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(01/14/14 3:37am)
The Student Government Association's first meeting of the spring semester was held Jan. 13. The agenda, which listed a number of amendments, aimed at amending Title XI of the constitution, which pertains to school officers and school council.
Four amendments brought to the table changed the wording of the Code of Laws but will have little impact on Auburn students.
Among other new business, a resolution in recognition of Dr. Amy Hecht for her tremendous impact on Auburn University students carried without opposition.
Before leaving Auburn University, Hecht supervised and managed a variety of student life areas including: Greek life, leadership development, parent programming, judicial affairs, orientation, student media and assessment.
Hecht served on executive leadership teams within student affairs organizations and had extensive experience leading and managing in higher education.
Hecht earned her bachelor's degree in mass communication at Florida State University and her master's and doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
The SGA Senate also fielded a resolution in appreciation of a Five-Star award from Camfil Farr to Auburn University Facilities Management Preventive Maintenance Department.
This past year, Facilities Management's Preventive Maintenance Department partnered with Camfil Farr, the largest filter manufacturer in the world, and reduced a significant amount of waste, realized cost savings for the University, conserved electrical energy and improved the air quality for everyone on campus -- all by utilizing a new style of air filter.
In the past, the University used between 25,000 and 30,000 filters per year. In 2013, only 4,549 air filters were needed on campus.
In other SGA orders of business, two new students were appointed to fill open Senate seats. Lucas Tribble, junior in industrial engineering, and Collin Myrick, sophomore in pre-industrial engineering, will serve the remainder of the year on Senate prior to upcoming elections.
"I've worked in other parts of the Student Government Association," said Myrick. "I would just like the opportunity to see another part of SGA, and I think I can really bring something to the table, although it's just for the remainder of this SGA year. I am running for Senate this coming up election though."
(12/03/13 4:16am)
The Student Government Association's Monday, Dec. 2, senate meeting was one of much importance for one university program.
The University Program Council, a student-led programming board consisting of 11 committees that bring a variety of events to Auburn's campus, was granted a Program Extension Fund in the amount of $100,000.00 for the Major Entertainment line.
The Major Entertainment Committee is responsible for bringing high profile artists to Auburn. In years past, the committee has managed to pull in acts such as Ben Rector, OAR, Akon, the Goo Goo Dolls, Sister Hazel, and other major artists.
The UPC is responsible for putting on Auburn Airways as well as the Bodda Getta Bash, in which UPC and SGA work together.
Madeline Moore, the Junior Biomedical Science major and Vice President of Finance for UPC, stressed the importance of receiving these extra funds by pointing out their main focus was to bring what Auburn students want to hear.
"We want to make sure we are bringing Auburn students what they want," said Moore. "We are really trying to grow Auburn Airways. We are getting better each year with higher attendance and higher caliber artists. However, with growth requires more funding. This year we need that extra money to make that happen."
Patrick Michael, a senior in the College of Science and Mathematics, drove the point home that this money was going to a cause which Auburn students would benefit from while also holding UPC accountable for the funds they receive.
"The intention is not to bankroll major entertainment," said Michaels. "This is a one year thing and an amendment we will hold UPC accountable to bringing in revenue and working towards a sustainable budget."
The motion carried with no opposition, allowing UPC an extra $100,000.00 to work with when considering artists for its major events.
(11/15/13 7:13pm)
Maura Cullen, author of '35 Things Well-Intended People Say,' a book on vocabulary that widens the diversity gap, spoke at Langdon Hall Thursday, Nov. 14.
Focusing on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, disabilities, age and religion, the speech gave students and faculty to hear a nationally known speaker on diversity and inclusion.
In a packed Langdon Hall, Cullen discussed the things that have a negative effect on humans when it comes to their sexual orientation, class and religion.
As an example, Cullen broke up the crowd into three socioeconomic categories.
The first being people who grew up with more than enough financial resources, the second being people who grew up with enough financial resources and third, people who grew up without enough financial resources.
After asking the crowd to stand what their category was called, Cullen's point resonated throughout the hall.
"It's annoying to put it out there," Cullen said. "There's a certain vulnerability you feel when it's out there for people to see. But, think about it, you all arrived at the same place but I promise you, you didn't get here the same way nor will you go to the same place after you leave here."
