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NCUR 2019 Hosting Proposal 1

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Page 1: NCUR Bid Proposal Excerpt

NCUR 2019 Hosting Proposal

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Page 2: NCUR Bid Proposal Excerpt

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Table of Contents Co-Sponsors .................................................................................................................. 5  Introduction .................................................................................................................... 6  

Undergraduate Research at The University of Alabama ........................................................ 6  Arts and Humanities at The University of Alabama ................................................................ 7  Diversity and Inclusion at The University of Alabama ............................................................ 8  

Proposed Dates for Site Visit and Conference ......................................................... 10  Proposed Site Visit Dates ...................................................................................................... 10  Proposed Conference Dates ................................................................................................. 10  

The University of Alabama Campus ........................................................................... 13  Overview of Campus and Facilities ....................................................................................... 13  

Campus Highlights ............................................................................................................................. 13  Transportation .................................................................................................................................... 16  Accessibility and Safety ..................................................................................................................... 18  

Proposed Facilities for NCUR 2019 ...................................................................................... 20  Registration ........................................................................................................................................ 20  Meals and Dining Space .................................................................................................................... 21  Session Spaces ................................................................................................................................. 25  Event Spaces ..................................................................................................................................... 29  

Additional Campus Maps ...................................................................................................... 31  Composite Map of All Proposed Locations ....................................................................................... 32  Bus Routes ........................................................................................................................................ 33  

Events ........................................................................................................................... 35  NCUR Oversight Committee Meeting ................................................................................... 35  Plenary Speakers ................................................................................................................... 35  Thursday Night Welcome Activity ......................................................................................... 36  Friday Evening Faculty/Administrator Reception ................................................................. 36  Friday Night Event ................................................................................................................. 36  Sponsored Excursions ........................................................................................................... 38  

The Tuscaloosa Area ................................................................................................... 40  City Sections .......................................................................................................................... 41  Traveling to Tuscaloosa ........................................................................................................ 43  

Driving ................................................................................................................................................ 43  Air Travel ............................................................................................................................................ 44  Amtrak ................................................................................................................................................ 49  

Staying in Tuscaloosa ............................................................................................................ 50  Accommodations ............................................................................................................................... 50  Dining ................................................................................................................................................. 50  Attractions .......................................................................................................................................... 52  Getting Around .................................................................................................................................. 54  Accessibility ....................................................................................................................................... 55  

Budget and Resource Estimates ................................................................................ 56  Proposed Fees ....................................................................................................................... 56  Budget Breakdown ................................................................................................................ 57  

Contributions, Fees and Planning Revenue ....................................................................................... 58  Estimated Expenses ........................................................................................................................... 58  

Summary of Proposal .................................................................................................. 61  

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Introduction The University of Alabama is excited to submit a proposal to host for the

2019 National Conference on Undergraduate Research. With our long history of excellence in teaching, research, and service, the campus of the Capstone of higher education is a welcoming environment for exchanging ideas and sharing information.

Undergraduate Research at The University of Alabama

Excellence in research is at the heart of The University of Alabama mission. This extends from our award-winning faculty all the way down to first-year undergraduate students who are just starting their time in higher education. The University of Alabama helps students find their passion through research through a variety of programs.

The Computer Based Honors Program teaches a small group of highly motivated students the skills to learn independently. Using their ability to self-teach, these students help faculty conduct research that incorporates some component of technology into the design. Other students in The University of Alabama Honors College are also encouraged to take an active role in research and service-learning projects as a part of their challenging curriculum.

The Emerging Scholars Program gives a competitive group of 220 incoming freshmen the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research early in their undergraduate career.

The Honors College Assembly is a student-driven organization where upperclassmen help mentor underclassmen in finding and participating in research opportunities on campus and abroad. Through this organization, more students are able to develop their professional and research skills.

Living Learning Communities can be found across campus and immerse students in critical thought and service to others. These communities prepare students for a life of learning.

The Journal of Science & Health at The University of Alabama (JOSHUA) is a student-driven peer reviewed publication for students in the Natural and Life Sciences. Through this journal students have the opportunity to develop professional skills for a future career in research or related fields.

Although programs at The University of Alabama give students many ways to take part in research, there are still many students who independently seek out research opportunities. The newly created Office for Undergraduate Research will provide all interested undergraduates with the support to make research relationships and increase our recognition of student excellence in research even more.

Our student-oriented faculty enjoys introducing young minds to research, mentoring them and encouraging them onto higher goals. Many serve as advisors for research-oriented student organizations, or teach courses that give students a hands-on introduction to research. Through various programs, courses and independent partnerships, our undergraduate students have

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presented at conferences, published peer reviewed articles, and received national awards for academic and research excellence.

