Program Related
1. Who is eligible to attend the Graduate Recruiting Expo?
The Graduate Recruiting Expo is open to all college seniors who plan to start graduate school in fall 2020 in any Arts and Sciences graduate program. Women and students of underrepresented group interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are especially encouraged to participate in this great opportunity. Food, lodging and up to $500 in travel expenses will be paid for students selected for the Graduate Recruiting Expo. To be considered for the Graduate Recruiting Expo, you must submit a complete application through the Graduate School web site. You will be notified if you have been selected to attend the expo.
2. When is the program held?
The Graduate Recruiting Expo is usually held the last weekend in February.
3. What happens if my plans change and I cannot attend the Graduate Recruiting Expo?
If you have been accepted and your plans change, please contact us so that we may give another student the opportunity to attend.
4. How do I apply to The University of Alabama?
Information for applying to The University of Alabama can be found at the Graduate School website.
5. Will there be time to meet with individual faculty members?
Yes. In addition to meeting the faculty and touring the departments, students are encouraged to contact the specific department to make meeting arrangements.
6. What is the dress code for the Graduate Recruiting Expo?
The dress code is casual for the weekend. Please wear comfortable shoes.
7. Will I have any free time?
There is very limited free time. This program is designed to give you the information you need to know about graduate school in a very short period of time. Therefore, your time at the Graduate Recruiting Expo is maximized. Please remember that the scheduled events are mandatory and participants who miss events will not have their expenses covered.
Logistics
1. May I drive my own car to the program activities?
Transportation will be provided from the hotel to each of the scheduled events. We prefer that the students stay together as a group. Parking is very limited on campus. If you should need to drive, contact us to discuss visitor parking decals.
2. What if I miss the designated transportation?
There are no provisions made if you miss the designated transportation. All programs will start on time, and the transportation will leave according to the schedule.
3. How do I know which department to visit?
You should visit the department of the academic program you wish to pursue in graduate school.
4. What if I am interested in two departments?
Due to time constraints, you will only have the opportunity to visit one department. You are responsible for making individual arrangements with faculty members.
5. What should I expect to learn from the Graduate Recruiting Expo?
You will learn how a graduate degree from The University of Alabama can help make your career goals a reality, and map a path to getting that degree. Graduate Recruiting Expo will help you understand the importance of graduate education and how to maximize financial resources for graduate school.
Travel
1. Who is responsible for making travel arrangements?
You should make your own travel arrangements. If you are flying in, make your flight reservations so that you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 and leave sometime after 7 a.m. on Saturday, February 29. The Graduate Recruiting Expo will provide a free van shuttle from the airport to your hotel in Tuscaloosa.
If you are driving to Tuscaloosa, plan to arrive at the hotel by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27.2. Will I be reimbursed for my travel expenses?
You will be reimbursed for travel expenses based on your mode of transportation. Participants who fly into Birmingham will be reimbursed up to $500 for airfare, and the Graduate Recruiting Expo will provide van transportation from the Birmingham Airport to Tuscaloosa. All participants traveling by car will be reimbursed (up to $500) according to UA policy on mileage rates.
3. When should I plan to arrive in Tuscaloosa?
If you are driving to Tuscaloosa, plan to arrive at the hotel by 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 27. If you are flying in, make your flight reservations so that you arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.
4. When should I plan to leave Tuscaloosa?
Breakfast will be provided on the morning of Saturday, February 29. If you are driving, you may leave anytime that morning. If you are flying, the Graduate Recruiting Expo will provide van service to the Birmingham Airport. Please make your flight reservations for no earlier than 7 a.m. on Saturday, February 29.
5. If I want to come earlier or stay later, is that allowed?
Your accommodations will be paid for two nights–Thursday and Friday. You are responsible for lodging prior to and beyond these days. You are also responsible for any incidentals charged to your room upon checkout.
Accommodations
1. Am I responsible for making my hotel reservations?
No. After your application has been accepted, the Graduate Recruiting Expo coordinator will contact you regarding specific hotel reservations.
2. Do I have to pay for my hotel room?
No. The Graduate Recruiting Expo will pay the lodging costs for Thursday and Friday. Students are responsible for incidentals charged to their rooms.
3. How are the rooms assigned?
Only invited Graduate Recruiting Expo participants are assigned hotel rooms. Rooms will be assigned two students per room.
4. Who is responsible for meals?
The Graduate Recruiting Expo is providing all lunch and dinner meals. Breakfast is provided by the hotel.
5. May I bring a friend?
No, participation in the program is by invitation only.