Research Activity at UA Effective March 22

• March 19th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

Effective March 22, the Office for Research & Economic Development is sunsetting the required “Guidelines for Research Activity at UA under Modified Full Operations” that were previously released Aug. 3, 2020 and which continued into spring 2021 as found on UA’s Healthinfo Research Information page.

ORED will continue to require that all research at UA is performed in compliance with the UA System Comprehensive Health & Safety Plan, including physical and social distancing, compliance with laws and regulations, and limitations on travel.

However, ORED will no longer require that lead investigators have a research activity plan or that it review research prohibition waivers. Supervisors of lead investigators (colleges/schools/institutes/centers) may use their discretion on continuing certain desired elements of the prior guidelines, i.e., research activity plans and prohibitions.

Russell J. Mumper
Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Severe weather, road closings, more

• March 16th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Severe Weather Possible This Week
With a marginal risk of severe weather in the forecast today and a moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) of tornadoes and damaging winds tomorrow afternoon through early Thursday, faculty and staff should stay weather-aware. Have a way to receive weather alerts such as the UA Safety app, be familiar with UA’s Severe Weather Guidelines, and know where to shelter in case of severe weather.

When a tornado watch or warning is issued for the campus area, a UA Alert will be sent. Make sure your contact information is updated in myBama to receive all UA Alerts.

Classes will remain in session until the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for the campus area. When a tornado warning is issued, all University activities are automatically suspended, including all classes and laboratories. You should move immediately to a campus storm shelter or best available refuge area and remain there until the tornado warning expires or is canceled.

Faculty and staff should encourage students to go with you to a campus storm shelter or best available refuge area and remain there until the warning has expired or is canceled.

TIAA Webinars Coming Up

TIAA is offering several one-hour live webinars March 16-24 addressing a wide array of financial issues. Find out more and enroll online.

Spring Commencement Ceremonies Announced
UA will hold nine ceremonies, all featuring extensive safety protocols, April 30-May 2 at Coleman Coliseum. See the full schedule and ceremony details on the UA News Center.

Road Closings Through April

Portions of Jack Warner Parkway and Nick’s Kids Avenue (28th Avenue) are closed for roadway improvements until 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 30.

Student Emergency Aid Funding Distribution 

The University is distributing emergency aid funding provided from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act to eligible students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). Initial eligibility for funds is based on a student’s Estimated Family Contribution as calculated on their existing Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA. Eligible students will receive an email from Student Financial Aid with next steps. This is separate from the CARES Act funding distributed in 2020, and whether a student received CARES Act funds does not impact the ability to claim these funds. For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions, visit the HEERF page on UA’s healthinfo website.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Hey, Where Did These Nice Chairs Come From?

Social Work Students Work to End Child Hunger

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

Student Health Care Expands

• March 5th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Health Care Services to Streamline, Expand with SHC, UMC Merger

UA health care services will expand and become more efficient as the Student Health Center, currently managed by the Division of Student Life, merges its medical services and administrative operations with the University Medical Center, which falls under the College of Community Health Sciences, by fall semester.

OCTSA Outstanding Staff Awards Nominations Open

The Office, Clerical, and Technical Staff Assembly seeks nominations from UA employees for two staff members to receive the Outstanding Staff Award. Nominations must be submitted via the nomination form by April 1. Anonymous nominations will not be considered.

2020 FSA Claims Deadline March 31

All Flexible Spending Accounts have a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule. Employees enrolled in the Healthcare FSA or Dependent Care FSA last year have until the end of the run-out period, March 31, to submit any pending claims for reimbursement. Claims must have been incurred during the previous plan year from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2020. Any money remaining in an FSA at the end of this run-out period will be lost. Direct questions to TASC Customer Service at 1-800-422-4661.

Summer 2021 COVID-19 Adjustment Requests for High Risk Students Available April 5

Students meeting CDC criteria for being at risk of serious complications in contracting COVID-19 and who have not yet been offered or received vaccination may request temporary adjustments for the summer beginning Monday, April 5, using the online COVID-19 student application. The request process for summer requires documentation of CDC risk criteria from a medical provider. The deadline to complete requests for summer courses is Monday, May 3.Contact the Office of Disability Services for more information or if the deadline cannot be met due to extenuating circumstances.

Tax Tip: Relocation/Moving Allowance

Relocation costs for a new hire will be paid as a taxable moving allowance.

Mask Up! It’s Required.

