A reboot in recruiting women into computer science
Chronicle of Higher Education – Oct. 29
Cassidy Lamm, who grew up loving Disney movies like The Lion King, hopes to help create the next generation of animated films. When she checked into the credentials of current special-effects artists at Disney, she learned that many had majored in computer science. Now in her sophomore year at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Ms. Lamm is among an increasingly rare breed—women majoring in computer science. Nationwide, women earned only 18 percent of the bachelor’s degrees awarded in computer science in 2010, according to the National Science Foundation. That’s less than half the proportion in 1985, when 37 percent of those degrees went to women … Jeff Gray, an associate professor of computer science at Alabama, says about half the kids at his weeklong summer camps for middle-school students are girls. But in his summer camps for high-school students, only 15 to 20 percent are girls. “Something weird is happening early in high school,” he says. “Stereotypes are being formed about gender roles and career goals.”
UA car tags program funds scholarships
Crimson White – Oct. 29
The University of Alabama’s National Alumni Association has succeeded in raising more than $4 million during the 2012 fiscal year through their Ride With the Tide license plate program, contributing to scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The Alabama Department of Revenue recently reported that The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa sold 97,412 tags from Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012. The sold plates accounted for 49.13 percent of the state’s collegiate license plate sales. Contributing significantly to scholarships, 20 percent of all UA collegiate tag sales back the association’s chapter scholarships, while 80 percent support graduate students. Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School David Francko explained how graduate students are selected to receive the license plate funding. “Each spring, I solicit nominations from our graduate academic programs for what we call NAA License Tag Fellowships,” Francko said. “Nominated students must be Alabama residents, possess excellent academic records and be committed to using their graduate degrees to provide meaningful service to the citizens of the state.”
College news
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 28
Lisa M. Hooper, associate professor of counselor education at the University of Alabama, has received the Dr. Linda Seligman Award from the American Mental Health Counselor Association. The award is given to educators who have shown dedication and commitment to the field of counseling, including outstanding humanitarian service to others through teaching, consulting, supervising and research. During her eight-year tenure at UA, Hooper has received numerous national and local awards for her research, teaching and service. Most recently, she received the Paul W. Bryant Endowed Professorship for Distinction in Teaching.
Center to devote 1,500 square feet of space to University
Crimson White – Oct. 29
Once a focal point in the heart of Tuscaloosa, the Allen Jemison building has been closer to demolition than prominence as of late. However, the Tuscaloosa Arts Council and their supporters believe the address will soon spark interest again. The council, following Tuscaloosa’s acquisition of a $1.5 million HUD grant and volunteer funding, are renovating the old building on the corner of 7th Street and Greensboro Avenue into what will become The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. “We want to give the arts community a sense of home,” Sandra Wolfe, executive director of the council, said. “[Cultural centers] give people within the community and people coming into our community a way to connect.” … The largest gallery space, at 1,500 square feet, is designated for The University of Alabama, in part of the effort to coordinate cultural efforts between the city and the University … The space will be used to display works from UA faculty, MFA students and touring exhibits, as well. The additional studio space provided will give the council far more flexibility, Wolfe said. The Bama Theatre, which offers its own gallery space, is booked until next summer.
Female makes commander for 1st time in UA history
Crimson White – Oct. 29
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of every week, members of The University of Alabama Army ROTC program are divided into groups based on age and athleticism on the University Recreation fields at the break of dawn, and training ensues for over an hour. Strength and stamina are assessed, and the cadets are pushed to the limit…The Order of Merit List, a weighted ranking system that includes GPA, physical fitness and extracurriculars, compiles the top cadets in the battalion and selects the top two seniors as battalion commanders. Christina Jones, a senior majoring in French, was chosen as battalion commander for the fall academic semester, making her the first female to ever serve as commander of the UA battalion. Jones, who comes from a rich military background, finds a space for herself within the male-dominated field. “It’s really cool to be able to say that I was the first female, but it’s even better to say that I’m a battalion commander at The University of Alabama,” Jones said. “Being the first female, it’s great being able to say that you made that milestone. But honestly, even being the first, just being a battalion commander here proves that all the hard work and all the long hours and all the early mornings were worth it.
Alabama Homecoming game brings lots of alumni back to tailgate (photos)
Al.com – Oct. 29
Despite temperatures, and leaves, falling before the Homecoming 2012 tailgate, fans filled the areas around the University of Alabama. The Quad held welcome signs for alumni and alumni groups. Alumni brought family and friends to help them cheer on their alma mater. Bama students showed their school spirit by dressing a little extra fancy, showing their Greek letters or painting their bodies crimson and white. The Quad showed signs of the seasons changing this week. Leaves were no longer on some trees, while others had changed.
Sororities and fraternities create lawn decorations
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) – Oct. 26
Students at the University of Alabama are ready for a different kind of homecoming competition. Fraternities and sororities teamed up to come up with the best lawn-decoration theme. It’s an annual competition leading up to Homecoming every year. They covered-up the work, while finishing their designs behind the tarps.
Alabama fans feel the heat at UA’s 2012 Homecoming bonfire (photos, video)
Al.com – Oct. 27
Fans gathered on the Quad for the annual University of Alabama Homecoming pep rally and bonfire Friday night in Tuscaloosa. Following the pep rally, they set the wood ablaze and fans happily stood by feeling the heat on a cool Tuscaloosa night and letting their eyebrows singe away. Homecoming festivities continue on Saturday, with the parade and other happenings on campus.
