Free show to teach viewers about autism with sitcoms
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 24
A free show that aims to entertain and educate people about the disorder will tell the story of one couple who raised a son with autism. The show, called “Something About Sam,” will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Morgan Auditorium on the University of Alabama campus. Rick Dowling, faculty-in-residence for the UA Riverside community, and his wife, Suzanne Dowling, executive director of the Arts ‘n Autism program in Tuscaloosa, are drawing on their own experiences to produce the show. They have a 20-year-old son, Sam, who was diagnosed with autism 18 years ago.
Dean creates environment of innovation, collaboration
Crimson White – Jan. 24
Before Disney World opened in 1971, Orlando, Fla. was a city smaller than Tuscaloosa is today. To the dean of the College of Education at the University of Alabama, it was home. Born in Greensboro, N.C. but raised in Orlando, Jim McLean came to the Capstone in 1974 to teach and work with a faculty member on research and evaluation. In the summer of 2004, he was appointed dean of the College of Education. Over the last eight years, the College of Education has more than doubled its enrollment, moved up considerably in the national rankings, increased its external funding more than ten-fold and increased its endowments, particularly for scholarships, McLean said.
Professor’s filmmaking extends beyond the class
Crimson White – Jan. 24
Professor Andrew Grace’s schedule does not consist of the typical class lectures and test grading. Rather, he spends his time instructing and overseeing students in the University of Alabama’s Documenting Justice Program as well as enjoying his own life as a documentary filmmaker. Grace’s fascination with filmmaking resulted from his evolving interests of photography, music and writing as a teenager. He focused mainly on classic films during high school and continued his film studies through undergraduate and graduate education in Wyoming. He lives in Tuscaloosa and teaches Documenting Justice in the telecommunication and film department at the University.
Students seated for success
Crimson White – Jan. 24
Walking into a classroom and choosing where to sit is usually something students do without hesitation. It almost becomes routine. Some are back-row people, others prefer seats against the wall. Research suggests, however, that the seat a student chooses in a classroom can tell a lot about them and even affect how a professor perceives them. Dr. Lonnie Strickland, professor of strategic management in the business school, has his own theory in regards to where students sit in the classroom. Strickland teaches his students, whom he refers to as customers, how to gain a competitive advantage in the business world. He says that sometimes all it takes to get noticed is your choice of where to sit in a meeting room.
Sleep texting a growing problem for young people
Crimson White – Jan. 24
Some students may find that their social life doesn’t end when they turn out the lights and their head hits the pillow each night. There has been growing conversation about sleep-texting, which includes responding or sending a text message from a cellular device in the middle of one’s sleep. “[Sleep texting] would be some variation of sleep walking, where people engage in behaviors while asleep,” psychology professor Kenneth Lichstein said.
Job search requires new mindset in 21st century
Crimson White – Jan. 24
Ron McGowan, author of the book “How to Find Work in the 21st Century,” stresses the importance of looking for work over searching for a career. The biggest weakness McGowan sees in job seekers is the inability to market themselves to employers. . . . Tiffany Goodin, program manager for student services at the University’s Career Center, said the center offers individual appointments to help students and alumni with a multitude of career related matters. “We range in topics from choosing a major to interviewing skills, and everything in between,” Goodin said. “We at the Career Center can’t actually get the job for you, but it is literally our job to help you in every step along the way.”
ODS levels playing field for students with disabilities
Crimson White – Jan. 24
The Office of Disability Services, tucked away in Martha Parham East, isn’t something many students give much thought. With 1,300 registered students, though, ODS is a major University office assisting students around campus daily. According to the ODS website, ods.ua.edu, the office works with students to determine academic accommodations for disabilities so that students are evaluated based on their knowledge of course material, not based on the limiting effects of their disability.
BikePalooza raises awareness about bike safety
Crimson White – Jan. 24 (Print version only)
To raise awareness about bicycle safety for both pedestrians and involved cyclists, BikePalooza will take place from Jan. 24 through 26 at the Student Recreation Center. The event will have cycling clubs, onsite registration, giveaways and a raffle.
Miglionico picked for Ala. Women’s Hall of Fame
Tuscaloosa News – Jan. 24
A University of Alabama law school graduate who went on to be the first woman elected to the Birmingham City Council will be inducted into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame on March 1…Miglionico earned her law degree from UA in 1936 and was a Birmingham lawyer who had a long career of service, including being on the Birmingham City Council from 1963 to 1985. She was president of the council from 1978 to 1981…Miglionico is also slated for induction in the Alabama Lawyers’ Hall of Fame on May 4.