Aumnibus Staff, Author at The AUMnibus

Dec

09

2024

0 Comments

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: AUM’s cafeteria should be open 7 days a week

Campus, Opinionopinion

By: Victoria Salters MONTGOMERY, AL— Extending the cafeteria's hours is one way our campus could be made better. Here at AUM students’ weekend meal options are currently restricted because the cafeteria is closed on weekends. This is a problem for an institution that prides itself on helping its student body. Because of how this issue affects AUM students and staff, the school should extend the cafe hours to seven days a week. AUM lags behind other colleges and institutions across the country that understand how important it is to have their cafeterias open seven days a week. Similar-sized schools and…

Nov

21

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: The truth about melatonin

Opinionmelatonin, opinion

Safe for short term use but can cause sleep disorders By: Christa Burns Melatonin has been advertised to consumers as a drug free sleep aid that is safe for the whole family. The Sleep Foundation surveyed 1,270 adults in America. The results showed that 27.4% of adults take melatonin as a sleep aid and 38.6% take it every night. However, despite popularity, there are side effects to taking melatonin and it's not safe to take it every night. Melatonin is a natural hormone that our bodies produce to help regulate our sleep-wake cycles. Many people have resulted in taking synthetic…

Nov

14

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Opinion: Expanding online degree programs at AUM

Opinionopinion

By: Christian Stephens In a world that is changing faster than we can keep up, Auburn University at Montgomery(AUM) has an opportunity to create a significant effect by expanding its online degreeprograms. This change could help current and future students, alumni and the communityalike. Expanding online degrees would address crucial challenges by enhancing access toeducation, embracing new learning styles and increasing career growth opportunities. Expanding online degrees can greatly improve access to education. Many students,especially those working full-time, raising families, or living farther from campus, find ithard to attend in-person classes. Online programs give students the freedom to learn fromany…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

“If you are interested in it, pursue it!”

Campus, Newsfeature

Associate Professor and Department chair, Kimberly Pyszka, is shown in her faculty profile. (Courtesy of AUM's website) Associate Professor of Anthropology, Kimberly Pyszka shares her story. By: Anna Grace Tompkins MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn University at Montgomery’s own Kimberly Pyszkatalks about her academic career and gives us a look into landscape archaeology, as well assharing fun stories about Anthropology as a whole and talks environmental challenges that goalong with her profession. Pyszka wears many hats, she is the department chair of sociology, anthropology andsocial work, as well as an associate professor at AUM and a published author. Pyszka teachesmany anthropology-based…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Behind the badge: Chief Brenda Mitchell’s commitment to safety and mentorship

Campus, Newsfeature

Pictured is Chief Brenda Mitchell, the chief of police at Auburn University at Montgomery. By: Kniya Potts MONTGOMERY, Ala.---Auburn University at Montgomery’s very own Chief BrendaMitchell is absolutely the heart of the university. Mitchell is distinguished by her position andsteadfast commitment and vision. I had the honor of speaking with Chief Mitchell about herincredible career, her crucial role, and her motivating outlook for the university’s future. AL.com reported some interesting facts about Michell's remarkable career and achievements. Chief Mitchell is a career law enforcement officer who obtained her criminal law degree in criminal justice, in 1985. Fromthere, Mitchell later joined the…

Nov

13

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Protecting the future of the eastern small-footed bat

Campus, Newsbats, biology, feature

Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service AUM’s biology professor Matthew Grilliot shares his experiences researching these bats By: Kate Lindsey-Hunter AUM Audio · AUM Biology Professor Grilliot Environmental Opportunist is interviewed by Kate Lindsey-Hunter Not only do the peaceful cliffs of northern Alabama hide breathtaking scenery, but they also protect one of the rarest animals on the planet. An elusive species of bat lives up among the rocks, unnoticeable but vital to the environment it inhabits, according to one of Auburn University at Montgomery’s professors. AUM’s experienced biology professor and environmental opportunist Matthew Grilliot has spent a significant portion of…

