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OFFICE OF THE PROVOST 2020 ANNUAL REPORT • F O R G IN G T H E F U T U R E O F E D U C A T I O N • F O R G I N G T H E F U T U R E O F E D U C A T I O NLEARNING AMIDST CHALLENGES Education is the first pillar of forging the Future, UAB’s strategic plan for growth, which challenges us to meet the evolving needs of our students, faculty, staff and patients. This past year, to say we were challenged is an understatement. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect health and safety while also continuing to deliver education and service forced us to radically rethink our operations. I never expected the pandemic to last beyond a month, and there was so much we would face that I just could not predict. In looking back now, it is clear that UAB faculty, staff and students are a part of reshaping higher education in its totality. Our faculty have ensured students are engaged and are keeping pace with their learning. Not only did our course offerings and research opportunities continue to adapt to the changing nature of the pandemic, our teams provided exceptional support to students dealing with challenges related to isolation. Our team mobilized to help UAB’s more than 1,000 international students. As we reviewed the Education Pillar for this annual report, I was just in awe of the creativity and commitment our faculty and staff have demonstrated throughout this experience. From proctoring tests remotely and setting up effective online tutoring sessions to arranging cultural learning opportunities with international partners in the absences of travel, our faculty and staff have ensured students are engaged and are keeping on pace with their learning. While I am excited to share our recent successes and bring attention to the innovative programs and services within the Office of the Provost that were instrumental to these over the last year, I also know we have more challenges to face in this pandemic. While I don’t know what this next year will bring, with your help, we will prepare new generations of leaders and create a promising future for Alabama, the nation, and the world. I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together. Sincerely, PAM BENOIT, PH.D. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AND PROVOSTMISSION STATEMENT Provide 21st-century, world-class, socially responsible education that prepares diverse students to lead, teach, provide professional services and become prominent scholars and societal leaders of the future. WHO MEASURES OUR SUCCESS: Our Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis (IEA) office plays a key role in helping administration, faculty and staff monitor progress toward our shared objectives. Detailed data collected and published by IEA— including some numbers in this report—supports strategic decision making. IEA also is developing customized dashboards for use by the UAB community. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 1 Strengthen and expand innovative academic programs to enhance UAB’s national and global reputation. Ensure student success through holistic development that addresses diverse needs. Create a signature core curriculum focused on modeling and developing socially conscious global citizens and leaders. Engage students, faculty, staff, and community members in experiential learning. Foster access, inclusive excellence, and equity in teaching, learning, and mentorship development programs. 2 3 4 5A NEW RECORD FOR ENROLLMENT Student enrollment reached new heights for the fourth consecutive year, and it wasn’t the only new benchmark set in 2020. The Enrollment Management and Retention office is responsible for recruiting a diverse student body and providing them with tools to help them succeed throughout their years at UAB. This coming year, institutions of higher education anticipate declines in enrollment and our team will work on new strategies to face these challenges and continue to recruit new Blazers. Strengthen and expand innovative academic programs to enhance UAB’s national and global reputation. 22,080 students FALL 2019 STUDENT POPULATION GROWTH 22,563 students FALL 2020 Most students ever 2019-2020 5,911 DEGREES EARNED FRESHMEN CLASS GROWTH 2,154 FALL 2020 2,413 * FALL 2021 25.9 MEAN ACT SCORE 3.83 MEAN HIGH SCHOOL GPA 1 *preliminarySUPPORTING EDUCATION GOALS WITH BLAZER BEGINNINGS The pandemic arrived just as UAB Blazer Beginnings rebranded and enhanced it’s offerings. Rather than wait on a return to in-person events, the team rolled out services in new formats. They provided virtual opportunities for tours, orientations, new student meet ups and introductions to support services. Helpful orientation experiences enable our new students to fully flourish as they move from prospective student to enrolled student to successful alumni. We incorporate our special brand of UAB community- building and an affinity for the learning environment of a vibrant city.” —DEEDEE BARNES BRUNS, Executive director of UAB’s Community Recruitment Partnerships Strengthen and expand academic programs 1Next >