After weeks of speculation and rumors, the UAB Academic Realignment Commission shared their recommendations for the future of UAB. Full details can be found at http://www.uab.edu/future Of course, my speculation can be found here.

First of all, this realignment commission reads like a Who’s Who of Academia. Its safe to say that President Garrison and Provost Capilouto stacked the deck with some bright and accomplished experts. The chair of the commission is Dr. Mark Rosenberg, former Chancellor for the State University System of Florida. Dr. James Moeser is Chancellor Emeritus at UNC Chapel Hill, one of the top research universities in the nation (and a school UAB should attempt to emulate). UAB’s own Dr. Warren Martin has been the president of the Faculty Senate and one of the most engaged faculty members I’ve ever met. There are countless more (including former USGA President Brittney Williams).

Second, its important to note these are only recommendations. They say this has nothing to do with the horrible economy… that this is about change and becoming the best UAB can be. After the presentation on Monday, I believe this (someone slap me, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid). Anyway, they’ve presented three options and saying that there is not an option for status quo.

Without a doubt, they’d be silly not to go with Option 1. Under Option 1, the Schools of Arts & Humanities, Natural Science & Mathematics, Social Behavioral Sciences and Education combine into a new College of Arts & Sciences. The College of Engineering and College of Business will remain unchanged.

The best part of this is the emphasis on the education program. It would put future teachers in closer contact with the experts. It would streamline the registration process, administration and make it easier to switch majors within the new college.

The other options are variations of this model… all good, just not crazy enough to be the right one.

There were some fun moments in the presentation… there seemed to be a problem with keeping up with the slideshow. During the Q&A, it was clear that the UAB Art Department is a little stressed out and afraid of change. And in a bizarre moment, a faculty member in the Communications Studies Department took personal offense to the realignment – pleading that she had good teacher evaluations.

So now comes the hard part… the work and conversation that comes with massive change. As UAB inches closer to its 40th year anniversary, it looks like we’re looking to shake things up and be inventive. Hang on kids, its gonna be a wild ride.

(I really hope someone got the back to the future reference…lol -Stone)

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