Explore UAB

This fall, nearly 400 students participated in the annual “Into the Streets” service day, wearing new City as Classroom t-shirts.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) faculty and staff are encouraged to apply to the prestigious McMahon-Pleiad Prize. The University of Alabama System Board of Trustees is now accepting nominations for award, which recognizes exceptional faculty or staff members across the UA System—including UA, UAB, UAH, and UAB Medicine—who have made significant contributions through teaching, research, and service.

The prize winner will received $75,000 in funding. At least half of the funds should be used to further the recipient’s contributions through teaching, research, or service. The remainder may be used at the recipient’s discretion. Preferred candidates are faculty and staff with less than 20 years of professional experience.

To learn more about the nomination process and selection criteria, visit the McMahon-Pleiad Prize webpage.

Around 90% of college students face academic challenges, yet only 13% take advantage of tutoring and academic support services, according to a 2024 survey by Tyton Partners.

One common reason students often do not seek academic support is uncertainty about where to go for help. While other barriers—such as time constraints, transportation, or discomfort in asking for help—can also play a role, improving awareness is a critical first step.

This guide was designed to share more about the roles of academic advising, success coaching, and tutoring—so students can find the right support at the right time. Whether it’s selecting courses, communicating with professors, or getting extra help in a tough class, this resource is designed to point students in the right direction.

Academic Advising

At UAB, academic advising is the go-to resource for students planning their academic journey. Advisors help students choose and register for classes, stay on track with degree requirements, and understand university policies.

Advisors also talk through big-picture questions—like changing a major, adding a minor, or exploring career and graduate school options. Unlike tutoring or coaching, advising is about making sure students’ course choices align with their long-term goals so they can graduate on time and prepared for what comes next.

Advising for Declared Majors

Exploratory Advising and Advising for Undeclared Majors

Academic Coaching

Success coaching is ideal for students looking to improve time management, motivation, or study strategies. Coaches also assist with classroom communication, including how to email professors.

Success coaches work 1:1 with students to set realistic goals, overcome obstacles, and build skills in areas like time management, study strategies, motivation, note taking, and exam prep. They can help connect students to the right resources on campus. Coaching is not:

• Advising
• Counseling
• Tutoring

It is a collaborative space where a student and their coach can create an action plan tailored to the student’s needs. Students can meet with their success coach as often as they like– many students see benefits when they meet three or more times– and there is no cost.

VMASC SUCCESS Coaching (open to all students)
VMASC (Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center) success coaching offers free, unlimited, one-on-one support for all students. To get started, just complete a short intake form and schedule a session.

SUCCESS Coaching (open to freshmen in Blazing Start/Boost, online students)

UAB’s Success Coaching, under the Retention Initiatives office, is available specifically for freshman students in Blazing Start or Blazer Boost programs and students enrolled in online courses. To make an appointment, visit the website.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available for students who need help with specific courses, subjects, or assignments, including writing and math.

VMASC Tutoring (undergraduate students)
VMASC offers a free, peer-facilitated academic support for all undergraduate students. Tutors are undergraduate students who have done well in the courses they support and are trained to guide students through course content, study strategies, and habits that help students learn independently.

Students can schedule sessions in person or online (via Zoom), depending on preference and availability.  There is no limit to how often students can use tutoring services, as long as they are enrolled and consistently attend their scheduled appointments. Early engagement is encouraged: students should not wait until academic challenges become overwhelming.

Subjects currently offered include biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology, nutrition science, and more. VMASC tutoring is offered in multiple locations on campus including VMASC in Sterne Library, The Collat School of Business, Off Campus Student Services, and UAB Student Engagement and Enrichment.

UAB Writing Center (all students)

The UAB Writing Center is available to all UAB students and supports writing at any stage of the process—whether brainstorming, drafting, revising, or finalizing a paper.

Students can meet with a tutor in person at Sterne Library or online through the center’s consultation platform. For added flexibility, there is also an option to upload a paper and receive written feedback when live sessions aren’t feasible.

