This statement of values, written by the Student Leadership Council, is the pledge made at convocation by each incoming freshman class at the start of the academic year.
"As a member of the University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, honesty, and respect; foster civic responsibility; and strive for excellence."
The University of Alabama is often referred to as "The Capstone" by alumni and friends of the university. "The Capstone" is a nickname for The University of Alabama coined by former UA President G. H. Denny when he referred to the University as the “capstone of the public school system of the state” in 1913. Capstone means 'the top stone or high point.'