Each Spring, The University of Alabama Office for Research and Economic Development hosts the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference (URCA). Undergraduate students from virtually every department on campus deliver oral or poster presentations to faculty judges, and those who place in the top of their respective divisions receive scholarship prizes. At the URCA 2015 meeting held in April, over 700 students presented their research and creative activities to their peers, faculty, and other visitors. The winners and their faculty mentors were invited to a celebratory luncheon at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Selected students go on to present at NCUR and other national academic and professional conferences.

Arts and Humanities at The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is also home to many inspiring Fine Arts and Humanities programs. Through programs in the Humanities, students learn to critically observe and understand the world around them. Although many students participate in the arts through their chosen major, others develop their creativity through student programs and other opportunities offered at our campus.

Students volunteer at the Alabama Museum of Natural History, located in Smith Hall at the corner of the Quadrangle. Tuscaloosa’s rich history is studied firsthand by students through archeological digs on and off campus, many of which have led to the discovery of artifacts from the past.

The Blount Undergraduate Initiative is a four-year program that starts with a freshman-year living learning community experience and develops into a mentorship program centered around liberal arts learning through the critical study and discussion of literature.

The School of Music provides students with opportunities to participate in both the fine arts and humanities. Through the 10 vocal and instrumental ensembles students perform concerts for the campus and community. In working closely with faculty in Music Therapy, students have the opportunity to conduct research and serve the community using art therapy techniques.

Through The University of Alabama Department of Theatre & Dance, students play an active role in every stage of the planning, production, and performance of several shows each semester. Multiple student-driven theatrical shows are presented each semester at the Marian Gallaway and Allen Bales Theatres. During the summer, students travel to Gulf Shores, AL to put on SummerTide Theatre. Students in the Dance program can perform in Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre, Dance Alabama!, and Dance Collection.

Beyond the productions staged through the Department of Theatre & Dance, students from across campus participate in multiple performance art pieces. Mental Health Monologues is an annual program organized by graduate students at The University of Alabama Department of Psychology. This program

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raises awareness about mental illness by asking undergraduate students with a mental illness to write an essay about their personal experiences, which are then dramatically interpreted by other undergraduate students during a live performance. Students in the College of Engineering have established the College of Engineering Does Amateur Radical Theater (COE Does ART), which gives engineering students the opportunity to exercise their creativity through original and adapted satirical shows. These are just two of many independent and student-driven performance arts taking place on the campus of The University of Alabama.

Through documentary and narrative film projects, undergraduate students are able to express their emotions and document important issues in the community. University of Alabama students have won awards for their independently produced films through national programs like Campus Movie Fest. Documenting Justice is a yearlong program that teaches students from any major how to produce compelling documentaries that draw attention to social justice issues. Some student films even go on to show at Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival.

Student photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture and other artistic creations are regularly exhibited at galleries such as the Sarah Moody Gallery of Art and Sella-Granata Art Gallery. Sculptures are also installed in the Woods Quad near the Ferguson Student Union Building to provide undergraduate students with an inspiring place to study or relax.

Diversity and Inclusion at The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama believes that diversity plays a key role in the development and discussion of new ideas, beliefs, and solutions. Our student body and faculty/staff represent a multitude of nationalities, races, cultures, and life experiences that enrich the educational experience on campus. Many of our students come to campus from states across the country, bringing with them new perspectives. Nearly 25% of our students and just over 20% of our faculty/staff identify as a minority or have joined The University of Alabama family from countries across the world.

The University of Alabama strives to create a safe and open-minded environment to help every member of the campus feel included and connected. To achieve this goal, University of Alabama offices and centers provide support and resources for students of every background. The Office for Disability Services helps students with a range of disabilities meet their needs to thrive on campus, while the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs develops policies and practices to facilitate open dialogue and diversity in the classroom and other academic settings. The Crossroads Community Center hosts cultural events and helps students develop intercultural relationships with their peers. The Women’s Resource Center focuses on programs and events that promote gender equality and give a voice to students across the country who are victimized because of their sex or sexuality.

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The faculty and staff at The University of Alabama support the University’s diversity efforts in their research, teaching, and service. The Faculty Senate frequently engages in the development of policies to promote an inclusive campus. Faculty show their support for students through initiatives like Safezone, a cultural training program that helps faculty and staff understand the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ community and prepares them to serve a support system for students who are part of that community. Through the Blackburn Institute, faculty help students understand cultural differences in communities in order to help them become ethical community leaders after graduation.

Our students also take an active role in ensuring that all members of our campus feel included. Student-led organizations like #ITOOAMUA, National Alliance for Mental Illness on Campus Club, and Sustained Dialogue help students discuss important issues in diversity and identify solutions to promote inclusion in all areas of campus life and beyond.

These are just a few examples of how diversity and inclusion are promoted in every aspect of life at The University of Alabama. Through these and many other resources, students, faculty and staff can feel that they are a respected part of The University of Alabama community.