United Way campaign, open enrollment – Oct. 23

• October 23rd, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Drop with “W” Deadline Now Nov. 11

The University has extended the deadline to drop a course with a grade of “W” for fall semester Full Term and Fall 2 classes to Wednesday, Nov. 11. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for additional information.

Open Enrollment Runs Through Oct. 30

Open enrollment for benefit-eligible employees is two weeks earlier this year, Oct. 15-30. 

Fight COVID-19 with the GuideSafe App

The COVID-19 Exposure Notification App will anonymously notify users if they have been in potential close contact with someone who later reports a positive COVID-19 test result — without sharing the identity of either person. It is a critical component to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

Give to United Way

United Way of West Alabama’s 26 partner agencies are seeing a rise in requests for help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Giving through the University’s United Way campaign is a way to help our closest neighbors, and with the online giving platform, making a contribution is easier than ever. 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

It’s the Return of the Crimson Carving Contest

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).

Severe weather notice, Nineteen Fifty-Six – Oct. 9

• October 9th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Severe Weather Possibility – Know Where to Go

According to The National Weather Service, Tuscaloosa County may experience severe weather with the potential for a brief tornado and/or damaging winds up to 60 mph from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. The forecast can change before Saturday and should be monitored through the NWS website. Know where to go in case of severe weather. 

TIAA Webinars Oct. 13-15

TIAA is offering several one-hour, live webinars Oct. 13-15 addressing an array of financial issues including retirement assets, Medicare, alternative investments, Health Savings Accounts and cybersecurity. To enroll in the seminars and find more information, visit the HR website.

WellBAMA Screenings Continue 

Three WellBAMA health screening opportunities will be offered in coming weeks. Screenings will take place Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UREC courtyard; Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Russell Hall courtyard; and Thursday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Capstone College of Nursing. Employees should schedule their health screening in advance. 

Political Activities Policy and Rule Reminder

With Election Day just around the corner, the University remains committed to supporting free speech and encouraging voter participation among students, faculty and staff. Employees are reminded to review and follow the University’s Electronic Media Policy, Board of Trustees of the UA System Rule 304 and state ethics laws, which outline limitations and prohibitions on political activity for UA employees when such activity uses University resources or is potentially tied to their University employment. Among other things, a UA employee may not use University time or resources, including University email addresses, for or on behalf of any political candidate, campaign or organization, or for any contribution or solicitation of contributions to a political campaign or organization.

PSA Holds Annual Brewer-Porch Coat Drive

Each year the Professional Staff Assembly holds a coat drive for children at Brewer-Porch Children’s Center. Now through Nov. 1, donations of new coats and cold-weather gear in child sizes small through extra large, and adult sizes small through large are being accepted. Drop off donations to Chelsea Ratcliff in 302 Russell Hall, or email ceratcliff@ua.edu to schedule a donation pick-up.

Student Media Launches Black Student-Led Magazine 

Nineteen Fifty-Six is a Black student-led magazine that amplifies the voices within The University of Alabama’s Black community. Founded by current Editor-in-Chief Tionna Taite, it seeks to educate students from all backgrounds on culturally-important issues and topics in an effort to produce socially-conscious, ethical and well-rounded citizens. Read the first issue.

Sign Up for Sentinel Testing With  myBama Email

Faculty and staff are encouraged to register to be included in the random sampling of students, faculty and staff for COVID sentinel testing. Sentinel testing helps the University understand the underlying prevalence of infection on campus in order to respond promptly. The goal is to test around 3% of the campus population each week with a sampling technique using a self-administered nasal swab. Use your myBama username @ua.edu when signing up at healthy.verily.com for sentinel testing.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Look Out for Phishing

Register Today, Roll the Vote!

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).

Premier Awards, Beat Auburn Beat Hunger – Oct. 2

• October 2nd, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Employee COVID-19 Testing Updates

COVID-19 testing is available at University Medical Center for UA faculty and staff experiencing symptoms or exposed to the virus. UMC testing is available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. To make an appointment, call 205-348-4696. Testing costs will be submitted to employees’ health insurance plans, with remaining balances and co-pays billed to employees.

