking hands and other physical contact.

Together we will overcome this challenge. Please monitor healthinfo.ua.edu for updates and additional information, in this rapidly evolving situation.

Promoting Respect and Safety for Our Campus Community

• January 29th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As part of our ongoing pledge to promote and maintain a safe and respectful campus environment, I want to remind our campus community of the many resources, support and reporting options available to victims of sexual misconduct. The University is proactive in helping to prevent sexual assault or misconduct and will not tolerate gender discrimination or sexual violence of any nature.

As a representative of The University of Alabama, every individual should refrain from any behavior that threatens the freedom or respect due to every member of our campus community. For detailed information about how the reporting of sexual misconduct will be addressed, I encourage you to review UA’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and the UAct website. Any student, faculty, staff member, applicant or campus visitor who has concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and dating violence, is encouraged to seek the assistance of an appropriate University official.

The University’s Title IX Office, located at Suite 2418 in Capital Hall, works diligently to oversee the University’s compliance with Title IX and to foster a campus community free of illegal gender discrimination and sexual violence. Reports of sexual misconduct can be made to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Beth Howard, at titleix@ua.edu or by calling (205) 348-5496. Other reports of misconduct may be filed directly with UAPD at (205) 348-5454, which provides a comprehensive array of law enforcement services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through a dedicated staff of sworn, state-commissioned police officers.

Confidential reporting can be submitted through the Women and Gender Resource Center (WGRC), where a victim advocate is on call 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention and support. Confidential reports may also be submitted at the UA Counseling Center, which offers one-on-one counseling and outreach programming on any topic relevant to mental health that has an impact on the success and well-being of our students. The Tuscaloosa SAFE Center is another important agency that provides free, compassionate, patient-centered healthcare, advocacy and counseling services to those who have experienced sexual assault.

In addition, the UA Student Health Center provides quality, caring healthcare services and promotes student health and wellness, including psychiatrist evaluations. The Ulifeline website also contains many free mental health resources for UA students. The UA Safe Zone Resource Center is another important resource, as well, for providing educational outreach, community support and crisis intervention resources for LGBTQIA+ members of the UA community and their allies.

Finally, I also recommend all students, faculty and staff download the UA Safety App. This helpful app gives immediate access to information in case of an emergency, including the ability to quickly contact campus and law enforcement agencies. It also features a built-in GPS to provide walking directions to any building location on campus, including the locations of shelters and AEDs. I encourage you to utilize all of the on-campus resources that work to make our community a safer environment for all members of our UA family.

Please know The University of Alabama takes the issue of sexual assault and misconduct very seriously, and each semester we will continue to educate our campus community about the resources available. I hope you will personally commit to partnering with us in an ongoing effort to combat sexual wrongdoing and to ensure that every member of the UA community is treated with dignity and respect.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President

• January 8th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Welcome to a new decade! It’s so good to have you back with your campus community. I hope your holidays were filled with celebration and special moments.

A new year is always exciting and full of promise. In January, many people spend time reviewing the past while preparing for an exciting future. At The University of Alabama, our future includes you and your unlimited impact. As the semester begins, so do many opportunities for you to gain new knowledge, flourish personally and influence others in a positive way.

Two UA Legends recently achieved notable recognition for their contributions. Marillyn Hewson and Vicki Hollub both earned a place on Forbes 2019 list of the world’s most powerful women. Both businesswomen attribute much of their success to the education, training and support they received while on our campus. A degree from Alabama changes lives, and we’re proud of our students and alumni and remain firmly committed to our mission.

Students, I want to personally invite you to attend the upcoming public presentations that will be held on campus between Jan. 13 and Jan. 23 as we begin the final stages of a national search for our new vice president for student life. It’s an important leadership role, and the selected candidate will work closely with you, the faculty and our staff to foster learning and development and to further develop a strong sense of community at UA. Your attendance will demonstrate your investment in our shared goals as we finalize the selection process. More details are available on the search website.

