Student Life

Student Involvement & Leadership would like to invite you to complete your UAB experience by becoming involved in the many activities and organizations available to you as a student. Events range from enjoying new release films at our film series, engaging in critical conversations through our Lecture Series, enjoying a night out with friends at HSC LIVE! events, involvement in student organizations, cheering on the Blazers, writing for the Kaleidoscope student newspaper, rappelling down a cliff, hiking the Grand Canyon and so much more. Each semester brings new events, new organizations, opportunities to make friends, get physically fit, learn, socialize, relax, and have a good time becoming a part of the Blazer community! We want you to get involved!!

This section of the catalog contains an alphabetical list of many of the activities and organizations and activities available to students. 

Contact Us:

Student Experience

205-934-4175
Physical Address:
Hill Student Center, Suite 401
1400 University Boulevard


Student Experience Offices:

UAB Career Center
205-934-4324
careerservices@uab.edu
Physical Address:
Hill Student Center, Suite 307
1400 University Boulevard


Community Standards and Student Accountability
205-975-9509
sarc@uab.edu
Physical Address:
Hill Student Center, Suite 303
1400 University Boulevard


Student Involvement & Leadership
205-934-8020
getinvolved@uab.edu
Physical Address:
Hill Student Center, Suite 230
1400 University Boulevard


Student Multicultural & Diversity Programs
205-996-6778
diversity@uab.edu
Hill Student Center, Suite 311
1400 University Boulevard

Off-Campus Student & Family Engagement
205-975-0684
families@uab.edu
Hill Student Center, Suite 140
1400 University Boulevard

 

Student Involvement & Leadership

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is responsible for developing the leadership capacity of students and supporting student organizations as integral members of the university community by serving as a leadership and organizational development clearinghouse. The mission of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is to serve as full partners in the collegiate experience by empowering students through intentional programs that foster personal and professional development, while enhancing campus pride and commitment to the greater Birmingham community.

Students who engage in programs, activities, and services provided by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership will be able to choose opportunities that foster collaboration with others by finding value in the contribution of viewpoints that differ from their own, develop a spirit of public-mindedness that influences civic engagement with local and global communities while creating spaces that generate a more porous and interactive flow of knowledge between campus and community, and develop their leadership and professional skills (such as critical thinking, event planning, conflict resolution), allowing them to succeed in all roles of a team and use these skills to build a foundation for future career success.

Civic Engagement

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership promotes and supports service and community involvement through engaging our students in a variety of meaningful service activities. The office serves as a resource center for community service programming in order to help students expand their understanding of social/community issues, develop leadership skills, and work on solutions to real life problems.  The Blazers on Break alternative spring break program and Summer Service Weekends promotes community service, develops leadership skills, and creates strong bonds among participants who travel to another community to participate in volunteer work addressing issues such as environmental protection, children, affordable housing, hunger, education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and disabilities. Through local partner fairs and large scale programs like Into the Streets Day of Service, Awareness Weeks, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, students can get involved in many ways to make a positive difference on the lives of others in our community.

Fraternities and Sororities

Looking to excel in you academics? Have incredible leadership opportunities? Give back to the community and a cause bigger than yourself? Most importantly, looking for a home away from home?  The fraternities and sororities here have set the bar high for UAB students in terms of scholarship, leadership, philanthropy and service, and brotherhood and sisterhood. We currently have over twenty fraternities and sororities across four councils: the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council. Our diverse groups welcome students from all backgrounds, and will help you lay a foundation for success that lasts long after your college years have ended.

Leadership Programs

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership values and encourages all forms of leadership to cultivate an inclusive, socially responsible and vibrant campus community.  All students are capable of leading and should develop and understanding and application of leadership, with or without a title. Students at UAB have the opportunity to do this through student leader positions, the Winter Leadership Retreat, the Fall Leadership Conference, and our Learn to Lead presentation series. 

Educating is an integral part of what our office does, whether it is offering weekly seminar-style learning through the LEAD (Leadership Education And Development) on Demand program, a chance to sharpen networking skills through an annual etiquette dinner, or how to be an effective leader as a member of UAB LEAD. We also offer a scholarship annually to an emerging leader.

Student Activities

Student events and activities enhance the co-curricular experience through opportunities that foster leadership development, collaboration, and connection to campus. Through signature events and spirit weeks like Homecoming, Creed Week, Grad Week, and UAB's Got Talent students can connect with others and show their campus pride through participating in campus traditions. Students have the opportunity to attend events, but can also hold leadership roles that allow them to plan, develop, and implement opportunities for engagement and involvement with their peers.

