General Information

An Introduction

Location

The University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, Alabama, the county seat of Sumter County, on Interstate Highways 20 and 59, United States Highway 11, and Alabama Highway 28. It is 116 miles southwest of Birmingham, 130 miles west of Montgomery, and 37 miles east of Meridian, Mississippi.

History

The University of West Alabama was chartered in 1835 as a church-related female academy and admitted its first students in 1839. After difficult times during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, the school reopened in the late 1860s or early 1870s. Although it appears that a few male students were admitted following the reopening, a resolution by the Board of Trustees in 1876 excluded boys, and this policy was followed until the beginning of the 20th century.

From 1881 to 1910 the school at Livingston was under the direction of the noted educator and reformer Julia Tutwiler, who succeeded in getting a small appropriation from the State Legislature in 1883 to establish normal school training for girls at Livingston Female Academy. According to statements in the University archives, this is believed to be the first State appropriation in Alabama made exclusively for the education of women. The first normal school diplomas were granted in 1886.

Livingston Female Academy and State Normal College continued as a private institution with some State support until 1907, when the State assumed full control. It remained under its own board of trustees, however, until the Legislature created a State Board of Trustees for all the normal schools in 1911. In 1919 this board was abolished and all state normal schools were placed under the supervision of the State Board of Education. During these early years the school offered both secondary education
and normal school programs for the training of teachers.

Dr. G. W. Brock succeeded Miss Tutwiler as President in 1910, and under his tenure of more than a quarter of a century, the institution continued to grow and develop. Presidents since Dr. Brock have been as follows:

In 1929 the school at Livingston became State Teachers College, Livingston, Alabama, with authority to confer the degree of Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts degree was authorized in 1947. Although the institution had begun accepting male students soon after 1900, the student body remained predominantly female through the 1950s.

In 1957 the name was again changed by an act of Legislature — his time to Livingston State College — and the following year the mission of the institution was broadened when the Graduate Division was established and the College was authorized to confer master’s degrees in the field of professional education. In 1967 an act of the Legislature created Livingston University, with its own Board of Trustees.

In 1995 the institution recognized its broader mission as a regional university serving the educational needs of all the citizens of the area by changing its name to the University of West Alabama.

Mission Statement

The University of West Alabama is a state-supported, coeducational institution of higher learning governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. As a regional institution, the University’s foremost commitment is to meeting the educational needs of the State and particularly of the West Alabama area. Valuing a diverse student enrollment, though, it also welcomes students from throughout the United States and from other countries.

The primary purpose of the University is to provide opportunities for quality education for students to pursue a quality education through associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and education specialist degrees in liberal arts, natural sciences and mathematics, pre-professional programs, nursing, technology, business, and education. Importance is placed on providing opportunities within the curricula for the development of enhanced skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and computer literacy. The University also seeks to provide students opportunities for growth beyond the classroom through a wide range of extracurricular activities, programs, and services and through the maintenance of an environment of cultural and intellectual diversity. Through the total educational experience that it provides and through its encouragement of the free exchange of ideas among faculty, administration, and students, the University attempts to assist its students in developing the important qualities of independent thinking and respect for the ideas of others and in building firm foundations of personal integrity and character in order to realize their quests for a philosophy of life and for self-fulfillment.

At the University of West Alabama, the emphasis is upon the traditional learner, but the institution is also committed to furthering the concept of lifelong learning and to serving the non-traditional student. It considers among its clientele are high schools, businesses and industries, governmental agencies, and professional workers. In serving these diverse publics, the institution employs not only traditional means of delivery, but it also seeks to expand its use of innovative technologies, including distance learning, and to networking with other educational institutions and agencies in order to more comprehensively address the needs of its region.

In fulfilling its mission, the University seeks to employ a vibrant, talented, and diverse faculty. In the recruitment and retention of this faculty, as with all members of the University community, the institution, consistent with its academic heritage, maintains an openness to all qualified persons.

Excellence in teaching and advising is paramount to the faculty, but the members are also committed to providing leadership and fostering positive growth throughout West Alabama through research and public service, with primary emphasis on that which meets the educational, social, cultural, and economic needs of the region.

Accreditation

The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 Telephone 404-679-4500) to award the Associate, Baccalaureate, Master’s and Education Specialist Degrees. This accreditation gives regional and national recognition to credits and degrees earned at the University. The Julia Tutwiler College of Education at the University of West Alabama is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 466-7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs, and its Athletic Education Training Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Associate Degree in Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The University’s College of Business is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs to offer the following business degrees: the Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Management and the Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology.

