A Message from the President – January 13, 2021

• January 13th, 2021
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Today is the first day of the Spring 2021 Semester, and as classes begin, I am delighted to welcome you home to Tuscaloosa and to your campus community. A new semester is always exciting – an opportunity full of promise and possibility.

What better way to begin than by claiming our hard-earned position as football national champions! Monday night’s victory accentuates the continued excellence and integrity of our program. Congratulations to our outstanding student-athletes, Coach Nick Saban and our skilled coaching staff for a triumphant season. It was a uniquely challenging year for many reasons, and I am proud of how they represented the University both on and off the field.

The gatherings that followed the game underscore the need for continued vigilance and caution by every member of our community. For this reason, we have given faculty and students the flexibility for remote learning for the next two weeks.

Our faculty and staff have worked very hard to prepare for a successful spring. Despite the unique challenges we faced in the fall, we persisted and prevailed in finishing the semester and celebrating our graduates. Now we must continue our combined efforts to protect each other and stay healthy. We have hindsight to inform us, and medical experts who continue to advise us on how to remain safely on campus for the spring semester. I implore you to continue to do your part. Stay vigilant and follow the important health and safety standards we have in place.

Student, faculty and staff testing, which is a core component of our plan, will increase this spring, including sentinel, exposure, symptomatic and for-cause testing. Through UA’s comprehensive testing, we will continue to reduce virus spread and provide prompt support for those who may become infected. The health and well-being of our community remain our highest priority.

Faculty and staff, as our students pursue their interests in our state-of-the-art facilities with your support and expertise, I remain grateful for your continued commitment. You play an essential role in their experiences and success, and your contributions to our mission are crucial. Thank you for all you do.

It is going to be another great semester at The University of Alabama. Welcome back – and, of course, ROLL TIDE!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – December 15, 2020

• December 16th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Over the weekend we celebrated nearly 1,800 students who participated in UA’s fall commencement ceremonies. For the class of 2020, comprised of students from every state and 19 countries, it was a monumental achievement forged by persistence and determination. I invite you to share in some of their stories and the remarkable journeys they took to achieve their educational goals at the Capstone.

As I reflect on our efforts since last spring, I am deeply grateful for all you have contributed to our success. Last week, I shared my pride and gratitude with our students for all they have achieved this year. Likewise, I could not have asked for a more caring, dedicated and supportive group of professionals than the faculty and staff who serve the students on this campus. It is an honor to work with you.

Faculty, thank you for your commitment and ingenuity. Through your flexibility and creativity, you found innovative ways to share your expertise and talents with our students and propel them to finish strong. Your efforts and personal investment are the foundation from which Alabama students will leave our campus and impact the world.

And, to our dedicated and resourceful staff — you deserve sincere appreciation. Your resilience has paved the way for the University to continue to achieve its mission. You have remained engaged, driven and invested in our University’s and students’ success. Thank you for your adaptability and your unwavering dedication to our campus community.

We look forward to cheering on the Crimson Tide in this weekend’s SEC Championship game and hope everyone will enjoy some richly deserved rest over the holidays.

Wherever you are this holiday season, Susan and I wish you joy, prosperity, good health and peace. As the celebrations begin, I’m happy to share this festive video from me and a few other familiar faces.

Roll Tidings!

Stuart R. Bell
President

P.S. If you have not had the opportunity to make a contribution to our United Way campaign, I hope you’ll consider doing so this week. The need in our community is greater than ever, and we still have a few days to reach our campaign goal

A Message from the President – December 7, 2020

• December 16th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students,

As I reflect on the fall semester, I am immensely proud of all you overcame and accomplished. I hope you will be encouraged by this video message in honor of your outstanding efforts and in tribute to our fall 2020 graduates.

Wherever you are during the break, we remain Tide Together in the spirit of the Capstone.

Happy Holidays!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – December 4, 2020

• December 16th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

The University of Alabama annually reaffirms its full commitment to equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including the policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination and unlawful harassment throughout our campus community. This commitment is supported by our strategic plan, which includes our goal to “enrich our learning and work environment by providing an accepting, inclusive community that attracts and supports a diverse faculty, staff and student body.” A central objective of the goal is to enhance the recruitment, hiring and retention of diverse faculty, staff and administrators.

I pledge my personal commitment to uphold the values expressed in this declaration, as well as to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all employment-related decisions. I trust all of you will join me in this pledge.

Please review the Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Affirmative Action Policy Statement and contact the appropriate office or individual if you have any questions. This policy, as well as other policies and information related to equal opportunity and unlawful discrimination in employment and education, is available on the Equal Opportunity Programs website and the Human Resources website.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – November 18, 2020

• November 19th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents,

With a few days of in-person instruction remaining in this semester, I want to thank all of you for your hard work, perseverance and trust.

