rmiksi – Building Bama | The University of Alabama

September 2023 Update

October 9th, 2023
in Master Plan News

As The University of Alabama enters the full swing of both the academic and football season, there’s an exciting buzz in the air. The campus is alive with the energy of students returning to their studies, and the resumption of Crimson Tide football has brought the community together once again. Amidst all this, our master planning team has been diligently working towards the final stages of the 2023 UA Master Plan.

The Campus Development department, which has been busy with on-campus projects over the summer, continues to make significant progress. These projects, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and creating modernized learning spaces, are closely aligned with the vision of the master plan. This integration ensures that the physical transformation of the campus supports the academic and recreational needs of the UA community.

With just a month to go before our team submits the final master plan document to the Board of Trustees, the excitement is palpable. This document will serve as a roadmap for the future of the university, guiding campus development and growth for years to come.

Throughout the planning process, the master planning team has drawn upon a wealth of outside sources and articles to inform their decisions. These external resources have provided valuable insights and best practices that have shaped the 2023 UA Master Plan. If you’re interested in exploring the wealth of knowledge that has contributed to this endeavor, you can access our repository of sources and articles below:

2023 UA Master Plan Supporting Articles and Resources

As we approach this critical milestone, The University of Alabama is grateful for the support and input from its community and the wealth of knowledge from external sources that have made the development of the 2023 UA Master Plan a collaborative and informed endeavor. With the finish line in sight, we look forward to a bright future for our campus and all who call it home.

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August 2023 Update

September 1st, 2023
in Master Plan News

As the busy summer season comes to a close and the campus once again buzzes with the excitement of a new academic year, the University of Alabama’s Master Plan Team remains fully engaged in their ongoing efforts. Despite the return to classes and the bustling activity that accompanies it, the team is unwavering in their commitment to advancing the 2023 UA Master Plan.

Throughout the summer, while many enjoyed a well-deserved break, the Campus Development department continued their on-campus projects. From infrastructure enhancements to modernized learning spaces, the physical transformation of the campus has been remarkable. The Master Plan Team has been working diligently to ensure that their ongoing planning efforts align seamlessly with these development projects, fostering a cohesive and integrated approach to campus growth.

Community engagement remains at the forefront of the university’s planning process. Town halls held earlier in the year allowed various stakeholders to provide input, and the insights gathered during those sessions continue to shape the master plan’s development. You can find the link to the recording of one of our town halls below:

2023 UA Master Plan Town Hall

The university’s commitment to transparency and collaboration persists, and as the academic year gains momentum, the Master Plan Team is dedicated to crafting a master plan that promotes a safer, more accessible campus while fostering success and collaboration for all members of the UA community.

As we dive into the new academic year, the Master Plan Team marches forward, undeterred by the return of classes. With their unwavering dedication and a community-focused approach, they are working diligently to create a master plan that embraces the evolving needs of the university and ensures a bright future for all who call UA home.

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July 2023 Update

August 1st, 2023
in Master Plan News

Over the month of July the Master Plan Team has successfully completed the initial design proofing process, ensuring that every aspect of the document reflects the collective aspirations and needs of the UA community. The meticulous collaboration between the Master Plan Team and the Strategic Communications team has culminated in a visionary master plan that will guide the campus’s growth and development for years to come.

The executive review phase is now commencing, where the master plan will be carefully examined and evaluated by university executives. This critical phase aims to ensure that the master plan aligns seamlessly with the university’s mission, values, and long-term objectives. The executive reviews are pivotal steps in the process of finalizing the master plan, guaranteeing its strategic relevance and effectiveness.

In the pursuit of excellence and informed decision-making, the Master Plan Team has made the deliberate decision to push back the submission of the document to the Board of Trustees from September to November. This extension allows ample time for thorough consideration and analysis of crucial aspects of the master plan. The team is committed to presenting a well-informed and comprehensive document that reflects the community’s voice while addressing key priorities and opportunities.

To foster transparency and accessibility, all survey data collected during the extensive surveying process are now available on the master plan website. Stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, prospective students, and members of the Tuscaloosa community can access this valuable data through a link provided on the website and below. The survey data offer valuable insights and served as the driving factor behind the formulation of initiatives within the master plan.

Link to Survey Reports

As we advance into the next phase of the master plan’s development, The University of Alabama remains committed to creating an environment that supports academic excellence, fosters collaboration, and promotes the overall well-being of our vibrant campus community. The 2023 UA Master Plan is poised to serve as a strategic blueprint, propelling our institution toward a future defined by continued progress, innovation, and distinction.

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June 2023 Update

July 3rd, 2023
in Master Plan News

The University of Alabama’s Master Plan Team has achieved significant milestones in the development of the highly anticipated 2023 UA Master Plan. Throughout the Spring semester, the team diligently gathered survey data from students, faculty, staff, and community members, capturing a comprehensive range of perspectives. The completion of the analysis phase marks a crucial step forward, as valuable insights and key themes derived from the survey responses now guide the meticulous drafting process of the master plan document.

To ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach, the Master Plan Team convened a second round of master plan listening sessions, engaging esteemed deans from all colleges. These sessions fostered in-depth discussions and provided a platform for academic leaders to contribute their invaluable insights. The active participation of these respected voices has further enriched the foundation of the master plan, enhancing its relevance and effectiveness.