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 27
Alabama constitution: Vote looms on amending history
Associated Press – Oct. 28
Segregation ended decades ago in Alabama, swept away by the civil rights marchers who faced down police dogs and fire hoses in the early ’60s. But segregation is still mandated by the state’s constitution, and voters on Nov. 6 will get only their second chance in years to eliminate an anachronism that still exists on paper…It’s a striking call to see if Alabama will repeat what it did in 2004, when the state narrowly voted to keep the outdated and racially controversial language, bringing national ridicule upon the state. The second time won’t be any easier than the first because Alabama’s two largest black political groups are urging a “no” vote. They say the proposed changes would wipe out some racially charged language, but would retain segregation-era language saying there is no constitutional right to a public education in Alabama…Retired University of Alabama law professor Martha Morgan, an expert on Alabama’s constitution, says voting “no” on Nov. 6 is likely to give the state another black eye. But she said it’s better to get a black eye than “to inflict a mortal wound to public education by taking away the right to public education.”
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 28
ROTC holds pumpkin carving event
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 26
The University of Alabama ROTC partnered with the SGA to hold their first pumpkin carving event. The event was held to help raise funds to build care packages for soldiers deployed in the Middle East.
Event helps people make potentially life-saving bone marrow donations
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 29
It was just a sinus infection, or so he thought. Little did Gary Lloyd know the intense migraines he had been waking up with every morning were a sign of something worse. Diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in August, the 28-year-old found himself fighting for his life, never imagining his very existence would depend on the compassion of a complete stranger. “It was shocking, devastating, and I was extremely angry,” said Lloyd, a producer/director at the Center for Public Television/Radio at the University of Alabama. “I was too young for something like this to happen.” … Community members will be able to take the first step in becoming a future donor Wednesday during a Be The Match donor registry drive at the University of Alabama. Donors must be between the ages of 18 and 44, willing to donate to any patient in need and meet certain health guidelines. The process takes about five minutes, and involves signing a consent form and a cheek swab.
UA honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 28
There are only three days left in the month of October, but the University of Alabama family is continuing to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tara Roe shows you how hundreds affected by the disease are honored on campus every day…Students, faculty and staff started decorating trees across campus a few months early this year. You can find personal messages on pink ribbon ornaments in honor of someone affected by breast cancer or in remembrance of someone who has passed. So far this year over 200 ornaments are hanging on a tree limb. “You don’t realize how many people have been affected until you see how many ornaments we actually pull off the trees.”
UA professor gives tips on how students should dress for business occasions
Crimson White – Oct. 29
One lesson every college student should learn before graduating is how to dress appropriately for professional situations…Alexa Chilcutt, UA professor of public speaking, has done extensive research on impressions management and has given seminars all over campus on the importance of first impressions. Many students are required to take COM 123 and are familiar with Chilcutt’s lesson on appearance and non-verbal communication. “Typically, within the first 30 seconds to one minute, someone knows whether they’re going to hire you or not,” Chilcutt said. “Appearance has at least 80 percent to do with your credibility. That is the first barrier you have to get over.” With so much emphasis on physical appearance, students should be well-equipped with an ensemble that reads credible, responsible and any other company-desired qualities.
Programs offer adults degree opportunities
Crimson White – Oct. 29
There is an increasing number of undergraduates at The University of Alabama who are older than the typical college student. The number of students age 25 or older who are enrolled at the University as either full-time or part-time students has steadily risen every year since fall 2008. In that year, there were 1,753 students who fell into that age bracket, and, in fall 2012, 2,323 enrolled students are 25 or older including 11 students 65 or older. The increase in the number of these students follows the general enrollment increase the University has experienced as a whole in the past several years. “Distance learning degrees are on the increase, both in supply and demand,” Rebecca Pow, associate dean of the College of Continuing Studies, said. “The University of Alabama has provided opportunities for adult and non-traditional students for nearly a century. Today, students from all over the world are able to pursue their educational dreams through our technology-based learning formats representing over 70 degree programs.” The College of Continuing Studies has several programs that provide opportunities for adults from various circumstances to take classes and earn a degree from the University. BamaByDistance offers flexible programs for earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and even a doctoral degree through online courses in addition to weekend or evening classes.
Tuscaloosa residents choose to drive to work
Crimson White – Oct. 29
The number of people choosing to walk instead of drive or use public transportation is on a steady decline across the U.S. Only 1.4 percent of Tuscaloosa residents walk to work, with 95 percent choosing to drive, according to a recent study by governing.com. “In general, the U.S. is centered around the automobile, with public transportation also limited in most parts of the country,” Jonathan Wingo, assistant professor of kinesiology, said. Wingo also said Tuscaloosa fits this description. With only one form of public transportation, The Tuscaloosa Trolley, and a spread out community, it is difficult for residents to walk places. “I live 10 miles away from work,” he said. “If I were to ride a bike or walk, I would be putting my life in danger.” However, he said this looks slightly different for students on a college campus like The University of Alabama. “A university campus involves quite a lot of walking, like in a big city,” Wingo said. “You may drive a car to campus, but once you are here, you are getting exercise.”