Archives: News

A Message from the President – March 19, 2024

Dear Campus Community,

‌A warm welcome back as we resume our work and academic pursuits. I encourage you to focus on your goals with renewed energy and enthusiasm and maximize the opportunities each day presents to learn, grow and make meaningful contributions to our UA community.

Heartfelt congratulations to The University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning their fifth consecutive national championship. Their victory earned on our home court in Stran-Hardin Arena marks the team’s fifth national title in six years and exemplifies the standard that defines the Crimson Tide.

We are also proud to commend three outstanding UA students among 47 from around the nation selected for the prestigious Brooke Owens Fellowship in space and aviation. We applaud them for their commitment to excellence and for representing our institution with distinction on the national stage.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce enrollment opportunities for the Capstone Learning Academy, which will provide full-time child care services beginning this September. This initiative underscores our dedication to supporting UA employees and students by offering transformational resources and services.

Finally, excitement is building as March Madness tips off this week. We’re thrilled to rally behind both our men’s and women’s basketball teams as they gear up to compete in the NCAA Tournament.

As we move forward for the remainder of the semester, let’s continue to collaborate and inspire one another to build upon the rich tradition of success and innovation at the Capstone.

Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – February 20, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

At The University of Alabama, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members. Each semester, I reaffirm our commitment to fostering a secure and respectful campus environment. We actively promote the prevention and reporting of sexual misconduct, offering a range of resources, support and reporting avenues for students, employees and community members. I urge each of you to review the information and links below to stay informed about these invaluable services.

The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy outlines prohibited conduct, how to report prohibited conduct, reporting procedures, supportive measures and the University’s prevention initiatives. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual or gender-based discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other sexual misconduct-related concerns to law enforcement or University officials. 

The University of Alabama Police Department offers 24/7 law enforcement services with a dedicated team of sworn, state-commissioned officers. To file a criminal report, contact UAPD at 205-348-5454 or visit their campus headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave.

Reports can be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs at 2418 Capital Hall. The office manages Title IX compliance, investigating sexual misconduct reports and addressing retaliation. It connects individuals with supportive measures like counseling and safety planning, offering training on policies, reporting, prevention, bystander intervention and conflict resolution. Tal Lieber, director of Informal Resolution Services, oversees the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process which assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve a report. For inquiries or to make a report, contact the Title IX coordinator, Jessica Humber, at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.

The University offers confidential reporting and counseling through the Women and Gender Resource CenterThe WGRC provides free victim advocacy, counseling and on-call support for survivors of interpersonal violence and their families. To schedule appointments, call 205-348-5040. On-call advocates are available 24/7, reachable after hours through UAPD at 205-348-5454. The WGRC also conducts programs and training, including events like Take Back the Night on April 2 and Survivors Bloom from Within on April 10, focusing on University and community resources for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Additional confidential counseling services are offered through the Counseling Center for students; the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for individuals, couples and families; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center, a 24/7 sexual assault crisis center, provides free and compassionate sexual assault forensic examinations. Visit the Sexual Assault and Misconduct Services and Support website for a summary of these crucial resources.

We all share the responsibility to foster a culture of safety and respect. Thank you for taking the time to explore University and community resources. I encourage each of you to personally commit to partnering with us in the continuous effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President on Saban’s Retirement

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

This afternoon Coach Saban met with the football team and informed them of his decision to retire. Words cannot adequately express our appreciation for his exemplary leadership and service to The University of Alabama over the past 17 years. We are grateful for the lasting impact he has made on the lives of our student-athletes and the incredible memories his teams have created for our students, alumni, fans and supporters.

Coach Saban and Ms. Terry are tremendous ambassadors for The University of Alabama and our community and we celebrate their many contributions and indelible legacy.

As we would all expect, the University and its leadership will work tirelessly to ensure our proud tradition and standard of excellence continues in football and every endeavor that supports the mission of The University of Alabama.

A detailed release regarding today’s announcement is available at rolltide.com.

Stuart R. Bell
President

Roll Tidings 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Whether you find yourself surrounded by loved ones or enjoying moments of solitude, may the spirit of the season fill your hearts with warmth and gratitude. Enjoy this festive video, a wonderful holiday break and a bright start to the new year.

Roll Tidings!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – November 16, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare for the holiday break, I am reminded of the many people, opportunities and experiences we are thankful for this season. From family and friends to our great nation and beloved institution — I hope you will take the time to reflect with gratitude and optimism for our shared futures.