University Organization and Administration

The University of West Alabama operates under a Board of Trustees, appointed by the Governor of the State of Alabama and approved by the State Senate. In addition to the Governor and the State Superintendent of Education, who serve as ex-officio members, there are thirteen members of the Board of Trustees, including two from the Congressional district in which the University is located, one from each of the other districts, and the remaining members appointed from the state at large.

The organization of the University provides six instructional units: the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Business, the College of Education, the Division of Nursing, and the School of Graduate Studies. Each College functions with an Academic Council consisting of the Dean, the Department Chairpersons, and two elected members. The Division of Nursing operates under the Chairperson. The Graduate Council supervises the programs of the School of Graduate Studies.

The basic policy of the University is formulated by University committees, most of which have student, as well as faculty, members. The following are now functioning as standing University committees:

Buildings and Grounds

Academic Buildings

BIBB GRAVES HALL contains classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices for the College of Education and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. It also has the main auditorium on campus.

BROCK HALL houses the Division of Nursing, the Housing Office, the Upward Bound Program, and the ADA Office. Facilities for continuing education programs and other meetings are also located in one wing.

The CAMPUS SCHOOL serves children ages 2 1/2 to 5 and functions as a training facility for students enrolled in teacher education programs.

LUCILLE FOUST HALL contains classrooms and offices for art and offices for the Athletic Department. The Student Success Center, which houses Counseling, Career Services, and Student Support Services offices, is also located in this building.

PRUITT HALL is the location of the music program. It contains classrooms, offices, studios, and practice rooms.  It also houses coaches' offices and dressing rooms, as well as the University’s gymnasium.

GUY HUNT HALL contains classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices for the Department of Computer Information Systems and Technology and offices for Outreach Services.

JULIA TUTWILER LIBRARY houses the University’s collection of books, periodicals, and other materials. It contains reading rooms, offices, a workroom, conference rooms, rooms for special materials, computer laboratory, and other facilities.

LURLEEN BURNS WALLACE HALL provides instructional facilities for chemistry, physics, English, foreign languages, history, journalism, the behavioral and social sciences, speech, and business. The building also contains a small auditorium.

Student Housing

HOOVER APARTMENTS, consisting of five buildings, is a coed apartment-style residence hall for sophomores and above. Four students share each furnished apartment. Phase I consists of two double-bedrooms. Phase II consist of four single bedrooms.

PATTERSON HALL is a coed suite-style residence hall for members of the Honors Program and sophomores and above with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

REED HALL is a coed suite-style residence hall reserved for freshmen attending the University on a Trustee Scholarship.

SELDEN HALL is a residence hall for women.

SPIETH HALL is a residence hall for men.

STICKNEY HALL is a coed suite-style residence hall is reserved for freshmen attending the University on a Trustee Scholarship.

Other Buildings

THE BLACK BELT MUSEUM, located on the square in downtown Livingston, houses collections, exhibits and staff offices.

THE BELL CONFERENCE CENTER is a state-of-the-art conference facility located at the heart of the University’s campus.

THE INTERNATIONAL/HONORS HOUSE serves as headquarters for the International Program and the Honors Program.

KELLY HESTER LAND HALL houses the Division of Educational Outreach, which includes the Center for the Study of the Black Belt, the Department of Continuing Education, and bby Publications.

MOON HALL is a complex composed of offices, shops, and a warehouse area for the Physical Plant Department.

THE PRESIDENT’S HOME is a residence for the President of the University and his family.

THE GEORGE C. WALLACE STUDENT UNION provides facilities for student activities and recreation, including an Olympic swimming pool, racquetball courts and student weight room. The University Bookstore is also located in the Student Union.

WEBB HALL houses the University’s central administrative offices, the Office of Information Technology, and the Department of Printing.  It also contains a parlor and an art gallery.

YOUNG HALL is the campus dining facility. In addition to the main dining room and the kitchens, there is a private dining room for special events.

THE ALFA ENVIRONMENTAL HALL is an office, classroom, and research laboratory facility serving the University and the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Training Center.

Athletic and Recreational Facilities

THE FOOTBALL STADIUM, known as “Tiger Stadium,” is located in a natural bowl behind Foust Hall and serves the football and soccer programs.