Tickets go on sale today for two special upcoming campus events. The 2020 Realizing the Dream Legacy Banquet is scheduled for Jan. 17 and will feature award-winning journalist Laura Ling. Then on Jan. 19, I encourage you to attend the Dream Concert in Moody Music Concert Hall showcasing Grammy-nominated gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds. Both events celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and are hosted in part by UA’s Division of Community Affairs. Also, in honor of Dr. King, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office is hosting an MLK Service Day on Jan. 20, and the website will be featuring more events scheduled for later in the month. These are important opportunities for our community to come together to spotlight leadership, peace and unity.

Faculty and staff, I hope you will join me in congratulating Dr. Paul Houghtaling, coordinator of voice and director of opera at UA, for receiving the 2019 Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award. We are proud of his achievements and the many awards he has received over the course of his career for his commitment to teaching. Through Dr. Houghtaling’s efforts, the University’s Opera Theatre program continues to gain national prominence. The 2019-2020 season resumes with a new work created especially for the UA Opera Theater on Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 1 in Bryant-Jordan Hall.

And finally, not only did we celebrate the dawn of 2020 on Jan. 1, but we also applauded the Crimson Tide’s win in the Citrus Bowl. With a 35-16 victory over Michigan, we ended the season with an 11-2 record that marks the 9th consecutive season with 11 wins or more. We are the nation’s most successful bowl team, and most importantly, we played with integrity and grit. I’m proud of how our student-athletes and coaches represented the University so well and look forward to success in our spring sports.

The momentum of the new spring semester has only just begun, and I know 2020 will be another impressive year of impact from the talented students, faculty and staff at The University of Alabama. I’m honored to serve as your president.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President

• December 11th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It’s hard to believe the end of the fall semester is upon us.

I know exam week can be busy for many of us. Students, I am confident you will finish well. You and your faculty have been preparing all semester so you are well equipped for success. Each semester brings you one step closer to your educational goals. I’m proud of your tenacity and your many accomplishments, and I’m also thankful for you. Every student is an important part of our campus community, and we’re all cheering for you this week.

Commencement will follow on Saturday with more than 2,300 students receiving their degrees. Part of the work leading to that day is preparing our students to be good citizens of our increasingly diverse global society — citizens who are culturally competent and ready to operate effectively in our communities, the workplace and in the world at large. While we all may leave in different directions and celebrate this season in different ways, we share the commonality of being part of one big Alabama family. Cherish your family and friends, and respect all of your classmates and our community members.

This season always reminds us there is much to celebrate. This Friday, Dec. 13, I hope you can join us for a very special ceremony set for 10 a.m. at Manderson Landing. In honor of theTuscaloosa Bicentennial, the University will present a sculpture of Minerva, whose likeness is included on the University’s seal, as a gift from the Capstone to the citizens of Tuscaloosa. Thesculpture is breathtaking, and the unveiling will be an opportunity for the University and thecommunity to gather in solidarity. I hope you will bring your family and friends to help us commemorate what will certainly be a very memorable day.

We are also still celebrating another recent accomplishment. Two weeks ago we announced a record-breaking year of giving to United Way. Through the Division of Community Affairs and theCollege of Arts and Sciences, spearheaded by Dr. Samory Pruitt and Dean Joseph Messina, UA faculty and staff contributed $483,807 to the United Way of West Alabama. Not only are we a community at UA, but we give back to our larger community. I am so proud of the ways our faculty, staff and students serve, advance the common good and live united.

As we pause to enjoy the holidays, I also want to thank all faculty and staff for another impactful year of teaching, research and service. You are the foundation of what makes this great institution so successful, and your investment in our students is making a global difference. When you share your extensive knowledge, expertise and time with your students, you are contributing to thelarger legacy of this University. Simply put, your efforts are the core of who we are, and I’m honored to serve as your president.

Finally, as the calendar year ends, we can look forward to cheering on the Crimson Tide at theVrbo Citrus Bowl against Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 1, in Orlando, Florida. The game will be another fun way to gather over the holidays in our Alabama gear. I know fans across the nation will be rooting for our team, and we are all very proud of our players, coaches and athletic staff.

Best wishes to all of you as the semester draws to a close. I hope you enjoy a restful and joyful holiday break with family and friends. There is no greater way to be refreshed than by spending quality time with those we love.