Please help me welcome Dr. Joyce Alexander, who is joining the UA community as dean of the College of Education in January, bringing 16 years of success in college administration, research, teaching, student achievement and community partnerships. 

And, after initial approval from The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, we are pleased to share plans for a new child care facility for our campus community, with more information forthcoming.

Students, enjoy the respite from your studies and get revitalized for the weeks remaining in the semester. Last week we celebrated industrious first-generation scholars at the Capstone who are crafting new paths and building new connections in our community through Legacy Scholars.

Congratulations to our five student-athletes on the legendary Adapted Athletics women’s wheelchair basketball team who were part of Team USA and recently brought home the World Champion title and gold medals.

‌Finally, a sincere “thank you” to our veterans for their service to our country. I am proud of our students and members of the UA Campus Veterans Association for continuing the Veterans Day tradition of cleaning the graves of veterans at local cemeteries in respect for their service and sacrifice.

As you enjoy fellowship and laughter around the table next week, please know I am grateful for you. It is my ongoing honor to serve as your president.

Happy Thanksgiving, and Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – November 7, 2023

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

The University of Alabama annually reaffirms its full commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, including the policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination and unlawful harassment throughout our campus community. 

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

‌Please review the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy. This policy, as well as other policies and information related to equal opportunity and unlawful discrimination in employment and education is available on the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs website and the Human Resources website. If you have any questions, I encourage you to contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs. Director of Equal Opportunity Programs Marques Evans can be reached at 205-348-5496 or eop@ua.edu.

Stuart R. Bell

President

A Message from the President – October 10, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We are almost halfway through the semester and now two weeks into the 30th annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive. I encourage you to rally as a community to fight food insecurity in West Alabama. Next week is also Free App Week. Please spread the word and support our efforts to enroll the best and brightest students from Alabama, across the nation and around the globe.

‌Our 2023 Homecoming Court has been selected, and voting through myBama is open for students today until 7 p.m. Homecoming is a longstanding tradition and an opportunity to express pride in the legacy we continue to craft through The Rising Tide. The Division of Student Life has planned a week of exciting events, and I look forward to seeing you at the bonfire and parade, and in Bryant-Denny Stadium this weekend.

Congratulations to our four aspiring dentists in the inaugural class of Rural Dental Scholars. The College of Community Health Sciences also welcomed seven UA students to the Rural Medical Scholars Program as part of the Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, helping address the need for more primary care physicians in underserved areas of Alabama. And to help lower cardiovascular disease risk in nine Alabama counties, our Alabama Life Research Institute is leading a coalition of researchers and practitioners from the Capstone College of Nursing and the Culverhouse College of Business Institute of Data and Analytics with the support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Demonstrating how our faculty and staff continue their commitment to excellence, Drs. Hamed Moftakhari and Sevgi Zubeyde Gurbuz both were selected for NSF CAREER awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for top-performing young scientists. And UAPD Captain Chad Stephens graduated from the FBI National Academy, helping further enhance the department’s safety and protection protocols.

Finally, I want to remind everyone to download the UA Safety App and stream UA Info Radio 92.5 FM, an invaluable University asset we can all benefit from on game days, during severe weather and for updates about campus events and programs, construction and many other UA-related matters. 

I wish all of you a safe and happy homecoming week.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message From the President – September 19, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌Once again, the “Alabama Experience” has yielded remarkable results — with some of the most talented students across the state and nation pursuing their goals at the Capstone this fall. We are more committed than ever to supporting all students to persist and thrive through graduation and beyond.

‌Our community’s positive impact reaches far beyond the boundaries of campus. With programs that make a positive difference in every Alabama county, and an army of alumni who remain in the state as vital members of our workforce, UA is a catalyst for innovation and progress.

‌Students, transformational opportunities continue this fall! Be sure to visit the Career Center, download the Career Fair Plus app, schedule a professional headshot and visit the Denise and Chandler Root Crimson Career Closet to prepare for the career fairs that begin next week in Coleman Coliseum. It’s also time to look for future opportunities. The UA System is launching a new Washington, D.C.-based student internship program, known as Capitol Scholars. Learn more about this summer 2024 internship by registering now for a Zoom interest meeting today at 5 p.m.

‌It was a pleasure to celebrate our faculty and staff accomplishments at Fall Campus Assembly last week. The ribbon-cutting for Drummond Lyon Hall gave us another reason to celebrate while supporting our fashion and design students in the College of Human Environmental Sciences. As the fall semester continues, I encourage all faculty to take advantage of the UA Teaching Academy, a hub to enhance teaching and learning practices and support the new general education core curriculum.

