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📰 BEST BETS
UA waives application fees next week
The University of Alabama is waiving application fees during Free App Week Oct. 5-9 for undergraduate and graduate applicants, including for UA Online, and students applying to UA Early College.
Why This Matters: The University was named #1 Best Value University for In-State Students in Alabama 2027 by U.S. News & World Report. UA Early College, Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate School applications must be submitted by Oct. 9 at 11:59 p.m. Eligible graduate applicants must claim a fee waiver code to apply for free.
Celebrate ‘Year of the Crawfish’ at Moundville
Moundville Archaeological Park and the Jones Museum will celebrate the rich cultures and histories of Native Americans who call Alabama their homeland at the 38th annual Moundville Native American Festival Oct 1-3.
Why This Matters: The festival will feature Native American dancers, storytellers, crafters, demonstrators, art vendors and a selection of local and Native food vendors. From traditional dishes to regional favorites, visitors of all ages can taste and learn about the living traditions that began here in Alabama and continue to thrive today.
For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu.
UA providing free ACT prep for Alabama high school students
Tide to Success offers free ACT prep for current Alabama high school students in grades 9-12. This six-hour, online course can be completed at the student’s own pace and must be completed within 30 days of the course opening. Registration for session two ends Oct. 13 and coursework begins Oct. 20.
‘Ruthless: The Musical’ takes the stage
Rooted in the era of Hollywood glam, “Ruthless! The Musical” gleefully explores the dark side of talent, unveiling the antics of stage moms, show business, and the relentless drive to succeed. The production takes place Sept. 28-Oct. 4 at the Allen Bales Theatre on the UA campus.
Strategic growth, Alabama focus highlights fall enrollment
Enrollment at UA holds strong at more than 42,000 students, with a growing number of those from Alabama.
Why This Matters: Total fall 2026 enrollment reached 42,431. While the total is a new record, the measured increase reflects a deliberate approach to strategic growth as UA advances its future-ready flagship vision. UA enrolled 18,652 Alabama residents, up 3.6% from 18,007 last year. The growth reinforces UA’s role as the state’s flagship university and its commitment to Alabama students who go on to serve the state’s workforce and communities.
For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu.
Helping businesses thrive through exporting
Exporting is often invisible, but it supports jobs, expands markets for Alabama companies, and strengthens the state economy. The Alabama International Trade Center has been in operation since 1979, serving between 150 and 200 Alabama companies each year.
Why This Matters: AITC aids Alabama businesses in learning the basics of exporting when they are ready to think bigger. It also helps businesses navigate import and export regulations, connect to potential customers, and secure credit or working capital to support the expansion of their operations. Even with the vast resources of the internet at hand, an experienced guide through the process is still irreplaceable.
For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu.
The College of Community Health Sciences welcomed its 31st class of Rural Medical Scholars and fourth class of Rural Dental Scholars this fall, continuing the College’s commitment to develop future physicians and dentists who will serve rural Alabama.
Why This Matters: The Rural Medical Scholars Program and Rural Dental Scholars Program are part of the College’s Rural Health Leaders Pipeline. The pipeline was created to address the shortage of primary care physicians and dentists in Alabama’s rural communities.
For more information, contact Kandis Snyder at kasnyder2@ua.edu.
📅 EVENTS
ALLELE Seminar: How to Survive a Mass Extinction
Oct. 1; Lloyd Hall 38
Oct. 2; Paul R. Jones Museum
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