The following acronyms are here to help you learn more about the UA campus lingo students, faculty, and staff use. It is not a complete list as there are always new ones popping up, however, these are the most popular and things you might hear your student say!
General
Adapted Athletics
Adapted Athletics was founded in 2003 at UA and has since grown to offer multiple sports which include Wheelchair Basketball, Tennis, and Track. Adapted Athletics operates two facilities, the Stran-Hardin Arena and the Parker Haun Tennis Facility. Student Life partners with Adapted Athletics on many different events and fundraisers throughout the year for all students.
ACT Card
The ACTion Card is used as the official UA identification for students, faculty, and staff. Students can use their Dining Dolar, Bama Cash, and Meal Plan by swiping this card at various locations. This card also gets them into the Student Recreation Center, athletic events, their residence hall, parking decks and more. Your student does not want to lose this card!
Bama Bound
New freshman/transfer student orientation for students and family to attend the summer before their first fall semester.
Bama Cash
Preloaded and reloadable funds to an online account for all students, faculty, and staff to spend at some local restaurants, gas stations, laundry in residential communities and vendors around town (on and off campus).
Blackboard
Online portal for all courses, grades, syllabus, assignments.
Bryce
The Bryce Property is the old hospital on the other side of Campus Drive. The University acquired it and has been moving several offices into it as well as adding new buildings.
Crossing Points
A program at UA that serves students with significant disabilities and offers a collaborative academic program, a summer program, and a certificate in occupational studies.
Crossroads
Crossroads is the university’s Civic Engagement Center whose mission is to develop engaged citizens for the state of Alabama and the world. They focus on four civic pillars: values, knowledge, skills, and action. The office is located in the Student Center.
CWID
The campus wide identification number will be important to remember during your time at UA. You need this number to set up and access your MyBama account.
The Capstone
A nickname for the University of Alabama coined by former President George H. Denny. Capstone means “the top stone or high point.”
The Capstone Creed
The statement of values is a pledge made by all UA students upon becoming a member of the UA family: “As a member of The University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, honesty, and respect; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence.”
The Crimson White
The student newspaper on campus, also known as the CW, is published two times per week during the academic school year and once per week during the summer. It can be read online on the Crimson White website.
Dining Dollars
Requirement for undergraduate students taking 9 credit hours a semester- $350/semester to supplement a student’s dining needs. Not reloadable, but will carry over thru semesters if not used.
Interfraternity Council
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) serves as the governing body for 34 men’s social fraternities at the University of Alabama, many of which are affiliated with the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC), which is the trade association representing 58 international and national men’s fraternities.
Meal Plan
Various levels of plans of access to on-campus dining halls for meals.
MyBama
Online portal for all student, faculty, and staff resources. Connects to Blackboard.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is the coordinating council for the nine historically African American Greek-letter organizations, often referred to as the Divine Nine. On May 10, 1930, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., the National Pan-Hellenic Council was formed as a permanent organization.
Panhellenic Association
The Alabama Panhellenic Association (APA) is the coordinating body for the 19 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) women’s organizations on The University of Alabama campus. The NPC is the umbrella organization for 26 national and international sororities and women’s fraternities in North America.
Student Life
The Division of Student Life (otherwise known as Student Life or SL) comprises 20+ departments that aim to serve the student population at UA throughout their time on campus. Learn more at sl.ua.edu.
United Greek Council
United Greek Council (UGC) is the governing body for the eight special interest sororities and fraternities at The University of Alabama. Established on the UA campus in spring 2009, UGC exists to enable member organizations to share ideas and resources, promote mutual respect and equality and provide a support network for students on campus.
School Spirit
Big Al
The mascot here at the University that can be found all around campus including at every sporting event and other meetings and events.
Rammer Jammer
This is a well-known chant that echoes through Bryant-Denny Stadium or other football stadiums across the country after a Crimson Tide victory over the opposing team.
MDB
The Million Dollar Band is the largest student organization on campus and has been a Crimson Tide tradition for over 100 years.
Iron Bowl
The common name for the football game between the University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Buildings and Locations
The UA Student Center/STU
The UA Student Center is the student union and hub of student life on campus. It houses The UA Student Center Food Court, the SUPe Store, Alabama Credit Union, the UA Student Center Art Gallery, the UA Student Center Theater, and many student-related offices.
The Quad
The Quad is the heart of the UA campus. Most students enjoy its beauty everyday due to its central location. Students use it for activities from Frisbee or football to finding a quiet place to study.
Denny Chimes
The bell tower located on the Quad named after former President George H. Denny. Students enjoy its chiming and music daily as they travel from class to class.
