Along with many other aspects of campus life, AU’s Counseling Services have been operating in a virtual format. However, Christal Helvering, the director of Counseling Services, explained that the transition to a hybrid format has begun, allowing some students to attend counseling sessions face-to-face.“In compliance with the recent modifications to the on-campus COVID regulations, Counseling Services will begin to transition to more of a hybrid offering of services,” said Helvering.She … [Read more...]
Chapel continues with virtual format
On Jan. 11, AU students received an email announcing that chapel attendance would be mandatory for the spring semester. However, three days later, another email was sent out by Dean of Students Chris Luekenga.The second email read, “Chapel will remain virtual for the foreseeable future, but attendance will not be required.”Luekenga explained that requiring attendance for a virtual chapel would add another stressor for students.“While it is a long-standing tradition to require chapel … [Read more...]
AU hires new esports head coach
“My brother and I used to argue over who got to play Pokemon on the Gameboy so often that our parents ended up buying us a second one,” said Matthew Burnstedt. “Ever since then, I’ve been playing games.”After several weeks of searching for a new esports head coach, AU has hired Burnstedt to fill the position.“I'm originally from a small town of about 200 people in Iowa called Libertyville,” said Burnstedt.Burnstedt said that he has been playing video games for as long as he can … [Read more...]
SGA works toward semester initiatives
As the halfway point of the semester approaches, SGA is well underway with several initiatives to help improve campus life. According to SGA President Daniel Gaines, the Cabinet has several goals for this semester.“One of them is institutionalizing security training for females on campus,” said Gaines. “We've been working with AUPD, and hopefully in the next few weeks we will be able to have those training sessions for the female students. We'd like to work with the RDs and RAs of … [Read more...]
What to expect when you are exposed to COVID-19
With fall semester riddled with new coronavirus restrictions and guidelines, there is one question that is on the mind of every student: “What will happen if I get COVID-19?”Professor of Nursing Sarah Neal, the leader of the COVID-19 task force, has helped develop a detailed plan for when AU students are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for the virus.“If a person has been exposed, then they are going to contact me,” said Neal. “I will ask them to quarantine for 14 days, and we have … [Read more...]
COVID-19 restrictions disrupt students’ plans
With fundraising money collected and arrangements made, junior Spanish major Mckala Lindsey was more than ready to study abroad in Chile this summer. However, her plans were suddenly uprooted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.On March 18, the university canceled in-person classes for the remainder of the semester in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. For many students, this announcement also meant the cancellation of important events and trips. “I attempted to move my study abroad … [Read more...]