What UAB academic campus looks like during COVID-19

During the global pandemic, UAB may look a little different, but it continues to educate students.

Editor's Note: The information published in this story is accurate at the time of publication. Always refer to uab.edu/uabunited for UAB's current guidelines and recommendations relating to COVID-19.



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Video production: Jeff Myers, Steve Wood, Laura Gasque, Ryan Meyer and Andrea Reiber

During the global pandemic, UAB may look a little different, but it continues to educate students.

 

  • Into the Streets, a student-led day of service, took place Friday, Oct. 23. It is the 21st year of the university tradition at UAB. Eighty-four students, faculty and staff gave a combined 168 hours of their time and effort. They worked at 12 sites around Birmingham, with seven community partners, while also practicing health-promoting behavior. Photography: Steve Wood, Oct. 23, 2020
  • Before entering class, students must show their “passport” — issued after completing UAB Healthcheck daily — which is their ticket to attend class in person. UAB Healthcheck is used to ensure the health and safety of everyone on campus. Photography: Steve Wood, Sept. 4, 2020
  • UAB students are encouraged to SHOW their blazer spirit. Staying 6 feet apart; Hand washing; Owning responsibility; Wearing a mask. Photography: Lexi Coon, Aug. 27, 2020
  • Even though commencements were held virtually, students celebrated in their caps and gowns while taking socially distanced photos with other Blazers. Photography: Lexi Coon, April 22, 2020
  • Students, faculty and staff are reminded to wear masks around campus. Photography: Lexi Coon, Aug. 3. 2020
  • UAB opened safe study spaces for students to use between classes to maintain social distancing. Users in these spaces must follow safety protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing. UAB IT has expanded Wi-Fi capacity in those spaces to accommodate increased network use. Photography: Andrea Mabry, Aug. 24, 2020
  • This year, the program was updated to meet the school’s COVID-19 social event guidelines for students, which are designed to protect the campus community. Fewer volunteers were able to participate so they could maintain social distancing space. Each site had a student and faculty/staff site leader, who led the group and helped make sure everyone was working safely. Photography: Steve Wood, Oct. 23, 2020
  • While the Blazer Express system implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in March — including frequent disinfection of handrails and providing hand sanitizer — electrostatic sprayers enable the buses to be effectively disinfected more frequently. Photography: Lexi Coon, Aug. 13, 2020
  • Measures to enhance social distancing can be seen in residence halls, such as blocking off every other washing machine. Photography: Steve Wood, Aug. 14, 2020
  • Signage inside buildings reminds students to maintain social distancing while studying or waiting for classes. Photography: Steve Wood, Sept. 4, 2020
  • Two students safely study for class. Photography: Lexi Coon, Aug. 27, 2020
  • The economic impact of the day of service was nearly $4,000. Students registered to volunteer through BlazerPulse, UAB’s community engagement platform, connecting students, faculty and staff across campus with partners in Birmingham and beyond. Photography: Steve Wood, Oct. 23, 2020
  • Keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools to avoid being exposed to the COVID-19 virus and slow its spread. Signs can be seen all around campus helping students maintain social distancing in common spaces. Photography: Steve Wood, Sept. 4, 2020
  • Classrooms have been modified in order to maintain social distance. Photography: Lexi Coon, Aug. 12, 2020