Chase Morgese | Columnist - The Auburn Plainsman

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Lana Ha | Graphics Editor

Columns

COLUMN | The many names of Auburn University

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | February 23

Despite the University’s seemingly timeless charm, its many name changes illustrate a complex, frenetic history, which reveals just how young Auburn is in the context of its development. Nonetheless, when posterity looks back on history, it invariably finds that its ancestors tolerated — and often approved of — truly unconscionable behavior. Let us be the ones to set them right.

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Editorial

EDITORIAL | AU Alert cries wolf

By Chase Morgese | Columnist and Editorial Board Fall 2025 | November 14

The series of AU Alerts sent out Nov. 6 marked a catastrophic failure of Auburn’s security system. News of an active shooter struck fear across campus, to an extent likely unseen in years. Students cleared out of dining halls, hid in classrooms and reckoned with the fact that they and their peers’ lives might be in peril. Auburn is obligated to take accountability for its misstep and ensure nothing like it happens again. Any halfhearted attempts to do so should not be tolerated.

Luca Flores | Photo Editor

Editorial

EDITORIAL | Preserving public safety in Auburn

By Chase Morgese | Columnist and Editorial Board Fall 2025 | September 17

Auburn, as a city and a university takes pride in being a safe place for those who live there. However, in the last month, we've seen The Loveliest Village become full of violence and danger, which is becoming concerning. The university, however cannot be blamed for the presence of danger in the community, which is unavoidable anywhere. Students and Auburn-Opelika residents must take measures to protect themselves.

Estela Munoz | Assistant Photo Editor

Columns

COLUMN | Planting a jungle: Bruce Pearl's profound influence on Auburn's culture

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | April 23

Bruce Pearl was hired as the Auburn men’s basketball head coach in 2014 after the team’s fifth straight losing season. His passion for basketball and his loyalty to players and the community formed the basis of a new culture — a culture which would one day solidify Auburn’s standing as a basketball school.

Luca Flores | Photo Editor, Madison Champion | Graphics Editor

Editorial

EDITORIAL | Internet anonymity is a myth

By Editorial Board Spring 2025 and Chase Morgese | Columnist | April 4

In the age of the internet, our actions are under constant scrutiny, whether we know it or not. The social media app YikYak has often been the source of scandal. Although the site boasts of its potential for community and positive impact, it is riddled with gossip, bullying and hate.

Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief

Columns

Plainsman's Pointers | What to do when it's all hitting

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | November 22

We all have the necessary resolve to persist through the worst of college, when one’s workload is unbearable. Yet when this load is different from those commonly faced or completely unknown, it's hard to navigate. What do I do?

Columns

COLUMN | Professors should eliminate pop quizzes

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | October 21

Surprise assessments do not prepare students for life after school. In fact, they result in nothing but more onerous semesters. By eliminating pop quizzes, professors allow students to study in the manner most conducive to their success.

Mia Stamey | Graphics Editor

Opinion

COLUMN | Professors should eliminate mandatory attendance policies

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | September 23

Mandatory attendance is a tricky classroom policy. It confines students to cumbersome schedules and prevents them from optimally organizing their time. If an individual can achieve academic excellence without going to class, they should not be punished for their absence.

Madison Champion | Graphics Editor

Opinion

COLUMN | Study tips for incoming freshmen

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | August 28

A guide from a senior for academic success. The five things that helped me through studying at Auburn.

Lana Ha | Graphics Editor

Opinion

COLUMN | Having a high GPA is overrated

By Chase Morgese | Columnist | April 15

Achieving a high GPA requires hard work and sacrifice, which are appreciated in any workplace. However, there comes a point at which getting good grades offers diminishing returns on an individual level.