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

Capstone e-Letter for September 25

• October 3rd, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter

Sept. 25, 2019 

At the Capstone, we all work together to advance UA’s mission and to change lives through teaching, research and service. I’m proud of the many accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students, who work so tirelessly to make this University such a special place. Great things continue to happen at Alabama, and we thank you for being part of them.

Roll Tide!

UA TO LEAD NATIONAL STEM EDUCATION PROJECT —COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION SCIENCES RECEIVES $10 MILLION GIFT — 
The gift from the Holle Family Foundation, of Birmingham, will position C&IS as a leader in creativity and communication and honor the life of Brig. Gen. Everett Hughes Holle. http://bit.ly/2mCadYz

With two grants totaling more than $4 million, UA leads a national effort to continue and expand undergraduate science courses that engage students in active research. http://bit.ly/2kzHym7

MDB TO PERFORM IN 2020 MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE —
The University of Alabama Million Dollar Band will represent the state of Alabama. http://bit.ly/2mBCa2F

PROFESSORS GET BOOST WITH NSF CAREER AWARDS —
The nation’s most prestigious recognition of top-performing young scientists was recently awarded to a biologist and a physicist at UA. http://bit.ly/2kDr9gE

NEW UA DEGREE MIXES MUSIC, ENGINEERING —
The musical audio engineering degree is housed in the College of Engineering in collaboration with the School of Music. http://bit.ly/2kELZwa

We hope you find this e-letter interesting and useful. If you have comments or would like to add other UA friends to the Capstone e-Letter list, please contact ddclements1@ua.edu.

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

Capstone e-Letter for September 11, 2019

• September 17th, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter

Sept. 11, 2019

Today, in recognition of the 18th anniversary of 9/11, The University of Alabama remembers and honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack on our country. On this Patriot Day and National Day of Service, I hope you will seek opportunities to serve in our community or on our campus in tribute to our fallen citizens, first responders and the many who serve and protect our country every day.

UA RESEARCHERS CONTINUE GROUNDBREAKING WORK IN GREENLAND — 
President Stuart R. Bell and his wife Susan visited UA researchers in northern Greenland. http://bit.ly/2lMru0v

UA TO HONOR VICTIMS OF 9/11 ATTACKS WITH STAIR CLIMB —
First responders, military veterans and their family support groups will participate in the stair climb that will wind its way through Coleman Coliseum. http://bit.ly/2lJWvCA

MORE THAN $25 MILLION RAISED FOR HEWSON HALL —
The goal of raising $30 million to construct Hewson Hall is within sight, with $25 million committed to date. http://bit.ly/2m8RzY3

UA EARLY COLLEGE GROWS IN ENROLLMENT, COURSE OFFERINGS —
Early College is eager to see continued enrollment growth after expanding the number of classes high school students can take for dual credit. http://bit.ly/2kcEOLu

UA LEGENDS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN NEW TV COMMERCIAL —
UA’s latest television commercial for the award-winning Where Legends Are Made branding campaign celebrates the achievements of its influential UA alumni. http://bit.ly/2k7CjtH

We hope you find this e-letter interesting and useful. If you have comments or would like to add other UA friends to the Capstone e-Letter list, please contact ddclements1@ua.edu.

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

Capstone e-Letter for August 15, 2019

• August 15th, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter

Capstone e-Letter for July 17, 2019

• July 17th, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter

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

Capstone e-Letter for June 12, 2019

• June 12th, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter

Capstone e-Letter for May 29, 2019

• May 29th, 2019
• in Capstone e-Letter