Re-entry testing and new employee testing are available at Coleman Coliseum Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. There is no cost for initial re-entry testing. Schedule an appointment for testing. UA faculty and staff working remotely and who do not plan to return to campus before the end of the 2020 Fall Semester are not required to test for COVID-19 at this time. However, those planning to return to campus in any capacity before the end of the 2020 Fall Semester, and new employees, will need to be tested.

For more information, contact the UA COVID-19 Hotline at 205-348-CV19 (2819).

Spring Schedule Coming Oct. 9, Registration Oct. 26

A goal for the 2021 Spring Semester is to further improve the educational experience while continuing to maintain safety measures as recommended by the CDC. UA will open additional classrooms, adding plexiglass to further increase the seating capacity of existing classrooms, and maximizing the use of classrooms across the entirety of the day to provide as many face-to-face learning opportunities as possible. Plans include a greater number of hybrid sections with a combination of in-classroom and live videoconferencing instruction. Colleges and academic departments are continuing to revise planned courses, and the spring schedule of classes will be released Friday, Oct. 9. Registration begins Oct. 26.

2020 Moundville Native American Festival Goes Virtual 

The University of Alabama’s Moundville Archaeological Park will conduct the 32nd annual Moundville Native American Festival online Oct. 5-10.

Premier Awards Nominations, Applications Open 

The application period for UA’s Premier Awards has opened, and the University Awards Committee welcomes applications for the six awards, the highest honors given at the Capstone. The deadline to submit a nomination is Nov. 1, and the deadline for applications is Nov. 15. Direct questions to studentlife@ua.edu.

Socialize Responsibly

Avoid large gatherings to help curb the spread of coronavirus. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet — about two arm lengths (or an elephant’s trunk!) — away from others.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Beat Auburn Beat Hunger Launches 2020 Food and Funds Drive 

Brewer-Porch Children’s Center Transitioning Colleges at 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).

Changes for Spring Semester 2021 – Sept. 30

• September 30th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

The University of Alabama will continue in-person instruction and on-campus residence for the 2021 Spring Semester with some important changes to the calendar:

• Classes will begin Wednesday, Jan. 13, a week later than previously scheduled to provide 12 days between New Year’s Day and initial classroom meetings.
• Spring break will be canceled for continuous learning to mitigate risks associated with travel.
• The last day for students to add/drop classes without a “W” is Wednesday, Jan. 20.
• Classes will be cancelled on Monday, March 15, as a wellness/study day mid-semester, but offices will remain open.

Other important dates for Spring 2021 include the following:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (UA closed) – Jan. 18
• Honors Week – April 5-April 9
• Honors Day – April 9
• Final Exams – April 26-30
• Commencement – April 30-May 1

Classes will look much the same as they do this semester, with the majority having an in-person component and remote options in case a student or faculty member needs to quarantine or isolate.

Faculty and Staff holiday information:

The five paid holiday days UA employees normally get for Spring break will be shifted to provide an extended Winter break beginning Monday, Dec. 21, and continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 6. Offices will close at the end of the day Friday, Dec. 18, and the first day employees return to work is Jan. 7.

Faculty and staff who would like to take the week of March 15-19 off must coordinate with their supervisors and use accrued leave.

Spring semester health and safety protocols:

The established public health policies will continue to be in effect, including wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Faculty and staff will be allowed to use available leave as needed for symptoms, quarantine and isolation related to COVID-19.

Those on campus are encouraged to report known or potential cases of COVID-19 to employee and student health officers for assistance and follow-up.

Faculty and staff concerned about being at a higher risk can contact UA Human Resources to assist with questions and requests for accommodations.

The spring semester will continue to work in accordance to UA’s return plan, which is governed by the UA System Comprehensive Health and Safety Plan.

COVID-19 testing – Sept. 29

• September 29th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

COVID-19 Testing 

COVID-19 testing is available at both University Medical Center and Coleman Coliseum for UA faculty and staff experiencing symptoms or exposed to the virus. UMC Testing is available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. To make an appointment, call 205-348-4696. Coleman Coliseum testing will continue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. Testing costs will be submitted to employees’ health insurance plans, with remaining balances and co-pays billed to employees.

Quad Renovation Program Survey Open

Would you like to help shape the upcoming renovation of the Quad? Complete this survey and share your ideas for the conceptual design of this important area of campus.