Nov

06

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

From Seoul to four degrees

Campus, NewsEducation, feature

Pictured is Eunyoung Kim graduating from the University of Alabama with her doctorate in December 2016. AUM professor Eunyoung Kim sheds light on her educational journey By: Maya Thompson MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Moving from Seoul, South Korea with a population of over nine million people to Alabama can be a difficult adjustment. This rings true for Associate Professor Eunyoung Kim who teaches for the Department of Communication and Theatre at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). In September, Kim was interviewed about how she got to where she is today as an educator while being from a different country. She was born on May 20,…

Oct

23

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

“Think before you click: Unlocking the power of media literacy”

Campus, NewsEvent, media literacy

COMM students host Dark Money documentary event to kick off inaugural media literacy campaign at AUM By: Christa Burns and Maya Thompson MONTGOMERY, Ala. — This week communications students are hosting an inaugural media literacy campaign "Think Before You Click" at AUM with a series of engaging events designed to help students better their media literacy skills. “With the prevalence of social media in today’s times it is crucial to be knowledgeable on the topic of media literacy. Most students rely on Instagram and TikTok for a big portion of their news. This is why media literacy is so important…

Sep

16

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

AUM students react to US presidential debate

Campus, Newselection, vox pops

By: Cameron Harris and Alexis Stafford AUM Audio · AUM students react to the U.S. presidential debate MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Last Tuesday, U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held what is believed to be the only debate that will take place between the two candidates before the November election. Trump and Harris went toe to toe with each other about many different policies and political topics. A major talking point was the economy and what each candidate was going to do to help struggling families and small businesses. Another huge point was the issue of immigration and how…

Apr

21

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Solar eclipse viewing draws large crowd at AUM

Campus, NewsEvent

By: Jordan White During the afternoon of April 8, Auburn University at Montgomery’s campus community enjoyed the solar eclipse event open to the public and held on the lawn by the Ida Belle Young Library tower. Alabama was not on the path of totality for this year’s solar eclipse, but viewers were still able to see the partial eclipse with the proper eyewear. According to NASA, everyone should wear a set of eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard for viewing the solar eclipse. These glasses come darker than regular sunglasses. A total eclipse occurs during the…

Apr

14

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Students exercising their right to choose

Campus, Newselection

Voting on college campuses By: Victoria Salters As the 2024 election cycle gains momentum, college students nationwide are increasingly participating in the democratic process by exercising their right to vote, which is due to campuses, including AUM, facilitating voter registration and education. According to Tuft University’s recent National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE) voter turnout among college students rose 14% from the previous election cycle. This increase indicates young adults' increased realization of the power of their voices to influence the political system. With a surge in voter registration drives and civic engagement initiatives on campuses, young voters…

Mar

06

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Warhawks men’s baseball is back

SportsBaseball, feature

Photo courtesy of AUM Athletics By: Tasker Wheeler MONTGOMERY, Ala. —The Auburn University at Montgomery men’s baseball started their season back at Southard Stadium in Saint Leo, Florida where they played a doubleheader. The first two games AUM came up short and lost 2-10 and 1-3 and ended strong with a 13-3 win. (AUM Athletics, Matthew Del Sol) The Warhawks last season was 19-31 and will look to improve and push to win the Gulf South Conference (GSC) Championship. It is junior Matthew Del Sol’s first season here at AUM. The second baseman from Elizabeth, New Jersey was asked some…

Mar

04

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

AUM’s safety measures: More than what meets the eye

Opinioncampus police, Safety

Photo Courtesy of Frank C. Williams By: Jordan White Are “open” campuses an unsafe choice for college students? Auburn University at Montgomery prioritizes campus safety for students, faculty and staff, says the director of police operations on the campus. The campus has been referred to as an “open campus” by students in comparison to others, but that is not the case. The openness of the campus is all about the perspective of what hard work goes into keeping the AUM campus safe. In a recent interview, AUM’s Director of Police Operations Brenda Mitchell talked about the different ways that campus…

Feb

26

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Op-ed: AUM cheerleading makes history going to nationals