Student Organizations

UAB recognizes over 400 student-led organizations concerned with the academic, social, and personal development of students. Organizations include groups with interests in religion, music, athletics, and cultural diversity. Additionally, nearly every academic major is represented by a student organization. Check out our organizations at uab.edu/uabengage

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentinvolvement

Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs

Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs (SMDP) empowers, engages and challenges students to increase resiliency; support retention and graduation; and develop global leaders. In order to contribute to student success, SMDP provides learning environments that value and respect underrepresented student populations through community building, education, and resources.

Vision

Fostering a campus culture that embraces and celebrates UAB's diverse Community

What We Do

  • Mentorship
  • Student Leadership Development
  • Dialogue 
  • Social Justice, Identity, and Cultural Programming
  • Diversity Education and Training
  • Student Advocacy
  • Community Outreach and Engagement

Student-Led Programs

Black Student Awareness Committee

Through educational events and programs, the Black Student Awareness Committee (BSAC) strives to increase the awareness of issues surrounding the Black community on our campus, within the city of Birmingham, and across the nation. BSAC encourages celebration of Black heritage, celebrates the accomplishments of Black people on and around the campus, and offers insight into the future of Black America.

Blazer Male Excellence Network

The BMEN Peer Mentoring Program is designed to provide academic and social support to Black male students entering UAB. BMEN’s overall goal is to improve the quality of life for the new student by partnering a returning student with a new student, and by staff providing information on navigating the collegiate experience inside and outside the classroom. The mentors are selected each spring and go through extensive training to offer the best services possible.  At UAB, improving the retention and graduation rates of its students is a primary objective of the University. Nationally, black males have the lowest retention rate of any group on most college campuses. The BMEN Peer Mentoring Program is one way to connect black males to the University and help them successfully transition to UAB.

Free Food For Thought

Free Food for Thought (FFFT) aims to create a space for students, and sometimes community members, to share their thoughts and opinions about 'hot topic' or 'hot button' current events and issues. Each semester a topic is chosen for discussion and each session is framed around that topic.  FFFT encourages building a community that values inclusion and social justice. Interested participants exchange viewpoints on topics like these, resulting in a greater awareness about issues and experiences across social and personal identities. Learning from one another through facilitated, respectful discussion can help us value the contributions of peers. Just as the title espouses, food is served at all of our sessions.

Queer Peers

Queer Peers is a small programming board looking to create a space for LGBTQ students to feel supported and build community. Every year Queer Peers host a number of social programs and activities aimed at engaging and developing community amongst UAB's LGBTQ+ identified students.

International Mentors

UAB International Mentors is a program that provides incoming international students with valuable information about UAB, Birmingham, and the United States. International Mentors serve the UAB international community by offering programming, support, and assistance to better meet the needs of incoming new students.  The mentors are chosen through a highly selective process each spring and go through extensive training to offer the best services possible.

Safe Zone Peer Educators

SafeZone Peer Educators are a group of volunteer undergraduate students who provided education and training around issues of gender, sexuality, power and oppression. SafeZone Peer Educators provide a visible network where all UAB undergraduate, graduate and professional students can receive knowledge and ask questions in a welcoming space in order to help make campus a safer, more accepting place for LGBTQ students, staff, faculty and visitors. Each semester, three open sessions are offered to all UAB students: SafeZone 101SafeZone 201, and Trans 101. Lunch-n-learns and special topics are also offered throughout the year.

Social Justice Advocacy Council

The Social Justice Advocacy Council (SJAC) is a programming, leadership and advocacy board comprised of a diverse group of students that promote multicultural awareness and inclusive excellence.  Our objective is to celebrate diversity of identity, broaden cultural understanding, encourage unity, empower marginalized and underrepresented groups, educate about identity related issues, and promote intercultural interactions between all communities of people at The University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Theatre Activities

UAB Department of Theatre

The UAB Department of Theatre presents several productions each year in the Alys Stephens Center's Sirote Theatre and the Odess Theatre. Students of all majors can audition, build productions and participate on running crews for credit. Special ticket pricing is available for UAB students. For more information, contact the Department of Theatre at (205) 934-3236.

Ambassadors

The UAB Ambassador Program is the oldest and most prestigious student program on campus.  This select group of 22 dedicated students are committed to the University by serving as the official hosts and hostesses at recognized activities and events of UAB.  At all times, these student leaders represent UAB through their actions, demeanor, and speech. Ambassadors are selected each spring semester via application and interview. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentinvolvement

Athletic Team Support Groups

Blazer support groups include the UAB Golden Girls, Cheerleaders, mascot (Blaze), Blazer Band and the UAB Marching Blazers. These groups perform at UAB basketball, volleyball and at a variety of events in Birmingham. Each spring tryouts are held and are based on performance and recruitment process. For more information on cheerleaders, mascot and Golden Girls please visit uabsports.com/sports/uab-spirit or email Cody Sellers at cseller5@uab.edu. For information on the Blazer Band and the UAB Marching Blazers, call the band office at (205) 975-BAND (975-2263). You can also visit the website www.uab.edu/spirit

BlazeRadio

Hear music from your favorite artist, get the 411 on celebrity news and find out what's happening on campus 24 hours a day with BlazeRadio, UAB's student Web radio station. Tune in online, or download our Live365 smartphone app, and listen to the latest alternative, rock, hip hop, jazz, dance, and country music and more. You can also check out our popular news, sports, and talk shows that are all produced by and for UAB students.