BFSA Social Justice Webinar Oct. 1

The Black Faculty and Staff Association’s webinar series on social justice continues via Zoom. “The Plight, Path, and Progression of Black Men” will be offered Oct. 1 from noon to 2 p.m. Registration deadline is Sept. 30. 

myBama, Banner, Other Services Unavailable Oct. 4

OIT will install the quarterly Oracle patch on Sunday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 10 a.m. Several campus services including myBama, Banner and DegreeWorks will be unavailable during the upgrade. More information is available on the OIT Status Page.

Higher Education Act Compliance Memo Update 

The Higher Education Act of 1965 requires institutions to make certain information available to the campus community and general public. The University established a website to compile and disclose pertinent information related to the HEA’s requirements. The Higher Education Act Compliance Memo pdf is updated and advertised annually to students and employees in the fall semester.

Fight COVID-19 with the GuideSafe App

The COVID-19 Exposure Notification App will anonymously notify users if they have been in potential close contact with someone who later reports a positive COVID-19 test result — without sharing the identity of either person. It is a critical component to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

Time’s Almost Up — Take the 2020 Census Today!

UA Expands, Strengthens Research Capabilities with New MRI

What’s New to the 2020 Game Day Experience

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).

Watch the Tide safely, events, myBama maintenance – Sept. 25

• September 25th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Tips for Watching the Crimson Tide 

Enjoy watching the Crimson Tide while staying safe and helping avoid the spread of COVID-19. Watch the video. 

myBama Maintenance Sept. 26

Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon myBama will be unavailable due to scheduled database maintenance. Banner, Blackboard, DegreeWorks and other applications will remain available. More information is available on the OIT Status Page.

Automotive Services Limited Sept. 30

Automotive Services will be closed for preventive maintenance services for fiscal year-end and inventory Sept. 30. Technicians will still be available for emergency repairs.

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. This statewide mask requirement supports the UA System Health and Safety Task Force’s requirement that face coverings must be worn in all University buildings with limited exceptions.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

UA Libraries Host Sixth Annual Digital Humanities Conference 

RISE to Hold Annual Fundraiser Virtually on 46th Anniversary

Nursing Students Empower Peers Through Mentoring Program

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).

Re-entry testing, Bama Blitz and more – Sept. 18

• September 18th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Faculty, Staff Returning from Remote Work Must Test 

Employees who have not already been tested for re-entry and are still working remotely need to test for COVID-19 before returning to campus. Faculty and staff should wait until notified by a supervisor of a return date before completing a re-entry test at Coleman Coliseum.  If you have already completed the re-entry testing process and continued to work remotely, you do not have to test for re-entry again. In addition to testing, faculty and staff must complete the online training module through myBama and check symptoms daily on UA’s Health Check.

Thank You for Making Bama Blitz a Success

The Office of Development would like to thank those who generously supported The University of Alabama’s online fundraising event. This year’s Bama Blitz saw 1,276 donors raise a total of $2,150,834. The Office of Development is grateful for those who chose to give to a priority area that strengthens the UA community, showing commitment to the UA spirit.

Academic Advisors Association Open to New Members 

The University of Alabama Academic Advisors Association is open to all UA professional and academic advisers, and offers a newsletter, regular meetings and professional development opportunities. First-time members can join for free using the online membership form.

Driver Safety Program Updated

Important updates have been made to the Driver Safety Program by the Office of Risk Management. UA employees, students or volunteers who desire to drive a UA vehicle must be approved as a driver by Risk Management. This includes UA owned, leased or rented vehicles. Also, employees who drive their personal vehicle on University business on a routine basis must be approved as drivers by Risk Management. For the complete program document, visit the Office of Risk Management website.

Update to Expanded Family Medical Leave

Effective Sept. 16 certain employees previously exempt are now eligible to request paid Expanded Family Medical Leave, due to a revision to the definition of “health care provider.” Additional information about the revised definition is available on the HR website.

Fight COVID-19 with the GuideSafe App

The COVID-19 Exposure Notification App will anonymously notify users if they have been in potential close contact with someone who later reports a positive COVID-19 test result — without sharing the identity of either person. It is a critical component to mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 

UA Supports Projects Collaborating Between Arts and Sciences 

OIT Completes Mailbox Migration to O365 Cloud

College of Nursing Develops Creative Means to Deliver Content

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).