Cullen also discussed how people tend to make things harder on themselves than need be.
Cullen used another interactive exercise in which she asked the attendees to turn to their neighbor, clinch one of their fists while the other attempted to unravel it.
"We do that in so many facets of our lives," Cullen said. "The easiest most efficient ways to seek cooperation or to get what you want is to ask, simply just ask."
Although Cullen's presentation was a serious one with many valid points, she found a way to make it fun for the crowd while still allowing her points to seek in.
"I thought she had some really good points," said Kendall Oxford, sophomore in psychology. "She kept it fun though but still got her points across to the crowd which I think is hard to do at the same time."
(11/12/13 3:25am)
Students will have to wait another week before the result of a new policy within Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium is decided. The policy aims to address concerns of offensive speech and slurs within the stadium.
A resolution, proposed by Sam Wilcox, senator of the College of Liberal Arts, which would designate Jordan-Hare Stadium as a No-Hate Zone, was indefinitely tabled Monday, Nov. 11.
In front of a large number of students and faculty at the SGA senate meeting, Wilcox filed a motion to table the resolution as he said there would be an amended one coming through future orders.
Prior to tabling the resolution, many students spoke out, both for and against the designation of Jordan-Hare as a No-Hate Zone.
"Hate, fear and disconnection poison the vibrant community we have on campus and in our stadium," said Emily Kerzin, graduate in counseling psychology. "Passing this resolution will help those who feel excluded here at Auburn."
With community serving as the main focus of the resolution, many of the students maintained their focus on the Auburn community and its traditions.
"We should pass this resolution," said April Scott, graduate in counseling psychology. "It would create an environment at the stadium where we no longer allow words of hate or discrimination, so we can truly be all together, all in."
The resolution was all opposed by some students who believed passing a resolution to solve a campus problem is not the correct way.
"I'm here to oppose this resolution," said Savannah Silver, sophomore in pre-business. "This resolution is dangerous and although it has good intentions, I disagree in using resolutions to solve a moral problem on our campus."
In other news, Wilcox filed a motion to move an order of future business onto the Nov. 11 agenda.
The resolution, also proposed by Wilcox followed in the same suit as the Jordan Hare No-Hate Zone, but instead proposed actions to ensure an inclusive campus environment.
Wilcox's motion failed to carry with a vote of 17 to 16, putting both of his resolutions on next week's senate agenda.
(11/08/13 4:04am)
The Student Government Association held its callouts for the top five candidates for Miss Auburn Thursday, Nov. 7, on the Cater lawn.
After the second round of interviews conducted earlier in the day, the SGA Elections Board narrowed the field of 20 down to a top five.
The Elections Board, headed by Jessica Bishop, senior in biomedical sciences and Brandon Steverson, senior in accounting, conducted a number of interviews, ultimately choosing the top five candidates that best represent Auburn University.
Kinsey Crow, senior in nursing, was one of the top five Miss Auburn candidates chosen by the Elections Board.
"I'm very humbled by the experience," Crow said, "Its just really unbelievable and I can't wait to campaign for a platform for an entire week. The whole situation is really just crazy."
The top five candidates will begin campaigning on Feb. 5 and will conclude on Feb. 11.
(11/07/13 3:57am)
The Student Government Association held the Miss Auburn 2013 Callouts Wednesday, Nov.6 on the steps of the Cater lawn.
A number of Auburn students turned out to show support for their peers, as the Cater Lawn was packed tight.
After conducting the first round of the Miss Auburn interviews earlier in the day, SGA narrowed its field to 20 candidates.
Emily Higgins, junior in nursing, was chosen as one of the top 20 candidates.
"Its really an honor," said Higgins. "It's pretty awesome to be chosen."
Each university-operated residence hall, social fraternity or sorority and organization recognized by Auburn University was allowed to nominate one potential candidate for Miss Auburn.
A tradition since 1935, Miss Auburn has served as the official hostess of the University.
Miss Auburn serves alongside the SGA president and the executive team, as well as a Freshmen Leadership Program, whose mission is to transform her platform into a reality.
Miss Auburn is open to undergraduate female students who are currently in at least their third academic year at the University and holds a 2.5-4.0 cumulative grade point average.
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the 20 candidates will once again undergo interviews, which will lead the SGA election team to the final five Miss Auburn candidates.