During a session, writing tutors can assist with outlining, editing, citing sources, interpreting feedback, and understanding assignment guidelines. During peak periods, students are limited to two sessions per week, totaling 50 minutes, so early planning is recommended.

Math Learning Lab

The Math Learning Lab (MLL) is located in Heritage Hall, Room 202, and offers math tutoring support, on computers, for UAB students enrolled in mathematics courses from MA 094 up through MA 227 and certain calculus/statistics classes.

Graduate student tutors lead sessions where they guide students through problems and help deepen students’ understanding of the subject.

No appointment is required for many lab hours, though some specialized subjects– like calculus or MA 180– are only supported during designated times. Students are encouraged to bring notes, textbooks, and questions when they come.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental instruction (SI) is a peer-led study program designed to help students succeed in courses that many students find challenging. Currently VMASC supports SI learning for over 30 peer-supported courses including Introductory Biology I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and more.

The SI sessions are open to all students in the listed courses and are held two or three times each week throughout the semester, with special sessions being added for exams, as needed.

Students who have already taken the class and done well lead the sessions. SI leaders attend lectures, take notes, and then lead group study sessions where students can review material, ask questions, and learn together.

These sessions are typically relaxed, interactive, and focused on helping students in the course build strong study habits and fully understand the course content to excel. SI is open to all students in a supported class, and students can go as needed. See if your course offers SI.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is introducing several updates to fall 2025 commencement ceremonies, offering graduates new traditions and a refreshed look to celebrate their academic achievements.

New Ceremony Structure

UAB will host a dedicated Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, open to doctoral graduates who submit a Plan 1 dissertation (such as PhD, DSc, EdD and DrPH).

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Alys Stephens Center
  • Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:00 p.m.)

This change is designed to give Ph.D. graduates a moment that is personal, celebratory, and academically focused—surrounded by family, mentors, and colleagues.

In addition, UAB will shift from dividing ceremonies by graduate and undergraduate levels to grouping them by school and college, allowing students to celebrate alongside peers within their academic community.

• Saturday, Dec. 13 at Bartow Arena
  • Morning Ceremony | 9:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
    – College of Arts and Sciences
    – Collat School of Business
  • Afternoon Ceremony | 2:00 p.m. (doors open at 1:00 p.m.)
    – All other schools and colleges

New UAB-Branded Regalia

This fall marks the debut of new UAB-branded regalia, giving graduates the opportunity to be seen in the new green. The new regalia reflects a bold, cohesive identity that honors the university’s traditions while showcasing its forward momentum. Students should avoid reusing old regalia with retired logos from past ceremonies. Instead, students should purchase refreshed regalia this year to ensure every graduate walks the stage in the official new look.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Register to Walk Deadline: Dec. 1
• Grad Fair Oct. 7 | 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | New Bookstore
• Regalia Ordering Windows:
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s Regalia: Oct. 1 – Nov. 7
  • Custom Doctoral: Aug. 18 – Sept. 30
  • Doctoral Rentals: Sept. 1 – Oct. 24

More information, including full schedules, registration details, and regalia guidelines, visit the UAB Commencement website.

The UAB Chairs Leadership Academy, a signature initiative from the Office of the Provost, continues to build momentum as participants completed another successful onsite session, marking the second session of the year.

This year, the academy accepted 17 participants who are current department chairs, associate deans, and assistant deans who have been in their roles (including interim) for at least one year.

Designed to support department chairs in their leadership journey, the academy offers a dynamic blend of professional development, peer collaboration, and strategic insight.

The second session, which was held in August, featured a standout activity titled “Judge Audrey,” which challenged participants to engage in critical thinking and collaborative decision-making.

Working in groups of four, participants were presented with a fictional university case and tasked with reviewing its details, analyzing the context, and reaching a consensus on a resolution. HR and Compliance leaders Kelly Mayer, Kandace Hamilton, and Audrey Fortier served as consultants for the exercise. Each groups’ analysis was then judged by Audrey Dupont, senior university council.

The exercise sparked lively discussion and highlighted the complexities of leadership in academic settings—where ethical judgment, policy knowledge, and interpersonal dynamics often intersect.

