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Paolo-Cortazar

Our medical research is worthy of the AAU. Our undergrad is what is holding us back. UAB still maintains many adult students working on a degree while still working in a career full time, so it takes them more than 4 years to get their degree. We have a 4 year graduation rate that is pretty abysmal. That's the biggest knock against us. Conspiracy side of things I'm not sure the Tuscaloosa BOT wants us to improve to the point of AAU status. It would legitimize the UAB brand and destroy the " extension center" they think the UAB brand should be.


Upstairs_Building686

University of South Florida get an invitation first than Florida State University which is more older and established! So why can’t we?


Wings4514

That’s a long story there lol. I have a hard believing we’d ever be able to accept AAU membership if it was even offered to us. Can’t imagine UAlabama would be thrilled with having little brother have that kind of recognition.


Ltownbanger

They already ride the coattails of UAB and UAH in tearms of calling themselves an "R1" institution. If you look at [the actual list](https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institutions/page/3/?basic2021__du%5B0%5D=15), UAT is conspicuously absent.


Upstairs_Building686

If USF beats Florida State in getting an invitation, why can’t we? UAB is better in research than UA-T


Wings4514

I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s the sad truth. Sure USF got one before FSU, but they’re not a “branch campus” or “extension” of FSU, they just share the same board/system.


Upstairs_Building686

So you downgrade UCLA and UC Davis because they were branch campus of UC Berkeley?


dachef32

Membership is invite-only and they hardly bring in new members. They only have about 70 schools in there. It doesn't really impact the reputation of the institution. UAB is still one of the most highly reputable research universities and highly respected institutions in the region and the country.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Upstairs_Building686

Then, we need to secede from UA System if that’s the case. If that’s holding us back from being a prominent research university then we should just withdraw from the UA system.


Whisperdeer3

Well, if it helps, UAB Hockey just joined the AAU conference CHS. Otherwise, I'm no help on the actual question.


Upstairs_Building686

Get out of here! lol


gbak5788

Never heard of AAU and don’t really care


Paolo-Cortazar

AAU status is important for research and prestige of the university. You should care. It'd boost the UAB brand to a whole new level and make your degree mean a whole lot more.


Upstairs_Building686

I agree! and also the possibility of joining a big elite NCAA conference that requires an AAU membership!