PA protection
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 22
By next fall, all University of Alabama academic buildings should be wired to a public address system officials can use to warn students in an emergency, chiefly a dangerous situation such as a gunman. “The PA System would definitely be low-tech,” said Deborah Lane, executive director the office of public relation. “We’re using the high-tech text-messaging and the low-tech PA system and everything in between.” Along with many universities, UA added a text alert system that sends text messages to cell phones. It is thought to be the quickest way to students who are rarely without a cell phone. But a PA system would reach everybody inside, and the hope is to put the speakers in dorms next academic year, Lane said. The university also uses e-mail and the campus Web site to broadcast alerts. “There is no one method that is going to alert everybody, so our plan is to use a lot of different vehicles simultaneously,” she said. “We, like every other university everywhere, are looking at different ways to get to students.”…
Opinion: PA system for UA is, sadly, an idea that makes sense
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 22
A plan to install old-fashioned speakers in academic buildings at the University of Alabama is a great idea. It can’t happen too soon…in the event of a dangerous situation on campus, university officials are correct to employ every means possible to alert students, faculty and staff. Deborah Lane, who leads the UA office of public relations, stresses that the university intends to use low tech and high tech means if the need arises…However, we hope administrators carefully consider whether speakers should be located in dorms, the Ferguson Center, the Student Recreation Center, sports facilities and any other place where people congregate…
UA professor elected to national panel
Crimson White – Feb. 22
A national study group co-chaired by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Sen. Bob Kerrey has recruited a UA research professor to share information about Alzheimer’s disease. Louis Burgio, director of the Center for Mental Health and Aging, has served on panels and committees on various aging issues for professional organizations, published papers and won awards because of his work with mental health and aging. He was recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association to tell a panel about developing the tools and capabilities that more effectively support non-paid caregivers as they care for those with Alzheimer’s to the Alzheimer’s Study Group in Washington, D.C., on March 11…
State housing more affordable
Birmingham News – Feb. 22
Alabama’s housing market is growing more affordable, according to the University of Alabama’s Center for Real Estate Research…
Decision allows 401(k) participants to sue over losses
Kansas City Star – Feb. 22
Norman Stein, a University of Alabama law professor specializing in pension law, praised the court’s ruling, saying it stemmed from a common-sense reading of federal law. “How in the world could this ever really have been uncertain?” Stein said.
Senate sends condolences to NIU, others
Crimson White – Feb. 22
…Senators unanimously passed a bill supporting President Robert Witt’s e-mail about the vandalism of Reese Phifer Hall with obscene chalking…the SGA also sent its condolences to the Northern Illinois University Student Association after a school shooting shocked the campus a week ago…the death of Morris Lehman Mayer, professor emeritus in marketing, prompted the SGA to send its condolences to his friends and families. Mayer worked at the University for 48 years…
UHP seeks improvement
Crimson White – Feb. 22
The Honors College will kick off a new student and faculty initiative that seeks to improve the education students receive at the University. Known as the Honors College Student Advisory Board, the new group hopes to increase student involvement in the growth of the Honors College…
UA students sleep out on the Quad
Crimson White – Feb. 22
…They had come to help hand out drinks and snacks to the 25 people who stayed overnight in sleeping bags and cardboard boxes, in an attempt to raise awareness for homelessness…
Lawyer will discuss elder care
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 22
…“Most families don’t flag that issue early enough,” said Hugh Lee, director of the University of Alabama School of Elder Law Clinic. “There is a real lack of understanding about how a nursing home is paid for.” With people living longer and baby boomers reaching retirement age, the topic is something Lee said people are going to have to
Jefferson County Has to Find A Way to Pay for Sewer System
WVTM-NBC 13, Birmingham – Feb. 21
…University of Alabama business professor Dr. Robert Brooks says the county’s leadership must be unified and learn to pay as they go….