By navigating these challenges together, participants gained valuable perspectives from their peers and refine their own approaches to decision-making. The academy’s emphasis on experiential learning continues to resonate with attendees, many of whom have praised the sessions for their relevance and impact.

 “Our goal is to create a space where chairs can learn from one another, reflect on their leadership styles, and grow in confidence and capability,” said Senior Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Michelle Robinson, DMD, MA. “The case-based sessions, like ‘Judge Audrey,’ allow us to explore real-world dilemmas in a safe and collaborative environment.”

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Office of the Provost is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Provost Faculty Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service at UAB. These prestigious honors celebrate faculty who exemplify the university’s mission through innovation, leadership, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.

This year’s awardees represent the very best of UAB’s academic community. Please join us in congratulating the following faculty members:

Ashita Tolwani, MD, MS, MSc, FASN – Ellen Gregg Ingalls/UAB National Alumni Society Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching

The Ellen Gregg Ingalls/UAB National Alumni Society Award for Lifetime Achievement in Teaching is presented annually to a full-time regular UAB faculty member who, throughout their career at UAB, has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to teaching. To receive the Ingalls/Alumni Award, the faculty must be a former recipient of the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching and have served UAB for 20 or more years as a full-time regular faculty member.

Tolwani, a professor in the Heersink School of Medicine, has spent more than two decades shaping the future of nephrology through her innovative teaching, mentorship, and curriculum development. She is the founding director of the UAB CRRT Academy, the only national hands-on training course in continuous renal replacement therapy, and has received numerous accolades including the American Society of Nephrology’s prestigious Robert G. Narins Award for lifetime excellence in education. Her impact spans generations of students, fellows, and clinicians, and her dedication to advancing medical education continues to elevate UAB’s reputation as a leader in academic medicine.

Tolwani is celebrated by her nominators for her dedication to medical education and mentorship. Her innovative teaching methods, compassionate approach, and commitment to student success have left a lasting legacy across generations of learners. Her work not only advances clinical knowledge but also inspires future physicians to lead with empathy and integrity.

“Dr. Tolwani’s substantial and meritorious contributions toward the education mission have been vast and highly impactful, not only for our institution, but on the national and international levels as well,” said one nominator. “Throughout her 26 years on the faculty of UAB, she has been highlighted for her innovative teaching methods and skills, her ability to successfully convey difficult concepts to students and to enrich their learning process.”

Sarah Tucker, Ph.D. – Odessa Woolfolk Community Service Award

Named in honor of civic leader and UAB champion Odessa Woolfolk, this award recognizes a faculty member who has made exceptional contributions to the community through service, outreach, and engagement.

Tucker, assistant professor in the School of Health Professions, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Her collaborative projects have bridged the gap between academic research and real-world impact, empowering local populations and fostering long-term partnerships that reflect UAB’s values of equity and inclusion.

Tucker’s work spans multiple sectors, including criminal justice reform, trauma-informed care, and occupational therapy. She has played a key role in organizing the Jefferson County Second Chance Hiring Fair, an initiative that connects formerly incarcerated individuals with employment opportunities. She also serves on the board of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit advocating for compassionate release of terminally ill prisoners, where she provides occupational therapy consultations and contributes to program development.

In addition to her clinical and academic contributions, Tucker has led trauma-informed training for organizations such as Prison Fellowship and Hope Inspired Ministries. She regularly volunteers at local shelters and reentry programs, and has developed student-led initiatives such as the Student Advocacy and Restorative Justice Club at UAB.

“Dr. Tucker is committed to serving others. Her list of volunteering activities is long, and this letter will merely touch on her commitment to others,” said one nominator. “Most exciting is that Dr. Tucker is not only committed to serving others but always seeks opportunities to engage her students in the activities of the different organizations she works with. This enrichment of the education of our students is one of the reasons many students choose UAB Occupational Therapy as the destination for their graduate studies.”

Tika Benveniste, Ph.D. – Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award

The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award honors a UAB faculty or staff member who embodies Brown’s vision, character, and bridge-building talents which are vital to the university’s growth and success and who, like Brown, demonstrates a deep and abiding commitment to collaborating across campus that enhances the research and teaching activities of the university.