It’s a wonderful season to make memories, and Susan and I wish you and your family many blessings in the new year.

Roll Tidings!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President

• September 17th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

The University of Alabama is committed to foster and support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff. We have been very purposeful in our efforts to make sure all voices and viewpoints are welcomed, heard and encouraged.

In recent days, I have met with students, faculty and organizational representatives who are disappointed in some of our efforts and feel strongly that more must be done. Our vice presidents of diversity and student life have heard the same strong sentiments in the conversations they have been leading. While numerous meetings and town halls have been held and more will be scheduled, what matters most is how we respond and address these concerns.

The full resources of our great university are focused on this effort. You have my personal commitment that we will continue to take what we hear and learn from you to move The University of Alabama forward.

Stuart R. Bell
President

Start of the Fall Semester

• September 3rd, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Campus Community:

Welcome to The University of Alabama! If you’re new to UA, I look forward to seeing what you will do as a member of the Alabama family. To returning faculty, staff and students, I know you will make this another great year. We could not achieve all we do without your contributions. The fall semester brings exciting opportunities to impact the world through teaching, research and service.

We continued to be very productive on campus over the summer. Construction crews were involved in over 100 projects to better our facilities and to meet the needs of all our campus constituents. One of our recent additions, and the summer’s largest project, was the Capstone Parking Deck, which added 1,000 new parking spaces in a key area of campus. It was completed just in time for the fall semester to begin, and certainly everyone on campus will benefit.

Students, I hope you’ve taken part in some of the fun “Yea, Alabama! Weeks of Welcome” events hosted by University Programs. Tidechella was a tremendous success and provided an exciting way for you to meet others on campus. I enjoyed seeing many of you at the Welcome Back Breakfast enjoying Chick fil-A on Ferg Plaza, as well. More upcoming events include the Druid City Music Festival on Aug. 24, the Tide Dye Fest on Aug. 25 and the BFSA Welcome Reception on Aug. 26 – plus many more entertaining ways to get plugged in and learn about our people and our campus resources.

I hope all students will also take advantage of the launch of Tide Loyalty Points, the official fan loyalty program created through a collaboration between Alabama Athletics and the Alabama Student Government Association. We’re gearing up for another great season of athletic events. UA’s intramural sports, adapted athletics programs, club sports and two student recreation centers are ranked among the best in the nation. Every student on campus has the opportunity to participate in the pride and tradition that defines Alabama athletics.

We were pleased to announce the College of Arts and Sciences has a new dean, Dr. Joseph P. Messina. With experience and success that includes an 18-year career at Michigan State University, Dr. Messina will provide vital leadership for the College. Also, Dr. Kathleen Cramer is now working as interim vice president for Student Life, and we appreciate her service and partnership with our students. Dr. Richard Friend, who served as interim dean for the College of Community Health Sciences over the past year, was also named dean of the college in July. His extensive clinical and administrative experience will serve the University well as we continue to bolster UA’s research initiatives. Recently, the UA Office for Research and Development unveiled a five-year strategic plan to advance research activities on campus. As a University with Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status, creativity remains on the forefront of UA’s blueprint for worldwide impact.

Finally, I hope everyone will wear their Where Legends Are Made gear proudly this fall as a demonstrative way to tell the story of the University’s most renowned students, athletes and alumni. UA received the top honor in the 2019 Circle of Excellence awards competition for the Legends campaign, and our UA legends are an important part of our legacy. I know we’ll continue to add to the list of successful alumni as we advance in the future.

I’m proud to be your president, and I look forward to another semester of campuswide achievements, new discoveries and lifelong friendships.

Again, welcome back and ROLL TIDE!

Stuart R. Bell
President

An important message about gender discrimination and sexual misconduct

• June 18th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

With the summer semester underway, I want to remind everyone of the University’s commitment to promoting and maintaining a safe, respectful campus environment. The well-being and security of every member of the UA community is a top priority, and we will continue to work to eliminate gender discrimination and sexual misconduct on campus.