Cloth face coverings are required on campus and are proven to limit coronavirus spread. One of the best ways to demonstrate your care for others during this time — both on campus and off — is by wearing a mask. Face coverings help protect other people in case you are infected, and help limit you from inhaling the virus. Wear them over the mouth and nose when within 6 feet of others. Throughout the state of Alabama, masks are currently required in public spaces.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Events Across Campus 

National Survey is Chance for Students to Help UA

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

Fall Semester 2021 Update

• March 1st, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

UA System Announces Plan for Return to Full, In-Person Classes for Fall 2021

The University of Alabama, along with other campuses in the University of Alabama System, will plan to return to traditional in-person instruction without restrictions on classroom capacity for Fall 2021, according to an announcement from the UA System today. Course planning and registration for Fall 2021 will take place as usual. The UA System Health and Safety Task Force made the recommendation to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees in accordance with data and modeling. The task force urges individuals to remain committed to safe practices, such as masking and social distancing. Fall 2021 plans remain subject to change based on conformance to CDC and ADPH guidance.

Let UA Know if You Get Your Vaccine Elsewhere

To help UA officials plan and prepare for continued COVID-19 vaccine distribution, report if you have been or are currently scheduled to be vaccinated at a location other than the University Medical Center. Visit UA’s Healthinfo vaccine page for more info. 

Revenue Generating Guidelines and Approval

Is your department considering hosting a golf tournament, conducting a silent auction or selling merchandise online? Revenue generating operations must first receive approval from Student Account Services, regardless of the proposed tender types/funds. Any department wishing to enter into such a contract should contact Student Account Services for guidance before agreement occurs.

Floor Plans Added to Campus Map

The campus map has added floor plans to many classroom buildings, including stairs, elevators and restrooms. Zoom in on the building, then select a floor from the floor plan menu in the top left corner to view the interior floor plan.

Use UA Healthcheck Daily 

Share your current health status – even if you are symptom free – to ensure a safe return to campus. UA Healthcheck, a daily, 30-second assessment tool for students and employees, allows you to report any current COVID-19-related symptoms, exposure history and testing history.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Sakura Virtual Festival

The Safe Way to Hail a Ride

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

HR self-identify request, dining news and more

• February 26th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS  

HR Requests Employees Self-Identify with Disability and/or Veteran Status

The University is required to track the number of individuals with disabilities and/or protected veterans employed at UA. Employees who fall into one or both categories can confidentially identify themselves by completing the Voluntary Self-Identification of Individuals with Disabilities and/or Voluntary Self-Identification of Protected Veterans forms found on the Employee tab under Employee Services on myBama. Employees who have previously submitted this information do not have to submit it again, unless your status has changed.

Request a Collegiate Recovery Student Speaker

The Collegiate Recovery Community is a support service that is home to students in early- to long-term recovery, those contemplating recovery and recovery allies. Upon request, a CRC student can come to classes to share their own experiences and information about resources in the community and on campus for those struggling with substance use. To have a CRC student speak to your class, contact Hillary Hardie at hphardie@ua.edu.

Dining Capacity Increases on Campus

Beginning Friday, Feb. 26, Bama Dining will increase capacity in dining facilities on campus from 25% to 50%, in accordance with local and state health orders.

Mask Up! It’s Required.

Cloth face coverings are required on campus and are proven to limit coronavirus spread. One of the best ways to demonstrate your care for others during this time — both on campus and off — is by wearing a mask. Face coverings help protect other people in case you are infected, and help limit you from inhaling the virus. Wear them over the mouth and nose when within 6 feet of others. Throughout the state of Alabama, masks are currently required in public spaces.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Where Do You Live?

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

Off-campus vaccine reporting, more – Feb. 19

• February 19th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS  

Let UA Know if You Get Your Vaccine Elsewhere

To help UA officials plan and prepare for continued COVID-19 vaccine distribution, report if you have been or are currently scheduled to be vaccinated at a location other than the University Medical Center. Visit UA’s Healthinfo vaccine page for more info.

Temporary Changes to Beverage Options on Campus 

Due to winter storms disrupting scheduled deliveries, the Ferguson Center location of Starbucks Coffee Company will stop service temporarily beginning Saturday, Feb. 20, and will restart service when deliveries resume. The area will open Monday, Feb. 22, for those wishing to use the area to work or study. The Bryant Drive location of Starbucks will remain open while supplies last. Dunkin Donuts, Joyful Java and other coffee options remain available.

Be Wise, Sanitize

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, be wise and sanitize! It’s essential to frequently sanitize items you use often, such as phones, water bottles, keys, etc.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

ALRI Strategic Plan to Spur Research to Improve Human Condition

State Business Leaders Optimistic on Early 2021 Economy

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

COVID-19 vaccination plan and more – Feb. 5

• February 5th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Updates to the University’s vaccine distribution plan for faculty and staff are now online. Consistent with ADPH guidance, priority considerations are based on approved accommodations, medical risk, known student contact, job responsibilities and age.

