UAH College Academy Parent/Student Handbook 2021-22

Parent/Student Handbook 2021/2022 Academic Year

Table of Contents Introduction and Contact Information…………………………………………………… 1 Information for Parents Benefits to Students and Their Families………………………………………..

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Location…………………………………………………………………………….

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Schedules…………………………………………………………………………..

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Choosing Pre-Major Courses…………………………………………………….

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Academic Support: Student Success Center………………………………….

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Academic Achievement at UAH………………………………………………….

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UAlert Emergency Notification System………………………………………….

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Information for Students Getting Started at UAH……………………………………………………………..

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MyUAH………………………………………………………………………………..

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Degree Works………………………………………………………………………..

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Canvas………………………………………………………………………………..

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UAlert Emergency Notification System……………………………………………

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IT Information: Getting Started on Campus……………………………………….

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Parking Permit………………………………………………………………………..

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Academic Information Understanding Academic Expectations……………………………………………

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Pre-Major Courses…………………………………………………………………...

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College Academy Course Outline………………………………………………….

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Academic Advising………………………………………………………………….

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Academic Achievement at UAH……………………………………………………

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UAH Academic Scholarship………………………………………………………..

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Academic Resources Student Success Center…………………………………………………………….

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M. Louis Salmon Library…………………………………………………………….

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Undergraduate Research……………………………………………………………

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Student Support Resources…………………………………………………………

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Introduction to This Handbook This handbook is intended to provide basic information about UAH and the College Academy Program and is subject to change as the program evolves.

UAH Mission Statement The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a research-intensive, internationally recognized technological university serving Alabama and beyond. Our mission is to explore, discover, create, and communicate knowledge, while educating individuals in leadership, innovation, critical thinking, and civic responsibility and inspiring a passion for learning.

College Academy Mission Statement Allow exceptional students to begin college in high school, participate in college activities, take classes in college facilities, and earn approximately 60 hours of college credit* in courses taught by college professors in Huntsville’s only College Academy.

College Academy Contact Information College Academy Mae Jemison High School: (256) 428-8100 College Academy Office: (256) 428-8112 Mr. Tyrone Jones, Dean tyrone.jones@hsv-k12.org (205) 310-8205 The University of Alabama in Huntsville Ms. Brenda Youngblood, Academic Affairs Specialist Office of the Provost Brenda.younglood@uah.edu (256) 824-6767

*Students entering College Academy in their freshman year have the opportunity to earn approximately 60 credit hours of college credit at UAH; however, students entering College Academy beyond their freshman year will likely earn less than 60 credit hours of college credit.

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Welcome!

Information for Parents Welcome to UAH! We are very happy to partner with the Huntsville City Schools (HCS) in order to provide this magnate program on the campus of Mae Jemison High School. As you know, College Academy is a rigorous program which is why there is a highly selective selection process in place for students wishing to attend. Congratulations to you and your student on embarking on this academic journey.

Upon graduation from College Academy, students may enter UAH with up to 60 hours of earned college credit, thus entering as a junior in college. Students will be eligible for merit and needbased scholarships when they enter UAH full-time.

Principles of the College Academy ● Students take a combination of college and high school courses. ● The college courses count for both high school and college credit. ● Students have the opportunity to -up to sixty (60) hours of college credit and a high school diploma simultaneously.

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Students will be required to maintain a 3.2 weighted grade point average (GPA) inclusive of both UAH and HCS courses to remain in the College Academy.

● During the 11th grade, students will take two pre-major courses (one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester) and during the 12th grade, students will take three pre-major courses (one in the fall semester and two in the spring semester) on the campus of UAH. ● High school and college courses are aligned such that they meet high school graduation requirements and the requirements of the following college bodies: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee/Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System (AGSC/STARS); Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). ● HCS and UAH will work jointly to provide academic support to students.