Benveniste, senior vice dean in the Heersink School of Medicine, is a visionary leader whose work has united researchers across diverse fields to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in biomedical science. Her ability to build bridges—between people, ideas, and institutions—has strengthened UAB’s research enterprise and expanded its global reach.

Benveniste’s career at UAB spans nearly four decades, marked by leadership roles that have shaped the university’s biomedical enterprise. As founding chair of the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, she unified faculty across disciplines to create one of UAB’s most productive research departments. Her subsequent roles in research administration and strategic planning have facilitated cross-campus partnerships.

Benveniste has chaired or co-chaired more than 50 strategic committees, including the AMC21 Executive Research Steering Committee and the COVID-19 Research Task Force. Her efforts have led to the development of new academic programs, such as the Master’s in Biomedical and Health Sciences and the Cancer Biology undergraduate degree, and have supported collaborative recruitment and infrastructure initiatives across campus.

“Throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Benveniste has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to fostering interdisciplinary partnerships that have elevated UAB’s research and educational missions,” said one nominator. “As a scientist, department chair, and senior leader, she has consistently broken-down silos between schools and departments, creating innovative structures and programs that now define our institutional identity.”

These faculty members will be formally recognized at the Newly Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 22. The Office of the Provost looks forward to celebrating their achievements and the many ways they enrich our university and community.

Pollock (left) and Smith (right)The University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) Center for Teaching and Learning, or CTL, continues to evolve as a hub for teaching excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Open to all faculty and teaching staff, the CTL now encompasses a broader range of services and leadership to support both academic instruction and lifelong learning.

As of August 2025, the CTL has officially welcomed two new directors to lead its expanded divisions:

• Director of the Office of Learning Technologies David Pollock, Ph.D., brings a wealth of experience in academics, course design, and media/technology skills. His office supports faculty and staff with cutting-edge tools, training, and services to enhance both online and face-to-face teaching.
• Director of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Katy Smith, MPA, is leading efforts to expand UAB’s reach into the community through non-degree educational offerings. Her background in higher education and community engagement positions her well to grow UAB’s continuing education programs in innovative and inclusive ways.

Both the Offices of Learning Technologies and Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning operate under the umbrella of the CTL, creating a unified structure that allows faculty and staff to access comprehensive teaching and learning support in one location.

“Whether you’re teaching online, in person, or developing community education programs, the CTL is here to support you," said Amy Chatham, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning.

The UAB Office of the Provost and the Office of the Vice President for Access & Engagement are pleased to offer sponsorship opportunities for faculty to attend the NCFDD Rethinking Your Research Funding course, hosted October 6 – November 2, 2025.

The Rethinking Your Research Funding course is a four-week virtual program that helps faculty take a strategic approach to research funding. Through expert-led sessions, live coaching, and a supportive peer community, partipants will gain practical tools to:

• Expand and diversify research funding strategies
• Communicate the value of their work beyond academia
• Build a foundation for long-term funding success

“At UAB, we are deeply committed to supporting our faculty as they grow their research portfolios and pursue innovative ideas,” said Senior Vice Provost for Faculty and Academic Affairs Michelle Robinson, DMD, MA. “We encourage our faculty to take advantage of this resource, and we are proud to provide sponsorships that help remove barriers and make participation possible."

Faculty sponsorships are limited. To apply for sponsorship, please complete the online application.

Learn more about NCFDD and the Rethinking Your Research Funding course.

This month, the Office of Innovative Teaching and Academic Engagement (ITAE) took its staff retreat beyond the walls of the university and into the Birmingham community.

Beginning fall 2025, UAB will implement an Extended Drop Period designed to give students more time to make informed decisions about their courses.

The UAB Office of the Provost is pleased to welcome Leigh Anne Robertson, MBA, CPA, as the executive director for administration and finance, effective July 21.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Office of the Provost is pleased to welcome Toree Billingsley as the new Office Associate.

In this role, Billingsley will report to Jessica Patterson, executive assistant to the Provost, and will provide vital administrative support to the office’s operations.