Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: This podcast is produced by members of the University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council and reflects the personal views, experiences, and opinions of the hosts and guests. These views are independent and do not represent, reflect, or speak on behalf of the University of Alabama, its administration, faculty, staff, or affiliated organizations. The content shared is for general informational and conversational purposes only. It is not intended to provide academic, medical, legal, financial, or institutional advice. While we aim to share thoughtful and helpful perspectives, we make no guarantees regarding accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Listeners are encouraged to verify information independently and rely on official University of Alabama communications for policies, decisions, and guidance. Listening to this podcast is voluntary and any actions taken based on the content are done at your own discretion and risk.
Welcome to Parent Perspectives. Navigating the University of Alabama experience as a parent can be exciting, overwhelming, and full of questions. And you don't have to do it alone. Parent Perspectives is a podcast by parents, for parents and with parents created to share real conversations, trusted insights, and firsthand experiences from those who've been there. Whether your student is Bama bound, settling into freshman year, or finding their stride on campus, this is your go to source for all things Bama student related. From academics in campus life to traditions and the moments that matter most, we cover what parents want to know honestly and thoughtfully. Tune in and feel confident knowing you're part of a supportive Bama parent community.
[00:01:51] Speaker B: In this episode, we're talking about campus culture and traditions at the University of Alabama. Alabama has a strong sense of history and community, and those traditions play an important role in shaping the student experience.
Today. We'll help parents understand what those traditions and how their student may encourage them once they've arrived here on campus. So let's begin with some traditions families often hear about. First, what traditions should parents know about when their student starts at the University of Alabama? Well, Mark, let's start with you. Tell us some.
[00:02:26] Speaker C: Well, I think the biggest tradition in Alabama has to be the championship sports teams. The success that the University of Alabama has had in basketball, softball, baseball, adaptive athletics, track and field, and of course, football has brought fame and fortune to Tuscaloosa. The facilities, the campus, the national media attention. It's all thanks to decades of athletic prowess.
So I would recommend attending games, singing Dixieland Delight, tailgating on the quad, and celebrating those big wins on the strip. Those are a great way to experience the University and Tuscaloosa.
[00:03:00] Speaker B: We're all just excited. You talking about it gets us all inspired. Roll Tide Jennifer, what about you?
[00:03:07] Speaker D: Sure. Ball games are absolutely key to your child's experience. There and one of the best parts is you don't even have to be a football expert or have game day tickets to enjoy game day weekends. Events like homecoming week and family weekend offer plenty of opportunities to soak in the spirit, the traditions and the community that make Alabama special.
Other year traditions are like bama bound camp 1831, your move in day. As much as you may be stressed out about it, you'll remember it for a long time and welcome week events. And that is multiple weeks, multiple events and get on board day. These traditions exist to help students not feel alone on day one. And they work.
They start talking about themselves as a we and not a me. And it's a great experience for them.
[00:03:54] Speaker B: I love that you said that. That makes so much sense that we all can be a part of these traditions. And Leanne, I know you have some things you want to share with us as well.
[00:04:02] Speaker E: Absolutely. The first thing that I learned is that Roll Tide saying that is more than something just to say. It's a greeting that says it all.
You might be on campus or you might be across the country, but it's definitely something that identifies you with the University of Alabama.
I can't reiterate more on what Jennifer said about Camp 1831. It's all things the University of Alabama and it's a great way to start off a student's journey convocation and the script a they open the student's freshman year and there are things that they shouldn't miss.
Take a picture with Big Al on campus on your first day of school. Make sure you get to the elephant stomp and the walk of champions, but also look forward to tapping on the mound as you're a junior or a senior. These are tremendous things to take advantage of or aspire to.
[00:04:52] Speaker B: I think it's great. These traditions often become a big part of the student experience while at the University of Alabama. How do these traditions help students feel connected to the university and each other? Of course, because that's so important. Mark, let's start with you.
[00:05:08] Speaker C: Well, college is not only about classes and lectures. They're very important. But your student is really going to grow outside the classroom as well, through experiences as part of the Alabama family, or we call it the Bamaly. Social events, clubs, games, community involvement. Those are the places that will really help them make those lasting friendships and memories.
[00:05:29] Speaker B: It's all about we, right?
[00:05:31] Speaker C: It really is.
