For AU's class of 2020, many of their “lasts” came a lot sooner than they thought, and some didn’t even come at all. Along with the news on March 18 that the remainder of the semester would be online, seniors learned that commencement would also be canceled. Senior biology major Ellen Doss decided to take initiative and create a petition to share on social media in hopes that a commencement held at a later date could happen. “This, already on the top of the list of ‘lasts’ the … [Read more...]
President Pistole answers students’ questions
As students adjust to AU’s mid-semester switch to online classes, they have found themselves with numerous unanswered questions. Although many questions still remain a puzzle for students and administration alike, President John Pistole offered some clarity on several points of confusion and concern. “I realize that this is a stressful and in some ways scary time for our students and families,” said Pistole. “So much is unknown at the moment.” One of those unknowns is the topic of room and … [Read more...]
Professors adjust to teaching online
COVID-19 is affecting students at AU like nothing before it. Classes were moved online and, eventually, the school’s remaining semester was slotted to continue remotely. Although the lives of college students have been jumbled, it’s not a challenge that they are facing alone; teachers across the globe are also doing their best to work through these challenging times. “So far, I've struggled a little bit with creating online videos,” said Professor Cara Miller of the English department. … [Read more...]
Students adjust to e-learning as COVID-19 continues
Many students across the nation are now adapting to the e-learning platform as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to progress. AU announced that the remainder of the semester would be completed online on March 18, and the first e-learning week began on March 23. For junior nursing major Makenzie Myers, the switch to online learning is difficult considering the major she’s in. The nursing major especially had to make some significant changes. “Things are definitely different from what … [Read more...]
Tri-S trips canceled amidst growth of COVID-19
AU, along with countless other organizations and colleges, has recently had to cancel various planned events, trips and programs to counteract the growing COVID-19 epidemic that is rapidly stretching across the world. The growing concern over the virus has forced AU to declare numerous unexpected changes to students’ and staff’s spring break plans, most notably AU’s planned Tri-S trips. The Iceland trip, the Antigua and Barbuda trip and the Costa Rica trip were all canceled in accordance with … [Read more...]
AU spring athletes come to terms with cancellations
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Anderson University announced Wednesday spring sports are canceled for the remainder of the semester. “We know this makes a significant impact on student-athletes,” AU athletic director Marcie Taylor said. “There is such a limited time to compete in college. We are particularly heartbroken for our seniors and empathize with our student-athletes and coaches who have worked so hard to prepare for their spring sports season.” The NCAA announced it … [Read more...]
AU suspends in-person classes, cancels commencement
All classes will be held online for the rest of the semester, according to President John Pistole. In an email sent to the student body on March 18, Pistole explained that the decision was made in hopes of preventing the spread of COVID-19. “Online classes will proceed as planned for next week, and then continue for the next six weeks, followed by finals week—May 4-8—again all online,” said Pistole. Pistole explained that in addition to in-person classes being suspended, … [Read more...]
Worries about potential software crashes arise amid COVID-19 pandemic
Amid the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, countless institutions are moving online—schools are shifting to E-Learning, universities are reconfiguring syllabi to accommodate “online-only” courses and workplaces are encouraging their employees to work from home. The quick and exponential growth of users relying on software such as Google and Canvas has led to widespread worry about the ability of these software to accommodate the increasing number of users. Executive Director of AU’s … [Read more...]
Coronavirus pandemic halts campus arts and performances
As students head home and adjust to the schedule change due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts on campus are coming to a halt. Musical theatre, cinema and media arts, dance majors, faculty and many others are figuring out what to do next amid these unfortunate circumstances. “The AU dance department is already looking into how to deliver online instruction for a dance course," said assistant professor of dance Erich Yetter. “This is not a highly developed area due to the experiential … [Read more...]
Athletic season suspended amidst national COVID-19 outbreak
“All athletic competition (conference and non-conference) at HCAC member institutions is indefinitely suspended, effective immediately,” read a statement released by the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) on March 13. With this statement, the busy season of AU Athletics came to a halt. Among the affected sports are men’s and women’s lacrosse, tennis, baseball and softball. “Sadly our season has come to an end with the growing concern of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Head … [Read more...]