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...]
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...]
Local high school student hits half-court shot worth $30,000
Filming by Skylar Cramer and Jon Williams; Voiceover by Jordan Yaney; Article by Jacey Crawford Alexandria High School's Rylan Metz drained a half-court shot on Saturday, winning a full year of free tuition to AU. Metz, a randomly-selected high school student attending the AU basketball game, was given two chances to make the half-court shot, making the second shot. Metz will be a freshman at AU in the fall and is committed to play baseball. https://vimeo.com/393565819 … [Read more...]
“It’s a Wonderful Wednesday”
As students awoke last Wednesday to jump into the routine of their typical class schedule, they may have been surprised to find a strange email from university administration sitting in their inbox. Sent by Dean of Students Chris Luekenga at 5:00 a.m., the email read: “Classes are canceled—surprise! It’s ‘Wonderful Wednesday’ and all classes are canceled today! Enjoy a break from classes today to attend the various events on campus that will be happening all day long!” The email then went … [Read more...]
Wednesday classes cancelled
As students awoke this morning to jump into the routine of their typical Wednesday class schedule, they may have been surprised to find a strange email from university administration sitting in their inbox. Sent by Dean of Students Chris Luekenga at 5:00 a.m., the email reads: “Classes are cancelled—surprise! It’s ‘Wonderful Wednesday’ and all classes are cancelled today! Enjoy a break from classes today to attend the various events on campus that will be happening all day long!” The … [Read more...]
On-campus housing to undergo changes
Upon returning to AU next school year, students can expect to see campus-wide renovations taking place in both the residence halls and apartments. Strategic planning for the long-term project has been taking place for some time, and AU is now prepared to implement the wide-range updates to living quarters on campus. Those looking to reside in the various apartments on campus next year can expect fewer options available to them compared to the current school year. Fair Commons will be the … [Read more...]
MLK’s dream still matters
Students, faculty, staff and members of the community of Anderson gathered on Monday morning to celebrate the 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on campus. The day began at “The Gathering” in Miller Chapel where director of the Cultural Resource Center Mike Thigpen introduced the theme and the importance of the day. In the chapel, attendees watched a video of King’s last speech on April 3, 1968 before he was killed the next day on April 4. His last speech … [Read more...]
Faculty layoffs result of declining enrollment
In an attempt to alleviate some of AU’s financial burdens, the cabinet and the board of trustees have made the decision to lay off five faculty members and seven or eight staff members. In addition to the layoffs, departments are being asked to underspend their budgets by 20%. President John Pistole explained that the university operates like a small business. Because AU’s income and expenses fluctuate on an annual basis, the university’s budget changes every year. “There are no set … [Read more...]