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UAB Family,

Rumors have circulated in social media that UAB may have plans for cuts in our undergraduate academic programming – even some speculation that our undergraduate operations might be discontinued completely. These rumors could not be further from the truth.

The first, most important pillar of UAB's multifaceted mission is education. UAB exists to provide knowledge that prepares a diverse student body to find success and be socially responsible citizens who make an impact on Alabama, our nation and the world. This will not change.

In fact, strategic plans for our academic units presented several months ago centered on goals to increase academic programming and opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. New undergraduate majors have been created, and major investments have been made in student services and facilities to help facilitate the expansion.

We remain committed to offering unique educational programs of the highest quality for our undergraduate students. Within the last few years, we have added new bachelor's degree programs in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health and Musical Theatre, and we expect more programs to be added that build upon UAB's longstanding, core strengths.

We recently opened a state-of-the-art Student Health and Wellness Center, and 2015 will see the opening of the new Hill Student Center (a $50 million investment) and a new 700 bed freshman residence hall (a $48 million investment).

It is important to set this straight in light of the recent announcement regarding the athletics strategic plan and the speculation that preceded it. Indeed, we are not investing less in athletics as an institution, but rather re-allocating to our athletic programs with greatest opportunities for success.

Our academic leaders will continue to develop and grow strong and positive undergraduate educational opportunities at UAB, and our undergraduates will continue to have access to research and other opportunities many institutions only offer at the graduate level.

Very sincerely,

Ray L. Watts
President Linda Lucas
Provost