Benefits to Students and Their Families As previously mentioned, students participating in College Academy have the opportunity to earn approximately sixty (60) hours of college credit and complete two years of college education without any costs. If otherwise qualified, the students will gain direct admission to UAH as a junior, academically; however, because College Academy students have not enrolled in college prior to their post-graduation enrollment at UAH, they are considered first-time freshmen with respect to financial aid and scholarships and may qualify for the UAH Merit Tuition Scholarships, depending on their ACT test score and high school GPA, as per the UAH Scholarship Matrix as found on the UAH Financial Aid website.

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Location

The College Academy is located on the campus of Mae Jemison High school in a dedicated space within the facility. The majority of College Academy courses will be taught at Jemison High School. In students’ junior and senior years, they will take pre-major courses on the campus of UAH. In their junior year, students will take two (2) pre-major courses (one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester). In their senior year, students will take three (3) pre-major courses (one in the fall semester and two in the spring semester). HCS will transport College Academy students from Jemison High School to the UAH campus to attend their pre-major courses.

Schedules Courses taught at Jemison will follow the HCS calendar, beginning on the first day of regular classes for Jemison students, and ending at the semester final exam date. The HCS semester includes several more weeks than the UAH semester, and also includes the HCS holidays and breaks which are longer and more frequent than those observed by UAH. When College Academy students take courses at UAH, the student must follow the UAH calendar. Students are required to attend class whenever classes are in session and even if HCS has a holiday.

Choosing Pre-Major Courses During UAH’s registration periods, UAH’s Exploratory Advisor will work with the College Academy Dean and Advisors to schedule meetings with the students on the campus of Mae Jemison. During this meeting, the Advisor and student will discuss college majors and choose courses that are appropriate for the major under consideration. If a student is undecided in their major, the Exploratory Advisor will help them choose courses that will fit with the majority of UAH’s majors.

During students’ freshman year, they will take FYE 101 where they will have the opportunity to take FOCUS2, a career and academic assessment which will help them in both major and career exploration. The Exploratory Advisor has access to the students’ results and will use them as a basis for further major exploration and for selecting the best pre-major courses.

Academic Support Student Success Center (SSC) M. Louis Salmon Library First Floor www.uah.edu/ssc ssc@uah.edu 256-824-2478 The Student Success Center (SSC) provides academic support programs that empower individuals to realize their potential as self-directed learners and professionals. The SSC is located in the M. Louis Salmon Library. To learn more about any of our programs, visit the SSC website or call 256-824-2478.

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Tutoring Programs The Tutoring Programs consist of Academic Coaching, Content Tutoring, and Writing Tutoring.

The goal of the Tutoring Programs is to work with UAH students not only on content, but also on study and learning strategies so that students can become independent learners. The programs provide academic support to students in-person and online through one-on-one and small group sessions.

Academic Coaching guides students through improving their performance in and out of class by offering sessions on study, learning, and self-management strategies. During a session, coaches and students work together to create a personalized action plan.

Content Tutoring provides academic support for students in a variety of subjects. Tutors work with students on course content and developing study and learning strategies.

Writing Tutoring assists students in becoming more confident and successful writers. Writing tutors use peer consultations at any point in the writing process to encourage writers to identify and develop their own writing skills.

To make an appointment or learn more about our programs, visit the Tutoring Programs website or call 256-824-2478.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) The Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) Program provides academic support for students enrolled in designated courses that are considered historically difficult. PASS provides an active learning environment that focuses on both practicing course content and developing study and learning strategies for the course. Sessions are offered several times a week outside of class and are led by UAH students who have successfully completed the course and are trained to facilitate group learning. To find out more about the program or view the current PASS schedule, visit the PASS website or call 256-824-2478.

Student Success Center Canvas Page The Student Success Center Canvas page is available to all undergraduate students as a real-time resource for tips on how to be a successful college student. Students can access short videos and detailed handouts on important topics such as time management, forming effective study groups, reading strategies, and test-taking tips.

Academic Achievement at UAH Although College Academy students’ grades are weighted for their HCS requirements, the grade that a student makes in a UAH led course is the grade used in factoring the student’s cumulative GPA at UAH. Students can track their UAH GPA by checking their transcript through myUAH at the end of each semester.

