The Recognition and Appreciation Committee offers appreciation events throughout the year and helps the Division of Student Life staff celebrate each successful year. In 2024, the R&A committee will host Student Life Employee Appreciation Week which will include events such as a staff cornhole tournament, a facilitated mindful/wellness walk, Staff Bingo and tours of Bryant-Denny Stadium! Stay tuned to the staff newsletter for more updates to come.
We often spend time appreciating and recognizing our student leaders and student employees, and now it is our turn to host something for professional and administrative staff in the division. All events of Employee Appreciation Week are open to all exempt and nonexempt staff in Student Life interested in participating. Any events that require a pre-sign up or registration will close on April 26, with the exception of baseball tickets. The baseball ticket registration window will be from April 1 – April 12. Any questions about EAW can be directed to Laura Enquist or Anna McJenkin.
Events
All Week
Student Care and Well-Being Food Pantry Donations
The Division of Student Life would like to invite you to donate to the Student Care and Well-Being food pantry during Employee Appreciation Week. They have specific needs in request: laundry pods, dryer sheets, body wash, loofahs, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, tampons, pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, popcorn and cereal. You can also access their Amazon or Walmart wish lists to have items sent to their office. Thank you so much for your consideration to participate in this drive.
Monday, May 6 - Wednesday, May 8
Free UREC Day Passes
Have you been wanting to try out the University Recreation Center? Now is your chance! Stop by the Rec Center on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to receive a free day pass. You’ll have the chance to experience the facility and all it has to offer to staff.
Monday, May 6, 8:30 - 10 a.m.
Coffee and Conversation (Student Center Starbucks)
Please join us for a free Starbucks coffee and open conversation at the Student Center Starbucks. Informal conversation starters have been created to make the space feel more inviting with easy conversation amongst other Student Life colleagues.
Monday, May 6, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cornhole Tournament (UREC Fields: East Quad 1)
Come ready with your team to compete against your fellow colleagues at a Cornhole tournament. Last year’s bracket had some stiff competition, and this year’s won’t be any different! Fans and onlookers are welcome to cheer on their favorite team. Teams can arrive to warm up at 9:30.
Monday, May 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
5 Minute Massages (Student Center Room 3114)
The spring semester is over, but are you still feeling stressed? Sign ups will go quickly for this 5 minute massage with Margaret Hamner Lopez, a retired UAPD officer! Make yourself an appointment to relieve some stress and learn more about Margaret’s massage therapy services.
Monday, May 6, 1 - 2 p.m.
BDS Stadium Tour (Meet at Gate 1)
Have you always wanted to see the ins and outs of Bryant Denny Stadium? What about THE locker room or famous tunnel? You’re in luck! Sign up for one of the Bryant Denny Stadium tours and get to see all of the cool, inside access parts of our beloved football stadium. Because these tickets are pre-paid for you, sign-ups are required to attend this tour.
Monday, May 6, 4 - 5 p.m.
Jackbox Virtual Games (Zoom)
Have some down time at your desk, but don’t want to leave the office? Join us for some virtual games! There is sure to be some competition and prizes!
Tuesday, May 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pickleball Clinic and Open Play (UREC Courts)
Let’s play some pickleball! Whether you are a professional pickleballer or new and just want to learn the rules of the game, come on out for some fun on the court! There will be some UREC staff on hand to teach some brief and basic lessons. Limited equipment will be available for those who don’t have their own personal equipment. Staff are invited to come in active wear and tennis shoes.
Tuesday, May 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
5 Minute Massages (Student Center room 3114)
The spring semester is over, but are you still feeling stressed? Sign ups will go quickly for this 5 minute massage with Margaret Hamner Lopez, a retired UAPD officer! Make yourself an appointment to relieve some stress and learn more about Margaret’s massage therapy services.
Tuesday, May 7, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Jackbox Virtual Games (Zoom)
Have some down time at your desk, but don’t want to leave the office? Join us for some virtual games! There is sure to be some competition and prizes!
Tuesday, May 7, 4 - 5 p.m.
BDS Stadium Tour (Meet at Gate 1)
Have you always wanted to see the ins and outs of Bryant Denny Stadium? What about THE locker room or famous tunnel? You’re in luck! Sign up for one of the Bryant Denny Stadium tours and get to see all of the cool, inside access parts of our beloved football stadium. Because these tickets are pre-paid for you, sign-ups are required to attend this tour.
Wednesday, May 8, 10 - 11 a.m.
Early National Paper Airplane Contest (Student Center Great Hall and Porch)
National Paper Airplane is Sunday, May 26, but we’re celebrating early! Bring your co-workers and come prepared to build the best paper airplane to fly across the Great Hall. Check in will close at 10:15 a.m. to allow time for participants to have their airplanes ready by 10:30. See you there!
Wednesday, May 8, 11 - 11:45 a.m.
Student Life Yoga Session (UREC, Miles Studio)
Get some relaxation and mindfulness in your day. Register to join our very own Michela Snell from UREC as she leads a wonderful yoga session. No membership is needed to register for this class. Participants will simply login with their mybama credentials. UREC will provide some mats, however participants are encouraged to bring their own if available.
Wednesday, May 8, 2 - 4 p.m.
Randall Welcome Center Tour
If you haven’t had the chance to stop by the beautiful new Randall Welcome Center for a tour, now is your chance! During this come and go event, come check out the new welcome center on campus. You will leave amazed!
Thursday, May 9, 8 - 10 a.m.
Divisional Breakfast and Awards (Student Center Ballroom)
Join us for our annual Student Life Awards Ceremony to recognize our valuable Student Life staff at the Student Center Ballroom. The meeting will be extra special with Heritage House for breakfast and will include nominees and recipients being honored for their extraordinary contributions to UA and Student Life. Come help us celebrate another great year!
Thursday, May 9, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Friendship Bracelet Making (Gorgas Yellowhammer Room 2019)
Are you a Swiftie? Are you into making friendship bracelets? If you answered yes to either of those, then this is the event for you! You are invited to drop in to make a bracelet for yourself or someone else. Bring your own lunch and drop in for a bit of fun. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
Thursday, May 9, 2 - 3 p.m.
Bingo and Bagels (Student Center Ballroom)
Bingo and bagels was such a hit last year that we knew we had to bring it back for another round! Join us for everyone’s favorite game to win some prizes and enjoy some bagels and coffee.
Friday, May 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Wellness Walk (Start at Denny Chimes Steps)
Reduce your stress and take a break during your morning with a beautiful wellness walk. Join our own Dr. Delynne Wilcox of Assessment and Planning for a guided walk around campus to connect with the outdoors and reset your day. In the event of inclement weather, an edited version of the Wellness Walk will be hosted in Student Center room 3700.
Friday, May 10, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
BDS Stadium Tour (Meet at Gate 1)
Have you always wanted to see the ins and outs of Bryant Denny Stadium? What about THE locker room or famous tunnel? You’re in luck! Sign up for one of the Bryant Denny Stadium tours and get to see all of the cool, inside access parts of our beloved football stadium. Because these tickets are pre-paid for you, sign-ups are required to attend this tour.
Friday, May 10, 3 - 5 p.m.
Sweet Treat
Want a sweet treat to finish your Friday afternoon after a long week? Bring your coworkers and come enjoy a free snow cone on the Student Center Lawn! Bring your kiddos if you want to!
Friday, May 10, 6 - 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Alabama Baseball vs LSU
Alabama will be playing LSU on Friday, May 10 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 at 4 p.m. The R&A Committee is excited to provide two tickets per staff member for one game. These tickets will be first come first served, so sign up fast to reserve your spot. Tickets will be delivered the week of May 1.