There are numerous resources and reporting options in place to provide support to those affected by sexual misconduct. For a full description of the University’s services, staff and resources available, please visit https://www.ua.edu/campuslife/safety/sams. The services and assistance detailed on the site are in place to help the campus community with both prevention and response to sexual assault and sexual misbehavior.

Also, please take time to review the UA Sexual Misconduct Policy which describes how the University may take action and provide assistance to affected individuals involved in a sexual misconduct report. Those found to be in violation of this Policy will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination from employment or expulsion from the University. Resources to aid victims of sexual misconduct include medical treatment, counseling services, academic assistance, safety planning, housing assistance, assistance with filing a criminal report and help with community resources.

The Title IX Office, newly located in Capital Hall, oversees UA’s efforts to promote a secure campus community free of discrimination based on gender. Reports of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination can be made to the Title IX office directly, by emailing (titleix@ua.edu) or by calling 205-348-5496. Reports may also be filed with The University of Alabama Police Department by calling 205-348-5454. The Women and Gender Resource Center also provides confidential reporting, counseling services and advocacy for victims. A full list of reporting options is available by visiting UAct.

Another vital resource in the Tuscaloosa community is the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center, located at 1601 University Blvd. East, Suite 150. The Center can be reached by phone at 205-860-SAFE (7233). Anyone 14-years-old or older, regardless of gender, who has experienced sexual assault can go to the SAFE Center, which offers the latest advances in providing high-quality care to those affected by sexual assault in a compassionate, patient-centered environment.

I also highly recommend you take advantage of the digital resources and support the University provides the entire campus community. Text “UASAFETY” to 444999 to receive a downloadable Contact Card with valuable contact numbers and information related to safety and support resources, such as UAPD and the Title IX office. Also, to receive immediate access to information during an emergency and for the ability to contact campus law enforcement agencies quickly, please download the UA Safety App. Through the app, you can also livestream 92.5 FM UA Info Radio and follow the UA Safety Twitter feed for UA Alerts, weather information, a built-in GPS for campus and safety tips. Users who already have the app installed should visit the App Store or Google Play on their device to make sure they have the recently updated version (April 2019).

Please know The University of Alabama takes the issue of sexual misconduct very seriously. We will regularly share information about the wide range of resources available to the campus community. I hope you will continue to partner with us in an ongoing effort to combat and eliminate sexual misconduct.

Stuart R. Bell
President

End of Semester Message from President Bell

• April 26th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It has been another incredible semester, and as we close out the 2018-2019 academic year, it’s a good time to reflect on what we have achieved together. The University will confer over 6,000 degrees at commencement next week, and that means over 6,000 dreams were realized through the passionate pursuit of an education with significant future impact.

Just today, we were thrilled to learn the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program selected three University of Alabama students as Goldwater Scholars for 2019-2020. Beating Princeton, UA tied with both Harvard and Cornell and continues to be in the top three nationally for the number of program recipients. Currently, the Capstone has been honored with 56 Goldwater scholars. Congratulations to UA students Peyton Strickland, Ryan Tuckey and Thomas “Hank” Richards for the highly esteemed honor.

UA is also pleased to add two new Boren scholarship recipients to our list of outstanding student successes. New Orleans native Michelle DeGeorge will study in the Czech Republic and Nicholas Hayes of Memphis, Tennessee was selected to study in Tanzania. Both represent a spirit of civic service that benefits our nation.  Linguistic and cultural immersion abroad adds to the educational experience of our students. I encourage you to explore the hundreds of programs UA offers in locations all around the world through the Capstone International Center.

Earlier this week, it was a privilege to present Dr. Subhabrata “Subha” Chakraborti with the Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award, which is one of the highest honors bestowed on UA professors. Dr. Chakraborti is a professor of statistics for the Culverhouse College of Commerce in the Department of Information Systems, Statistics and Management Science. The prestigious award signifies Dr. Chakraborti’s steadfast dedication to his students and to research. We’re grateful for his service and significant contributions to the success of the University.

