University of Alabama, Auburn rank in top 40 public universities
Birmingham News – Aug. 17
The University of Alabama ranks no. 34…among the nation’s public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2011 college rankings released today. UA moved up from No. 43 among public schools last year to once again trade the state lead with Auburn, which was No. 39 last year…
Record number of students arrives on Alabama campus
Tuscaloosa News – Aug. 17
…The University of Alabama expects record enrollment this fall and, though classes don’t begin until Wednesday, the hustle and bustle has already begun with the arrival on campus of freshmen and transfer students. The students, coming from all over the country, have been in town since at least Friday, when UA kicked off its “Week of Welcome.” The week brings students with different interests and backgrounds together for the first time for scheduled events and activities, and helps them transition to life on campus and living in Tuscaloosa…Thompson said there were several factors that influenced his decision to come to UA. In addition to his parents being alumni, Thompson chose Alabama for his area of study. “Alabama was my top pick because the engineering school is one of the (best) and having the No. 1 football team doesn’t hurt either,” Thompson said…Since January 2003, UA has opened 40 new buildings that include 10 new residence halls, two new dining halls and four new academic buildings. The new Capstone College of Nursing building is one of UA’s newest buildings. The building, which is located at the northwest corner of McFarland and University boulevards, will open for classes this week and serves as a gateway to the UA campus…
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Aug. 16
University of Alabama opens new nursing school facility; UA welcomes back students with bumper crop of freshmen
Mobile Press-Register – Aug. 17
The University of Alabama’s new, 64,000-square-foot Capstone College of Nursing building opens for classes this week and UA officials hope the facility will become a leader in health care simulation for students. Located at the northwest corner of McFarland Boulevard, in the 600 block of University Boulevard across from DCH Regional Medical Center, the Neo-classical building serves as a gateway to the UA campus. “Today’s nursing students are experiential learners,” Dr. Sara Barger, dean of UA’s Capstone College of Nursing. “They require hands-on learning in order to provide the highest level of care to their patients. This building goes a long way in helping the College meet those needs.” The $16.9 million Capstone College of Nursing houses a 148-seat auditorium, 3 large classrooms, a computer lab, a 34-bed clinical practice lab, 6 METI simulation labs, 2 quiet study rooms, a student lounge area and administrative offices for faculty and staff. The building will be dedicated at a 10 a.m. ceremony Sept. 10. – University of Alabama welcomes back students with bumper crop of freshmen: The University of Alabama and city of Tuscaloosa have been in the midst of the “Week of Welcome” for student returning to the university or arriving for the first time, the Tuscaloosa News reports. Classes begin Wednesday and the week of preamble has had a full schedule of events and activities.
UA researchers say using hands-free devices in the car just as dangerous as talking on a cell phone
NTL1 (New York) – Aug. 16
A warning if you use hands free heasets while driving. A new study says using a headset is just as dangerous as holding your phone while behind the wheel. Researchers at the University of Alabama found people using the devices had just as many phone related crashes. The study says the best way to stay safe on the road is to not talk on the phone at all while driving.
Birmingham area homebuilding permits, housing starts ahead
Birmingham News – Aug. 17
… The Alabama Center for Real Estate also found that statewide permits through this year’s first half were 10 percent ahead of last year, while housing starts showed a 16 percent rise. For metro Birmingham, year-to-date permits are a 13 percent improvement over 2009, and housing starts are up 20.5 percent…
Target to open late for UA students
CBS42 (Birmingham) – Aug. 16
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Aug. 16
For college students, it’s time to head back to class. But for new freshman, getting settled in a new environment can be a real challenge. Freshmen at the University of Alabama are getting a one-stop shop courtesy of Target in Tuscaloosa. The store will be open after-hours tonight to accommodate UA’s newcomers in getting those last minute supplies and dorm room fixes.
New sorority is coming to UA
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Aug. 16
A new sorority is coming to the University of Alabama campus. Delta Gamma has announced it will recolonize its Beta Psi chapter in Tuscaloosa next year. Delta Gamma will be the 17th national Panhellenic conference group at Alabama.