Auburn Across Alabama Experience

University Outreach, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Alabama Cooperative Extension System have partnered to create the Auburn Across Alabama Experience, hosting a series of bus tours throughout the academic year. The overall goal of this program is to provide Auburn University faculty, staff, students and administration with experiences across the state to help them better understand the needs, assets, and opportunities for engagement throughout Alabama. The anticipated outcome is to develop and sustain relationships across Alabama to impact communities collaboratively and positively, ultimately building a better Alabama.

Fall 2024 Faculty Experience

University Outreach and Alabama Cooperative Extension System invite faculty across campus to experience the Black Belt of Alabama. During this structured and guided bus tour, participants will visit our upcoming rural health facilities, key industries, educational institutions and hear from local leaders about the assets and challenges of their communities.

Once we have reached capacity on this event. You will be put on the WAIT LIST if you sign up. You will receive an email if space becomes available.

  • Date: Tuesday August 13, 2024, 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Capacity: 50 Faculty

Apply Now


Program Objectives

  • Provide an experience that will immerse participants in the unique aspects of our state and facilitate an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Alabama residents.
  • Expose participants to the diverse backgrounds that Alabama students bring to Auburn University and consider ways to engage a more diverse body of students.
  • Promote synergy among faculty, staff and administration from different disciplines as they travel together and react to their shared experiences.
  • Strengthen relations with Auburn University alumni engaged in the tour.

Participant Expectations

  • It is expected that all who are registered for the experience ride the bus along with all other colleagues and fully participate in the experience at each destination.
  • Participating faculty are asked to integrate the experience into their teaching, research, extension/outreach, or service agenda based upon the community needs and assets they identify.
  • Participating members of the staff and administration are asked to support faculty as they develop projects that respond to their areas of interest based on community needs identified during the experience.
  • Faculty participants will be hosted for a follow-up gathering supporting the development of projects they conceptualized during the experience.
  • Participating students are expected to consider internship, outreach projects and professional opportunities in the communities they visit, soliciting faculty and staff support as needed.

Featured Communities Information

Read more at the links below to learn about the communities we experience.

Previous Auburn Across Alabama Experiences

Spring 2024 Student Experience

Attention dynamic student leaders! Join University Outreach and Student Involvement for an immersive experience in Chambers County, Alabama. Embark on a guided bus tour exploring Chambers County's vibrant communities, key industries, medical facilities, and educational gems. Discover educational resources at the Circle of Care Center and visit sites like Inspire Academy Food Pantry, Eastside John P. Powell Magnet School, and Chambers County Health and Wellness Center. Engage in a panel discussion with Lafayette's Mayor, Fire Chief, and key leaders, concluding with a downtown area tour.


Fall 2023 Faculty Experience

University Outreach and Alabama Cooperative Extension System invite faculty across campus to experience the beauty of Chambers County and Lee County. During this structured and guided bus tour, participants will visit medical facilities, key industries, educational institutions and hear from panels of local leaders about the assets and challenges of their communities.


Spring 2023 Student Experience

University Outreach and Student Involvement partnered with the City of Montgomery to immerse student participants from multiple disciplines in educational, professional and recreational experiences in the great capital of our state.


Fall 2022 Faculty Experience Summary

Tour participants experienced community needs and assets through the lens of local leaders and community members in Tuskegee, Montgomery, and Selma. Visit included historical sites, museums and a range of industries, businesses, educational and recreational sites, and facilities.

How to Apply

Interested faculty should apply as quickly as possible.

Only 50 spots available!

Apply Now

Contact

For more information, contact Dr. Jocelyn Vickers, wilchjl@auburn.edu

Last Updated: July 5, 2024