It’s a new year at the Capstone and that means new opportunities, new milestones, new frontiers for exploration and more. These are just a few of the many exciting things happening in the coming year at The University of Alabama.
UA will help lower waste in space.
Recycling in space? Of course! As NASA prepares for future space missions, sustainability is a key question — how can solid waste streams be processed and recycled in space instead of returned to Earth?
The Capstone is here to help: The UA College of Engineering is the allied organization for this year’s NASA LunaRecycle Challenge. The challenge will be divided into two competition tracks. The Prototype Build track focuses on the development of hardware components and systems for recycling one or more waste streams on the lunar surface, while the Digital Twin track focuses on designing a virtual replica of a complete waste recycling system on the lunar surface and manufacturing end products. The Digital Twin track is designed to limit the barrier to entry for global solvers to participate and contribute to NASA missions. Teams will have the opportunity to compete in either or both competition tracks, each of which will have its own share of the prize purse, and registration opens in January.
UA will renew its accreditation bona fides.
It happens every ten years, and this year, it’s time again: The University will host peer evaluators Feb. 24-27 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. SACSCOC accreditation ensures that member institutions deliver the highest-quality education for students. UA has held SACSCOC accreditation continuously since 1897, and the accreditation empowers the University to award bachelor’s, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees. February’s visit will focus on finalizing any compliance issues with the Core Requirements and Standards, evaluating the Quality Enhancement Plan, and providing consultation regarding the issues addressed in the QEP. At the conclusion of the visit, the committee will submit a report to the SACSCOC Board of Trustees for review and action on reaffirmation of accreditation.
McLure Library is coming back better than ever.
After massive renovations, the first ones since 1954, McLure Library will reopen in May. The UA School of Library and Information Studies will relocate from the seventh floor of Gorgas Library to the remodeled facility. Updates include a new entrance structure as well as a plaza and gathering space. Fresh landscaping and site lighting will complement all new internal systems, making the classic building — which, over its 100-year life has been home to a student cafeteria, post office, supply store, campus soda shop, and even a dorm for male students — ready for its next 100 years of service.
Electric buses: The future is here.
Eight new electric buses will be joining the Crimson Ride fleet in the summer, making UA one of the first SEC schools to adopt zero-emission public transportation vehicles. A joint effort between UA’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies at the College of Engineering and UA Transportation Services, the buses are the result of a 2022 federal grant of $8 million, matched with a $2 million pledge from the University. The project also involves the installation of electric charging infrastructure for the buses, working with Shelton State Community College to train service workers for the buses, and installing sensors to learn how to optimize transit.
The buses will also feature UA-themed wrap designed by a student.
New year, new core curriculum.
This coming fall, the Capstone will unveil its new Built by Bama Core Curriculum, which will provide students with greater flexibility in achieving their academic goals, while maintaining a rigorous and relevant course of study. Under the new core curriculum, transfer students will be able to graduate more quickly. Additionally, first-year students will engage in a common course, all students will participate in experiential learning, and all graduating students will complete a Capstone Experience to tie together what they have learned. Students will still be required to take at least one literature and history course, and to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language.
UA will roll out new majors, minors and grad program.
At the Capstone, it’s all about preparing students for tomorrow’s world-changing careers. That’s why, in 2025, UA rolls out new, innovative majors and minors designed to meet evolving student interests and workforce needs. These new offerings — from majors in business statistics to minors in book arts or informatics, to a new master’s degree in sport management — reflect UA’s commitment to providing the best possible education and preparing students for successful careers.
There will be slow and fast pitches.
At The University of Alabama, business ideas bloom from student inventions and ideas, from innovative research, and from collaborations between students, faculty, and industry. UA respects the hustle, and works to be a place where new businesses can grow to drive revenue in our community and state, and ultimately improve our world. This year, student entrepreneurs can compete for financial prizes in the Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Student Business Plan Competition. But the River Pitch Business Idea competition is open to faculty, staff, and community members as well as students, giving any local early-stage business or startup a chance at seed funding.
There will be standing ovations.
It’s cold outside right now, but this year promises some red hot performances by UA students. Scan the wealth of school of music events like the Sweet Home 300 celebration concert in January. Later in the year, don’t miss performances like “The Odd Couple” in February, or Syzygy, an Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre concert in April. Or take a taste of classic Broadway with performances of “Cabaret,” also in April. Feed your inner artist with a visit to one of UA’s art galleries for exclusive exhibits from local, visiting and student artists.
The Tide will continue to roll.
No 2025 list would be complete with mention of the world-famous Crimson Tide student-athletes. This spring, the men’s basketball team is going for a second straight Final Four appearance — and don’t miss this year’s home game against Auburn. The women’s basketball team is in the top 20 currently, and off to a fantastic start. Baseball, gymnastics and softball are also looking to have good years, with softball set to host Oklahoma, which has won four consecutive national championships.
Adapted Athletics expects an exciting season in wheelchair basketball between January and March, with the women’s wheelchair basketball team slated to play for a chance to win their fifth national championship in a row.
And as we move toward Kalen DeBoer’s second season as UA head football coach, he brings a first-year record that was not only better than Nick Saban’s, but tied, at nine wins, for the best first-year record for any UA head football coach. The best is yet to come.