[00:05:32] Speaker B: It's about we now, not you or I. Jennifer, what about you? What do you have to say about those?
[00:05:38] Speaker D: Sure. At their core, traditions create These shared experiences in real time. And that's what builds that connection. Especially early in college when everything feels so new. They create these low pressure ways for you to meet people and build friendships. A tradition is available to all.
You don't have to know someone ahead of time to participate. And if you happen to have a student that's not a planner, it gives them an opportunity to participate without the stress of planning something. Traditions create memories about the people that they're sharing it with. And those become those anchors to belonging. At the University of Alabama, they help connections form faster and make a large university feel much smaller.
[00:06:18] Speaker B: Well said. Okay, so let's shift from traditions to student life.
More broadly, what does the overall social culture on campus look like for our students? Lynan, I want to start with you.
[00:06:32] Speaker E: There are tons and tons and tons of opportunities that meet every single interest from philanthropic organizations, religious groups, intramurals, Greek life, both social and academic clubs, societies. For every single interest and major, every there's something for everyone.
Some kids are going to connect via their major and the activities that are associated there. Some kids are naturally going to make friends across campus from every major and every grade. But it begins with them, most importantly, getting out of their dorm room and off their phones. Both of my girl, both of my girls were super involved on campus. But the two things that they really both loved.
One did Al's Pals, super great organization which gets them into the community. And my other one was super involved with Dance Alabama, another really huge student run organization. There's something for everyone on campus.
[00:07:32] Speaker B: Lots of resources and very diverse too. Mark, I know you have lots to say because your kids were also very involved, are still involved.
[00:07:38] Speaker C: I should say they're still involved. I think that it's important to remember college is pretty different than high school because students are choosing to attend and engage.
So you've heard us mention this, but the first month at UA we have an event called Weeks of Welcome. And this is an opportunity where students can review and mix and mingle and attend so many activities to get them integrated into the University of Alabama. So this is an opportunity where they can meet peers and participate in events like get on Board day in August. You know, Greek life is really popular at Alabama. About 35% of the kids at Alabama do participate in Greek life, but that means 65%.
So if your student is not interested in Greek life or doesn't feel that might be for them, that's fine. Most of the kids are not in Greek life and so there's activities in their Dorms and religious groups, social justice, recreational opportunities. So much to do.
[00:08:39] Speaker B: All right. And Jennifer?
[00:08:42] Speaker D: Well, my favorite is get on Board day because as we talked about all these different things that kids can get involved in, that is the one day where you will have 600 plus organizations demonstrating what they offer. You can sign up there, but I do caution you, we do have students that want to sign up for everything and this is not that opportunity. You don't need 600 clubs, but it allows you to customize your experience so you are choosing how your college experience is.
The event is also not just for freshmen, but it happens every semester. So even if you're a transfer student or an upperclassman, and as you grow, your interests may change. And so this is a great way for you to go to the first of every semester and try to identify clubs that you want to be involved in. By sophomore year, students have usually started to realize they can't wait for opportunities to come to them. They have to be proactive. And that is one of the best lessons college offers. It's a place to try, fail and try again. Whether it's Greek life, an academic club, an intramural sport, students are building confidence, leadership and people skills that are going to matter way after graduation.
[00:09:47] Speaker B: Now parents often ask about social environment, how their student will fit into it.
How can parents encourage their student to engage with campus culture in a healthy and of course balanced way? Lynne Ann, let's hear from you first on this one.
[00:10:03] Speaker A: Sure.
[00:10:04] Speaker E: So I think it's hard for students to know what's available to them, but the university makes it so, so very easy, as Jennifer just said and Mark said that they should go to get on Board day and they should participate in the various weeks of welcome activities, especially I think convocation in the script day. And they're sent this information in the, in the mail through, through texts and they can find it all over the UA website.
But I think students should begin with their interests. If they go to church, that's a wonderful way to plug into a community very quickly. But they should look for something where they live, one thing where they learn, and one thing that they might love.
They should find two to three things that they can get involved in, but be open to other opportunities while also being careful not to over commit.
[00:10:57] Speaker B: Absolutely. We are there for school. Academics of course are important, but you can also meet friends through your academics as well. Study groups, also other resources that you have on campus for studying as well as tutoring. Mark, what would you like to talk about? We talked about here Campus culture and a healthy ending, balanced way. How do you really balance that and from your experience with your own children?