As vaccine availability continues, UA faculty and staff will be notified in the coming weeks of their eligibility through email, a call from 205-348-0693 and a text message. Notification emails are sent from the UA COVID-19 Program with a donotreply @ua.edu address. Non-UA frontline contract workers, including campus food service and transit workers, will receive instructions from their supervisors about scheduling appointments.

You will have 24 hours from the time the invitation is emailed to accept or decline the offer. Update your contact information, including your mobile number, to ensure you receive these notifications.

Vaccines will be administered at University Medical Center. At this time UA retirees and family members of UA employees are not eligible for vaccine appointments. Only those notified of their eligibility can schedule an appointment.

Use UA Healthcheck Daily 

Share your current health status – even if you’re symptom free – to ensure a safe return to campus. UA Healthcheck, a daily, 30-second assessment tool for students and employees, allows you to report any current COVID-19-related symptoms, exposure history and testing history. A green UA Healthcheck passport is needed for vaccine appointment check-in.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

UA Celebrates 95th Black History Month with Diverse Offerings

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

COVID Vaccine Distribution Update – Jan. 29

• January 29th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

Classes return to planned mode of delivery – Jan. 22

• January 22nd, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Classes Return to Planned Mode of Delivery 

After two weeks of flexible class delivery options, all classes should return to their planned mode of instruction Monday, Jan. 25. All health and safety rules remain in effect, including mandatory distancing, masks and other protocols. The Code of Student Conduct will continue to be enforced as it relates to COVID-19 and full compliance is expected this semester. Visit UA’s Healthinfo website for more information.

Be Wise, Sanitize

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, be wise and sanitize! It’s essential to frequently sanitize items you use often, such as phones, water bottles, keys, etc.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Higher Education Professor Named Top 15 Emerging Scholar Under 40 

Building Bama: 2nd Avenue Overpass

Best-selling Author Headlines University MLK Celebration

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

Sentinel testing, extended drop/add date, MLK celebration, more – Jan. 15

• January 15th, 2021
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Update to Vaccine Eligibility
Based on updated guidance from the Alabama Department of Public Health, individuals age 75 years and older who are University Medical Center patients, UA retirees or UA emeritus faculty are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at UMC. Applicable current faculty, OLLI participants, Capstone Village residents and others who fit into this age group are also being notified. Newly eligible campus community members will receive an email with details and a text message with instructions to schedule an appointment. If you meet these criteria and don’t receive a message to schedule your appointment, you may call (205) 348-1471. Because the vaccine’s shelf life is limited, individuals will have 48 hours to schedule an appointment or decline the offer. See UA’s healthinfo site for more information and FAQs about vaccine distribution and eligibility.

Sentinel Testing Resumes Jan. 19, No Registration Required

Spring 2021 sentinel testing will resume and be conducted weekly for three consecutive weeks beginning Jan. 19 and every other week thereafter. Participation is voluntary for most, but required for certain student populations. Participants will receive incentives like Starbucks or Bama Cash gift cards, or other items. And beginning this semester, all sentinel testing will be managed through UA medical facilities, so registration is no longer required.

If randomly selected, individuals will receive an email from the COVID-19 Support Program with instructions. Read more about spring 2021 sentinel testing on the UA News Center.

MLK Celebrations Kick Off Monday
Join the campus community in celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a series of virtual, in-person and passive events, which kick off Monday and take place throughout January and February.

Drop/Add Deadline Extended to Jan. 29
The deadline to add a course or drop a course without a grade of “W” for the full spring term has been extended from Jan. 20 to Jan. 29.

Capstone Parking Deck Closed Next Week for Supplemental Testing
The Capstone Deck is closed to vehicle parking Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Friday, Jan. 22, for drive-thru supplemental COVID-19 symptomatic and exposure testing for students. The adjacent surface lot is open.

UA Prepared for Inauguration, Peaceful Transition

Our campus looks forward to a peaceful transition to a new federal administration with a hopeful and optimistic view. It’s more important than ever to remember the Capstone Creed and continue to be respectful to those around us. While there is no information suggesting concerning behavior on or near our campus, our many campus resources are available to help if you have any concerns.

Do Your Part to  STOMP COVID-19
S – Sanitize your hands frequently.
T – Track your symptoms daily.
O – Observe social distancing.
M – Mask up when indoors or near others.
P – Plan to stay home when sick.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

University Libraries Reopen Rooms for Student-Centered Events

Upcoming Events

More Faculty and Staff News

Information on COVID-19 and campus operations is updated frequently. For more FAQs, go to UA’s healthinfo website. If you have questions not answered on the website, please call UA’s COVID-19 hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).