If a job in radio is what you hope to achieve, BlazeRadio offers volunteer spots on the air and behind the scenes. Check the BlazeRadio site for details on programming, promotion, technology, and management positions. On-air slots require an audition. Get started by completing an application in the Office of Student Media.

To tune in, go to www.uab.edu/studentmedia and click on our live stream link. Our studio is located in Suite 130 in the Hill Student Center located at 1400 University Blvd. You can call us at (205) 934-3354 (WBLZ), or send us an email at info@InsideUAB.com.

Honor Societies

UAB recognizes many nationally affiliated honor societies that acknowledge scholastic achievement, citizenship, and outstanding leadership among students. To learn more about UAB's honor societies and other student organizations visit UAB's online involvement platform engage at uab.edu/uabengage. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentinvolvement

Leadership and Service Council (LSC)

The Leadership and Service Council is a student led organization designed to promote volunteerism, conscientious citizenship, and leadership development through the planning and execution of signature university programs. LSC exists to provide service based opportunities for students that combine elements of social change and civic engagement to develop socially responsible leaders that support UAB and the surrounding communities. The Leadership and Service Council works collaboratively with campus and community partners to plan, market, and execute signature service events which include Into the Streets, Rise Against Hunger, and MLK's Beloved Community.Selection for the Leadership and Service Council takes place during the spring semester.

As a result of membership within LSC, students will:

  • Successfully plan, market, and execute large signature service programs
  • Work collaboratively with council members to achieve programming goals and outcomes through execution of service events
  • Develop transferable leadership skills that will enhance overall engagement inside and outside of the classroom
  • Use appropriate technology to  support marketing and promotion of events to UAB students, staff, and faculty

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, or www.uab.edu/studentaffairs/.  

Miss UAB

The spotlight shines on students both on stage and behind the scenes in the Miss UAB Scholarship Competition, an official preliminary to the Miss Alabama and Miss America competition. Held each fall, the competition showcases each contestant's talent and achievement and provides scholarships to help them pursue educational goals.  Students involved in the Miss UAB Scholarship Program gain valuable experience and opportunities to enhance leadership and interviewing skills, talent, poise, and confidence.  More than $6,000 in scholarships are awarded to the winner and alternates. 

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentinvolvement

Music Ensembles

Students of all majors are invited to participate in instrumental or vocal music ensembles offered through the Department of Music. Each group performs on campus several times each year; some also perform for selected off-campus events. Some prior experience and brief auditions are required. Several scholarships are available each year for students who perform with these groups. For more information, contact the Department of Music, (205) 934-7376.

Vocal Groups

Chamber Singers

This choral ensemble performs a variety of music representing different periods and styles. The group is open to students of all majors. A short audition is required. For more information, please contact Dr. Brian Kittredge at (205) 975-2599 or briank@uab.edu.

Concert Choir

This auditioned choral ensemble performs music representing a variety of periods and styles. Some music-reading ability is needed. The group is open to students of all majors. A short audition is required. For more information, please contact Dr. Brian Kittredge at (205) 975-2599 or briank@uab.edu.

Gospel Choir

This ensemble primarily performs choral literature from the major eras of American Gospel Music. It is open to students of all majors. Students with significant skill in playing gospel, jazz and/or pop keyboard, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, and drums are also encouraged to participate in the Gospel Choir. For more information, please contact Mr. Kevin Turner at (205) 934-6155 or kturner@uab.edu.

Opera Workshop

This ensemble performs opera scenes and musical theater excerpts, as well as fully staged, complete operas. It is open to students of all majors. A short audition is required. For more information, please contact Dr. Kristine Hurst-Wajszczuk at (205) 934-8906 or khw@uab.edu.

Bands

Blazer Band

As part of the university band program, the Blazer Band provides support for UAB Blazer basketball. It performs at all home and selected away games and for post-season events such as the annual Conference USA tournament. For further information, please contact the band office at (205) 975-BAND (975-2263).

Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos

Instrumentalists can further their musical knowledge and creative skills by performing classic and contemporary jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues. For further information, please contact Dr. Steve Roberts at (205) 934-6154 or jazztpt@uab.edu.