Currently, the Master Plan Team is actively collaborating with the Office of Strategic Communications to craft design proofs for the document. These proofs will undergo careful scrutiny and review by university executives in the coming month. The master plan, once finalized, will stand as a testament to the collective aspirations and needs of the esteemed UA community. It will serve as a definitive blueprint, mapping out the trajectory of the campus’s future growth and development.

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May 2023 Update

May 31st, 2023
in Master Plan News

The University of Alabama’s Master Plan Team has been diligently analyzing the survey data collected from various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community members. With the recent closure of all surveys, the team is now focused on extracting valuable insights and identifying key themes to guide the drafting of the 2023 UA Master Plan.

Throughout the surveying process, the university has prioritized transparency and community engagement. Town halls were organized, providing opportunities for stakeholders to voice their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. These valuable inputs have influenced the direction of the master plan, aiming to create a safer, more accessible campus that promotes success and collaboration for all members of the UA community.

As the Master Plan Team continues to analyze the survey data and draft the master plan document, they remain committed to incorporating the community’s feedback. The finalized master plan will serve as a blueprint for the campus’s growth and development, reflecting the needs and aspirations of the UA community.

Despite the conclusion of the academic year, the Campus Development department remains busy with on-campus development projects. Construction crews and project managers are working to enhance infrastructure and the traffic system to make the campus safer and more accessible by all modes of travel. The Master Plan Team is collaborating closely with the department to ensure alignment between the proposed master plan and ongoing projects.

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April 2023 Update

April 28th, 2023
in Master Plan News

The University of Alabama’s Master Plan Team has made significant progress in its efforts to gather input from various stakeholders as it continues its planning efforts. Recently, the university hosted a series of town halls that provided an opportunity for the community to engage with the planning team and provide feedback on the master plan.

At these town halls, members of the university community, including students, faculty, and staff, had the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns regarding the 2023 UA Master Plan. The university values transparency in its planning efforts, and these town halls were just one of the many ways in which the community can stay informed and provide input into the development process.

Looking ahead, the university has announced an upcoming town hall luncheon specifically for UA faculty and staff. This event will provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to further engage with the planning team, ask questions, and provide additional feedback while enjoying a meal provided by Bama Dining.

2023 UA Master Plan Town Hall Luncheon
(For UA Faculty and Staff)
May 4, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at UA Student Center Ballroom
Click here to RSVP – Limited attendance!

The University of Alabama remains committed to creating a safer, more accessible campus that promotes success and collaboration for all members of the UA community. By engaging with stakeholders and gathering feedback from various sources, the university hopes to create a master plan that reflects the needs and priorities of its diverse community.

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March 2023 Update

March 31st, 2023
in Master Plan News

The University of Alabama’s master planning efforts have reached an important milestone with the completion of the student, faculty, and staff survey response collections. The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) is now working closely with the 2023 UA Master Plan Team to analyze the data collected from the surveys. This analysis will provide insights into the needs and priorities of the campus community and help guide the university’s development efforts.

The master planning team continues to collect responses through its alumni and prospective student surveys. Additionally, to further engage with the community, the university has launched a community survey, as well as a suggestion box, on its master plan website. These tools provide additional opportunities for stakeholders to share their thoughts, ideas, questions, comments, and concerns regarding the 2023 UA Master Plan.

The university has also announced town halls, which will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with the planning team and provide feedback on the master plan:

2023 UA Master Plan Town Hall for Students
April 24, 5:30 PM
North Lawn 2009

2023 UA Master Plan Town Hall for Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Tuscaloosa Community
April 25 and April 27, 5:30 PM
North Lawn 2009

The university continues to be committed to transparency in its planning efforts and believes that the feedback collected from stakeholders will help create a safer, more accessible campus that promotes success and collaboration for all members of the UA community.

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February 2023 Update

February 21st, 2023
in Master Plan News

Our 2023 UA Master Planning efforts have been focused on creating a strategic and comprehensive five-year plan for the future development of our campus. We have taken a multifaceted approach, built an internal team and engaged in meetings with Deans and Vice Presidents to gain input and insights from various departments and stakeholders.

We have continuously sought outside resources and data collection to support our efforts, including looking at other higher education institutions’ master plans and surveying methods. Our 2023 UA Master Plan website is also being updated periodically to provide a central hub for information and progress updates.

In addition, we have engaged in internal research and gathered resources to build surveys that will help us better understand the needs and priorities of our campus community. We have worked closely with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) and Strategic Communications (Strat Com) to ensure that our surveys and website are effective and informative.

Our direct report meetings with UA’s Finance and Operations department have been integral in facilitating collaborations and ensuring that all functional areas are working towards a common goal and their needs are met. We have also set dates for town halls to engage with the broader campus community and gather feedback on our efforts.

Overall, our survey review by OIRA and Strat Com has been positive, and we are excited to continue our efforts to create a campus master plan that will guide our development for years to come. We are committed to transparency and collaboration and believe that these efforts will enable us to build a campus that is safer, more inclusive, and more accessible to the entire UA community.

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