THE HANDBALL COURTS are located adjacent to the Student Union building.

THE DON C. HINES RODEO COMPLEX is located on Country Club Road near Lake LU.

THE JAMES P. HOMER FIELD HOUSE houses facilities for the UWA football program, diagnostic and rehabilitation spaces for the program in athletic training, and classrooms.

LAKE LU is a 54-acre lake on the University campus which provides facilities for swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking.

PRUITT GYMNASIUM facility houses the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs as well as the Women’s Volleyball program.

THE SOFTBALL/INTRAMURAL COMPLEX is located on the “Loop” by the Wallace Student Union.

TARTT FIELD is the University baseball field located in the north campus area.

THE HOWARD VAUGHAN TENNIS COMPLEX is located beside the George C. Wallace Student Union Building.

THE GEORGE C. WALLACE STUDENT UNION, with a variety of entertainment/recreational facilities and weight room, is located on the “Loop” near the north end of campus.

UNIVERSITY CINEMA, located in the square in downtown Livingston, serves UWA student and the larger community.

Facilities and Services

Library

The Julia Tutwiler Library contains over 250,000 volumes of books, bound journals, and microforms. The books are classified by the Dewey Decimal Classification System and are available by author, title, and subject through the online public catalog. The Library also provides on-site access to full-text articles in over 5,000 journals through current subscriptions, ProQuest, Searchbank, EBSCOHost, FirstSearch, DIALOG, Project Muse and other online full text databases. The Library also has an extensive archival collection and several special collections of national interest, such as the Ruby Pickens Tartt Collection of Regional Folklore and the Patricia DeMay Collection of Children’s Literature. These materials are housed in the Alabama Room. The Library also houses a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and a Curriculum Laboratory that supports the University’s curriculum, with emphasis on the Teacher Education Program.

Institutional Advancement Office

The Institutional Advancement Office is specifically charged with the responsibilities of alumni affairs, legislative liaison, fund-raising, and media relations. Publications of this office include a newspaper and annual magazine that are mailed to all UWA alumni, faculty and staff, and active donors.

Bookstore

The Bookstore, in the George C. Wallace Student Union, is maintained as a convenience to students. University textbooks, stationery, supplies, toilet articles, and other items may be purchased here.

Computer Services

The Department of Information Technology is located in Webb Hall. The primary purpose of Information Technology is to provide computer support to the University community in the areas of administrative systems for processing of University related data, academic systems for access by faculty, staff, and students, support for the University computer network, as well as University-wide access to the Internet. Technology accounts are available to all faculty, staff, and students. Technology accounts include access to Microsoft Exchange email, Blackboard Learning system, campus wireless networking, facilities, Library databases, and much more. Visit www.uwa.edu/student_technology.aspx for details on UWA’s technology infrastructure.

Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Center

The Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Staff and Athletic Training Center are available as a service to the faculty/staff and students. Services included are athletic injury prevention, evaluation, management and referral, treatment, rehabilitation, and education. These services exist primarily for the varsity athletic program but are available upon request to the University community and students. There is generally no charge for the services unless supplies and equipment are used. Faculty/staff and students desiring the use of these services should make arrangements with the Director of Athletic Training and Sports Medicine or one of the staff athletic trainers. The Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Center is located in Homer Field House 216.

Demopolis Higher Education Center

The University of West Alabama is the managing partner of the Demopolis Higher Education Center, which is owned by the City of Demopolis, Alabama.  The facility serves an educational consortium among the University of West Alabama, Shelton State Community College, the University of Alabama, and Auburn University.

The center is a 15,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility, consisting of a library, a student atrium, a science lab, a conference room, six multimedia classrooms, and two computer labs.  This modern comprehensive learning center seeks to expand opportunities for citizens and the business community of West Alabama and beyond through academic, technical and continuing education offerings as well as a range of University services and resources.  The center is located within the 300 acre Sportsplex in Demopolis, Alabama.

The Sumter County Nature Trust at The University of West Alabama

The Sumter County Nature Trust was established in 1985 through a gift from Doctors Ralph and Margaret Lyon, both UWA Professors Emeriti. The Lyons, who lived in Sumter County for over thirty years, chose this avenue as a means of expressing their love for the county, for nature, and for people. The Trust is committed to identifying and preserving the natural resources of Sumter County, informing citizens about such matters, sponsoring environmental education activities, and developing sites where citizens can enjoy and appreciate the environmental treasures of the Black Belt Region. Endowment income provides funds for activities initiated by the Trust, as well as matching grants for individuals and organizations interested in fulfilling the goals of the Trust.