Potential for severe weather Wednesday – Sept. 15

• September 15th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

New Career Track to Boost Research at UA 

UA is launching an employee classification designed to recruit and retain world-class researchers. Those hired into the research professional career track will be extensively, if not entirely, focused on research and creative activities, often mentoring and training students to be leaders of discovery in their own career paths.

Sept. 16 Sentinel Testing to be Rescheduled 

Due to the possibility of severe weather on Wednesday, Sept. 16, all sentinel testing that day will be canceled and rescheduled. Faculty and staff scheduled for sentinel testing on Wednesday, Sept. 16, should check their ua.edu email for messages from healthy@verily.com for cancellation and rescheduling.

Use myBama Email to Sign Up for Sentinel Testing

Faculty and staff should use their myBama username @ua.edu when signing up with healthy.verily.com for sentinel testing.

Bama Blitz Campaign Starts Today, Continues Through Sept. 17

The annual Bama Blitz crowdfunding campaign began this morning and runs through Sept. 17 at 11:59 p.m. Those who would like to support causes benefiting the UA community, including the Tide Together Student Support Fund to assist students impacted by COVID-19 and other financial hardships, or one of many unit-specific charitable priorities across campus, can visit the Bama Blitz website. While the postponed We Are UA Faculty and Staff Campaign will not be rescheduled this year, there are many avenues for faculty and staff to give through Bama Blitz.

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 

Hurricane Sally Expected to Bring Heavy Rain to Tuscaloosa

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).

Sign up for sentinel testing – Sept. 14

• September 14th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REMINDERS 

Sign up for Sentinel Testing 

The University is moving to the COVID-19 sentinel testing phase of the campus health and safety plan. To participate, go to healthy.verily.com now to set up an account. Use your myBama username @ua.edu email address to create your account. Answer some basic questions and verify your email. Once your account is created, you are all done for now. You do not need to set up an account if you are working remotely only and it is unlikely you will be coming to campus for any reason.

For-cause Testing Begins in Residence Halls 

Free for-cause testing is conducted on-site for those in a shared location, such as a Greek house, residence hall floor, student group or classroom. It can be associated with an increase in positive test results, but it is also a valuable monitoring tool in preventing outbreaks.

New Classes of Crimson Startup Open

Crimson Startup is a six-week National Science Foundation I-Corps site program designed to help entrepreneurs develop tools needed for a successful startup business. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to join the program during this year’s virtual classes that begin Sept. 18. Register on the I-Corps website or email Dr. Ying Qin.

myBama Maintenance Sept. 19 

On Saturday, Sept. 19, myBama will be unavailable from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. for scheduled database maintenance. Banner, Blackboard, DegreeWorks and other applications will remain available. More information is available on the OIT Status Page.

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 

Annual Bama Blitz Campaign Begins Sept. 15 

Dean’s List Students Named for UA Summer 2020 Term

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).

Message from the President – Sept. 14

• September 14th, 2020
• in Faculty Staff Messages General Messages Student Messages

Dear students, faculty, staff and parents,

I want to thank each of you for your commitment, patience and resilience. Your actions are making a measureable and positive impact on our campus.

Last week provided strong and encouraging data affirming that we are on course and on mission.

• The UA System dashboard update showed a 65% drop in COVID-positive cases on our campus week-over-week.
• Our Division of Student Life outlined areas of relaxation to the in-person gatherings moratorium.
• We announced fall enrollment of 37,842, reflecting the high value our students and parents see in an on-campus education here at the Capstone.
• Dr. Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Response, visited Tuscaloosa Friday to meet with System and University leaders, including a number of our outstanding students. An esteemed physician and global health leader, Dr. Birx was highly complimentary of our comprehensive Health and Safety program and our campus initiatives.

I am very proud of the progress we have made, and we can’t stop now.

• Wear your mask.
• Practice social distancing.
• Avoid large gatherings.

This week we continue implementing our sentinel testing program. For students, faculty and staff: if you haven’t set up your account, please go to healthy.verily.com to participate in this important initiative. Those with questions are encouraged to utilize the newly enhanced COVID19 hotline at 205-348-2819.

The University of Alabama is known worldwide as the Capstone because we look after one another and set an example for those around us. Thank you for helping lead the way. Because of you, we are all Tide Together.

Stuart R. Bell
President