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Pickleball grows in Auburn along with court wait times

By William Speigner | Legal Reporter | April 12

Pickleball, a sport much like a mix of tennis and ping pong, has experienced an unprecedented rise in popularity and has become one of Auburn students' favorite pastimes. In Auburn, this burgeoning interest has led to the creation of a pickleball club and a large and growing community on the hardtop. However, pickleball's popularity has created growing pains, such as significant wait times for open courts.

Coming for round 4: Auburn BBFD amps up for SEC Food Fight

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | April 11

Beat Bama Food Drive joined in the SEC Food Fight for the 30th year, hoping to cinch its fourth consecutive win. Campuses across the SEC compete to see who can donate the most food to their local food pantries.

University removes lead paint in Mary Martin Hall

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | April 9

The university is in the process of removing lead paint from the exterior of Mary Martin Hall. The removal is not required by federal law, and the paint is not harmful unless disturbed by other elements. 

SGA and IFC propose campuswide Narcan stations

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | April 3

During the April 1 meeting, Student Government Association President Jack Hilton discussed the proposal of implementing Narcan stations across the Auburn campus in partnership with the Interfraternity Council.

Jeff Long delivers 2024 Final Lecture

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor | April 2

On Monday, April 1, Jeff Long delivered the 2024 final lecture, a distinguished honor bestowed upon him by the student body in recognition of his contributions to the university through teaching and service. Currently serving as the assistant dean of the Harbert College of Business, Long has been an integral part of the Auburn community since 2012, initially serving as the chief operating officer for the business college.

Miss Auburn University hosts engagement week

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor | April 2

Miss Auburn University, Mary-Coker Green, hosted Engage Week from March 25 to 28, a campaign dedicated to her service platform, “Engage: building healthy and resilient minds." Green's initiative aims to promote mental and emotional well-being through education, awareness and the utilization of mental health resources available at Auburn. 

Tiger Dining competes in Chef Wars at the Edge

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor | March 27

Auburn University Tiger Dining held Chef Wars, a spirited competition challenging teams to showcase their culinary prowess and craft the ultimate dish. The event was held on Monday, March 25, at the Edge, which is the main dining hall on Auburn's campus. 

Faculty vote against motion questioning provost's legitimacy

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor | March 26

At their Tuesday, March 26, biannual meeting, the university faculty voted against a motion submitted by Michael Stern, associate professor of economics, regarding the legitimacy of Vini Nathan's position as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. 

Project Drawdown director unpacks climate strategies for Auburn community

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | March 22

As part of Auburn University's Sustainability Speaker Series, environmental scientist Jonathan Foley gave a lecture about Matt Damon, climate change and Auburn University the night of Monday, March 18. 

Roberts, Nathan 'evaluate the implications' of DEI bill signed by Gov. Kay Ivey

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief , Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor and Kristen Carr | Editor-in-Chief | March 20

On March 20, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law SB 129, a bill banning state funding of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, making Alabama one of 36 states that have introduced or passed legislation along these lines. Following the bill's passage, President Roberts and Provost Nathan sent out a joint statement via email emphasizing the university commitment to following state law, as well as affirming "access and opportunity." 

Aggravated assault reported outside Talon Hall

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor | March 20

On Wednesday, March 20, at 4:53 p.m., Auburn University's Department of Campus Safety and Security sent a university-wide email regarding a report about an aggravated assault potentially motivated by racial bias. The crime, which took place outside Talon Residence Hall, is classified as a hate crime under the Clery Act. 

Coleman Morris wins Zeta Tau Alpha's 29th annual Big Man on Campus

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | March 18

On Wed., March 13, Zeta Tau Alpha held its 29th annual Big Man on Campus competition, an all-male beauty pageant formed by nominees from various student organizations. Coleman Morris won the overall competition, with smaller awards given out to other contestants throughout the night. 

Auburn University hosts International Women's Day celebration

By Michaela Yielding | News Editor | March 18

The event allowed women to speak freely about the issues they have faced and gave room to discuss solutions to obstacles women face. Auburn also highlighted the International Cultural Center's "Year of Indonesia" showcase. 

Alabama Supreme Court holds oral argument at Gogue Performing Arts Center

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 16

On March 14, 2024, the Supreme Court of Alabama held oral arguments on Auburn University’s campus, the second time the court has done so. During the session, justices heard arguments about a medical malpractice case. The arguments, which were open to students and the community, were held at the Gogue Performing Arts Center.

Auburn University Campus Safety & Security investigate 'concerning social media posts'

By Connor Copeland | Assistant Managing Editor and Harlee Meydrech | Editor-in-Chief | March 13

On March 13, at 12:08 p.m., Auburn University Campus Safety & Security sent out an email regarding "concerning social media posts" made earlier that day. The Plainsman will continue to monitor this story.

UPC hosts War Eagle Karaoke Night

By Rachel Swan | Assistant News Editor | March 13

Auburn's University Program Council debuted their War Eagle Karaoke Night on March 12 in the Melton Student Center ballroom, where students had the chance to jam out to their favorite songs on stage. 

Construction begins on new dorms along Haley Concourse

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | March 11

Construction began this week on a new residence hall along Haley Concourse, set to house 371 students and to be completed for the fall 2026 semester. University architect and assistant vice president of planning, design and construction Simon Yendle oversees construction projects across campus. The university has conducted multiple site studies according to Yendle, who described the current located as preferred by him and the Board of Trustees.

University holds annual Robert Hughes Mount Jr. poetry competition

By Brychelle Brooks | Editor-in-Chief | March 7

Auburn University's Department of English is hosting the annual Robert Hughes Mount, Jr. poetry contest sponsored by the Academy of American Poets.The prize offered is $100, a membership in the Academy of American Poets and a copy of the judge’s collection of poems, this year Nathan Spoon. The winner will be announced April 26 at the Department of English's awards ceremony.