The Trust is administered by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the UWA Board of Trustees. The Chairperson is a faculty member in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Special Administrative Policies

General Rules for Behavior

All University students are required to abide by State laws governing the use of State-owned buildings, among which are prohibitions against gambling, use or possession of firearms except under direct supervision of an authorized University instructor, use or possession of alcoholic beverages, and use or possession of fireworks in any University building or on the University campus.

Every UWA student, in addition to complying with regulations fixed by the Board of Trustees for entrance into the University, is expected to conform to such rules as may be established for the well-being of the University community, including, but not limited to, the general rules of behavior set forth in the Student Handbook. Failure to abide by University rules and regulations may result in dismissal.

Administrative Grievances

From time to time students may have questions concerning administrative policies or operations. Generally there are logical explanations for situations, and usually most questions can be resolved in an informal manner through discussion with the individual or office involved. In instances where a student raises a question about a policy or decision, the affected staff member should respond constructively, explaining the situation as carefully as possible and checking to be sure that no error has been made. If it is not possible to resolve a matter through discussion, a student may appeal for further consideration by voicing the concern to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Again, in most instances concerns can be resolved through discussion, interaction and possibly intervention on behalf of the VPSA as student ombudsman, but when this is not possible, the student can formalize his appeal in writing to the VPSA and ask for consideration by the Student Life Committee and/or the President to resolve the matter officially.

Campus Security Policy

UWA fully supports the intent of the Campus Security Act and has taken steps to adhere to its guidelines. In accordance with the Act, the University maintains records on crimes reported, arrests and disciplinary referrals made on alcohol, drug, and weapon-related matters. The University also supports pro-active campus policies and programs on alcohol abuse. Results of student disciplinary proceedings are reported to alleged victims. In addition, information on to whom to report a crime, who will respond to the student’s report, campus safety policies and preventive security measures is widely distributed.

For additional information, contact the office of the Chief of Police and Director of Campus Safety.

Policy on Accommodation for Disabilities

The University of West Alabama strives to make its programs accessible to qualified persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who have special needs that require accommodation are responsible for notifying instructors in each course in which they are enrolled and appropriate staff members, who in turn will refer the student to the ADA Compliance Coordinator. Following verification of the student’s status, the ADA Compliance Coordinator will work with the instructor or staff member in implementing an appropriate plan for accommodating the student’s needs. Support documentation of special needs from a physician or other qualified professional will be required if deemed necessary.

For additional information, students should contact the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Webb Hall 323, (205) 652-3581.

The Student Right to Know Act

UWA recognizes and supports the intent of the Student Right to Know Act. UWA understands, accepts and supports the intent of this act and conforms to its requirements. This information will be available from appropriate University sources. This act was designed to protect student athletes and other students by insuring that they realize the potential for their graduating from college. UWA maintains records on the completion rate of all athletes in comparison with that of the general student population. These records make comparisons by race, gender, and sport. These records will be available upon request and are distributed as widely as possible to all prospective and enrolling students.

Policy on Sexual Harassment

UWA is committed to providing a working and educational environment for all faculty, staff, and students which is free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. It is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the conditions of employment and teaching and of faculty-student relationships. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct or written communication of a sexual nature is sexual harassment when:

1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or educational experience;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
3. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, academic performance, participation in University sponsored extracurricular activities, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment.

Sexual harassment takes many forms and includes many kinds of behavior. It is best described as behavior which a reasonable person would find offensive. Sexual harassment may involve behavior by a person of either gender against a person of the same or opposite gender, when that behavior falls within the definition outlined above. Possible examples may include, but are not limited to, the following:

seeking sexual favors or relationships in return for a promised grade or other academic opportunity; relating an employment opportunity (hiring, promotion, salary increase, performance appraisal, assignment,
etc.) to a sexual favor or relationship; repeated and insulting or demeaning statements or gestures related to gender, which unreasonably interfere with the work or academic or extracurricular performance of a student or faculty or staff member; or intentional and undesired physical contact which adversely affects a person’s ability to carry out his or her academic or employment responsibilities.

