Mission
The Office of Acces & Engagement is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that empowers all members of the UAB community to succeed. We aim to break down barriers to education, and actively engage with our community to create opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative programs, we strive to ensure that every individual has access to the resources, support, and networks necessary to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the vibrant UAB community and beyond.
Vision
UAB, Inspiring Success for All, Every Day!
Definitions:
- Access: Access is the opportunity to fully participate in, contribute to, benefit and excel within and beyond UAB.
- Engagement: Engagement refers to the active involvement and meaningful participation by UAB community members in learning, teaching, research, patient care, and community service to foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and mutual support.
Diversity at UAB: At UAB, everybody counts every day; this means the practice of valuing each member of our community and the richly different perspectives, characteristics and life experiences associated with the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and beliefs that contribute to UAB’s unique educational, patient care and professional environments.
Objectives
- Promoting Success: We strive to address challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to ensure everyone has access to available programs and resources needed for success and retention. We aim to foster an accessible and welcoming culture.
- Needs-Based Support: OAE connects the UAB community to opportunities and resources that address their unique needs, the office provides and connects those we support to services including but not limited to; veterans services, first-generation college students, and those transitioning from rural to urban environments.
- Engagement Programs: Promotion of experiential learning, service opportunities, and civil discourse. OAE focuses its engagement programs specifically on education and access, climate and intergroup relations, research and scholarship, and community building.
- Professional Development: Provide learning opportunities through engagement and education practices.