The Rec/SRC/UREC
The Student Recreation Center is a 180,000 square-foot facility serving current students and the greater University of Alabama community by providing opportunities to foster health and well-being, learning, leadership, and inclusion.
The Witt
The Witt Student Activity Center at Presidential Village is a 133,000 square-foot complex located in the north end of campus. The facility currently contains offices for Housing and Residential Communities, First Year Experience, Parent & Family Programs, Women’s Rowing, and an 85,000 square-foot recreation center. The facility also has a convenience store and various food service options operated by BAMA dining. The lower level also contains a dedicated storm shelter that may be used as a safe haven during a severe weather event.
The SUPe Store
The University’s Supply Store is the place to go for official UA textbooks, apparel, and gifts. You can shop with them online at superstore.ua.edu.
Sorority Row
The location of the majority of sorority houses on UAs campus. Sorority Row is on the south end of campus behind the Presidents Mansion.
Fraternity Row
The location of the majority of fraternity houses here on UAs campus. Fraternity Row is located on the eastern end of campus near the Rec.
Pres
Presidential Village is on the north end of campus along Jack Warner. It is home to Presidential Village I & II which are 7 story suite style residence halls as well as the SACPV.
TUT
Tutwiler Hall located on the south end of campus near sorority row and Bryant-Denny Stadium. This is a traditional style all female residence hall housing 840 women.
RCS
Ridgecrest South is a suite style residence hall here on campus and is home to the Honors College Living-Learning Community.
Engineering Quad
The Shelby Quadrangle located near the northern end of campus. It is home to several engineering buildings including Shelby Hall, the SEC, SERC, NERC, and Rodgers Library.
The Bus Hub
This is the University’s transportation hub where all campus buses begin and end their routes. It is also home to the ACTion card office.
SERC
South Engineering Research Center
NERC
North Engineering Research Center
SEC
Science and Engineering Complex
BDS
Bryant Denny Stadium
Gorgas
Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library
The IDC
The Intercultural Diversity Center
Fresh
The Fresh Food Company (Dining Hall)
Lakeside
Lakeside Dining Hall
Moody
Moody Music Building
Coleman
Coleman Coliseum
Intramural Complex
The Rec Fields
DCH
Druid City Hospital
Rodgers
Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering
B Phils
Buffalo Phil’s Pub and Café on the Strip
The Strip
Restaurants and stores on the edge of campus right past Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Government Plaza
A 5-acre park located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa.
Greek Assembly Hall
A new dedicated space for our NPHC and UGC organizations.
Hotel Capstone
Tuscaloosa’s only full-service hotel with catering, dining and more. Hotel Capstone is the best choice for campus visits and weekend getaways.
MAR
Multi-Activity Room in the main Recreation Center.
Midtown Village
This mall is everything you need for a one-stop shopping experience! From apparel to hardware, entertainment to dinner plans, it’s all there in one convenient location.
OPC
Outdoor Pool Complex at the main Recreation Center.
Rose
Rose Administration Building
UMC
University Medical Center
Departments
OIT
The Office of Information Technology, located in Gordon Palmer, provides students and staff with services and information about different technologies here on campus. Visit the Office of Information Technology website.
VMA
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, located in Houser Hall, provides, facilitates, and coordinates programs and services to meet the special needs of veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors in order to ease their transition to college life and fulfill their educational goals. Visit the Veteran and Military Affairs website.
ODS
The Office of Disability Services, located in Houser Hall, provides academic accommodations for UA students who submit appropriate documentation of their disability. Visit the Office of Disability Services website.
WGRC
The Women and Gender Resource Center, located in South Lawn Office Building, seeks to address gender inequity and foster a community that values social justice, safety, leadership, mentoring, education, multiculturalism, partnership and research. Visit the Women and Gender Resource Center website.
FYE
First Year Experience, located in Russell Hall, supports your academic and social transition into the campus community. From large welcome activities with all of your classmates to small group programs for building connections with others, we have something to support you in building your legacy at UA. Visit the First Year Experience website.
SHC
The UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy’s focus is student health care. They look forward to providing you with the same high-quality care that you receive at home. Services include medical care for scheduled appointments and urgent care, women’s health, psychiatry, allergy shots and immunizations, an in-house pharmacy, billing and insurance, medical records and health education. Visit the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy website.
UAPD
The University of Alabama’s police department provides an array of services that include Police Patrol, Investigations, Community Policing, Police Communications and Security Officers. For police assistance or to report a crime or suspicious incident, please call the University Police at 911 or 205-348-5454. Visit the University of Alabama Police Department website.
Academics
A&S
College of Arts & Science
HES
College of Human Environmental Science
C&IS
College of Communication & Information Science
CCSS
College of Capstone Center for Student Success