The final five candidates will be named Thursday, Nov.7 at 9 p.m. on the Cater lawn.
Campaigning is set to officially begin Feb.5 and conclude Feb. 11, the Spring Elections Voting Day.
(11/06/14 3:26pm)
Auburn Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps cadet Kyle Williams, senior in biosystems engineering, was awarded the Legion of Valor's Bronze Cross for Achievement, Oct. 10. The Bronze Cross for Achievement is available to those cadets of the ROTC who have demonstrated excellence in military, scholastic and civil affairs.
The Bronze Cross for Achievement Program began on a limited scale in 1951 when the District of Columbia chapter established an incentive for excellence in the Washington High School Corps of Cadets. In 1962, college-level cadets of the U.S. Air Force ROTC became eligible to receive the Bronze Cross for Achievement.
"To be honest, I don't really know much about the award," Williams said. "I was just told it was very hard to come by."
Hard to come by is an understatement.
Recommendations are sent to the awards chairman of the Legion of Valor, who conducts reviews to ensure adherence to all criteria. Every year, less than 50 cadets and Navy midshipmen receive the cross.
Williams is the first Auburn student to receive the Bronze Cross for Achievement.
"My commander said I was the first person at Auburn to come by it," Williams said. "I guess the area commander thought I deserved it."
Williams, who co-oped as a mechanical engineer before entering the ROTC, said one day, he decided he would give the ROTC a try. Four years later, Williams has been awarded the fourth highest award in AFROTC and accredits the program for playing a major role in his life.
"AFROTC has made me try harder in everything I do," Williams said. "Before, I had no reason to make outstanding grades and I had the Cs and Ds get degrees attitude."
Williams' turn around has been apparent to his fellow cadets, who said they see him as a leader and role model, both in and outside of the classroom.
"He is an excellent cadet and a fantastic leader who is cool-headed and always doing his job," said Willy Steers, senior in finance. "I've never seen him complain. He is a fantastic example of an Auburn AFROTC cadet."
Steers said he recalled a story he once heard about Williams during his field training.
Williams had arrived late one day to training and was going to get in trouble for his tardiness.
Williams acknowledged he was at fault and was going to take the punishment, but then the discrepancy was dropped.
"It was dropped when it came out Williams was late because he was making sure his team had water in order to keep them hydrated and out of dangerous situations," Steers said. "I think it says something about him that he was helping his team even though it was at his expense."
Williams was awarded the Bronze Cross by retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Atkins, a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in Vietnam.
(10/31/13 2:11pm)
The Recreation and Wellness Center was forced to shut down the suspended track above the basketball courts Friday, Oct. 18.
After finding issues in the form of a few loose bolts, Gregory Parsons, University architect and director of facility design, said he thought a temporary close would allow the track to be fixed in the correct manner, so students would be able to run on the track again.
Although the shutdown has raised questions surrounding the safety of the track, Parsons assured students the issue being solved is not related to the structure of the track.
"A few bolts didn't appear normal," Parsons said. "We thought it was important enough to get all of the bolts checked out and verified."
With details released about the loose bolts in the Rec Center, many people were left wondering whether the track they had exercised on for three months is structurally sound or if the building as a whole is correctly constructed last semester.
"I think, we the Auburn students, should have been given more information on this," said Hannah LeCroy, undeclared sophomore. "People run on it every day, so I think we have the right to know what's wrong with it and if it's safe enough to exercise on."
Although the Rec Center has yet to disclose the root of the track closure, Parsons assured Auburn students the closure was nothing more than a precautionary measure.
Parsons also said workers have already begun the process of repairing the problems with the track.
"It doesn't have anything to do with the structure or the track collapsing," Parsons said. "Rather, the loose bolts are responsible for the attachment of the guard rails to the track."
The track, which is comprised of approximately 2,300 individual bolts, was partly reopened Friday, Oct. 25.
The partial opening allowed runners to utilize the track in the area above the gymnasium, but excluding the remainder of the track.
The crews worked off hours to open the track back up, midnight-5 a.m., so the daily operation of the Rec Center is not disrupted.
"They still have about two more nights of checking and verifying bolts around the cardio and rock climbing areas of the track," Parsons said. "We are trying to get it done as quickly as possible while trying to stay out of the way of daily operation but making sure all bolts are securely fastened."