[00:11:20] Speaker C: Well, I think what has been said is critical. Encourage your students to participate. You can't join clubs. You can't meet people if you don't make the effort. Leave your room, get your phone down and get outside. And really, you know, even when you're in the dorm, leave your doors open to meet people during the day, maybe for an hour or two, or go next door, knock on the door, introduce yourself, and then the two of you together can go and introduce somebody else. So really just leave the room and try new things. Go to weeks of welcome events. Go to get on Board day. You know, very few people attend college with friends. Alabama is 60% out of state, and so there are many, many people who are also away from home and looking for friends. Take the opportunity, take the risk, and you will be rewarded.
[00:12:12] Speaker B: And I think also too, dining halls, when you're out and you're getting lunch or dinner at dining halls, wouldn't you say that, Mark, it's a good opportunity. Like, I see a group of people, I'm just going to go sit down, introduce myself.
[00:12:22] Speaker C: Absolutely. I actually have read some stories of parents where they've said, my son, you know, looked around, saw people eating by themselves and just went up and introduced themselves and asked if they could sit down. You know, you just have to make the effort to get out there and really get out of your. Get out of your comfort zone. And you'd be amazed how successful you can be.
[00:12:43] Speaker B: The effort is so important now as we wrap up, let's talk about it because experiences and students should not miss. Of course, there's so many important things. If you had to recommend now, this is going to be hard. One Alabama tradition or campus experience that every student should try during their first year, what would it be? Jennifer, I'm going to put you on the spot right now, but I want to hear yours.
[00:13:06] Speaker D: I'm going back to get on Board Day. It's my favorite. It's a few hours of their time. They can see hundreds of organizations, talk to real students and realize that there is no single path to belonging at the University of Alabama. Even if they don't sign up for something that day, it helps them picture themselves here and reminds them that involvement is their choice and they're not pressured into doing it.
[00:13:28] Speaker B: Okay, Mark, so this is a tough one because you had so many that you shared with us in this podcast today. Alabama tradition or campus experience? If you had to pick One, what would it be?
[00:13:39] Speaker C: The closest to my heart is football. And so I think, and this, the reason I love it too, is it starts right off in the fall, tailgating before a football game. So the university's student life, the department of Student life hosts tailgate events for all students. And it's free. There's no cost. So even if they don't have a ticket to the game, and I would encourage all the students to opt in to purchase the student ticket packages if it's available. But even if you don't have a ticket, the tailgating is before the event, largely held on the quad, which is an amazing space for the university. And it goes for hours before kickoff. So a lot of people go, there's 100, 150,000 people tailgating and there's only 100,000 seats in the stadium. So trust me when I tell you there are many people there who do not have tickets and they're just going for that experience. So get involved. I love tailgating. It's an amazing experience and what a
[00:14:33] Speaker B: great way to meet people. We're all excited and we love Alabama football, so this is really, really encouraging. Lynn Ann, again, this is kind of tough, but I love the fact that we're sharing so many great Alab Alabama traditions and campus experiences. You know, during the first year, what would it be that they don't want to miss?
[00:14:51] Speaker E: And I'm gonna, I'm gonna continue on with what Mark said, whether they're a sports fan or not. They need to go to at least one, one Alabama football game and just experience the electricity that happens in that, in Bryant Denny Stadium for sure. And they need to, they need to take advantage of the pre activities too.
Sing. Sing the fight song. So learn the words because you're going to sing, you're going to sing Dixieland Delight during the fourth quarter of a football game and be prepared for Rammer Jammer at the very end of that game. Finally understand the value of Roll Tide.
[00:15:27] Speaker B: I just got chills. I really did because I'm excited about it. I'm already looking towards football season. Already were your parent perspectives. This is a podcast for you. We want to answer your questions. We want to be a resource. This was all about campus culture and, and traditions. And I hope you've heard it in all of our voices that we love the University of Alabama and we're so proud to have students there. And I guess it just. The only way to really end this podcast is to say Roll Tide.
[00:15:59] Speaker A: Thanks for tuning in today for the latest episode of Parent Perspectives brought to you by the University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council. Check out all our podcasts on voices ua.edu. you can learn more about the Parent Advisory Council, parent perspectives, and UA Parent and Family Programs on the UA Parent and Family Programs website at parents.sl ua.edu.
