The CARES* Center, located on the second floor of Spieth Hall, provides UWA students with academic advising, career exploration, tutoring, study spaces, a computer lab, free printing, study halls, and access to the CARES Closet.
The CARES Closet is a free resource for any UWA student who needs semester-long laptop check-out, textbooks, school supplies, personal care items, and basic household supplies. It is confidential and anonymous to use. Just text (205) 973-4656 or contact one of the CARES staff.
The Center is open from 8am-9pm Monday – Friday for tutoring and study.
Our advisors are available to speak with you 8am-5pm Monday – Friday.
If a faculty or staff member is concerned about a student or wishes to provide "kudos" for a job well-done, they can complete a Retention Report Form. The form is routed to the Director of Retention, and the student will be contacted by one of our staff to ensure the receive the support they need.
CARES Staff:
Ms. Andrea Farquhar
Director
Office: Spieth Hall 229
Phone: (205) 652-3628
Email: afarquhar@uwa.edu
Mrs. LaSandra Tolbert
Coordinator
Office: Spieth Hall 228
Phone: (205) 652-3472
Email: spatrick@uwa.edu
Ms. Roxcanna Bradley
Advisor: College of Education and Pre-Nursing Majors
Office: Spieth Hall 224
Phone: (205) 652-5542
Email: rbradley@uwa.edu
Ms. Ma'Kiyah Hall
Advisor: College of Liberal Arts and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Office: Spieth Hall 225
Phone: (205) 652-3501
Email: mhall@uwa.edu
Mr. Wes Watkins
Advisor: College of Business and Division of Technology
Office: Spieth Hall 226
Phone: (205) 652-3495
Email: wwatkins@uwa.edu
Purpose:
The University of West Alabama believes advising is a holistic approach to the development of the student through a mutual academic relationship between the advisor and the student, which includes academic advising, career exploration, and identification of campus and community resources.
Mission:
The mission of advising is to foster a personalized partnership between student and advisor that promotes active and responsible learning. Our purpose is also to facilitate student ownership of their educational experience and assist students in identifying and clarifying academic, career, and personal goals.
Advising Process:
UWA uses a split advising model. Incoming freshmen and transfer students with less than 24 credit hours are assigned a CARES Advisor who works closely with each student. Students meet with their advisor prior to UWA orientation and at least twice each semester. Each meeting aims to assist students in identifying their academic goals and identifying the resources and activities that can help them achieve those goals.
Incoming students will be evaluated at the end of their second full semester for readiness to begin working with a faculty advisor. Faculty advisors can provide students with information on opportunities within their major, along with graduate schools and/or career options in their chosen fields. They may also assist students in developing a professional network.
Retention:
Retaining and graduating students is a key focus of the University of West Alabama. The University employs many services, programs, and initiatives to increase student retention and improve graduation rates, and all faculty and staff play a part. It is the faculty, staff, and students that make true the motto that "There is something about this place."
*CARES is funded through a grant from the US Department of Education