Brenna Taulbee, junior music business major, drove to classes on Tuesday like any other day. When she parked, she realized her tire was flat. “I just thought it was my own doing, as if I ran over something and didn’t notice it,” said Taulbee. “In the middle of one of my classes on that Tuesday, I got an email from the security office saying that my vehicle had been vandalized and that I needed to go to the security office as soon as I could to file a report.” The rear driver’s side tire … [Read more...]
Faculty layoffs result of declining enrollment
In an attempt to alleviate some of AU’s financial burdens, the cabinet and the board of trustees have made the decision to lay off five faculty members and seven or eight staff members. In addition to the layoffs, departments are being asked to underspend their budgets by 20%. President John Pistole explained that the university operates like a small business. Because AU’s income and expenses fluctuate on an annual basis, the university’s budget changes every year. “There are no set … [Read more...]
This year’s Homecoming theme ‘reAUnited’
From the lighting of the luminaries in the Valley to the busy bustle of the street fair, Homecoming and its festivities have been tradition at AU since the university’s days as Anderson College. The theme for Homecoming this year is “reAUnited.” Scott Tilley, executive director of alumni engagement and annual giving, says that Homecoming this year is about rekindling past relationships. “Alumni most importantly enjoy reconnecting with friends, faculty and staff,” he said. “It truly is a … [Read more...]
Housing issues in Dunn, Morrison, Fair
Residents of Dunn, Morrison and Fair Commons have been finding it difficult to settle into their new living spaces this year due to a myriad of housing issues. There have been multiple reports of bedbugs in Dunn, Morrison has been having issues with hot water and the fire alarms in Fair Commons have gone off about four times this year when there was no real threat of a fire. In Dunn Hall, there have been four reported incidents of bedbugs this semester. Connor Thomas, resident director … [Read more...]
AndersonU app raises student concerns about censorship
Last week, the AndersonU app erupted into a debate over a chapel speaker’s message. A post made by senior music business and Christian ministries major Boris Sitnikoff about the Tuesday morning chapel service received more than 100 comments before it disappeared. The disappearance of the post only seemed to further confuse and enrage students, leaving them wondering why it was taken down. Caitlynn Elkins is the digital storyteller at AU. She manages AU’s social media accounts and oversees … [Read more...]
SGA kicks off year with green initiative
Now under new leadership, SGA is beginning to make some changes around campus. Last year, SGA President Becca Peach ran her campaign with a focus on environmental awareness. SGA has taken steps this semester to make AU’s campus more eco-friendly. “We are looking at grants from companies like Coca-Cola and a grant from the state of Indiana that we could apply for for funding to increase recycling on campus,” read an SGA press release. “We also renewed SGA’s commitment to installing … [Read more...]
Prayer Labyrinth under construction
About a year ago, construction began on the Centennial Prayer Labyrinth located behind the Fine Arts building. Over the summer, phase one of the project was completed with the installation of lighting, landscaping and a paved walkway and platform. Recently, phase two has begun with the removal of the old, concrete benches. Joe Royer, executive director of facilities and property management, has been one of many individuals working hard to make this plan a reality. Royer explained … [Read more...]
Free dental service for Anderson community
On Saturday, Sept. 21, Anderson Family Dental will be hosting Free Dentistry Day for members of the Anderson community. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be free cleanings and extractions on a first-come, first-served basis. “Dr. Josh Ratcliff and team at Anderson Family Dental, along with the assistance of Dr. Eva-Marie Powers of Brookschool Dental Care, will be improving the oral health of the community as part of Free Dentistry Day, a day dedicated to providing free dental care to the … [Read more...]
AU welcomes new faculty members to campus
This semester, AU welcomed six new faculty members to campus. Of those six, five were MBA Director Dr. David Brewer, Instructor of Computer Science Jonathan Craton, Instructor of Nursing Randall Gray, Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Jason Lowmiller and Assistant Professor of Athletic Training Emily Day. Dr. David Brewer Dr. David Brewer, AU’s new MBA director, earned his bachelor’s degrees in English and history from Northwestern University. He also holds an MBA in management and a … [Read more...]
Chapel is not church: Find faith community off-campus
The church fair is a long-standing tradition of freshman orientation at AU. Churches around the community congregate in the lobby of Reardon Auditorium to offer the support of a church family to incoming students. This year, the church fair was hosted in the Valley. Andrew Lehr, the director of student success at AU, was one of the staff members in charge of organizing this year’s church fair. He believes it’s important for students to find a place to worship outside of chapel. “A lot of … [Read more...]