A Special Message about PACT from Dr. Robert E. Witt
Thank you for this opportunity to update you on the latest developments regarding the beleaguered PACT scholarship program. As you know, the PACT program faces a major financial shortfall that affects 3,900 students out of the nearly 36,000 enrolled on UA System campuses.
From the very beginning, we have supported solving this problem, working closely with the PACT board and others to help identify a practical solution. Most recently, the System endorsed a bill in the Legislature sponsored by Senator Ted Little that will keep the program solvent for at least the next decade.
Unfortunately, special interest groups are now pushing a second bill that could create a government-mandated tuition rate for students on our campuses. If passed, this bill will burden 90 percent of our students and parents with much higher tuition increases than would otherwise be required, while creating a guaranteed lower rate for students in the PACT program. We do not believe this is a fair or reasonable option, and the problem is avoidable because Senator Little’s bill treats both groups fairly.
If you agree, I ask you to contact your Alabama House and Senate members TODAY and ask them to support Senate Bill 162, the PACT solution sponsored by Senator Ted Little, so the PACT program can become solvent without forced, government-mandated tuition rates.
For names and contact information on your Alabama House and Senate members (as well as other details on this urgent matter) please go to www.protectstudents.com. You can also call 1-866-738-8616.
DATES TO REMEMBER
March 25
“Pulse-Check Lunch,” 204-A Ferguson Student Center, noon
March 27
“Morgan Live!” Morgan Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parking registration for students for 2010-2011 began March 22. The timeframe for students to register for parking is the same as their timeframe to register for classes. Students who register as soon as possible during their registration time will receive priority based on class hours completed. Please note that some zones have changed. For detailed information about parking registration and changes for the coming year, please go to http://www.bamaparking.ua.edu/pages/permit-reg.htm.
Your parents can’t do it for you. You must complete your own census form. Census forms are being mailed this month and should be completed and mailed back to the U.S. Census Bureau by April 1. If you live on campus, the UA Housing Office will distribute census forms to all the dorms. Then, they will collect the completed forms and turn them in to the Census Bureau. Visit http://www.ua.edu/census2010 for more information about the 2010 census.
Capstone Inspiring Educator Award nominations are due March 29. UA undergraduate students graduating in May are invited to nominate a teacher from their high schools for the newly created Capstone Inspiring Educator Award. The award will recognize high school teachers in Alabama who have inspired UA students to achieve their academic and career goals through outstanding teaching, mentoring and support. Winners will be recognized during UA Commencement activities May 8. More information: Sara-Margaret Cates at 348-4890.
The deadline for entering the 4th annual book-collecting contest is March 31. University Libraries is co-sponsoring the contest. For rules and an entry form, visit http://guides.lib.ua.edu/bookcollectingcontest.
The Crimson White is accepting applications to fill its 2010-11 staff. Visit http://jointhecw.wordpress.com to see the newspaper’s goals for next year, view a list of staff positions and apply online. More information: Victor Luckerson.
Undergraduate Parent Support is initiating Sitters for Service, a pilot program for providing free baby-sitting services to students with children. Sitters for Service seeks undergraduate and graduate students to volunteer for these services in exchange for community service hours. Pick up an application at the Office of the Dean of Students in 230 Ferguson Student Center or e-mail Jason Doblin.
Training sessions to learn how to navigate the new digital collection “Archive of Americana and World Newspaper Archive” will be March 30 and 31 in the Osburn Room in Gorgas Library. RSVP to Jill Grogg at 348-7994.
The UA Writing Center offers free help with your writing. The center is located in 322 Lloyd Hall. It is open Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Sunday, 1– 6 p.m. More information: http://www.as.ua.edu/writingcenter.
A Wilderness First Responder course will be held at the Student Recreation Center May 17–27. Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities provides a definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, and search and rescue teams. The course will teach all of the essential skills required to assess and manage medical problems in the backcountry. The WFR will be 72-80 hours long. More information: Lance Haynie at 348-4701.
EVENTS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The next “pulse-check” lunch with Dr. Judy Bonner, provost, and Dr. Mark Nelson, vice provost, will be March 25 at noon in 204-A Ferguson Student Center. Bring or purchase your lunch for this open-ended discussion about campus issues.
“Morgan Live!” will be held March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Morgan Auditorium. This talent competition will feature performances from 10 of the Capstone’s greatest. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. or in advance in the Ferguson Student Center, March 22-26. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Alpha Psi Omega and Phi Eta Sigma are sponsoring the event. More information: Brad Lee.
The 2nd annual Rise and Shine Charity Golf Tournament will be held April 26. The Student Alumni Association and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity are co-hosting the event. Tournament proceeds will benefit UA’s RISE School and Student Leadership Scholarships sponsored by the SAA. Entry fees are $100 for current UA students; $125 per golfer; and $500 per four-person team. Visit http://saa.ua.edu/golftournament.html for more information and to register. Registration deadline for golfers is April 4.
The Women’s Resource Center will host a free Yoga Empowerment Session open to all to celebrate and empower women during Women’s History Month. The session, led by yoga instructor Mary Meares, will be held in the Student Activity Room at the Student Recreation Center. The session will begin at 6:45 p.m. Participants should arrive a few minutes early and bring their own mat. A limited number of mats will be available if you do not have your own. More information: contact Jessi Hitchins.
Always remember to check the Crimson Calendar for all the week’s events.
For athletic events, go to http://www.rolltide.com.
Submit your news at http://uanews.ua.edu/submit-student/.