Student Media Week coincides with National Student Press Freedom Day, recognized nationally on February 26 by the Student Press Law Center. Throughout the week, Blazers are invited to engage in daily events that spotlight (that spotlights the various forms of media or something like that), First Amendment rights on campus, and media literacy.

“Student Media Week is an opportunity to recognize the impact media has on our daily lives and empower students to engage with it in informed ways,” said Jackie Alexander, director of Student Media. "Being involved in student media helps students build connections across disciplines and find their home at UAB while keeping their peers informed and entertained. We want to share that with the entire campus."

Past Student Media Week events have included a free speech wall in the Hill Student Center, pop culture–themed trivia nights, and wellness-focused programming addressing news fatigue. This year’s programming will continue that tradition while expanding opportunities for professional development and engagement. Planned events include a networking night with local media professionals and other interactive experiences.

All students are encouraged to participate in the week’s activities and explore the many ways media influences culture, community, and connection on campus.

Student Media Week 2026 Event Schedule:

Free Speech Wall

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.| HSC Atrium 

Come by and write what you think. Learn about what speech is (and isn’t) protected by the First Amendment. Make your voice heard!

Self-Care and Sip Nite

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.| Blazer RLC

Let’s relax and enjoy crafts together! Create a gem-studded masterpiece, create a self-care journal, and enjoy mocktails as art and media meets mental health.

Pitch Your Podcast

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Campus Green near the Commons

Share your podcast ideas—whether they’re fully formed or just a spark of inspiration—in a casual, supportive, and creative environment. Whether you’re passionate about pop culture, education, comedy, or something totally niche, Pitch Your Podcast is all about having fun, sparking creativity, and turning ideas into something real!

Fork & Film ft. Ratatouille

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.| HSC Ballroom C

Tantalize your taste buds with French cuisine while enjoying this Pixar classic. 

Reservation required 

How to be a…. Media Professional

4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Student Engagement and Enrichment, HSC 311

Join Student Media, Student Engagement and Enrichment, and the Career Center for a panel from current and former media professionals. They will discuss how their technical training transfers to careers outside of media. The panel is followed by a reception and tour in the Student Media suite. 

Resilience in Action: Alabama Student Press

6 p.m. | Zoom

Across the country, campus newspapers report — and sometimes find themselves in a fight to keep doing so. In this virtual event, editors-in-chief from the University of Alabama Crimson White, UAB’s Kaleidoscope and Samford University’s Crimson will discuss how they’ve protected student press freedom.