Daytona Beach, Las Vegas, Cancun and the Bahamas are just a few of the most popular destinations for college students on Spring Break. This year, spring break will look a little different. Instead of the usual consecutive nine-day break, this year it will be broken up into two four-day weekends and one mid-week break. Modified spring break days will be Feb. 17, March 4, 5, 15 and 16. Dr. Sarah Neal, head of the AU task force, explained that a decision was made in early November to … [Read more...]
On-campus museum offers something for everyone
Inside the Krannert Fine Arts Center next to York Hall sits a room full of beautiful artifacts from numerous periods of the ancient Near East. The collection ranges from ancient cookware to idols and even a pair of tweezers and some safety pins. Despite the incredible pieces and educational opportunities the Jeeninga Museum provides, many students are unaware of its existence and accessibility. The Jeeninga Museum was established in 1963 by Dr. Gustav Jeeninga, an AU professor of … [Read more...]
SOMTD adapts to COVID-19 restrictions
Despite the obstacles COVID-19 has continued to present, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD) has been hard at work to ensure students still have opportunities to perform, connect with industry professionals and collaborate in a safe and healthy environment. This semester, the SOMTD will be producing two theatrical productions as usual, but in innovative ways—a PowerPoint opera and a musical podcast were not what anyone predicted for this spring’s productions, but the forced … [Read more...]
I’ll stay home for Christmas
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, it is imperative to remain as safe as possible to not only protect our own health, but our loved ones’ as well. While AU is taking steps to protect students between breaks such as staying with completely virtual learning and closing public eating spaces, it is still necessary for students to be mindful of their safety and health to ensure a safe holiday season for everyone. The CDC stated on Nov. 19 that there were 1 million new … [Read more...]
Professor by day, author by night: How AU faculty and staff juggle teaching and writing
Despite the demands of working full time at a college, many of AU’s professors and staff members are actively writing and publishing books. These individuals who inspire students on campus have begun inspiring others through writing. Dr. Jason Parks, associate professor of English, has dabbled in many different writing forms, but began writing children’s literature within the past few years, partially thanks to his four children and their interest in stories. “My own children and … [Read more...]
2020 graduates attend in-person Commencement
While many campus events were canceled or moved to a virtual platform last semester and this semester due to COVID-19, AU still held an in-person commencement for the 2020 graduating class. Although it looked quite different from previous commencements due to the numerous guidelines and precautions, it allowed graduates a bit of closure in such an unprecedented and confusing time. Commencement was originally scheduled to take place in May. Some colleges and universities like … [Read more...]
Cinema and media arts program increases cross-campus collaboration
Despite the unforeseen circumstances, the cinema and media arts program has found numerous opportunities to work with other departments and programs this semester. Students within the cinema and media arts program have been working with the School of Music, Theatre and Dance, other programs within the department of communication and design arts and President Pistole. The students within the program will also be broadcasting the virtual graduation over homecoming weekend. Cinema … [Read more...]
New kind of theatre creates opportunities
While the pandemic has created numerous obstacles for the musical theatre department, it has not prevented socially-distanced and masked rehearsals and performances. Although performances this semester will not have live audiences, they still provide unique and innovative opportunities for students. Among the fall productions is one unlike any show performed in AU’s history. Titled “Spoon River Anthology and Beyond,” students from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance are working with … [Read more...]
Musical theatre returns with hopeful outlook
Before most students moved back to campus, AU’s musical theatre students and professors had an entire week under their belts. What is typically a week of set-building, play or musical rehearsals and getting to know freshmen and newcomers, suddenly became a week of adaptation, socially-distanced concert rehearsal and discovery. Many of the classes in the major will follow the hybrid format, utilizing both in-person classes when safe and online classes when appropriate. Students were … [Read more...]
SGA faces fall semester head-on
While COVID-19 poses a threat to many aspects of campus life, SGA is not disheartened. The cabinet, led by President Daniel Gaines and Vice President Madison Rastetter, has been working diligently since last spring to ensure an impactful and successful school year for everyone. SGA was able to communicate often through emails last spring when students were sent home, as well as this summer. Gaines explained that they were able to hold several polls and meetings through … [Read more...]