Parsons said it was important students are aware the closure of the track was due to something minor rather than something major, which might endanger the safety of students.
"We never really thought there was anything wrong with the track," Parsons said. "It was just a precautionary measure with the safety of Auburn's students as the main focus."
All parts of the track are now fully operational as of Thursday, Oct. 31.
(10/25/13 2:55am)
The Student Government Association held its High school Leadership Conference callouts Thursday, Oct. 24, on Cater Lawn in front of a large crowd of Auburn students.
The High School Leadership Conference is a conference hosted by SGA in an attempt to serve high school leaders and to further their leadership abilities.
The conference, which will be held Jan. 28-29, 2014 in Auburn, will allow the students selected to lead small group discussion and challenging team building games.
Prior to the conference, counselors will participate in weekly training sessions that prepare them to lead their group of conference participants.
Counselors, hosts and hostesses were chosen by the SGA High School Leadership Conference Team.
The Conference team was comprised of Meredith Zepf, sophomore in elementary education and director of the High School Leadership Conference Team.
The assistant directors included Ryan Blackwell, sophomore in mechanical engineering, Kaleigh Nattrass, junior in elementary education, Hunter Smith, sophomore in accounting and Taryn Wilson, junior in accounting.
The conference will host approximately 300 student leaders and will give the counselors the opportunity to share new ideas in hopes of helping students make a difference in the community.
(10/24/13 1:00pm)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a nationally recognized month in which events are held to raise awareness and prevent or reduce domestic violence.
Once again, Auburn has made it a point to try and raise awareness of domestic violence and its consequences.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Cater Lawn was the host of the Silent Witness Roll Call and Candlelight Vigil.
The event featured speakers such as Caitlin Woods, a survivor of domestic violence, Lisa-Jackson Stephenson, executive director of the Domestic Violence Intervention Center, and William Shallock, who took a stand against domestic violence and told stories of his experiences with it.
Afterward, the names of all victims who died during the past year in Alabama as a result of domestic violence were read aloud.
A purple balloon was released for each individual as his or her name was read. This was followed by a candlelight vigil for those individuals.
"This is the first time I have been to (the Silent Witness Roll Call.) It was a good experience because we got to hear people speak who had been through, and survived, domestic violence," said Natalie Adcock, sophomore in business. "I really appreciate them opening up their lives to complete strangers, because I'm sure it is not easy."
Also, in front of Cater Hall was a Silent Witness exhibit in which numerous wooden silhouette cutouts were spread out in representation of those who had been killed by their partners. Attached to the cutouts were stories of local individuals who lost their lives to domestic violence throughout the past year.
After the roll call of people who lost their lives from domestic violence, members of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority released balloons into the air, each with a name of a victim of Domestic Violence.
In the attempt to raise awareness of domestic violence, Auburn has launched a Zero Tolerance Campaign.
Signs across Auburn's campus, marked with a purple ribbon, help outline facts of domestic violence and how to get help for domestic violence issues.
"I think they would have more of an impact if they stuck out a little bit more," said Stanford Hornsby, undeclared sophomore. "It might grab people's attention and before they know it, they have learned something new."
On Saturday, Oct. 28, Auburn will conclude the Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an event called "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes."
The event will begin at 2 p.m. on the green space.
"Participants will walk a mile in a pair of high heels to benefit local survivors of domestic violence," said Bonnie Wilson, diversity intiatives coordinator. "Both men and women are encouraged to wear high heels because it's what makes the experience so eye opening. However, tennis shoes are allowed if participants would rather wear them."
Wilson said since both men and women are affected by domestic violence, they shoud both participate in all Domestic Violence Awareness Month events.
(10/28/13 5:00am)
This year, University Directories, the nation's leading collegiate media and marketing company out of Chapel Hill, N.C., is putting on a sweepstakes that appeals to college student's favorite holiday, spring break.
Through its deal-driven website and mobile application, AroundCampus.com, University Directories is offering several different prizes and a grand prize of an all-expenses paid spring break trip for two.
The sweepstakes, called "The Party's on us," will give 70 "party packs" containing free spring break themed items, a $500 spring break discount voucher and a grand prize spring break trip for two.