College Academy students’ eligibility for UAH’s freshman academic scholarships is based upon their high school GPA and their highest ACT or SAT score. Please see current information regarding eligibility requirements on UAH’s Scholarship web page (https://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/ financial-aid/scholarships/freshmen/freshman-in-state-academic-scholarships)

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UAlert UAlert is UAH’s emergency notification system that allows UAH to quickly disseminate urgent messages through multiple communication methods including voicemail, text messages, and email messages, to name a few. These messages include information on closures due to inclement weather.

UAlert messages will show the telephone number 256.824.7100 for voice messages sent to cell phones. Text messages will be from 226787, 67283, 78015, or 81437. It’s a good idea to add these numbers to your contacts and title your entry UAH Emergency.

To register, go to uah.bbcportal.com and click “Sign Me Up!”

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Welcome! Information for Students Welcome to UAH! We are excited to be a part of your College Academy journey!

Upon graduation from College Academy, you will have the opportunity to earn up to sixty (60) hours e of college credit, which means you could have earned enough credits to achieve junior class standing.

Remember that staying strong academically is important and everyone at UAH is here to support you in any way. By maintaining high academic achievement throughout your years in College Academy, you may be eligible for merit scholarships upon entering UAH as a full time student.

This handbook will provide you with details that you will need to know as a UAH student as well as provide you with information on UAH support resources that are available to you.

Getting Started at UAH UAH Credentials It is important to know your UAH credentials. You will be provided this information upon acceptance into College Academy and prior to the start of your Freshman year.

A-Number: student identification number (ex: A74952498) Your A-Number:______________________ UAH Email: official student email address (ex: jsb0034@uah.edu) Your Email:__________________________ Your Password:_______________________ Charger ID: beginning of UAH Email (ex: jsb0034) Your Charger ID:_____________________ If you have any questions about your credentials or have any problems logging into Canvas, your email, or My UAH, please reach out to the Office of Information Technology (OIT) help desk at either helpdesk@uah.edu or 256-824-3333.

UAH Email UAH is a Google Apps for Education campus, which means you’ll have access to Mail, Calendar, Drive.

Groups and Sites.

Please remember that all communication from UAH will be sent through your UAH email. UAH faculty will use either your UAH email account or will send mail through your Canvas inbox. It is very important that you either check your UAH email or forward it to the account you regularly check.

To log into your UAH email account, please take the following steps: ●

Go to google.uah.edu

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Your entire email address is your username, including “@uah.edu”

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Your password will be the same as the one used to access My UAH or Canvas

If you have any problems accessing your UAH email, please contact the OIT Helpdesk at helpdesk@uah.edu or 256-824-3333.

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MyUAH MyUAH is UAH’s secure web portal that allows you to access student focused campus information, news, and announcements. To access it, you will go to https://my.uah.edu and enter your Charger credentials.

From MyUAH you can access Canvas, and student training if needed, view your class schedule and transcript, use DegreeWorks, access ChargerWare, request your official transcript, and order a UAH parking permit, among other things.

Degree Works Degree Works is a web-based tool that allows students to view and track requirements for their major, once it has been declared. Degree Works also offers a “What If Analysis” that allows students to select a specific major and analyze the degree requirements against the courses they have already taken, showing the courses remaining to complete a degree in that specific major. This is a good tool to show students what courses are required in any of UAH’s degree programs.

Canvas Canvas is UAH’s learning management system (LMS). It is a software-based platform that allows for communication between faculty and students, online coursework, testing, and more.

Students can access Canvas via the link under OIT Services in myUAH. If needed, student Canvas training is also available on myUAH. Courses that offer either online or hybrid formats will utilize Canvas to post assignments, lectures, supplemental material, discussion boards, exams, and grades.

The faculty that teach on the Jemison campus may also use Canvas for supplemental material and to post grades.

UAlert UAlert is UAH’s emergency notification system that allows UAH to quickly disseminate urgent messages through multiple communication methods including voicemail, text messages, and email messages, to name a few. These messages include information on closures due to inclement weather.

