The Office of Access & Engagement works to promote success for everyone in the UAB community. We work to address challenges faced by our students, faculty and staff to ensure everyone has access to available programs and resources they need to promote success and retention, and to foster an accessible and welcoming culture.

Since its founding, UAB has played a pivotal role in shaping the future in Birmingham and beyond by making a positive difference in as many lives as possible. We do this by serving all people — a commitment that continues today through our vision, mission and shared values.

The Office of Access & Engagement strives to make sure every member of the UAB community has access to available programs and resources they need, recognizing that some students, faculty and staff may face more barriers and have a greater need for additional support than others due to their circumstances. For example:

• Students or employees who are veterans may need specific guidance or transition services, and active-duty military may need additional support to succeed in their UAB role while they are deployed or traveling for reservist responsibilities.
• Students from lower-performing high schools or adult learners returning to a classroom may need additional educational assistance and mentoring.
• First-generation college students may need more guidance regarding applying for college, navigating campus or time management.
• Students leaving a rural area to attend UAB may need support navigating an urban environment and making the connections that promote retention and success.

These are just a few examples of needs-based support. The Office of Access & Engagement’s focus on meeting the needs of all members of the UAB community will promote success across the board and result in exceptional student, faculty and staff experiences.

UAB exists to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible by serving all people and promoting the success of each of our students, patients, faculty and staff. We value every member of our campus and the richly different perspectives, characteristics and life experiences they represent that contribute to UAB’s unique environment. Among other benefits, this commitment helps us understand and reflect the communities we serve to:

• Prepare students to live and work in a global society
• Deliver world-class health care to all who need it
• Make discoveries that change countless lives
• Promote the success and impact of our faculty and staff

We ask that all members of the UAB community look for opportunities to interact with the Office of Access & Engagement to promote their success and that of others in the UAB community.