TUARA Talks on Feb. 24
Join fellow TUARA member Dr. Catherine Davies for a TUARA TALKS virtual presentation at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24.
Interested in the origins of Southern accents and vocabulary? Davies will present “Southern American English in Alabama.” Her talk will be a whirlwind tour of Southern American English in Alabama from a linguist’s point of view. It will provide historical (and geographical context); touch on interesting characteristics in terms of vocabulary, accent, grammar, and discourse patterns; and conclude with some remarks on language attitudes and dialect changes in progress.
Davies is Professor Emerita of Linguistics from the English Department. She taught an upper-division course on Variation in American English for many years.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h6fehGM-S9mWjO9ur59_6Q
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Mark Your Calendar for TUARA’s Annual Spring Luncheon on April 27
University of Alabama President Stuart Bell will host TUARA’s spring luncheon at the Capstone Hotel on Wednesday, April 27 and provide an update on news and activities at the University. TUARA’s annual business meeting and election of officers and executive board members will follow the luncheon. After the cancellation of the luncheon due to Covid in 2020 and a virtual meeting last year, we are looking forward to returning to this important annual event in person this spring. Save the date and watch for more details to come!
Act Now: Education Retirees Need and Deserve a Substantial Bonus Check!
The Alabama Legislature is currently in session and considering legislation that would provide bonus checks for education retirees. Please contact your representative and senator by email, phone or postcard to tell them we need as large a bonus as possible. Tell them we will remember how they vote when we vote!
You can find contact information for your legislators on this website:
https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/
Watch for more specific “Act Now” requests as bills move through the legislature.
Awards Nominations Due March 15
Nominations for TUARA’s Judy Bonner Award and the TUARA Community Service Award are due March 15. Please review the qualifications on the nomination forms attached to this Update and consider nominating deserving individuals. The awards will be presented at the spring luncheon on April 27.
- The Judy Bonner Award is presented annually to a TUARA member who exemplifies the leadership and service characteristics set forth during Dr. Judy Bonner’s tenure at The University of Alabama.
- The TUARA Community Service Award recognizes outstanding service to the West Alabama community and may be awarded to a retired individual or an organization.
Completed nomination forms should be emailed to tuara.ua@gmail.com or mailed to TUARA, Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486.
How to Apply for an Exemption to the UA Retiree Email Policy
As of Feb. 1, the University changed retired faculty and staff ua.edu email addresses to retiree.ua.edu. More information is available on the Office of Information Technology website. Emeritus faculty and retired faculty who are currently teaching or advising students or currently engaging in research or scholarly activities on behalf of the University may apply for an exemption to the policy. Retired staff who are actively engaged in the operations of the University or academic programs may also apply for an exemption. The link to the exemption request is available on the Office of Academic Affairs website. Click on Terms of Use of Electronic Accounts Email Exemption Request.
AERA Offers Scholarships to Public Education Employees
The AERA Foundation is offering ten $2,000 scholarships to public education employees, who are employed in a state public school system (K-12) or state public postsecondary institution. Among other requirements, an eligible educator must be a current Alabama Education Association (AEA) member. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 18, 2022. Recipients have two years to use their scholarship. For more information, visit https://www.aerainc.org/scholarships. Information joining AEA is available here. Please share this information with current UA employees or others who may be interested in applying.
Renew Your Membership Today
TUARA’s membership year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. If you haven’t renewed your membership for 2022 yet, please go to Membership Application at www.tuara.ua.edu, print the membership form and send it with your $25 annual membership dues to Box 861493, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486-0013. If you prefer, you can pay your dues by PayPal or credit card by clicking here. Click on “Check out as guest” to pay by credit card. Invite retired friends and colleagues to join as well!