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...]
Social clubs navigate recruitment amidst pandemic
This week marks the beginning of recruitment for all of the social clubs on campus. The social clubs recognize that there may be some challenges and uncertainty given the COVID-19 environment, but all the clubs are still committed to giving their members the best experience possible. Camarada President Samantha Aikin and Vice President Ashlee Yackley explained why this year is so important for their club even with all the uncertainty. “This year we are so excited to meet all of … [Read more...]
AU to implement randomized COVID-19 testing
In a video message to the student body on Sept. 19, Dr. Sarah Neal, lead of AU’s COVID-19 Task Force, announced the introduction of voluntary randomized COVID-19 testing for AU’s campus. “We need to keep testing,” said Neal. “That’s because about 40-45% of all cases are asymptomatic, meaning people have absolutely no symptoms whatsoever. They’re carrying the virus, and they’re sharing it with their friends, even though they don’t mean to.” Due to the significant number COVID-19 cases being … [Read more...]
Leadership relaxes certain housing restrictions
With the first two weeks of fall semester in the rearview mirror, administration has made the decision to eliminate several COVID-19-related housing guidelines and rules. Dillon Lockwood, Resident Director of on-campus apartments, explained in an email to students that these changes made were “based on hallway traffic, quarantine usage, location of bathrooms and style of living.” For apartments and suites—Fair Commons, South Campus Apartments and Myers Hall—some rules remain the … [Read more...]
New RDs introduced for fall semester
Three new Resident Directors have been added in Myers, Morrison and Dunn. Amanda Bradley Myers Hall will now be run by Amanda Bradley, from Warsaw Indiana. Bradley graduated AU in 2018 with a major in Christian ministries and is now pursuing her Master’s of Theological Studies. In the future, she would love to continue working in student life or pursue youth ministry. “I love the intentional time with students in this job,” Bradley said. “ Relationships are … [Read more...]
Students experience chapel in new ways
As students come back to AU’s campus and Christian universities begin to experience their first couple weeks together, it’s evident that spiritual life looks very different. Just like classes and most other events, chapel has switched to a more virtual-driven format. AU has transitioned to a completely virtual format, while also addressing that chapel will no longer be mandatory for students due to the inability to fit everyone in one place safely according to CDC … [Read more...]
Dr. Sowers to leave AU after 37 years
Orchestra director, professor of music, choir director and church organist are just a few of the hats that Dr. Richard Sowers wears. However, at the end of this school year, he will be removing many of those hats for good. Since 1984, Sowers has been teaching and conducting music at AU. But when the 2020-21 school year concludes, Sowers plans to close the book on his 37 years in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. After wrapping up his time at AU, Sowers explained that he … [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...]
President Pistole welcomes students back
By John Pistole Welcome back Ravens! We are so glad you’re back on campus or here for the first time. It’s been such a quiet, surreal time here these last five plus months. And it just confirms what we all know, or will soon learn, that AU is a relational campus community that does best when we can gather in person, augmented of course by online learning as needed and appropriate, as we did last spring. This fall of course is different—so very different—and I’m personally asking each … [Read more...]