UAlert messages will show the telephone number 256.824.7100 for voice messages sent to cell phones. Text messages will be from 226787, 67283, 78015, or 81437. It’s a good idea to add these numbers to your contacts and title your entry UAH Emergency.

To register, go to uah.bbcportal.com and click “Sign Me Up!”

IT Information: Getting Connected On Campus When you’re on UAH’s campus and need to connect to the wireless network, follow these instructions: ●

From the list of available wireless networks, choose eduroam.

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Use your Charger Credentials to log in.

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Click OK or Connect.

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If you need assistance, please visit the OIT Help Desk in Salmon Library, or contact the Help Desk by emailing helpdesk@uah.edu or by calling 256-824-3333.

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Parking Permit Although you will be transported to the UAH campus from Jemison High School when it is time for you to take your pre-major courses, you may find a need to come to campus more often if you are involved in any student organizations, coming to the library regularly, or using any of the other campus resources. If you do, you will need to obtain a parking permit to legally park on campus.

All students who park a vehicle on campus must pay the annual parking fee, register their vehicle, and correctly display the parking permit hang tag.

All parking is zoned and clearly marked.

Permits can be purchased online (parking.uah.edu) or at the Office of Parking Services located in the Conference Training Center (CTC) Room 147.

Academic Information Understanding Academic Expectations In order to prepare you for the rigor and challenges that come with being a college student, in your freshman year, UAH will provide you with several preparatory courses, all providing college credit. The combination of these preparatory courses will help you feel prepared to meet the academic expectations of college and introduce you to the resources UAH makes available to you to ensure your academic success. You will begin these courses in the summer prior to your freshman year with the first one taking place on UAH’s campus. The remaining courses will take place at Mae Jemison High School.

These courses are designed to help you make a fully successful transition to UAH, both within and beyond the classroom. The focus of these courses is to not only introduce you to the expectations of the University, but to also help you identify your personal learning style preferences and develop study strategies and methods to help you become successful in the classroom. You will also learn about UAH’s support resources that are available to you and identify UAH’s academic organizations and how you can become involved on campus.

Pre-Major Courses In the second semester of your sophomore year, you will begin working with UAH’s College Academy Academic Advisor to discuss college majors of interest to you. From that discussion, the Academic Advisor will begin working with you each semester to select appropriate pre-major courses that you will take on UAH’s campus in your junior and senior years. If you are unsure about a major, the Academic Advisor will assist you in selecting courses that can be used to fulfill general electives in most majors.

The pre-major courses will take place on UAH’s campus during a designated time period that is decided upon by College Academy administration and all juniors and seniors will take their pre-major course during that time period. Transportation to and from UAH’s campus will be provided for you.

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College Academy Course Outline The following courses are the UAH courses that you will take while in College Academy. Please be aware that this outline is subject to change.

Freshman Year First Semester

Freshman Year Second Semester

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Charger Success

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Introduction to College Academy

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Public Speaking or Theater Appreciation

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Theater Appreciation or Public Speaking

Sophomore Year First Semester

Sophomore Year Second Semester

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American Government

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College Writing I

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Art History or Introduction to Music Literature

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General Psychology I or Introduction to Sociology

Junior Year First Semester

Junior Year Second Semester

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College Writing II

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World History to 1500

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Principles of Biology

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Organismal Biology

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Pre-Major Course (on UAH’s campus)

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Pre-Major Course (on UAH’s campus)

Senior Year First Semester

Senior Year Second Semester

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World History since 1500

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Readings Literature/Culture II

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Readings Literature/Culture I

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Pre-Major Course (on UAH’s campus)

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Pre-Major Course (on UAH’s campus)

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Pre-Major Course (on UAH’s campus

Academic Advising Your College Academy advisor at Mae Jemison is your first contact with any question you have about your courses while you are a part of College Academy and will guide you in making appropriate course selections to satisfy your Huntsville City Schools graduation requirements.

Your UAH advisor will help you select the pre-major courses that you will take on UAH’s campus in the fall and spring of your junior and senior years and is also available to answer any questions you have about UAH. Additionally, your UAH advisor can assist you in planning for your first semester as a full time UAH student upon graduation from College Academy.

