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Updated Annual Security and Fire Safety Report available

By Staff Report | April 13

An updated version of the 2013 Auburn University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report developed by Auburn University Department of Public Safety & Security and the Auburn University Department of Risk Management & Safety is now available, according to an email sent by Auburn University Public Safety and Security. The report includes crime statistics and information about campus safety policies such as crime reporting, emergency procedures and notification, campus evacuation, missing students, alcohol and drug use, weapons, sexual assault and dating violence domestic violence and stalking. It also includes information about fire safety. The report can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/campussafety. 

Advisers weigh in on the Grade Adjustment Policy

By Rebecca Oliver | Campus Writer | April 10

It’s that time in the semester when the drop period has ended, and students who may be doing poorly in their classes are faced with an ultimatum: Should I GAP or take the F? Lori McLean, communications and journalism adviser, said the Grade Adjust Policy (GAP) has proven itself to provide life support to GPAs.

Auburn named a top city for hipsters in the US

By Haley Lanigan | Campus Writer | April 10

The City of Auburn was declared one of the top United States cities for hipsters by a survey taken by FindTheHome.com and shared on CBSNews.com.

The ins and outs of scholarships

By Tracy Awino | Campus Reporter | April 10

Each spring, the Auburn University Office of University Scholarships awards scholarships to incoming freshmen for the next school year and general scholarships for current enrolled students. Velda Rooker, director of University scholarships, said there are three levels of Spirit of Auburn Scholarships awarded to incoming freshmen. The first is the SOA Presidential Scholarship, which covers tuition for four years and gives a $1,000 technology stipend for the fall, requires a minimum 32 ACT and 3.5 GPA. The second is the Spirit of Auburn Founders Scholarship requires a minimum 30 ACT and 3.5 GPA and covers tuition for four years. The third is Spirit of Auburn Scholarship requires a minimum 28 ACT, 3.5 GPA and provides $3,000 for four years, according to Rooker.

Senior wins Daniel J. Edelman PRSSA Award

By Ameera Steward | Campus Writer | April 10

Rachel Pipan, senior in public relations, recently won the Daniel J. Edelman PRSSA Award, an award the Edelman PR firm awards to outstanding juniors and seniors involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Mat Kearney grooves on the Greenspace

By Anne Dawson | Intrigue Writer | April 10

Despite the stormy weather, students and community members gathered on the greenspace April 10 to see Twin Forks, Nate & Function, and Mat Kearney perform. “We want to bring students together to have fun and listen to a diverse mix of music,” said UPC member Brianna Jeffries, freshman in undeclared science and math. The event, put on by the UPC’s Tiger Nights, featured live entertainment and free food for all students with their Ignited cards. UPC also provided the crowd with flower crowns, temporary tattoos and leather bracelets.

Equine training class gives students a chance to work one-on-one with their own adopted foal for a semester

By Andria Moore | Intrigue Writer | April 9

Of the wide variety of elective courses offered at Auburn, there is one in the College of Animal Sciences that is almost too popular.

AU Singers to perform at Kreher’s Music in the Forest

By Kendyl Hollingsworth | Community Writer | April 9

The AU Singers will entertain the public with song and dance as part of a concert series hosted by the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on Saturday, April 11, at 4:30 p.m. The Music in the Forest series is a collaboration between the preserve and the department of music to provide the community with musical entertainment while benefitting KPNC’s children’s educational programs and AUMD’s student scholarship fund. “I’ve always enjoyed the energetic AU Singers and know firsthand how much time and effort is put into their performances,” said Sarah Collins, administrative assistant for the department of music.

Spinning into action: University prepares for tornado season

By Kris Martins | Campus Reporter | April 9

Transitioning into the springtime, pollen isn’t the only thing expected in Alabama. As tornado season approaches, Auburn University Emergency Management lays out its severe weather procedures. Chance Corbett, associate director of Emergency Management, said every campus building has a designated indoor shelter area marked with a green “Severe Weather Shelter” sign.

Nobel Laureate discusses the origins of life on Earth

By Caitlin Shostak l Campus Writer | April 8

Because many Earth-like planets exist in the universe, it seems plausible life could exist elsewhere in the galaxy.

Electrical Engineering Professor Nominated to Deliver “Final Lecture”

By Haley Lanigan | Campus Writer | April 8

Professor Stuart Wentworth was nominated to give the “Final Lecture” to the graduating class of 2015 on April 8. The engineering professor decided to give the lecture on what he called his area of expertise.

SGA hears goals for coming year

By Ben Ruffin | Campus Writer | April 6

The Student Government Association’s on Monday, April 6, saw the appointment of a new president and vice president for the graduate school and also provided members of SGA exec the opportunity to discuss goals for the upcoming year. Jesse Westerhouse, executive vice president of initiatives, discussed a resolution that will come across the senate floor next week.

University sends out email about a possible compromise of student personal information

By Staff Report | April 4

Auburn University is investigating data security incident exposing the personal information for current, former and prospective students, according to an email sent out to faculty and staff. According to the email, personal information stored on University servers was accessible online.

Student media restructuring leads to the elimination of nine University positions

By Becky Hardy | Editor-in-Chief | April 3

Nine student media employees were unaware of what was about to happen when they walked through the doors of the Office of Student Affairs March 19. Elizabeth Stone, communications specialist for the Office of the Vice President, and Bobby Woodard, vice president of Student Affairs, restructured the student media program and will lay off nine people from their jobs, some of whom have been working for the University for more than a decade, starting May 15.

#ThrowbackThursday: Looking back to 1998

April 3

A look back to the famous Dec. 3, 1998 issue of The Auburn Plainsman showing that The Plainsman will always have an independent voice.  The Auburn Plainsman 12-3-1998 by The Auburn Plainsman

Alpha Xi Delta lights it up blue

By Haley Lanigan | Campus Writer | April 3

The Zeta Xi chapter of Alpha Xi Delta held its “Shine On” event April 2 to raise autism awareness. The event consisted of guitar music and, free pizza and two speakers.

Researcher predicts water scarceness

By Rebecca Oliver | Campus Writer | April 2

Auburn University assistant professor Shufen “Susan” Pan has conducted research on global climate change that suggests there may be water scarcity in more than half of the world’s land area by the end of the 21st century. Pan is one of the researchers for Auburn’s International Center for Climate and Global Change research, which has been recognized by the White House for its contributions to the U.S.

STDCheck.com ranks Auburn with top five highest STD rates

By Kris Martins | Campus Reporter | April 2

During the first week of March, STDcheck.com released a blog stating Auburn University and the University of Alabama are among the top five colleges with the highest sexually transmitted disease rates. The article did not provide statistics specific to Auburn University or the University of Alabama or attribute from what source the rates originated.