Andersonian Editor Faith Middleton sat in on a conference call with Chelsea Clinton about increasing turnout among college-age voters. In the spirit of the upcoming general presidential election, young voters have taken to social media to voice their views, through memes, videos and informal discussion with one another. The recent speculation, however, is in regards to how heavily this political fervor will weigh in at the polls. The question has been asked by media outlets such as US News and … [Read more...]
AU works to continue increasing enrollment
1,497—that’s the total number of traditional undergraduate students at AU this fall. Although overall enrollment is slightly down since last year, the class of 2020 is one of the biggest classes to come through AU in past years. That number, accompanied with a 77 percent retention rate for the freshman class, means the Admissions Department and the Enrollment & Marketing team have a good reason to celebrate. “The increase in the fall class is attributable to plain old hard work on the part … [Read more...]
Students march in the name of peace
This past Saturday, AU faculty, staff and students were invited to join in a Peace and Unity Rally that was planned after hearing of the KKK meeting that was to take place in Madison, Indiana that same day. In an email to faculty, staff and students, Sheila MacMurray said “we believe that every group has the right to express their views in public. However, as persons committed to peace and justice, we too, have the right and the responsibility to respond by ‘speaking the truth in love’ to any … [Read more...]
AU provides resources for mental health
One in four college students struggles with a diagnosable mental illness, according to research done by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Yet statistics from the same research show that 40 percent of students do not seek help for their mental health issues. Because diagnosable mental illnesses remain a matter of national and private concern, mental health resources are an essential aspect of student services on college campuses. On AU’s campus, these resources come in the form of … [Read more...]
Chapel introduces new worship bands
It was announced last year that there would be changes to chapel in the 2016-2017 school year, including revamping the way that chapel worship was organized. Chapel auditions this fall were set up differently than in past years, with audition times set aside for bands and individuals. The bands were then selected for a year-long rotation, rather than pieced together month-by-month as they had been previously. There are seven groups in the rotation for chapel worship this year, each with their … [Read more...]
Many departments welcome new faculty and staff
This year, the Department of Communications has added several new faculty and staff members throughout the past year, as well as shifting the positions of some existing faculty members. Stephanie Leiter previously held the position of manager of online communication and community relations specialist at AU. Last winter, she transitioned into the role of director of content strategy and public relations. Leiter says that this change has “expanded [her thinking to] how all of the content the … [Read more...]
Power outage update
On Sunday morning shortly before 10 a.m., a transformer blew in the campground. The explosion resulted in power outages throug a few buildings on campus, most notably the Olt Student Center, Tara and South apartments, and Martin Hall. The Anderson University Police Department, physical plant and Food Services worked together to respond aptly to the situation. Once alternative plans were negotiated for food services, AUPD sent out a Raven alert notifying students of the power outage and the plan … [Read more...]
New Prayer Ministry begins
With a new school year comes a new group of student leaders stepping forward to lead in every section of campus life, including in the residence halls, freshman LART groups, and campus ministries. Dillon Lockwood, senior and former RA for Smith Hall, is the new head of our campus Prayer Ministry. “I’m new to prayer ministry,” Lockwood said, “But the spirit definitely led me to [it].” Lockwood was recruited by Becca Palmer, head of spiritual formation on campus, to lead prayer ministry this … [Read more...]
Campus undergoes renovations for centennial celebration
Recent renovations to AU’s campus have not gone unnoticed by students returning for another semester of classes. After more than three months of summer vacation, students arrived to a newly-paved valley and a renovated residence hall, among many more changes that together significantly improved the appearance of campus. More renovations, like those currently underway outside of Decker Hall, are to come in the near future. “[President Pistole] speaks to excellence in all things, and our campus … [Read more...]
Q & A with Rev. Tamara Shelton, new campus pastor
Tamara Shelton has been involved at AU for years, as a former student, resident director, assistant dean of students and director of residence life. Now, she will serve as the campus pastor. Q: What is your vision for your new role as campus pastor at AU? A: Of course there are the job description pieces of my role, which includes planning the chapel convocation program, and I’m working with a team of people to do that. But also, I think about it in the terms of being aware of the needs on … [Read more...]