Starting in the fall of 2021, AU’s communication and design arts department will begin offering a full journalism major. The program will be headed by Dr. David Baird, who is already the academic adviser for the complementary journalism major. “Several students have asked us in recent semesters if we could offer a stand-alone major,” Baird shared. “It was possible to do that without adding any courses, faculty or additional expenses, so we went ahead and proposed it.” The … [Read more...]
Modified spring break schedule begins Wednesday, Feb. 17
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...]
Luekenga steps down
Effective Feb. 26, Dean of Students Chris Luekenga will be stepping down, according to an email sent to the student body by Provost Dr. Marie Morris. “Dean Luekenga has served AU during a challenging economic and pandemic environment with compassion, spiritual strength and a heart for AU’s mission,” Morris stated in her email. “His attention to policy and compliance have been invaluable. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Dean Luekenga and for his dedicated … [Read more...]
AU’s Counseling Services transitions to hybrid format
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...]
Title IX reporting system created
AU has a new system in place to help students and staff report sexual harassment and discrimination of any kind. The new system can be found at the bottom of the AU website home page under “Resources” and is one click away for anyone who needs it. Once a student or staff member has clicked on the “Title IX” tab, they will be brought to the Title IX screen where they can then click to “Report Misconduct.” They will then be prompted to the new system. When reporting an incident … [Read more...]
Dr. Shrock announced as next provost
On June 1, Associate Provost Dr. Joel Shrock will be shortening his long-held title to “provost.” “[It’s] very exciting,” said Shrock. “In fact, when President Pistole called and offered me the job, I probably sounded like an idiot because I thought he was going to talk more about the process. Instead, he offered me the job—I really was so excited.” As Shrock prepares to step into his new role, he has realized that many are unaware of the duties and responsibilities that come with … [Read more...]
Madison County maintains ‘red’ status as students return to campus
“It’s only been a few days and I have already seen students gathering in large, unmasked groups, as well as complaining about the COVID restrictions,” said senior spanish major Mckala Lindsey. On Jan. 13, AU students filed into their classrooms for the first day of spring semester; despite Madison County maintaining its COVID-19 “red” status, university leadership gave the green light for students to return to campus and resume in-person classes. According to IN.gov, each county in … [Read more...]
AU Cabinet appoints new Chief Diversity Officer
President John Pistole and members of the university’s cabinet recently appointed Mike Thigpen as Chief Diversity Officer. Thigpen serves as the Director of the Cultural Resource Center (CRC) and multicultural and international student services. He will continue there as he steps into this new position. “Mike Thigpen is a well-known, well-respected leader on campus and in the community,” Pistole said regarding why Thigpen was chosen for the position. “He has a long history of service in … [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...]
Willowby set to be dean of SOTCM
Dr. Nathan Willowby, a four-year professor of ethics and theology at AU, is set be the next dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry (SOTCM). He will succeed Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins, a longtime faculty member of the SOTCM who has decided to step down after 14 years of service at AU. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve AU and the Church of God,” said Willowby of his promotion. “I have personally known the past seven deans of the SOTCM and the past two deans who guided the … [Read more...]