UAB Marching Blazers

The UAB Marching Blazers is part of the university band program, and produces high-quality experiences for students and fantastic entertainment for diverse audiences. The Marching Blazers go beyond the traditional role of collegiate marching bands by performing for professional sporting events; local, regional, and national marching band competitions and parades; and international travel and competitions. Scholarships are available. For further information, contact the band office at (205) 975-BAND (975-2263).

Wind Symphony and Symphony Band

As part of the university band program, the Wind Symphony and Symphony Band perform the finest concert band literature in campus concerts, selected special performances, and an annual spring tour. Band placement is contingent upon a brief audition. Scholarships are available for students who participate in the Wind Symphony or Symphony Band and the Marching Blazers. For further information, please contact the band office at (205) 975-BAND (975-2263).

Student Media

Kaleidoscope, UAB’s student newspaper, was here before there was a UAB. Students have been gathering, editing, and distributing the news about the UAB community since 1967.

Throughout the years, “Kscope,” as it is known on campus, has played a vital role in helping keep students informed as well as providing a public forum for the discussion of timely issues of interest to our community.

As times have changed, so has UAB’s Student Media -- trading in typewriters for computers, adding more color to its print edition, and aggressively converging what had once been a print-only medium into a contemporary operation that delivers content not only in print but daily on the web and through mobile devices.

And, UAB’s Student Media has expanded along the way with these innovative media:

  • Interactive Student Media, the web services group that powers Kscope online.
  • Streaming internet radio (BlazeRadio)
  • Literary and visual arts magazine (Aura Literary Arts Review)
  • Television web channel  (UABTV)

Regardless of the medium, however, at the heart of these operations are students who gain real-world experience and training that has equipped them for entry into the professional world. Over the years, teams of students have won numerous regional and national awards for journalistic excellence.

Student Media alums have gone on to work for a variety of media, ranging from community journalism to major metropolitan operations across the U.S. with most crediting their experiences with student media at UAB as essential to their careers.

Today, students produce content for all facets of these operations, including wrangling multimedia and mobile technologies to adapt the medium for display on smartphones and tablets. These innovations are produced by students themselves and are among some of the most cutting-edge concepts in collegiate journalism in the nation.

Student Media is always looking for those who want to join a team dedicated to finding the next great idea in serving our community.  Perhaps that’s you. Contact us today.

For more information, contact:

Student Media Office

Hill Student Center, 1400 University Blvd., Suite 130 • Telephone (205) 934-3354 • Find us on B-Sync or Email: info@insideuab.com

Student Organizations

UAB recognizes over 400 student-led organizations concerned with the academic, social, and personal development of students. Organizations include groups with interests in Academic & Professional, Arts & Entertainment, Community Service & Philanthropy, Cultural and Social Awareness, Fitness, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Gaming, Health & Wellness, Honor Societies, Ideology & Politics, Leadership Development, Off-Campus & Commuter, Religion & Spirituality, School Spirit, Sports & Recreation, Sustainability and Special Interests. For the full student organization directory login to UAB's online involvement platform Engage at https://www.uab.edu/students/involvement/engage

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentinvolvement

UAB TrailBlazers

The UAB TrailBlazers are UAB's official student recruitment team. TrailBlazers assist the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by providing in-depth information about UAB to prospective students and their families. Chosen annually, TrailBlazers strive to ensure that students know about the diverse academic, cultural, and extracurricular interests found within the UAB community. These highly motivated, energetic, and dedicated students are chosen to represent the Division of Enrollment Management at special on- and off-campus recruitment events and campus tours. For more information, contact the Campus Visit Center, Hill Student Center, Suite 201, (205) 934-9098 or TrailBlazers@uab.edu.

Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA)

The Undergraduate Student Government Association(USGA) is the voice for the undergraduate student body and represents student issues, concerns, and views to the administration. USGA provides programs and services for undergraduate students in the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Nursing, Public Health, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Elections for these executive council and senate positions are held each Spring semester. Students can also serve on USGA committees or be appointed to the cabinet or student court. Freshman may get involved through Freshman Forum.

For more information about USGA, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, usga@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, or www.uab.edu/usga.  

Blazer Spirit Council

The Blazer Spirit Council (BSC) is a student programming board that works to implement spirit and tradition activities for the student body.  Programs include activities for Homecoming, Creed Week, and Grad Week as well as activities to support athletic engagement.

Goals:

  • Increase Blazer pride through intentional, student-led programming and initiatives
  • Engage UAB students, faculty, staff, and community members in creating new and celebrating existing UAB traditions
  • Place students at the center of the institutional conversation regarding campus pride and in a position to create and sustain UAB traditions
  • Develop a sustainable framework for planning and promoting spirit and tradition events and initiatives

For more information, contact the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, getinvolved@uab.edu, (205) 934-8020, Hill Student Center 230, www.uab.edu/studentaffairs