University of Alabama Faculty Senate

Community and Legislative Affairs Committee

2020-2021 Report

This report describes the activities of the Community and Legislative Affairs Committee.  This report updates activities since the last report submitted in May 2020.

United Way:

Our committee supported the United Way of West Alabama’s fund drive by encouraging participation in the University’s fund drive. This year’s fund drive was the first conducted online due to COVID-19 operating procedures. Donation cards were available by request only.

Coat Drive Benefitting Brewer-Porch Children’s Center:

This committee worked to promote the coat donations for Brewer-Porch Children’s Center in Fall 2020. We also were able to get the coat drive time slot extended to fulfill the coat needs of students.

Legislative Delegation Relationships:

Our committee enjoys a strong working relationship with Charlie Taylor, Director of Governmental Affairs and Economic/Workforce Development for the University of Alabama System. Committee Co-Chair Steven communicated with Mr. Taylor throughout the year. Mr. Taylor helped us determine the best date for our Faculty Senate Legislative Reception. This year’s reception was held April 5. Senator Gerald Allen attended along with Mr. Taylor. A picture from the April 5 reception appears at the end of this report. Current social distancing and mask protocols were observed. We appreciate the University Libraries for hosting us for the event.

Community Affairs Division:

Another area where our committee interacts with local elected officials is the UA Office of Community Affairs’ Neighborhood Partnerships Committee. Senate President Rona and committee co-chairs Joy and Steven represent the Faculty Senate. The 2020-2021 meetings were held in August and February on Zoom.  Rona, Steven, and Joy attended both meetings.

Meetings with the Division Leadership:

The committee established a meeting schedule with the Division of Community Affairs leadership beginning in the Spring 2021 term. Our January 27, 2021 and March 30, 2021 our meetings provided opportunities for the committee to learn more about the division.  We have a goal of becoming better communicators and advocates for the division through our platform in Faculty Senate. We look forward to the four meetings that are planned with the Community Affairs leadership team in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Brewer-Porch Appreciation Lunch:

The Brewer-Porch leadership chose May 4 for their appreciation lunch that we host. Approximately 80 Brewer-Porch staff will be in attendance.

Looking Ahead:

The 2021-2022 Community and Legislative Affairs has two new faces along with five returning members. Our preliminary goals include establishing regular meetings with UA’s Vice President for Community Affairs Dr. Samory Pruitt and continuing to stay abreast of legislative developments.  We hope to invite Dr. Pruitt to speak at one of our Fall 2021 Faculty Senate meetings.

Respectfully submitted,

The 2010-2021 Community and Legislative Affairs Committee

Steven Yates, Co-chair

Joy Burnham, Co-chair

Pictured below: April 5 Legislative Reception held in the Camellia Room of Gorgas Library

April 5 Legislative Reception held in the Camellia Room of Gorgas Library

PDF Version – Community and Legislative Affairs 2020-21 Report