Sexual harassment is a serious offense and is deeply destructive. Education regarding sexual harassment is a tool in the elimination of this behavior. Therefore, education is provided by the University to ensure that all managers, supervisors, employees and students clearly understand what sexual harassment is and is not, that sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated.

The Provost and all Vice Presidents, Deans, directors, supervisors, and division heads of the University have the responsibility to ensure that employees under their direction are informed of this policy and the duty to ensure that investigation into allegations of sexual harassment occurs. The Vice President of Student Affairs is responsible for providing this information to the student body.

Investigations of complaints of sexual harassment will be conducted as promptly and in as confidential a manner as possible. Appropriate steps will be taken to resolve complaints without fear of reprisal against the individual filing such a complaint. Depending upon the initial contact and the identity of the alleged harasser, the investigation may be conducted by the Provost, the Dean, department head or supervisor. If a complaint is pursued through the Provost and a prima facie case of harassment is found, the Provost may pursue the matter on behalf of the individual. If sexual harassment is determined, corrective action will be taken in accordance with established University policies and procedures. The sanction imposed will depend upon the seriousness of the offense and may range from reprimand to dismissal.

Complaints may be resolved informally by contacting UWA Provost, Webb Hall 102, Livingston, Alabama 35470. Presenting concerns to the Provost does not affect any of the time limits for initiating formal complaint procedures either inside or outside the University.

When informal resolution is not possible, staff, students and faculty may use the various formal complaint procedures the University provides. In addition, staff, students and faculty may use the procedures provided by agencies outside the University, such as the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Provost must be notified immediately when a formal allegation of sexual harassment has been raised, regardless of who may subsequently investigate the matter.

There are no other policies of UWA which supersede this policy.

Policy Statement on Maintaining a Drug-Free Community and Workplace

The regulations implementing the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 [Public Law 101-226] require that each institution receiving federal grant funds must certify, prior to the award, that it will maintain a drug-free workplace and community. UWA, therefore, establishes the following policy standard:

The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal medication and alcohol threaten the health and welfare of members of the University community. UWA takes pride in its members and, therefore, is committed to eliminating substance abuse among its students, faculty, and staff members both on and off campus.

UWA hereby notifies all of its employees and students, both full-time and part-time, that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance by an employee or student on the UWA campus, or at any other location where the employee or student is performing official duties or representing UWA, or performing any work pursuant to a federal grant, is prohibited.

The primary objective of the University in the area of substance abuse is prevention. Through the presentation of drug, alcohol, and other health-related educational programs, UWA hopes to inform the campus community of the problems related to substance abuse. Although UWA does not independently require drug-testing of students involved in campus activities, the University supports and agrees to comply with drug-testing requirements of all applicable athletic associations in which membership is held. For student, faculty, and staff members who recognize that an abuse problem exists, counseling and/or referral service will be made available. It is hoped that all substance abuse problems can be handled at the counseling level; however, it is the responsibility of the individual to seek help prior to disciplinary action or criminal apprehension, or prosecution, as well as conduct himself or herself in accordance with federal, state and local law whether or not on the campus of UWA.

The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated by UWA. Members of the University community apprehended for or convicted of substance abuse will be subject to appropriate University action. Indicators of abuse, such as arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or possession of illegal drugs, will serve as reasonable cause for disciplinary action, whether or not a criminal conviction is ultimately obtained. Those convicted of substance abuse will be subject to disciplinary action and criminal prosecution by the appropriate authorities. Any violation of this policy by an employee or student will render the employee or student subject to disciplinary action (consistent with federal, state or local law) including, but not limited to, expulsion or immediate termination of employment. The University may also require the employee or student to complete a drug rehabilitation program. UWA will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of any criminal violations and may refer any suspected violations to these authorities for prosecution. At all times, members of the University community remain responsible for conducting themselves in accord with federal, state and local law. Substance abuse is counter to the educational mission of UWA. This policy of prevention, counseling and discipline will serve as a catalyst to discourage abuse by members of the University community.

UWA has implemented a drug-free awareness program. The statement above, setting forth UWA’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace and community and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace and community, is a part of this program, but the University also distributes the following annually to all employees:

1. Information on the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace and community;
2. Information on the legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
3. Information on available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs in the area.

Policy on Sexual Assault

The University of West Alabama has and will continue an active program of education for its students regarding the dangers of sexual assault. This program include seminars, educational programs and other activities that are appropriate and effective. This program is supervised by the Office of Campus Life and Housing.