Tag: COVID-19

Working Hard for You

A Message from the Dean

The University of Alabama has always been known for resilience and determination, and we’re stepping up to face this challenge.

Dear current and future UA graduate students:

I wanted to reach out and let you know that your faculty and staff are thinking about you during this time of national and global uncertainty.

Please know the Graduate School and all of The University of Alabama community is here to support your path forward with as few delays and obstacles as possible. UA has always been known for its resilience and determination, and we are rising to this challenge with creativity and technology.

We have made some recent changes to smooth your way. In terms of admissions, due to both the financial and logistical challenges, many of our programs are suspending the GRE or other test-score requirements for this summer, fall, and spring classes. Please visit our COVID-19 Test Score Waivers page to see whether it applies to you — or you may contact us or your program for details.

Additionally for non-native English speakers, many programs are allowing Duolingo scores to substitute TOEFL or IELTS scores. The Duolingo English Test (https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home) can be taken at home. Please contact your admissions officer to see if this option will work for you. And for all international applicants, we’re keeping up with visa guidance regarding the mailing of I-20 forms to assist you as needed.

For our current students, we have shared information about how you can take your comprehensive exams or complete your thesis or dissertation defenses via distance technology. For many programs, pass/fail grading options will be available as you adjust to the changes all around us. Although we are not in our physical offices, be assured we are working very hard from home to address your particular needs in the most timely way.

Our goal is that everyone admitted to UA will be with us this summer or fall, that all applicants receive decisions as soon as possible and that our enrolled students do not miss a beat in progress toward their degree and goals. Please reach out to gradschool@ua.edu if there is any way we can support your goals.

Stay well. Stay in touch. Roll Tide.

Dean Susan Carvalho