In the face of a deadly pandemic and the worst economic crash since the Great Depression, many colleges and universities have suffered a series of unprecedented challenges in a range of matters, several of which hinge on student enrollment. While plenty of colleges are struggling with enrollment this fall, AU is expected to hold steady. Calculating from limited estimates and hopeful projections, AU has experienced an approximate 3% to 4% drop in enrollment this fall, compared to fall 2019. … [Read more...]
Q&A: 2020 graduates
Although they were not able to finish out their senior year as expected, AU’s class of 2020 did not leave campus without leaving a legacy. A handful of these 2020 graduates were asked to give their best advice for current college students. Their responses are below. Brice Thompson “There’s a cliché that says ‘college goes by fast, enjoy it while you can,’ and it's true. Make sure to take time to appreciate all the amazing moments because you never know when it might be cut … [Read more...]
Faculty and staff to host ‘Black Lives Matter’ series
Dr. Joel Shrock and Michael Thigpen discuss AU's upcoming "Black Lives Matter" events. … [Read more...]
COVID-19 forces students to isolate themselves
Due to COVID-19, most students at AU have been forced out of their on-campus residences without many of their belongings or, in some cases, a safe place to go. In addition to this transition, students have also had to adjust to online learning. For junior Emily Frost, the biggest challenge so far has been finding motivation. “It is really hard to want to get work done during the day,” Frost said. “It feels overwhelming, and as an extrovert, it is really hard to stay energized … [Read more...]
A recipe for spiritual growth
Editor's note: This article was in the works before the campus was closed for the semester due to COVID-19 concerns. Naturally, the Bible studies have been suspended. “If you have the choice between being right and being kind, be kind,” said Kathy Harp as she looked toward the ceiling, carefully crafting a one-sentence summary of what she has learned over the course of her life. Every Tuesday evening, Harp does just that—she chooses to be kind. For the past five years, Harp has opened … [Read more...]
Professor organizes writing challenge to encourage creativity
For the month of April, Professor Jack Lugar of the communication and design arts department has decided to organize a special edition of his annual AU Storytelling Month (StoMo). StoMo, an event that usually takes place in February, is a month-long, campus-wide writing challenge that asks participants to write 500 words a day. While Ravens are quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lugar has decided to create a new edition of this challenge, calling it “StoMo Stay@Home.” “The … [Read more...]
SGA adapts to COVID-19 pandemic
While students and professors are working to get the most out of online education, SGA is also working to adapt to the new circumstances due to COVID-19. Because students will not be returning to campus for the rest of the semester, SGA has decided to postpone their events for this semester, specifically the 5K planned for this spring. Current President Becca Peach and Vice President Carter Haupt, along with President-Elect Daniel Gaines and Dean of Students Chris Leukenga, have been … [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...]
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...]