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...]
Water main bursts causing complications
On the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 1, water was discovered seeping through various sections of the sidewalk just outside of Olt Student Center. After providing water to the Haven and MP for more than 50 years, a water main in the Valley had burst. According to Joe Royer, executive director of facilities and property management, AU was quick to action. “Our Physical Plant employees did some preliminary work to remove the appropriate sections of sidewalk,” he said. “Due to the depth of the … [Read more...]
This year’s Homecoming theme ‘reAUnited’
From the lighting of the luminaries in the Valley to the busy bustle of the street fair, Homecoming and its festivities have been tradition at AU since the university’s days as Anderson College. The theme for Homecoming this year is “reAUnited.” Scott Tilley, executive director of alumni engagement and annual giving, says that Homecoming this year is about rekindling past relationships. “Alumni most importantly enjoy reconnecting with friends, faculty and staff,” he said. “It truly is a … [Read more...]
AU students participate in global climate strike
Last week, millions of individuals from hundreds of countries stood together for one united cause: the Global Climate Strike. Citizens from the United States, Scotland, Mexico, Canada and other countries gathered in protest of climate change in an effort to raise awareness about protecting the environment. All-in-all, more than six million protesters participated in this worldwide movement. Many AU students were proud to be part of this number. The students who brought … [Read more...]
AndersonU app raises student concerns about censorship
Last week, the AndersonU app erupted into a debate over a chapel speaker’s message. A post made by senior music business and Christian ministries major Boris Sitnikoff about the Tuesday morning chapel service received more than 100 comments before it disappeared. The disappearance of the post only seemed to further confuse and enrage students, leaving them wondering why it was taken down. Caitlynn Elkins is the digital storyteller at AU. She manages AU’s social media accounts and oversees … [Read more...]
Random room searches now to be conducted with ‘reasonable cause’
Along with many areas across campus, the student handbook received a few updates this summer. The most notable of these updates is a change of wording in the room search policy. AU’s updated room search policy reads, “The university reserves the right to inspect students’ rooms for damage or to enter to make repairs. The university also reserves the right to enter students’ rooms or conduct randomized room searches, given reasonable cause, to ensure adherence to university policies or to … [Read more...]