It’s been a busy summer on campus. Here are some campuswide changes and new things to know.
Parking Enforcement Changes
Beginning this fall, all residential surface lots and the Riverside Parking Deck will be zone enforced 24/7. Visitors and individuals who do not have a permit for a given zone can park in a faculty/staff surface lot from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and all-day Saturday and Sunday. If the individual has a valid UA parking permit, they can access parking decks, except for Riverside, Tutwiler and Ridgecrest, with their permit from 4:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and all-day Saturday and Sunday.
New Browser Tool for Research
UA Libraries has secured a new, powerful tool to access research. Lean Library Access is a browser extension that connects with UA Libraries’ systems to provide seamless access to library resources when working and studying off campus. Once downloaded, users will be alerted via a pop-up message when they are searching for something that University Libraries can provide access to, including articles, e-books and other subscriptions. Lean Library also directs users to an open access version of what they are looking for if it exists elsewhere or to interlibrary loan options if it’s not in UA’s collection. See how it works and download the browser extension on the Lean Library Access website.
Digital Access to the Tuscaloosa News
UA students, faculty and staff can now access and read digital versions of the Tuscaloosa News through UA Libraries. Access is available on the Libraries’ databases web page under the Tuscaloosa News link. Full color PDFs of print editions from May 11, 2022, to present are available and text-only versions of articles from 2008 to present are available.
Dining On Campus
This semester brings some changes and new options to Bama Dining for students as well as faculty and staff. One change is that Wendy’s in the Student Center is now mobile order only. Read more about dining on campus for students and faculty and staff on the UA News Center.
Mental Health App
WellTrack is an interactive mental health app available to all UA students. This tool helps students manage health and well-being while providing on-campus resources. WellTrack uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify, understand and address issues that students may be facing. The goal is to help students understand their mental health while empowering them to seek help for their specific needs. Students can download the WellTrack app and register with their crimson.ua.edu email address.
Cloud Storage
In May, Crimson Google accounts were decommissioned. Microsoft is now the email and collaboration service provider for UA students. Those students who previously used Google Drive should start using Microsoft OneDrive to store and share files. OneDrive offers students secure cloud storage to seamlessly collaborate and access files from anywhere with an internet connection. Students can share project files with fellow students and collaborate in the same Word or Excel document at the same time. OIT’s tool comparison chart helps students know which Microsoft 365 tools to use.