August and September were busy months for UAB’s Division of Student Affairs, as we collaborated with student groups and campus and community partners to ensure the first six weeks of the semester were unforgettable. Student Affairs welcomed Blazers back to campus this Fall with a host of student-centered events and programs.
If you missed any of the fun, no worries! Check out this recap of highlights from Blazer Welcome 2018 and visit the Student Affairs calendar to keep up with more happenings in Fall 2018!
BMEN Enrichment Week - Aug. 19-26
All around campus, the Blazer Male Excellence Network (BMEN) hosted several meaningful events for BMEN Enrichment Week. Events included mentor training, a cookout, game night, laser tag, freshman move-in and more. One of BMEN's flagship programs, BMEN Peer Mentoring Program, is designed to provide academic and social support to black male students entering UAB.
Housing Move-In - Aug. 25
Freshman and upperclassmen moved into their respective dorms the week of Aug. 25. Nearly 1000 students volunteered as move-in helpers to get students' belongings safely and quickly into their rooms. With boxes-upon-boxes to carry up elevators and stairs, parents and new students certainly appreciated the help!
Hill Student Center Takeover - Aug. 25
Students, fresh from Move-In, gathered that evening for the Hill Student Center Takeover where new and returning students had the opportunity to connect during their first days of living on campus. This year's theme, casino night, featured casino games, photo booths, video games, laser tag and more.
Engage Launch - Aug. 27
With the previous B-Sync application officially replaced, student organizations can now flourish with UAB's new partnering platform, Engage. Officially launched on Aug. 27, Engage brings a smooth interface, easy management, and universal communication between students and staff for their clubs and organizations. Engage's most favorable features include a discussion board and events feed. Check out more here!
Undugu Black Male Gathering - Aug. 26
Esteemed students were recognized Aug. 26 during the Undugu Black Male Gathering hosted by BMEN. The gathering acknowledges accomplished black males of UAB for their contributions to the UAB community. Attending students and staff were able to network and connect with one another during the event. For information about upcoming BMEN events, log into Engage and search “BMEN”, or visit the SMDP site here.
Diningopoly - Aug. 27
UAB Dining introduced students to an array of dining-related interest tables during the annual Diningopoly on the Campus Green. Each table focused on campus resources and food options available to students. The event gives students the opportunity to learn more about campus services, all while interacting with UAB Dining staff to win free dining dollars and gifts.
SNAP Outreach (in-progress) Aug. 27, Sept. 17, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15
Students in-need signed up for the beneficial SNAP program on Aug. 27 and Sept. 17. SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a state program whose main purpose is to end hunger and improve the overall nutrition of its participants. Additional SNAP coordinator sessions will take place on Oct. 18 and Nov. 15 for students needing assistance.
Student Health Open House - Aug. 28
Student Health Services presented an open house at the Student Health and Wellness Center. Students learned about health services available at the center and around campus. Organizations set up tables and distributed swag to students; the Wellness Center also provided free T-shirts once students visited a minimum of three tables!
Social Justice Mixer - Aug. 29
Free food, music and meaningful conversations sum up the Social Justice Mixer hosted by the Social Justice Advocacy Council (SJAC) and SMDP. On Aug. 29, students gathered to get acquainted with identity and cultural-based organizations on campus. For upcoming events regarding social justice, please contact SJAC coordinator Leah Grace jlsimons@uab.edu or message SJAC on Engage.
Intramural and Club Sports Fields Ribbon Cutting - Aug. 29
UAB's state-of-the-art intramural sports complex opened to the public on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The complex has two full-size competition fields, new digital scoreboards, campus wi-fi, all-gender restrooms and more. Students can reserve practice space for any campus event or club team practice through University Recreation.
Recstravaganza - Aug. 29
University Recreation's annual Fall kick-off event, Recstravaganza, was a success this year. And, as an added bonus, students who came out to support also caught a first glimpse of the new UAB Intramural Sports Complex. Free T-shirts were given to the first 100 students who attended the event. Recstravaganza included field games including ladder golf, cornhole and kickball.