Congratulations to UA history professor Dr. David Beito and his wife, Dr. Linda Royster Beito, for recently receiving one of the nation’s highest honors. They received the gold prize out of more than 1,500 entries from the largest publishing trade association in the United States for their book, T.R.M. Howard: Doctor, Entrepreneur, Civil Rights Pioneer. This honor exemplifies the creativity and innovation of our faculty, who are helping us advance in substantial ways.

Finally, a hearty “well done” to the UA Adapted Athletics program, unquestionably one of the finest in the nation. Under the leadership of program director Dr. Brent Hardin and assistant director, Dr. Margaret Stran, the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams are both national championsfor the first time in Alabama history. It is the 6^th national championship for the women’s team and a back-to-back championship title for the men’s program. We’re very proud of the coaches, staff and students who represented the University so well through their efforts.

I’m honored to lead this great University. I’m so glad you chose UA as the place to begin your own legendary journey if you’re a student, or to help mentor and mold legends if you’re faculty or staff. Through research, creative activity and public outreach, we are changing the world. Susan and I wish you all the best, and we look forward to seeing those remaining on campus for the summer sessions and those enrolled for the fall semester.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

Spring Semester Message

• March 6th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Spring break is right around the corner, and I think I can safely assume we’re all ready for some warmer temperatures and sunshine! I wanted to take this opportunity while you are still on campus to share some of the central events and exciting accomplishments of the UA community.

Current freshmen and seniors were sent an important link on Feb. 7 for a National Survey of Student Engagement. Please take a few minutes to leave your legacy by telling us about your experience at the University. Because the survey is only given once every several years, it is a unique opportunity for you to help us continue improving the education we provide in a way that can impact thousands of future UA students. Thank you for your constructive feedback.

Speaking of our impressive student body, recently a Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. School of Law moot court team won a national competition, defeating more than 150 other teams and bringing home UA’s first championship in the event’s history. Remarkably, of the 28 teams who qualified for the finals, the UA team was the only one made up solely of second-year law students. Another notable achievement was the recognition of the University as a top producing institution for Fulbright Scholar students for the third time in four years. UA had 15 alumni and graduate students who received Fulbright student awards. I was also very proud to see UA’s recent ranking for internship placements. The Princeton Review positioned UA No. 1 among schools in the Southeastern Conference and No. 10 in the nation. The University will continue to develop and support students through knowledge, training and networking opportunities that will enhance their future endeavors.

Because the University is committed to its mission of advancing teaching, research and service at the highest level, I hope all faculty and staff will support UA’s faculty and staff giving campaign, We Are UA. Through your participation and generosity, our student body and surrounding community will see the positive impact of philanthropic investment in the Capstone. Thank you for giving to this important campaign.

Congratulations are also extended to Dr. Mercy Mumba, assistant professor in UA’s Capstone College of Nursing for receiving the prestigious Southern Nursing Research Society’s Early Science Investigator Award, given to nurse scientists who are less than five years into a professional career following the completion of a doctoral degree. Dr. Mumba was the youngest PhD graduate in UA’s history, and her research has been presented at many local, regional and international conferences.

Finally, I want to personally invite all faculty and staff to attend the Spring Campus Assembly on Tuesday, April 9. Several members of UA’s faculty and staff will be recognized for their commitment to service and excellence. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with other University professionals, network and enjoy refreshments. I hope you will join us.

Susan and I wish you a relaxing and revitalizing spring break. Campus is breathtaking during the second half of the spring semester and should be in bloom when you get back! Enjoy your break, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Capstone.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

Lee County

• March 4th, 2019
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I was devastated to learn of the tornado that hit Lee County and the surrounding area yesterday. At least 23 people were killed in Lee County, including children, and some individuals remain unaccounted for at this time. We are reaching out to our students and those in our community who may have been impacted by the storms to offer them support.

The loss of life, as well as the damage to homes and businesses, has also affected our friends on the Auburn campus, with students and colleagues there experiencing inconceivable loss. We are deeply saddened for those impacted by this terrible tragedy.

Please continue to keep your fellow Alabamians in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with a disaster that we here in Tuscaloosa know all too well. The UA community is caring and compassionate, and we will extend our support during the recovery efforts and beyond.

Stuart R. Bell
President