UA’s online business program ranked one of the country’s best
Yellow Hammer News – April 23
The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse undergraduate school of business’s online program was listed as the number three such program in the nation in a new ranking by bestcolleges.org. “I am proud of how our faculty and staff have created such a successful program with a global reputation,” said Jennifer Humber, director of Culverhouse Online Services. “Even though our students are not physically located on campus, we strive to maintain a personal connection with them while they pursue their academic and professional goals. This recognition is an encouragement to our team as we continue to serve our students.” The accredited program was founded in 2006 as part of the Bama by Distance program that allows a more flexible way for students to receive their bachelors degree from the University of Alabama.
Historical figures come alive during tour at University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa News – April 23
The University of Alabama’s first Living History Festival will give visitors the opportunity to “meet” several important figures in the history of the state and the university on Saturday during afternoon tours on campus. Tours will run every 30 minutes from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $4, and tickets can be purchased Saturday at Smith Hall. The tour begins at Smith Hall, where participants will meet actors portraying Eugene Allen Smith, the hall’s namesake and a former UA professor and state geologist; Sylacauga resident Ann Elizabeth Hodges who was struck by a meteorite while sleeping on her sofa: William Bartram, an 18th-century naturalist who explored and cataloged flora and fauna in the Southeast; Michael Tuomey, Alabama’s first state geologist; Winnie McGlamery, a 20th-century paleontologist and a key figure in the state’s oil and gas exploration; and Walter B. Jones, a state geologist and the founder of the Jones Museum at Moundville Archaeological Park.
Will Alabama Honor Your Choice of Law Provisions?
JD Supra – April 23
In November of 2014, Alabama voters ratified Amendment 884 to the Alabama Constitution. Entitled the “American and Alabama Laws for Alabama Courts Amendment” when passed through the state Senate and House of Representatives, Amendment 884 relates to the application of “foreign law” in Alabama courts. This amendment piqued our interest, and may pique yours, because of that small paragraph found at the end of most contracts: the choice of law provision. A choice of law provision allows contracting parties to agree which body of law they would like to govern their contract. Generally parties are free to choose whose law will govern their contract, be it that of Alabama, another state, or even another country … Professor Paul Horwitz at The University of Alabama School of Law argues that the Amendment actually does nothing. Case law in Alabama already prevents Alabama courts from having to enforce foreign law if the result violates Alabama public policy. While conceptually true, the ambiguous language of Amendment 884 creates numerous questions about its use and interpretation which may, when applied, expand the circumstances under which an Alabama court may ignore a contract’s choice of law provision in favor of Alabama law.