The Office of Access & Engagement aims to promote experiential learning, service and civil discourse to foster a collective understanding that leads to intentional campus and community engagement opportunities through four focus areas: education and access, climate and intergroup relations, research and scholarship, and community building.

• Build and strengthen partnerships with community businesses, industry, educational institutions, civic and community organizations with a focus on serving the greater Birmingham community;
• Connect knowledgeable and community-minded practitioners and scholars to facilitate and support awareness, access, and community building in and beyond UAB;
• Foster a climate of respect for the free exchange of knowledge and ideas dedicated toward problem-solving in a diverse, rapidly changing, and increasingly technological global society;
• Form partnerships with a range of constituents to affect change from the local to national levels and throughout the world;
• Provide timely response to inquiries and develop connections to campus resources to support community engagement initiatives;
• Host programs and events that feature wide-ranging perspectives on issues pertinent to society; and
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to develop engagement opportunities that support the growth and development of faculty, staff, and students.

Best Practices:

• Engagement: Creating and supporting initiatives that engage students, faculty and staff in various aspects of university life beyond academics. We aim to provide learning opportunities through small to large group discussion series, service initiatives, education, workshops, and more. We encourage learning by striving to create a climate of respect for the free exchange of knowledge and ideas that fosters personal growth, leadership skills and a sense of belonging among students and staff alike.
• Community Partnerships: Forming partnerships with K-12 schools, community partners, and stakeholders to encourage collaboration, social responsibility, civic participation, and sustainable development between UAB and the local community. These partnerships help enable us to develop initiatives and activities that bridge the gap between academic resources and community needs to foster mutual benefit, understanding, and reciprocity to support the sharing of knowledge and resources in ways that enhance and empower a broader commitment and dialogue toward authentic problem solving at UAB and beyond.
• Co-Curricular Activities: Developing a wide range of activities, programming, experiences and opportunities to enhance the holistic development of students, faculty and staff through experiential learning, leadership activities, and community involvement. These aim to increase involvement and leadership among students, faculty and staff, enrich learning experiences, promote social interaction and community engagement.
• Student Success Initiatives: Addressing barriers in access, retention and engagement among student populations through targeted programming and support services. These initiatives include mentorship programs, relevant resources, tailored recruitment efforts, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. These initiatives promote retention, graduation and overall success for students.