Sportsathletics, cheer

The 2023-2024 AUM cheerleading team is shown together outside of Goodwyn Hall. Photo courtesy of Frank Williams. By: Kniya Potts The AUM cheerleading team is making history preparing to attend the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida in April. This will be the first time AUM cheerleading will travel to compete for a national title. I have been a member of the AUM cheerleading team since freshman year, and I am ecstatic to be a part of this experience. Coach Samantha Rose is determined to ensure that we have a successful outcome. Without her continuously pushing…

Feb

07

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Recent freezing temperatures postpone AUM men’s basketball game against UAH

Sportsbasketball, weather

Photo Courtesy of AUM Athletics By: Tasker Wheeler The Auburn University at Montgomery men’s basketball team was set to play at University of Alabama at Huntsville on Jan. 20, but due to freezing temperatures, the game was postponed until the following Monday, according to AUM Athletics. This UAH game, as is any game during conference season, can result in a huge impact on the players– win or lose. Especially after the daunting loss the Warhawks endured the previous week, they were eager for the next game winning whistle. Travis Anderson. (Photo Courtesy of AUM Athletics On the day it was…

Feb

07

2024

By Aumnibus Staff

Theatre AUM’s “New Millennium” a student showstopper

Arts, Theatre AUMArts & Culture, Theatre

By: Kniya Potts AUM Audio · Theatre AUM “New Millennium” a must-see student showstopper MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Theatre AUM’s first spring production “New Millennium” was a success in January showcasing modern-day mini skits performed by student actors. With a variety of scenes, songs and monologues, it is evident that these students worked hard on their craft. Students were part of the directing staff, as well as design and technical components. Theatre assistant professor and director of the production Michael Krek was pleased with the variety of student’s creations. Krek said, "We try to make it as student centric as possible, in…

Nov

14

2023

By Aumnibus Staff

Call for Censorship

Newscensorship, community, news

How book challenges are affecting the Autauga-Prattville Library By: Makenzie Martin and Alexis Stafford The Autauga-Prattville Public Library is under attack as book challenges are calling for the removal of LGBTQ+ material, which can have detrimental effects on the community’s accessibility to information. Prattville parents have been striking down the Autauga-Prattville Public Library (APPL) with claims that certain materials are inappropriate for minors to have access to. This all began when a local mother, unknowing of its content, permitted her son to check out The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos and Melita Tirado. The children’s book has a very simple…

Nov

14

2023

By Aumnibus Staff

Strong Tower Church

Newscommunity, news

Addressing Poverty, Violence and Health Inequalities in Montgomery By: Maya Thompson MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Strong Tower at Washington Park Church, nestled in the heart of the troubled Washington Park neighborhood in Montgomery, is on a mission to bring positive change to the community plagued by violence, prostitution, drugs and poverty. Through a diverse array of transformative programs and annual initiatives, the church is diligently striving to serve as a symbol of hope and rejuvenation within the Washington Park neighborhood of Montgomery. The church actively engages in community outreach efforts, with a recent event specifically targeting college-aged adults. The Real Talk…

Nov

14

2023

By Aumnibus Staff

Struggling minds

OpinionAUM Counseling and Health Promotion, feature, Mental Health

The silent epidemic taking over our colleges By: Victoria Salters MONTGOMERY, Ala. —The halls of our nation’s universities often bear a sad secret, the academic pursuit for many students is often plagued with the struggle of mental health. From balancing course work, pressure and expectations from family and trying to maintain a social life, the pressures can become overwhelming many college students. According to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments annual survey conducted in the 2021-2022 school year, 44% of college students reported symptoms of depression; 37% said they experienced anxiety and 15% have seriously considered suicide. These…

Nov

14

2023

By Aumnibus Staff

Op-ed: The case for forgiving student loan debt

Opinionfinances, opinion, student loans

By: Deshala Wilkins In a country that is becoming increasingly polarized, few political issues have sparked as much debate and division as forgiving student loan debt. Proponents argue that relieving college graduates of their crushing debt is not just a compassionate gesture, but a vital step towards economic justice. On the other side, skeptics warn of fiscal recklessness and question the fairness of erasing such debt. However, in the midst of this heated discourse, two undeniable truths emerge: the student loan crisis has reached unprecedented levels, and the consequences of inaction may be dire. The pressing question remains. Is it…