‌This week is suicide awareness week. I hope each of you will learn more about the signs and numerous supportive resources we provide to our campus community to support mental health and well-being. Be safe, be engaged and be a friend.

‌As we look forward to another exciting weekend and the start of conference play in Bryant-Denny Stadium, I want to remind everyone of the high standards for conduct that we expect from all our fans and guests. I hope each of you will exemplify the core values, class and sportsmanship associated with our programs as an example of what it means to be part of the Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide!

‌Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – September 5, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

‌What a fantastic start to the fall semester, with Weeks of Welcome events encouraging new connections and fostering a sense of unity. There is nothing more exciting to me than welcoming new and returning students to campus. Our fall Get on Board Day last Thursday featured hundreds of student organizations and UA departments that help our community get engaged in fun activities, leadership opportunities and service to others — and there’s more to come this month. It’s inspiring to see the UA family continue to grow and thrive.

‌I’m sure you have noticed a few new construction and renovation projects recently completed or currently underway. We continue to offer facilities and amenities, such as the new Greek Assembly Hall and the newly constructed Drummond Lyon Hall, that further our students’ success and overall campus experience.

‌One such devoted student is junior Kate Herndon — one of 100 students from across the nation and the first from UA to receive the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship for public service. We’re also proud of the over 500 students who participated in our annual Ripple Effect day of service at more than a dozen local nonprofit and community organizations.

‌In addition, the University Medical Center has expanded its health care reach to clinics in West Alabama through a recent partnership between UMC-Livingston and the University of West Alabama community. And, 17 UA faculty and staff from various divisions, colleges and schools in leadership roles within their departments were recently selected as members of the 2023-2024 Leadership U class to prepare for expanded influence.

‌I know you enjoyed the season opener in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. We made several upgrades to enhance our fans’ game day experience, and we can all look forward to another exciting run for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

A Message from the President – August 31, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Because we value the safety and well-being of every member of The University of Alabama community, each semester I affirm the University’s pledge to promote and preserve a secure, respectful campus environment. We are committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct on campus and providing numerous resources, support and reporting options for the UA community. Please review the information and links presented on these valuable services. 

The Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Policy details information about prohibited conduct, reporting options, available supportive measures and the University’s prevention, education and awareness efforts. Students, employees and visitors are encouraged to report sexual or gender-based harassment or discrimination, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation or other concerns related to sexual misconduct to any of multiple reporting avenues as described below. 

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs, at 2418 Capital Hall, is charged with receiving and investigating reports of prohibited conduct. Collaborating with administration, departments, faculty and staff, they also provide students and employees comprehensive supportive measures such as academic support, safety planning, counseling information and referrals to University departments. Another resource provided through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is the Alternative Dispute Resolution Process where Tal Lieber, Director of Informal Resolution Services, assists parties to a report in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve the allegations in a Formal Complaint. For more information or to report sexual misconduct, contact Title IX Coordinator Jessica Humber at 205-348-5496 or titleix@ua.edu.

UAct is a central location for information about reporting sexual misconduct. The University prohibits retaliation against those who report or participate in reporting harassment, discrimination and/or sexual misconduct. In an emergency and to report criminal matters, The University of Alabama Police Department provides a comprehensive array of law enforcement services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through a dedicated staff of sworn police officers. Call UAPD at 205-348-5454 to file a criminal report, or visit their headquarters at 1110 Jackson Ave. Please also note that in an on-campus emergency, blue emergency phones are a direct line to UAPD.

The University provides confidential reporting and counseling options. The Women and Gender Resource Center can be reached at 205-348-5040 for victim advocacy and counseling services for all University community members who are interpersonal violence survivors, as well as family and friends impacted by the abuse. Advocates are on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays, for crisis intervention and support. After hours, reach the on-call advocate through UAPD at 205-348-5454.

Additional confidential counseling services include the Counseling Center for counseling and outreach programming for students; Capstone Family Therapy Clinic for psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families of The University of Alabama and surrounding community; and the Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their families to resolve work-related and personal concerns. The Tuscaloosa Safe Center is a 24/7 free, compassionate, patient-centered sexual assault crisis center.

The Department of Education is expected to release new Title IX regulations at some point during the fall semester. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs is anticipating the new regulations and will update the University’s policies and procedures to remain in compliance with the Regulations as necessary. The University will provide you with updates to policies and procedures as they become available. 

We share responsibility to create and maintain a culture of safety and respect. I encourage you to personally commit to partnering with us in an ongoing effort to combat and prevent sexual misconduct.

Stuart R. Bell
President