The eyes of the world were on our university and the University of Alabama System when we announced our goal of opening safely in August, guided by a comprehensive Health and Safety Plan.  Many institutions around the country followed our model, and once again our people led by example.  Special appreciation goes to Chancellor Finis St. John, the Board of Trustees, Governor Kay Ivey, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Return to Full Operations, the UA Situational Response Team and all who provided the necessary resources to help us achieve our ambitious goal.

A robust testing program has served as a critical component to our success this semester. We are grateful to Dean Ricky Friend, Dr. John Higginbotham and the many faculty and staff at University Medical Center, the Student Health Center and our campus partners who have administered more than 80,000 tests over the past four months.

Students, as you leave for Thanksgiving and winter break, please remember: free exit testing is available to you at Coleman Coliseum. Scheduling an exit test is a smart, practical way to protect you, your family and your hometown community. Appointments will fill quickly, so please schedule your free test as soon as possible.

The work of the Presidential Advisory Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, led by Dr. Christine Taylor and her team, has been another signal achievement of 2020. Charged with developing plans to build on our strategic goal to attract and support a diverse community, the committee of faculty, staff and students has produced a comprehensive report, featuring strategies derived from institutional data, best practices and research. This report and its recommendations will be an essential guide star for our continued progress.

At a time when public health dominates the global spotlight, we are pleased to share the news that Dr. Heather Carter-Templeton, a professor in the Capstone College of Nursing, has been inducted into the American Academy of Nursing 2020 Class of Fellows. After a rigorous national selection process, Dr. Carter-Templeton was chosen for her extraordinary commitment and contributions to her field.

My family and I are deeply thankful for the faculty, staff and students here at the Capstone. Our faculty have risen to the occasion and developed innovative instruction methods to connect with students. The transformational educational opportunities for which we are known are changing lives, and our stature as a leader among research universities continues to soar.

Best wishes for safe travels and good health during the holiday season.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – October 22, 2020

• October 27th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents,

Teaching, research and service are thriving at The University of Alabama. It was announced this week that we have experienced record-breaking external funding for research and other sponsored activities, the seventh consecutive year we have achieved an increase in sponsored awards for our research enterprise. For the third consecutive year, external grants and contracts also reached record levels. It is remarkable and unprecedented growth as we continue our ascent as a Very High Research Doctoral University.

Our dedicated faculty are earning national awards and recognition for their remarkable contributions. Congratulations to criminology and criminal justice instructor Douglas Klutz for being named the No. 1 college professor in the United States by Forbes for the second time in his career. Special recognition is also fitting for the four UA professors who have received national recognition early in their careers. The National Science Foundation selected Dr. Janna Fierst, Dr. Qiang Huang and Dr. Evan Wujcik for a CAREER Award, one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions of top-performing young educators, scientists and academic role models. Dr. Alain Plattner was also awarded the Planetary Science Early Career Award from NASA, which supports outstanding early-career planetary scientists.

We are pleased to announce fall commencement details, including the ceremony times for the four exercises scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, in Coleman Coliseum. Our December ceremonies will follow the same model that worked well for our nine safe and successful commencement exercises in July/August.

As we reach the third full week of October, I am happy to report many of our fall traditions are alive and well. Like you, I always look forward to our annual gridiron match-up with Tennessee. Last weekend’s thrilling victory over Georgia beamed another bright light on our University and I was proud of the way our student-athletes competed and our students and fans conducted themselves.

Please continue to do your part to protect our campus community. Our united efforts are working and we must remain vigilant to finish the semester strong and Tide Together.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – October 12, 2020

• October 27th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents,

I am very encouraged by the trends regarding COVID-19 cases on our campus and I am optimistic about finishing the fall semester together and returning for the spring semester with increased in-person learning and community opportunities. I am extremely grateful for the enduring commitment demonstrated by our faculty, staff, students and their families during these challenging times. That commitment and resilience have allowed us to continue to be on our campus and now to look forward to an engaging spring semester.

Tomorrow we will deliver important campus updates via our virtual Fall Campus Assembly for faculty and staff. I look forward to sharing good news concerning our progress as a University while also highlighting the recent achievements and remarkable contributions of our campus community. We will recognize our outstanding faculty and staff, including naming recipients of some of our most prestigious awards.

Speaking of awards, the University Awards Committee is currently accepting applications for UA’s six Premier Awards, the highest honors given here at the Capstone. The awards are presented to remarkable students, faculty and staff who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, service, leadership and character. The application/nomination deadline is Nov. 15, and recipients will be celebrated during the spring semester.

The 2020 Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Food Drive kicked off Oct. 1 and will run through Nov. 19. All food and monetary donations benefit the West Alabama Food Bank, which serves nine counties. Now more than ever, families need our support to provide nourishment for their loved ones. I encourage you to help us beat Auburn again this year in this friendly, worthwhile competition.

