In the near future, AU will be home to the newest chapter of Turning Point USA. Turning Point USA, as described by their website, is an organization that “identifies, educates, trains and organizes students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.” Currently, AU students Rachael Shaver, Joshua Lauer and Sam Kylee are working through the preliminary steps to become an official club on campus. Shaver, who will serve as the president of … [Read more...]
Provost Morris to resign after current school year
At the end of the current school year, Dr. Marie Morris will be resigning from her position as Provost at AU. Morris was named provost in 2011 following a two-year role as dean and vice president of academic affairs on campus, and is currently serving her twelfth year at AU. Morris spoke about her reasons for resigning, stating that she thinks, “there are different leaders at different times for an institution.” “The average tenure for a chief academic officer, based … [Read more...]
Raven Watch receives national recognition
In the annual College Media Association awards, the Andersonian’s sports program, Raven Watch, was a finalist for “Best Video Sportscast.” In this national contest, AU was one of three finalists, standing alongside Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and California State University. In addition to this honor, Raven Watch was selected as a winner in the annual Indiana Collegiate Press Association (ICPA) awards program earlier this year. In the “Best Video” category, the show took first and second … [Read more...]
Classes to be virtual, policies to be implemented following Thanksgiving break
In a video message sent to the student body on Oct. 23, President John Pistole announced the suspension of in-person classes following Thanksgiving break. “We will be residential after Thanksgiving,” said Pistole, “but with some significant modifications.” Gatherings will be limited to five people and will still have social distancing and mask requirements. Pistole explained that “grab-and-go” meals will still be available for students. Although classes and large gatherings will … [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...]
‘Stay-at-HOME-coming’ brings creative ways to connect
As Homecoming week approaches, students, faculty, parents and alumni will experience a new form of connection and fellowship this year. On Oct. 16 and 17, there will be many virtual opportunities for alumni to connect, and some in-person events for on-campus students only. The theme for this year coincides with the new ways of coming together despite the pandemic. “The theme this year is StillAU,” said Director of Alumni Relations Trent Palmer. “We are also making sure to note … [Read more...]
Pandemic leads to faculty layoffs
Earlier this week, AU made budgetary cuts in various departments, including the School of Music, Theatre and Dance and the School of Theology. The cuts, which included the laying off of faculty and staff, come at the hands of COVID-19. The university Provost, Dr. Marie Morris, offered the reasoning behind these budget cuts and layoffs. “As the university continues to respond to previously declining enrollments, as well as the most recent impact of COVID-19, there are 11 faculty positions … [Read more...]
Boosters and Dativus to host first-ever ‘Cheap Encore’
For years, students have enjoyed two campus events that have become staples of the AU experience: Cheap Thrills, put on by the social club Dativus, and Encore, organized by Avanti Boosters. On Oct. 17 at 8 p.m., the two clubs will be joining forces to create a brand-new event—“Cheap Encore.” Austin Hostetler, a junior music business major and the productions officer for Avanti Boosters, explained that the idea was formed during a meeting between Dean of Students Chris Luekenga and members of … [Read more...]
AU’s COVID-19 numbers similar to other schools
After four weeks of classes, AU has seen 23 total positive COVID-19 cases, a number that many view as on-par with similar universities. “Based on public information available from other schools, our numbers and policies are very similar to institutions that are close to the same size as AU,” said Maggie Platt, director of residence life and student conduct. Alma College, a private college in Michigan, is of comparable size to AU and is reporting 21 total positive cases so far this … [Read more...]
Search for campus pastor put on pause
When former Campus Pastor Tamara Shelton resigned last November, the search for someone to fill the position began quickly. This semester, the search has been put on pause by the President’s Cabinet. “The Cabinet and I decided to put the search on hold until we have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on in-person gatherings,” said President John Pistole. “Since we decided to suspend all large in-person chapels this semester, it seemed to make sense.” Pistole added that if the … [Read more...]