A Message From The President

• March 30th, 2020
• in Messages from the President

Dear UA students, faculty and staff,

Welcome back — well, virtually back. I would like to start by expressing my pride in the resiliency and dedication that have been shown by each of you over the past weeks. We have all learned and embraced new guidelines of social distancing and how we can do our part, helping ourselves and those around us remain safe and healthy. The UA community has faced and overcome challenges throughout our history and this challenge will be no exception.

We are beginning the last quarter of our spring semester in a different way, but that should not diminish our quest for excellence in all that we do. Students, I want to encourage you to remain dedicated to your studies during this challenging time. Faculty and staff, thank you for continuing your unwavering commitment to our University and our students. Especially over the last few weeks, I have witnessed again the dedication of Dr. Kathleen Cramer and our Student Life staff. Their determination to protect the student experience and student-focus of this campus are unmatched.

Our faculty and Provost’s office, with the support of our specialized IT team and UA’s Center for Instructional Technology, have been busy over the extended break, working to ensure that the best academic resources are available to each of you. The unexpected may occur — so be prepared and remain flexible during the transition in the delivery of your classes.

Our lives have been significantly altered by these unforeseen circumstances, but remember, we will face this challenge together as a community. I was reminded this week of the heart and ingenuity of our students through a story from the Today Show. Wherever you go, whatever you do, your Alabama spirit shines through to the communities and nation around us. We will all emerge from this even stronger than we were before.

My thoughts and well wishes are with each of you, and I look forward to seeing everyone on campus once it is determined that we can resume full operations as normal. In the meantime, I ask that all of us remember — and live — the Capstone Creed:

As a member of The University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, integrity and respect; promote equity and inclusion; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence in all I do.

As we move into the final weeks of this semester please continue to monitor campus updates concerning COVID-19 on our website healthinfo.ua.edu.

Thank you and Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell

President

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

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