Academic Achievement at UAH Although your grades are weighted for the Huntsville City School’s requirements, the grade that you make in a UAH course is the grade used in factoring your cumulative GPA at UAH. You can track your UAH GPA by checking your transcript through the myUAH portal at the end of each semester.

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UAH Academic Scholarship Eligibility for UAH’s freshman academic scholarships is based upon your high school GPA and your highest ACT or SAT score. Please see current information regarding eligibility requirements on UAH’s Scholarship web page (https://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/freshmen/ freshman-in-state-academic-scholarships)

Academic Resources Student Success Center (www.uah.edu/ssc) The Student Success Center (SSC) provides academic support programs that empower students to realize their potential as self-directed learners. The SSC offers a variety of options to academically support students including Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), Tutoring, and resources available through Canvas.

Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) PASS offers regularly scheduled review sessions led by PASS leaders. PASS leaders are students who have previously done well in the course and have been trained to make sure you get the most out of each session. They assist students by reviewing course content and helping develop study and learning strategies for the course.

Tutoring The Tutoring Programs consist of Academic Coaching, Content Tutoring, and Writing Tutoring. The goal of the Tutoring Programs is to work with students not only on content, but also on study and learning strategies so that students can become independent learners. You can make an appointment in person or online.

SSC Canvas Page As a College Academy student, you will have access to the SSC’s Canvas Page in all of your UAH led classes. This page offers a real-time resource for tips on how to be a successful college student.

From this page, you’ll be able to access short videos and detailed handouts on topics such as time management, forming effective study groups, reading strategies, and test-taking tips.

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M. Louis Salmon Library (www.uah.edu/library) The Salmon Library supports our students by offering more than a million printed publications and access to thousands more online publications and resources. They also offer a live online chat where you can ask any question you have about the library. As a College Academy student, you have full access to all of the library’s services.

Undergraduate Research Why is Research Valuable for the Undergraduate?

Research, creative projects, internships, and service learning are some of the co-curricular opportunities that will help you form a career path and prepare you for the complex society in which we live and work.

UAH is a premiere research university. Research is what we do! Did you know that, as students, you can collaborate with our faculty and professional researchers on research and creative projects? ●

Whether you get involved in the UAH summer research program or

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an off-campus program or

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publish an article in UAH’s Undergraduate Research Journal or

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give a presentation on your findings...

Participating in undergraduate research at UAH allows you to:

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Develop skills in problem solving, analysis, dissemination and communication

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Step out of the classroom and into an exciting, hands-on learning environment.

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Collect data and solve problems with real-world implications

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Work closely with faculty, researchers or graduate students

Find your passion and chart your career path! ●

Build a resume or portfolio that can help you apply for scholarships, fellowships and graduate school, or to stand out in the job market

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Learn more about the kinds of undergraduate research and co-curricular activities happening at UAH

What are you waiting for?! Get Started in Research at UAH

For more information, contact: David Cook, Director 145 Shelby Center for Science and Technology/113B Frank Franz Hall 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville AL, 35899 256.824.5705/david.cook@uah.edu

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Follow Undergraduate Research on Social Media!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/UAHResearch

Twitter

https://twitter.com/UAHResearch

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/uahstudentresearch/

YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxeoaXMN_qEb_5q2OfNWq1A

Student Support Resources Disability Support Services (DSS) Disability Support Services complies with the standards of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA, 2008) and the Association for Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD). They are committed to supporting all students with documented disabilities.

Disability Support Services is located in Wilson Hall, Room 128, sharing a suite with the College of Professional Studies. Enter through the glass doors and then follow the signs.

If you are in need of accommodations, please visit their website (www.uah.edu/dss) for registration.

Student Organizations UAH is devoted to creating an enriching campus life by encouraging involvement in many extracurricular activities and organizations. For complete information visit their website (www.uah.edu/student-life/student-activities/student-organizations). ●

Academic

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Community Service

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Honor Society

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Political

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Religious

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Special Interest

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