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 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...]
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...]
New COVID-19 policies implemented on campus
As students are returning for the fall semester, campus hardly looks or feels the same. Although this semester will differ from previous semesters in many ways, Dean of Students Chris Luekenga assures students that the campus-wide procedures and policies are being introduced to ensure students’ health and safety. “We understand that there will be inconveniences and that the campus experience will be different for the fall semester,” said Luekenga. “We also know that Ravens are … [Read more...]
AU to implement COVID-19 policies for fall semester
As countless college campuses across the nation prepare to implement unprecedented health modifications in the wake of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, AU has followed suit. Although the fall semester may look and feel different from previous semesters, Dean of Students Chris Luekenga assures students that these campus-wide procedures and policies are being introduced to ensure students’ health and safety. “We understand that there will be inconveniences and that the campus … [Read more...]
South Campus Apartments to remain open
On January 30, the department of Residence Life announced the closing of AU’s South Campus Apartments. Three months later, in the midst of a national pandemic, this announcement was reversed. According to Maggie Platt, director of Residence Life and Student Conduct, the nearly-50-year-old apartment complex was being sold due to fewer students seeking apartment housing. “When we looked at the number of students who applied for housing, we were going to have quite a few empty spaces spread … [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...]
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...]
Classes to be held online amid coronavirus pandemic
All classes will be shifted to an online format the week following spring break, according to university administration. In an email announcement sent out to the student body on March 11, President Pistole explained the details of this decision. “Based on rapidly developing events, for the week following spring break, March 23-27, we will shift all classes to an online, e-learning system,” he said. “There will be no in-person classes that week.” Pistole explained that this decision came … [Read more...]
High schooler’s half-court shot goes viral
Last Saturday, O.C. Lewis Gymnasium erupted in excitement when incoming freshman Rylan Metz sunk a half-court shot. However, it wasn’t just the satisfaction of sinking the shot that made the crowd go wild—the unlikely basket also came with a full year of free tuition. The video of the moment captured lots of cheer, including the reaction of Trent Palmer, director of young alumni engagement. “It was pandemonium for sure,” Palmer said. “I didn’t even realize until I watched the video that … [Read more...]