"I wouldn't mind going on the spring break trip for two but I think there would be more demand for entering the sweepstakes,"said Graham Rochester, sophomore in civil engineering. "As for the spring break discount voucher, I'd like that in cash if that would be possible,"
Students at more than 200 universities can access the application by picking the campus that the student attends. Participating local businesses have the option to place coupons and deals that are easily used and shared from the online and mobile platforms.
AroundCampus.com won the best application award for "Best College Student App" and continues to work on expanding its online and mobile platforms.
Each participating local business has a full profile on Around Campus that provides business contact information, a direct link to business websites and map directions from Google Maps.
Businesses in Auburn, such as Sky Bar Cafe, Tropical Smoothie, Island Wing Company and Brick Oven Pizza participate in Around Campus.
Browsing through the local businesses, each business uses the application differently to market their businesses.
Sky Bar Cafe uses the app to advertise their nightly drink specials and events while Tropical Smoothie offers $20 off any item coupons.
These coupons can be redeemed directly from Androids or IPhones via the application.
Application users have found the redeemable coupons on a mobile device have made couponing easier.
"I've actually known about this app for a little while now," said Matt Winne, sophomore in economics. "I would say that it definitely makes getting money off of my orders a lot easier and I don't have to go through a newspaper to find the coupons."
"The Party's On Us" sweepstakes is one of the ways for University Directories to expand its platforms.
The sweepstakes, which began Sept. 15, will run through Nov. 12.
In order to be eligible to win the prize packages, students simply download the application and select "enter me in the sweepstakes."
Students can create an account for free.
Local businesses, as well as students benefit from AroundCampus.com.
The difficulty of couponing is made easier through the AroundCampus.com application and can help students save money.
(10/22/13 2:13am)
Monday, Oct. 21 the Student Government Association meeting focused on an amendment of the chapter 702 in the SGA Code of Laws.
Chapter 702.1 requires there be a permanent board in the Executive Branch of the SGA known as the Election Board, which is comprised of the president of the SGA, Harrison Mills, the executive director of elections and five members of the student body at large chosen by the appointing committee.
The amendment to Chapter 702, proposed by Jacob Dean, senior in political science and pro tempore, relieved Mills of his duties as a member of the SGA Elections Board and would allow the executive director of elections to vote only in cases of a tie, leaving a total of five members on the panel.
"Were telling people that they have to sit on E-board and are not giving them an opportunity to do what they want or a way out" Dean said. "Its compulsory and I think it's one of the things in the code that could stand to be changed."
The amendment, which would allow the SGA president to utilize his time elsewhere, was brought about by a question of whether or not the president being on the board presents a bias to the Auburn students.
" I think a bias is a part of human nature," said Walter Whatley, senior in accounting and member of the executive committee representing the Code of Laws. "Every member on that board is bias in that nature."
Whatley continued on to compare the SGA to other organizations and governments within our society.
"There has to be a reason why there are ex officio members on nearly every kind of board," Whatley said. "It's because they guarantee wealth of knowledge and we need that on our board.
The motion to pass the amendment was carried by a 31 to 2 vote in favor of the Amendment, which now no longer requires that Mills be a part of the election board of the SGA.
"The fact that an elected member is on the board makes it that much more legitimate so taking away the only elected member by the Student Body off of the board it just wrong," Whatley said.
In other news, Brittany Thompson, a junior Nursing major, was appointed as the 2013-2014 Nursing Council Vice President. Thompson will be the first Nursing Council Vice President as the position has never been filled. The motion to appoint Thompson passed the Senate with a unanimous vote, allowing Thompson to fill the position immediately.
(10/16/13 12:02am)
David McCullough, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian, visited Auburn Tuesday, Oct. 15.
McCullough's visit was made possible by support from Merchant Capital LLC of Montgomery and is sponsored by Auburn University's Office of the Provost and Office of Undergraduate Studies.
In front of a crowd of approximately 2,000 people, McCullough delivered a message on the role of history in education and life.
"History is about life, not boring textbooks," McCullough said. "Of course, it should be taught about political, military and social issues, but also should not leave out music, art and freedom."
McCullough, who won his first Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for his biography on Harry Truman, and a second for his 2001 publication of "John Adams," referenced his works while keeping the focus on history in education.
Discussing the role of books in the lives of John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt, McCullough attempted to prove that reading about one's country is the best way for a citizen to become educated.
