FOSTERING A CARING COMMUNITY
WELCOMING ENVIRONMENTS
Welcoming environments are more than physical spaces-they're places where students feel seen, valued, and included. From collaboration and lounge areas, to indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, Student Affairs shapes environments that spark connection and nurture a sense of belonging within the campus community.
New Student Assembly Building Lays Foundation for Student Growth
On Sept. 20, 2024, UAB celebrated the grand opening of the Student Assembly Building (SAB) - a centralized home for all Student Organizations.
Three students looking at pictures in the SAB during the facility's grand opening.
UAB President Ray L. Watts
- 12,790 square feet and 8 multi-purpose rooms
- 3,943 building hours reserved
- 829 events with over 23,500 students
Hill Student Center Encourages Connection
Affectionately known as “The Hill,” UAB's Hill Student Center is a primary hub of campus connection.
The Off-Campus Student Lounge is a home away from home for UAB’s commuter students, featuring sofas, a television, device charging, and a coffee and snack station in addition to off-campus living resources and VMASC tutoring.
The Hill's 6,722 square foot multipurpose Ballroom is the largest private gathering space on campus and is reserved by departments across the university for student events, award ceremonies, presentations, and banquets.
Across its indoor and outdoor spaces, University Recreation encourages students to stay active, build confidence, connect with others, and engage in a vibrant campus community.
- Active: Personal training, swimming lessons, and the rock climbing wall's Golden Route offer accessible entry points for those beginning a new fitness journey.
- Confident: A variety of cardio and weight machines, sport courts, specialized equipment, and knowledgeable staff empower students to increase their physical strength and mental resilience.
- Connected: Dedicated Spaces for stretching, recharging, and socializing create a welcoming environment for both activity and relaxation.
- Engaged: Group fitness classes, intramural, and club sports facilitate community building through shared goals, teamwork, and friendly competition.
Student Housing and Residence Life - Room to Thrive
UAB's six residence halls-Blazer, Blount, Camp, Gold, McMahon, and Rast-were home to more than 3,000 students each semester, providing welcoming spaces where they connect, engage, and thrive.
SHARED EXPERIENCES
Shared experiences give students opportunities to engage with others, strengthen bonds, and grow together. Student Affairs fosters these moments of connection, helping every student find-or-build-their Blazer community.
Friday Night Live Engages Students After Dark
Responding to student leaders' request for weekend campus programming, Student Affairs launched the Friday Night Live (FNL) series this Fall.
CO-CREATING IMPACTFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS
When students engage in learning they helped design, they earn higher grades and experience greater satisfaction and loyalty to their institution. Student Affairs co-creates opportunities and experiences with students, helping them make the most of their learning.
Peer-led Wellness Initiatives Inspire UAB Students
The Promoters of Wellness (POWs)
Peer education and leadership program empowers students to create and champion wellness initiatives across campus. The program included 22 students this year, who collaborated with Wellness Promotion Director Mica Hughes-Harrell and Associate Director Alyssa Howard to develop programs that contribute to holistic individual and community wellness.
POW's Feel Your Best campaign inspired 72% of student survey respondents to adopt at least one new healthy behavior, while another student initiative, the Healthy Relationships Board Game, was accepted at the national conference of NASPA, the leading professional organization for Student Affairs.
Student Artists Draw Inspiration, Build Wellness
Mural, entitled "Hydrostatic" by Rocky Kimble, a senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences
Student Affairs coordinates the student representation for Live HealthSmart Alabama committees and initiatives, fostering opportunities for co-created projects that blend creativity and wellness. One initiative, Stairway to Wellness, transforms everyday campus stairways into works of student art, encouraging their use over elevators. As part of a broader effort to promote physical activity, nutrition, and wellness education, this initiative empowers UAB students to apply their skills - balancing artistic vision and practical execution - to support campus and community health.
Student Media Amplifies Blazer Voices and Visions
Student Media member RaeAnn Alexander and Director Jackie Alexander receiving award from the College Media Association (CMA)
Guided by its mission to provide co-curricular experiences that develop leadership, storytelling, and communication, UAB Student Media is truly student-driven.
The campus literary magazine Aura celebrated its 50th year in 2024, while Kaleidoscope, the campus newspaper, continues to deliver breaking news and feature stories 58 years after its founding. Any UAB student can join the staff, gaining hands-on experience in reporting, editing, video production, and graphic design.
Student Media’s newest outlet, UABtv, produces original web-based video and podcast content from creative skits to in-depth storytelling, bringing student voices to life in dynamic multimedia formats.
This year, 53 students served as editors, writers, designers, producers, and broadcasters as part of their Student Media experience, gaining real-world experience while shaping campus culture with their creativity and vision.
49% of the combined Student Media staffs are majoring in something other than Communications, English, Marketing, and Art.
Students recording in Student Media's podcast room
Staff of Kaleidoscope's show "Blazin' Bites," a local UAB take on "Hot Ones," set up for filming.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Students' insights and experiences provide invaluable guidance on what helps them thrive. As co-pilots in shaping Student Affairs they help shape the student experience while gaining confidence and professionalism.
Student Advisory Boards Unite for Holistic Approach to Wellness
This year, Student Health Services (SHS), Student Counseling Services (SCS), and Wellness Promotion (WP) created an integrated Student Advisory Board, resulting increased student participation as well as enhanced quality of services and operations between the three departments. The board includes undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of majors who share insights on student needs and help identify the most effective ways to reach and support their peers.
The restructure was inspired by networking and benchmarking that Student Affairs directors and staff took part in at the 2024 American College Health Association conference. Through this change, these Student Affairs offices are better equipped to address the needs of UAB's students and promote a holistic approach to health and wellness on campus.