Taste of UAB - Aug. 31
Delicious dishes -- served up by local food trucks -- satisfied the appetites of students who attended UAB’s inaugural Taste of UAB! A social and informational event for students to mix and mingle with one another, “The Taste” also provided Blazers a chance to discover Birmingham-area dining options and explore fun and/or helpful local attractions. Participating food trucks included: Magic City Eats, Broad Street Peaux Boys, NOLA Ice, City Bowls, Paradise Chow and ¡Cantina. Local music, city attractions and vendors also participated, including the Birmingham Museum of Art, Top Golf, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and many more.
Part-time Job Fair - Sept. 4
Over 50 local businesses and corporations joined together to create the UAB Part-time Job Fair. Upwards of 600 students were given the opportunity to meet with recruiters and apply for part-time positions. Employers said of the event, “Overall wonderful students – Go Blazers!”, “Fantastic event – will return again.” and “We loved the traffic and quality of applicants.” Participating students had similar reactions, expressing that they found the job fair fun and educational. UAB will host another part-time job fair on April 10, 2019.
Black to School Week Sept. 4-7
BMEN is an initiative to encourage fellowship, support and fun among Black freshman males interested in and apart of the BMEN mentorship group. The 2018 Black to School Week featured a week’s worth of activities that encouraged building friendships and networking, and span the course of August 18-26 at various locations on UAB's campus and in the surrounding Birmingham area.
Miss UAB Scholarship Pageant Interest Sessions - Sept. 4-6
Interest meetings for UAB's esteemed Miss UAB Scholarship Pageant occurred on Sept. 4, 5 and 6. If selected, the young women will be given the opportunity to compete for scholarships in the 2018 Miss UAB Pageant (on Nov. 2) and gain valuable professional and life skills through the pageant process. The current Miss UAB, Vishwadha Gunda, used her position to spread her Strengthening Cultural Consciousness platform. For more information, visit Miss UAB Scholarship Pageant page here.
Umoja New Student Welcome - Sept. 5
BSAC at UAB provided black freshman students a sense of Umoja, meaning "unity", on Sept. 5 with the Umoja New Student Welcome event. Students, faculty and staff gathered in business attire at the Hill Student Center ballroom for official introductions from campus and community leaders, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Each student was given an invitation for graduation to signify UAB’s support of their academic and professional success.
Student Involvement Fair - Sept. 6
A variety of campus organizations showcased their initiatives during the Student Involvement Fair on Sept. 6. Undergraduate and graduate students received swag while interacting with clubs and organizations that work to better student lives and the Birmingham Community. Best Buddies, Active Minds at UAB, Good Games UAB and the Undergraduate Student Government Association are a few of more than 120 organizations that participated. Do you want to see active organizations on-campus? Click here to visit UAB's Engage community.
UAB Multicultural Greek Council Presents: MGC Kickoff - Sept. 6
Chants and music roared through the Student Hill Center ballrooms as Multicultural Greek life hosted their MGC Kickoff. Fraternities and sororities from the Multicultural Greek Council performed step routines and discussed their chapters to prospecting students. Interested in joining an MGC Greek Life? Visit their page here for more information.
International Student Welcome - Sept. 7
To celebrate new students from all over the globe, UAB International Mentors threw a welcome party Friday, Sept. 7 at the Hill Student Center Amphitheater. Organizers catered international and local food to showcase Birmingham's colorful foodie culture and welcome new students. For upcoming International Mentor events, visit the mentor page here.
NPHC Presents: Greek Speak - Sept. 8
Future Greek life students received vital information about National Pan-Hellenic Council during the NPHC-hosted Greek Speak event. The program is designed for students interested in joining the National Panhellenic Council. Topics such as chapter history, active members and requirements for membership were presented by 8 of the 9 on-campus sororities and fraternities. Students left with a better understanding of what it takes to be a part of on-campus Greek life.
Free Food for Thought Series – In Progress
Tackling discussions about difficult community and global issues is Free Food for Thought's specialty. Students who attended the Sept. 12 session have a better understanding of U.S. immigration issues regarding the Zero Tolerance policy, as well as the separation of families at U.S. borders. More sessions will be held at the New Freshman Residence Hall, Cahaba Room.
Following are the remaining session dates:
- Session 2: Oct. 10
- Session 3: Oct. 24
- Session 4: Nov. 7