"There are still more public libraries than McDonalds," McCullough said. "Libraries equal freedom and we should take advantage of all of the resources around us to learn about our country. If you are a student of history, you learn to love history and you begin to take history as a part of the experience of being alive," McCullough said.
Many Auburn students took notes on the advice McCullough offered.
"You find out what you really love in college," McCullough said. "Follow your heart about what interests you and stay curious. Don't worry about being successful, powerful, or rich. Do something because you love it."
Some of the students left the arena with a different outlook on history.
"Before I heard him [McCullough] speak, I saw history as the class that required me to memorize facts and dates," said David Haven, sophomore in business. "But now, I see it as a part of my life and who I am and I think it will help me when I sit down to study."
(10/10/13 12:48am)
The Homecoming festivities continued Wednesday, Oct. 9, with Omicron Delta Kappa's Rosen-Hutsell Cake Race.
The Cake Race, which students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to support, and participate in, celebrated its 85th anniversary today.
"The Race started back in 1928 as a way for then track coaches to find talent on campus for the track team. They teamed up with ODK to encourage people to run and offered cakes for the top finishers," said Harrison Hall, a Co-director of the Cake Race.
Named after Wilbur Hutsell, former Auburn track coach, and Mel Rosen, Auburn track coach for 28 years, the Cake Race began on the Green Space and participants ran clockwise around the campus.
Rosen was in good company today as the race, named after him, attracted quite the student turnout. Trying to catch their breath and get in the shaded tent area, the tents overflowed with people.
"The turnout today was actually really good," Hall said. "We try to get a lot of publicity out in the student center and through different news organizations so we're pleased with how many people turned out today."
Hall was not the only one who noticed the turnout at the 85th Cake race.
"There are usually about 100 runners, so it was a good day," said Walter Whatley, president of the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society.
There was a total of 125 runners at the event.
Carrying on the tradition, the first 20 men and 20 women to cross the finish line received a cake of their choice. However, there was more incentive to the race this year as the male winner was awarded a kiss from this year's Miss Auburn, Tara Jones, and the female winner awarded a kiss from SGA President, Harrison Mills.
Finishing around the ten-minute mark were two members of the Auburn triathlon club team.
Taking first for the men was Robert Bedsole, graduate in mechanical engineering, while German exchange student, Sarah Ziem, studying polymer and fiber engineering, dashed across the line to claim first in the women's category.
"It was fun, the start was pretty crazy," Betsel said. "This is the biggest turn out I've seen for a Cake Race."
Ziem, who is only here for three weeks, was quite modest about her top finish.
"It was my first time running this so I just followed the other guys," Ziem said.
Today's runners got their cakes and ate them too.
(10/10/13 10:00pm)
Three Auburn faculty members were announced as 2013-2014 SEC Academic Leadership Development Program Fellows.
The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program's mission is to identify, develop, prepare and advance faculty as academic leaders among research universities.
Jennifer Adams, director of the School of Communication and Journalism, Sushil Bhavnani, professor in Henry M. Burt Jr. School of Mechanical Engineering, and Richard Burt, head of the McWhorter School of Building Science will join a number of fellow SEC faculty members in two workshops.
The workshops will be held Oct. 14-16 at the University of Georgia and Feb. 5-7 at the University of South Carolina.
These workshops seek to enhance and develop the next generation of academic leaders in the SEC.
"It's meeting with similarly appointed folks from other universities," Bhavnani said. "We will listen to other SEC leaders about how a university operates, how the budgeting process works, where the income sources are, what it takes to be a good steward of resources and make sure that students benefit in the greatest way possible, as well as employees."
Adams, Burt and Bhavnani will join 46 other South Eastern Conference faculty and administrators in hopes of enhacing their already-honed teaching skills.
According to WireEagle.auburn.edu, these three faculty members have excelled, both in and outside of the classroom, and therefore were given the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas with a number of SEC colleagues.
As noted by the nomination to be considered an SEC Academic Leadership Development Fellow, these faculty members have clearly made a difference in the lives of their students, as well as fellow faculty members although they will not admit it,
"I've just been doing what any other faculty member does in terms of teaching courses at various levels, mostly upper level and graduate level courses," Bhavnani said.
