Our purpose is to foster an inclusive community where students feel welcome, find support, and build connections. Through collaborative efforts, our students are committed to fostering engagement, learning about leadership, and promoting guidance on the University of Alabama campus. Our engagement pods strive to establish meaningful connections, offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, and enhance the vibrancy of the campus environment.

Goals

Our goal is to empower students to become proactive leaders and engaged members of the UA community. We strive to organize purposeful meetings that encourage open communication, idea exchange, and collaborative initiatives. By focusing on the following pillars, our engagement pods endeavor to make a lasting impact on the student body.

  • Student Empowerment: Create a small group platform for students to voice their ideas, concerns, and aspirations, empowering them to take an active role in shaping their college experience.
  • Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students by organizing inclusive events, activities, and discussions that celebrate diversity and unity.
  • Leadership Development: Provide resources, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders in various capacities.
  • Personal Growth: Facilitate discussions and activities that encourage self-discovery, resilience, and the development of essential life skills, contributing to holistic student development.

By aligning our efforts with these core principles, our engagement pods aspire to enhance the overall student experience at the University of Alabama and leave a legacy of empowered leaders and engaged individuals. Together, we aim to create a community where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to make a difference.

These engagement pods can be anything from a book club or running pod to a crafting or cooking pod.

Leaders

We are looking for students to serve as leaders of the Engagement Pods to lead small groups. University Programs will provide all materials and supplies to the group as well as assist with space reservations.

Leadership Application

Join

Interested in joining an Engagement Pod? Check out the Engagement Pods below and fill out the form.

Join an Engagement Pod

Academic Support and Community Building

Leader: Eddie Coats
Meeting: Thursday 5 p.m.
Location: TBA

Love to mix fun but a overwhelmed by schoolwork? Join us as we complete assignments and build new friendships! Together, we’ll do homework, and hold each other accountable, while also celebrating our accomplishments. While also unwinding with exciting activities like karaoke, Just Dance, board games, and even line dancing classes.

Booktok Besties

Leader: Anuki Wickramanayake
Meeting: Sunday 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Starbucks – Student Center

If you have a passion for reading and a love for new ideas and different perspectives, Booktok Besties is the group for you! Meet new people, read books, and do crafts in this new engagement pod.

Coffee and Coloring

Leader: Kayrie Weldon and Brianna Corroll
Meeting: Wednesday 9:30 a.m.
Location: Starbucks – Student Center

What is a better way to relax than taking a sip of your favorite drink and doodling your worries away? Create long-lasting friendships and build connections with other coffee lovers with the Coffee and Coloring Engagement Pod!

Coffee and Exploring

Leader: Emily and Sjeal
Meeting: Sunday 4 p.m.
Location: TBA

Introducing “Tuscaloosa Coffee Walks”! Join us to uncover hidden coffee gems, meet with fellow enthusiasts, and experience the culture of Tuscaloosa, one cup at a time. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just beginning your journey, all are welcome to explore with us!

Cooking, Baking, and Networking

Leader: Victoria and Haley
Meeting: Tuesday 5 p.m.
Location: Ridgecrest East (3rd Floor)

Are you passionate about cooking and baking, while being eager to explore other cultural culinary traditions? Join us on the 3rd floor of Ridgecrest East to connect with other students and explore delicious food from all around the world.

Games and Group Convo

Leader: Bella and Ashley
Meeting: Monday 5 p.m.
Location: Gorgas Library Study Room

Join us for group conversations and gaming sessions where you can make new connections, share stories, and play games together. Whether you’re into board games or card games there’s something for everyone. Come hang out with us!

Goal Planning and Vision Boards

Leader: Chad Wright
Meeting: Monday 7 – 8 p.m.
Location: UA Student Center (Conference Room)

Budgeting? Networking? Scheduling? If these words strike fear into your heart, Goal Planning and Vision Boards is the engagement pod for you. Learn to balance your finances, time, and well-being
while confronting the nuances of adult life with other students.

Greeting Cards and Craft Making

Leader: Alyssa and Ceanna
Meeting: Monday 4 p.m.
Location: UA Student Center (Conference Room)

Join us for weekly sessions in crafting heartfelt cards for holidays, birthdays, and more. Discover your creativity as we meet new friends and spread joy through acts of kindness. By building

Graduate Teaching Assistant Assembly/ GTA Assembly

Leader: Senan Ege Carkaci
Meeting: Thursday 5 p.m.
Location: N/A

Are you a Graduate Teaching Assistant looking for community? Meet with other GTA’s and discuss various pedagogical approaches along with other ideals that will not only enhance your own life but the lives of your students.

Hoops and Hangout

Leader: Javaris and Tregan
Meeting: Friday 3 p.m.
Location: Student Recreation Center

Love to play basketball! Come join us at the Student Recreation Center as we promote physical activity and build connections with other students on campus. Let’s hoop it up and build friendships on and off the court!

Leadership, Communication, Career Development

Leader: Victoria
Meeting: Thursday 4:30 p.m.
Location: Hewson Hall

Love to read? Interested in topics like leadership, effective communication, career development, budgeting, and emotional intelligence? Join us weekly as we build future leaders and lifelong learners by providing professional development through reading. Join us as we explore various topics of personal and professional growth!

Mindfulness with Mario Kart

Leader: Dillon Cook and Jacob Price
Meeting: Thursday 5 p.m.
Location: Presidential Village 432

Ready? Set. GO! Are you a fan of Mario Kart and looking to compete against other drivers? Check out the Mindfulness with Mario Kart Engagement Pod where you can build community while de-stressing from a busy school week.

Nutricinema

Leader: Kennedy, Reina, and Sameen
Meeting: Monday 6 p.m.
Location: Ridgecrest South, 4th Floor Kitchen

Learn how to make healthy, microwavable meals while watching movies & making friends!

Pickleball

Leader: Mollie Malone and Clare Verille
Meeting: Monday 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: UA Student Recreation Center

Want to meet new people and get some exercise? Join this fitness-based pickleball group that meets to play, laugh, and inspire each other. This pod makes fitness and fun accessible to all!

Stress Relief and Management

Leader: Courtney Stringer
Meeting: 6 – 7 p.m.
Location: UA Student Center

Where creativity meets relaxation. Want to meet new people, learn how to crochet, and unwind? This is perfect for you to de-stress, master stitches, and create something meaningful you can look back upon this semester!

Walkie Talkie

Leader: Avery Thaxton
Meeting: Sunday 1:15  – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Starbucks – Student Center

Do you love coffee? Do you love chatting with others? Walkie Talkie is the group for you! Grab your favorite Starbucks drink and talk about your week all while getting in some exercise!