We will welcome the Georgia Bulldogs and College GameDay this weekend for a Top 5 gridiron showdown. The eyes of the nation will be on us once again as Coach Saban and our student-athletes represent the University with class and pride. I am very proud of how our students and fans have responded to the stadium guidelines established to ensure a safe game day experience.

In closing, with only 60 days until fall commencement, each of us has so much for which to be thankful. I appreciate your ongoing dedication and support as we finish the semester strong andTide Together.

Stuart R. Bell
President

October 1 Update

• October 1st, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents,

I am greatly encouraged by the continued efforts and excellent progress of our campus community in staying safe and healthy. For the third successive week, positive COVID cases at the University have dropped dramatically. Last week we saw a 60 percent decrease in student positives and record lows in occupancy of our isolation/quarantine space. I encourage everyone to stay the course and remain vigilant by sharing health information through UA Healthcheck, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

Earlier this week, Vice President for Student Life Myron Pope shared positive news about new guidelines allowing additional student activities. Effective today, and with safety measures in place, UA student organizations can begin hosting non-social engagement events that support their mission. Our more than 600 student organizations offer opportunities for growth, connection and leadership development that are an integral part of the Alabama experience. These new guidelines will allow these organizations to engage our students as they have in past semesters.

Class schedules for spring will be published next week and we have recently announced a modified 2021 Spring Semester calendar. First and foremost, we will see greater in-class learning opportunities for students across the board and on-campus residence will continue as normal in the spring. Please note these calendar modifications:

• Our student Winter break is extended by one week with classes beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13.
• With travel concerns and the lengthened Winter break, we will not include a Spring break week.
• The last day for students to add/drop classes without a “W” is Wednesday, Jan. 20.
• Classes will not meet on Monday, March 15, but University offices will remain open.

This weekend our 2020 game day protocols will enable us to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans visiting Bryant-Denny Stadium. Whether enjoying a watch party from home or cheering from the stands, it will be an exciting afternoon of SEC football.

I am proud of your continued commitment to our mission and remain grateful for your support. Tide Together, we will persist and prevail.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President

• August 31st, 2020
• in Messages from the President

To students, faculty and staff:

This past week’s increase in COVID-positive cases among our students is of grave concern to me and to everyone who loves and cares for The University of Alabama.

Our Health and Safety Plan is guiding our operations aimed at reversing this trend through educating, testing, reporting, specialized care for at-risk students and disciplinary actions when required. As we accelerate education and enforcement efforts on and off campus, we look to each of you to do your part.

Those who fail to abide by the Health and Safety protocols face serious consequences. To date, we have issued more than 400 conduct referrals for COVID-related violations. Interim measures removing individuals from campus have been imposed in several of these cases. Those who blatantly disregard the rules will not be given the option of jeopardizing the semester for everyone else.

In addition to wearing your mask and practicing social distancing, it is imperative that you comply with all aspects of our testing and isolation or quarantine protocols. Students with COVID symptoms should seek testing through the Student Health Center or the University Medical Center testing site at Coleman Coliseum.

If you choose to test off campus, you are required to share positive results with the CV19 Support Program immediately by calling 205-348-CV19. Anyone who fails to disclose a positive test or violates the University’s isolation or quarantine protocols is subject to severe disciplinary action.

Sentinel testing will begin soon. The updated UA System Comprehensive Health and Safety Planoutlines mandatory participation for cause and cluster testing. Please read these updates carefully and contact the UA COVID-19 Support Program if you have questions.

Everyone who truly values the Alabama experience will continue to follow our Health and Safety protocols, which provide a path to complete the semester together on campus. I want to thank all of you – the vast majority of our campus community – for your sacrifice and commitment in support of our shared goals.

Tide Together,

Stuart R. Bell

President

• August 24th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear students, faculty and staff,

This is a critical moment for The University of Alabama.

Despite the robust testing, training, health and safety measures we carefully and clearly implemented, there is an unacceptable rise in positive COVID cases on our campus.

Make no mistake, this trend is a real threat to our ability to complete the semester on campus. The solution is proven: testing, mask wearing, social distancing, personal hygiene and compliance with crowd size limits are all that are asked as we work together to complete the semester together.

Violations to our health and safety protocols, both on and off campus, are subject to harsh disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from UA.

UAPD and the Tuscaloosa Police Department are partnering to monitor bars, restaurants and off-campus residences where the city’s COVID-19 ordinances and UA guidelines are not being followed. Joint task force officers are risking their personal health and safety to protect yours. UAPD officers are also focusing efforts on our residence halls and Greek housing to ensure safety and compliance.

Completing the fall semester together is our goal. The margin for error is shrinking.

Now is the time to take action, commit to protect each other, and hold each other accountable. Thank you for taking your responsibilities seriously. Together, through shared sacrifice and commitment, we will achieve our goal.

Tide Together,

Stuart R. Bell
President