While many professors set core class values, the values these faculty members used to guide themselves through their time as a faculty member have been the difference maker in their classroom.
Burt, whose core teaching value is "you never stop learning and you never stop learning how to learn," said it has helped him in his career at Auburn and has led him to the top of the McWhorter School of Building Science.
Bhavnani, who strives to reach out to every type of student and different learning style, has succeeded according to his students.
In an attempt to make sure the average student, the excelling student and the struggling student is getting something out of the class, Bhavnani receives feedback from his all of students.
Bhavnani said the feedback he gets back from his students is usually positive.
"I'm pleased with how students react to it," Bhavani said. "Attendance in my class has always been in the upper 90 percent, so I think people are getting something positive out of my class."
These three Auburn faculty members exemplify Auburn University and all that it stands for.
These faculty members will share the knowledge they have accrued throughout their years at the University alongside other great SEC faculty member and staff.
(10/08/13 4:00am)
This year, one of Auburn's academic resources celebrates its 35th year of tutoring Auburn students in a variety of courses.
Study Partners, located on the 2nd Floor of the Ralph Brown Draughon Library, is a free tutoring program sponsored by Academic Support Services, which assists currently enrolled Auburn students with their academics.
"Its been around for a long time, but when it started out, it was in the basement of the library and there were only five or 10 tutors," said Amanda Cameron, Study Partners graduate assistant. "It's really grown a lot in the last four or five years."
Despite its humble origins, Study Partners now has a large number of qualified tutors.
Study Partners tutors are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and have earned an "A" or high "B" in the particular subject in which they tutor.
"We have approximately 85 tutors who are primarily undergrads, with a couple of professional and graduate students who generally tutor undergrads, as well in a lot of different subjects," Cameron said.
Although finding enough time in the day to squeeze in a tutor is difficult, Study Partners' appointment scheduling makes the process easy.
Appointments are made using the online scheduling system, SARS, at any time, day or night.
However, as demand for tutors increases, scheduling times are becoming less available.
"We are in the process of trying to hire more tutors because there is so much demand," Cameron said. "People are starting to find out about us more, and we are trying to meet that demand by hiring more tutors."
Prior to making an appointment, students need to know the course name and number. Each appointment is a 50-minute session, and each student is guaranteed their own Study Partners experience.
"A tutoring session usually includes meeting the client and asking questions like what class they are in, what teacher they have, whether they are coming before a test or after a bad grade," said Phylesia Hill, Study Partners tutor. "From there, it really depends on the student because everyone learns differently."
Study Partners has helped many students, but once a student decides to take part in Study Partners, it's really up to the student whether they benefit from the sessions.
"When they come back regularly, they really do seem to do better in those classes," Cameron said. "When they only show up once, it's not as effective, but when they keep coming back and keep working on their subject, it really does help them out and, of course, it makes us feel good to see students come back."
With a mission to provide quality one-on-one and small-group tutoring for undergraduate courses, Study Partners strives, and often succeeds, in creating independent learners.
Although Study Partners has grown drastically since it began as a five-man operation in the basement of the University's library, it continues to grow.
Study Partners will continue to get their name out to the student body and will hold an event for National Tutor Week.
Between Oct. 7-11, Study Partners will have a bulletin board on the 2nd Floor library hall so students are able to publically show their appreciation for those who have assisted them.
For more information call the office at 334-844-5702.
(10/01/13 1:51am)
The Senate meeting of the Student Government Association, Sept.30 highlighted two new orders of business.
The more important of the two new orders of business came in the form of an appointment of Christy Cameron as the 2013-2014 Vice President of the student council for the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. Cameron, a junior in Industrial design, met no opposition at the Senate meeting, allowing her to fill the empty CADC position.
The second order of business on the student senate agenda was a resolution in appreciation of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for the grant to Auburn University. The resolution passed with no resistance from Senate members.
The $84,505 grant, made possible through the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act, was awarded to Auburn's Waste Reduction and Recycling Department. The grant will support the purchase of recycling bins and other equipment that will create a more convenient recycling environment for the University community.
Next week, the student senate is set to discuss a resolution supporting the addition of blue emergency lights in the Caroline Draughon Village residential areas and parking lots.
The Blue emergency poles, which light up Auburn's campus, allow students to call for a security shuttle or to contact 911 in case of an emergency.
