BEST BETS
UA ONLINE ROLLS OUT NEW TUITION GRANT TO HELP MILITARY STUDENTS — To help make higher education more accessible for active-duty military members, The University of Alabama Online, a part of the College of Continuing Studies, is launching a new grant that will help cover tuition costs. The UA Online Military Tuition Grant is open to all active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve service members enrolled in undergraduate distance learning through UA Online. It will cover the costs that are not covered by military tuition assistance up to the maximum allowed by the student’s branch of service for up to 18 hours per academic year. For more information, contact James Shamlee, associate program manager for military services, at jshamlee@ua.edu.
WANT TO BE HAPPIER? PLAN A VACATION — Planning a beach vacation is the perfect way to welcome the warmer weather of spring and summer, and according to research by faculty members in The University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences, it also improves your overall happiness. Dr. Jameson Hayes, associate professor and director of UA’s Public Opinion Lab, along with Jay Waters, an instructor in advertising and public relations, recently completed a research study in collaboration with the 30A Company, a beach media and lifestyle brand in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The data gathered by Hayes and Waters suggests looking forward to a future vacation makes people happier and is essential to mental well-being. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Waters at waters@apr.ua.edu.
CURRENT COMMENT
MANY WILL FIND A WAY TO TAKE THAT SUMMER VACATION — “There are many reasons to deter travel this summer such as exceedingly high gas prices, car rental prices soaring and airline tickets on the rise,” said Dr. Kimberly Severt, associate professor in the UA department of human nutrition and hospitality management. “Overall, it is taking more and more money to meet basic living essentials such as rent and food. It is anticipated that people will find a way to travel and all the obstacles we are seeing will not stop most people. They will find a way. I do anticipate many families opting for travel closer to home or even staycations. As the summer progresses, we may see the travel slow a bit.” To schedule an interview, contact Severt at ksevert@ches.ua.edu.
HOW HIGH WILL GAS PRICES GO IN ALABAMA? — As the summer travel season begins, gas prices are at an all-time high and are only expected to rise. Analysts from JPMorgan recently estimated that the national average gas price will likely reach $6 by the end of summer. However, Dr. James Cochran, associate dean for research in the Culverhouse College of Business, says even if gas hits $6 in other parts of the country, Alabama may not see prices that high. “The national average for gasoline is currently about $4.60 per gallon, and the average cost per gallon in Alabama is about $4.30, which is about 93% of the national average,” Cochran said. “If the national average per gallon does hit $6, and the average price in Alabama remains at 93% of the national average, the average price per gallon in Alabama would be about $5.61.” To schedule an interview, contact Cochran at jcochran@culverhouse.ua.edu.
EVENTS
LEAP STUDENTS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY — More than 100 high school students attending the UA Early College Leaders Exploring Academic Possibilities, or LEAP, program will work to beautify several Tuscaloosa City Schools during a day of community service, Tuesday, June 7. The students will work at Eastwood Middle School and Westlawn Middle School from 9:20-11 a.m., and at the Alberta School for Performing Arts and Tuscaloosa Magnet School (Middle) from 10-11:40 a.m. For more information, contact Wendy Hoggle, UA Early College program coordinator, at wendyh.bama@ua.edu.
MOUNDVILLE HOSTS SATURDAY IN THE PARK — The UA Moundville Archaeological Park will host Saturday in the Park, a series of demonstrations and presentations related to Native Americans, archaeology, natural history, sustainable gardening and more, throughout the summer. The June 11 event will feature beadwork and textiles with Catherine Sloan. Saturday in the Park activities are free with paid admission to the park. For more information, contact Lindsey Gordon, UA Moundville Archaeological Park, at fgordon@aalan.ua.edu.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.