Dear College of Arts and Sciences Family,

After yesterday's announcement of decisions affecting UAB Athletics, I wanted to speak to you about our next steps and the future course of the College of Arts and Sciences.
First, to address the events leading to today: The President made a difficult decision based on serious financial considerations that would impact the university broadly, including academics in the College of Arts and Sciences. While this is a painful decision to accept for many, including President Watts, we must move forward.

Second, the students in the College are our immediate priority. Right now we all need to remain focused on the tasks at hand, especially the students. We are quickly approaching the end of this term, including finals and commencement. I have asked our students to please stay focused on their studies and to prepare for finals and the completion of this term. I've encouraged them to work hard in their classes, concentrate on their personal academic goals, and look to their faculty mentors and advisors for support and guidance. Likewise, I am asking the faculty to reassure our students that we are secure as an institution, and that we are here for them and we will support them regardless of the challenges we might face. Our academic responsibilities are paramount, and we must help our students through the next two weeks with compassion and understanding. They have worked too hard to allow themselves to be distracted and put grades and academic advancement at risk. We have plenty of time in the future to continue our discussions, and we will, but for now we have asked they please gather themselves and focus on their studies to complete this term.

Third, to speak to our future as a College: I am optimistic about UAB’s future as a competitive, compelling, challenging academic institution that will attract the very best undergraduate and graduate students, as well as accomplished faculty and staff. We will continue to grow and achieve great things together, of this I have no doubt. We are already home to many prestigious award winners — both in our faculty and student body — and we will win more awards. We will win more grants. Our Band(s) will continue to thrive by competing and performing both locally, nationally, and internationally. I will meet with the Band today to begin discussions on where we go from here. We will continue to invest in our students' education, and we fully support the university's commitment to student life, including the construction of the new Hill University Center, the new freshman dorm, and future buildings planned for our campus. We will keep telling our unique story and will support Enrollment Management as they recruit new students to campus. We will build the culture and community of the College of Arts and Sciences, and I am confident in the abilities of all of you to help us achieve those goals.

Lastly, to address some myths swirling about in the media and in the community:

1. Undergraduate education will be undermined or will go away at UAB — That is false. Please pay no attention to this rumor. The university is working hard to ensure a viable financial future. Undergraduate education remains a priority in the College Strategic Plan, which is fully supported by the President and senior administrators.
2. Specific majors and disciplines, like Music, History, and others, will be diminished — That is also false. We are already working hard to grow our Music program with innovative partnerships, as well as with increased opportunities for our Music students to perform and compete around the world. That mission will not change. I am meeting with Music faculty, staff, and students personally to talk to them about future plans today, and I can assure you I am committed to their long term success and growth in the College. As for History and other disciplines, we are in fact pursuing new degree opportunities and we are not closing or reducing academic education in the College as a result of the decisions about athletic programs.
3. All other sports will now be shuttered — That is false. While it is very difficult to lose any athletic programs, no money has been taken away from athletics. Their budget will be reallocated to ensure the growth of our other sports programs.
4. Students and faculty in the College are not valued by the administration — Again, that is false. Pay no attention to this rumor. In fact, in my time as Dean, I have found our President and administrators to be fully supportive of our goals. Many of our plans have been supported by the President and Provost and I am encouraged by their commitment to the College. The College is not an island at UAB; we are an integral part of a thriving research institution and the College is fundamental to the overall success of UAB. In no way are we under attack. If anything, we are in a position of leadership and have won the respect of the President and the Provost.

I know this has been an extremely painful week. But we must move forward, supporting each other, encouraging each other, and remaining focused on our immediate goal of finals and commencement. I believe in UAB and I believe in the College of Arts and Sciences. I believe in you.

Sincerely,
R.E. Palazzo, Dean