(09/25/13 5:50pm)
As midterm approaches, it is important that students are aware of their academic standing in their courses. Luckily, beginning this year, students will be given the opportunity to view their course grades one week prior to midterm. Approved in December of last year, the Early Alert Grade Program requires that professors teaching core classes record in Banner an early grade alert for all of the students enrolled in those classes one week prior to midterm.
"There had been discussion of a need for early grade notification for several years. Relihan took the issue to the University Senate last spring and the initiative was approved by the Senate with the goal of implementation this semester," said Kathryn Flynn, director of the Academic Counseling and Advising Center.
Although every student enrolled in a core class will receive an early alert grade, only students earning "D," "F," or "FA" grades will be identified through the Early Alert Grade Program. Students will then be sorted into five groups to determine the intervention and resources needed.
The five groups of the Early Alert Grade Program include continuing Auburn students in good standing with a grade less than a C, first semester students with a grade less than C, continuing students with more than grade less than C, continuing students on academic warning with any grades less than C and first semester students with multiple grades less than C.
This process will permit students to seek tutoring or take other action based on which group they are in, before the midterm drop deadline. Students who earn "D." "F," or "FA" early alert grades will receive an email from Judith Sanders, the coordinator of the Retention Program. Students will then be given information dependent on their current academic status and whether or not they are a first semester student.
"Most students will be guided toward existing academic resources, such as Study Partners, Supplemental Instruction, the Miller Writing Center, or other specialized university offices for assistance with academic difficulty," Sanders said.
Other students who are experiencing academic difficulty will be offered academic workshops by the Office of Academic Support and the Retention Coordinator.
"Workshops will review the many academic resources available at Auburn. They offer students an opportunity to consider the causes of their academic difficulty and to explore possible solutions," Sanders said.
The Early Alert Grade Program has had faculty involvement from the beginning as the University Senate, made up of five faculty members representing core areas on the advisory committee, approved the initiative. Although some faculty members may not be pleased about the additional requirement, others acknowledge that students need feedback early in the term.
"Overall, Faculty want students to learn and do well in their classes. Faculty members typically want students to talk with them early in the term, rather than later when it is too late to make adjustments and raise a grade," Sanders said.
Although the program is in its first year, a wait and see period, Flynn believes the program will increase the GPA's of students who take the initiative and take advantage of university resources.
"We are hopeful that an increase in GPA does occur. Of course, this will be dependent upon a number of things, especially that students who are notified they are at risk based on their early alert grades take advantage of the resources offered to them," Flynn said.
Beginning Oct.4,one week prior to the Oct. 10 midterm, students will have the opportunity to view their early alert grades.
In order to access their Early Alert Grades, students should log in to tigeri and click on student records.
Students should then click Midterm Grades.
Although the grades are referred to as Early Alert grades, they are currently referred to as midterm grades in Banner.
(09/12/13 3:34pm)
The opportunity to travel to Europe with a group of peers is right at the tip of any Auburn students' fingers.
The European Grad Trip makes that opportunity a reality.
This year marks the sixth annual trip.
"The graduation trip is sponsored through the Auburn Alumni Association and it's not like a study abroad trip or faculty-led trip," said Grace Perry, senior in marketing and student travel ambassador for the Auburn Alumni Association. "The trip is about earning your independence and seeing what the European culture is all about."
The European Grad Trip offers backpacking across Europe, going on a budget trip and studying abroad.
The trip is planned through Baltimore-based AESU World Travel, an international tour operator.
"It's $2,345 for the 10 days, and then there is the optional six-day extension to Greece for an extra $935," Perry said. "So basically, the travelers are getting 16 days in Europe for $250 [per day], a deal which is incredible because it includes three and four star hotel stays, one dinner in each city, most breakfasts, transportation and museum passes."
Stops during the first 10 days include London, Paris, Milan, Rome and the Vatican City.
"On day 10, you either travel home or go to the Sorrento Peninsula which is on the Amalfi Coast, which probably has the most crystal-clear water you will ever see," Perry said. "After visiting Pompeii, you go on an overnight ship to Greece with everyone until traveling to Athens on the 15th day."
The trips accept students younger than 30 years old.
For more information, the Auburn Alumni Association will hold an informational session Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 4-5 p.m. in Student Center Room 2310A.