News

AU promotes student safety

Following the case of the missing Virginia Commonwealth University freshman, AU Public Safety warns that students should be aware of threats both on and off-campus to protect themselves. "Make sure someone, a roommate or another classmate, is aware of one's whereabouts at all times," said Capt.

Five AU schools vote no confidence in Ladner

The following are the statements released by the respective faculties from the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of International Service and the Washington College of Law.

President Ladner's 1997 contract

Metro brief: Student shot after high school sports game

Students at three Montgomery County high schools are struggling to piece their lives back together after last week's football game that left a 15-year-old girl dead. "It's terrible," said Evan Levine, 18, a senior at James Hubert Blake High School, where Kanisha Neal was stabbed Friday night.

Faculty Senate unanimously calls for Ladner's resignation

Posted Sept. 29 at 5:39 p.m. The Faculty Senate voted unanimously this afternoon to call for President Benjamin Ladner's resignation or removal, and to examine the university's governance structure. "Benjamin Ladner no longer has the moral authority to lead this university," said senator Philip Jacoby, a business professor who presented the motion to ask the president to step down.

Police blotter

Thursday, Sept. 23 A fire alarm was activated in Anderson Hall. After finding no signs of fire, Public Safety determined malicious intent to be the cause of the alarm. Students were observed with open alcohol containers in a car in the Centennial garage. The students were reprimanded, the alcohol was confiscated and a report was filed.

Hundreds rally to protest Ladner

A student-run rally calling for suspended AU President Benjamin Ladner's resignation yesterday ended with students storming a Board of Trustees meeting in Butler Pavilion. Students staged a sit-in blocking all exits to the meeting, which was being held in the Butler Board Room on the sixth floor of Mary Graydon Center.

Library of Congress interns work with pieces of history

Emily Hurst was puzzled when Library of Congress staff interviewing her for a summer internship in Washington, D.C. asked if she would mind wearing a mask and apron, or lifting 40 lbs boxes. "We're going to be in the basement somewhere?" she remembers asking.

Cuba added to AU Abroad list

A new AU Abroad program will provide students the chance to spend a semester in Cuba, a change to the eight-year-old summer program. Since 1997, AU has offered a summer session in Cuba, but because of a May 2004 change in U.S. regulation, universities are no longer allowed to run any program in Cuba shorter than a full semester.

Student debt skyrockets

Debt for U.S. college students of all economic backgrounds has hit record-breaking highs and is continuing to increase, according to this month's study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research. Upon graduation from private four-year institutions such as AU, students from the lowest-income families have on average $22,000 in loans, and students from the highest-income families have slightly less at $21,000.

AU community reacts to Rita

In the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, AU students and professors have both praised and criticized both how the media covered the storm and how the government responded to aid the victims. Zach Silverman, a junior in the School of International Service, is originally from Houston.

Campus calendar

Thursday, Sept. 29 Table Talk Lunch Series 12:00 p.m., Kay Spiritual Life Center. "Hurricane Katrina: The Politics of the Disaster." Free to students; a donation of $5 from faculty and staff is requested. Reservations required. Contact x3320. Training Opportunity: Exploring Intercultural Communication 1-5 p.

Ladner contract questioned

"... As a condition of his employment, Ladner is required to accept lodging on University property. He shall have full use, possession, and enjoyment for himself and his family of a residence house to carry out his duties as President. All costs for maintenance, repair, insurance, utilities, telecommunications, dining, housekeeping services, and residence staff will be paid for or provided by the University.

Branch falls on student

Posted Sept. 27 at 12:06 a.m. A large branch broke off a tree and crashed onto the quad, injuring a student outside of the Batelle-Tompkins building Monday around 3:30 p.m., witnesses said. The student was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Public Safety officers did not comment on the extent of the student's injuries.

GA working to make future Senate a more useful body

The General Assembly has been working hard to make changes that will make the future Senate a more useful body for its members and the students they represent, despite dwindling membership, according to Speaker Richard Bradbury. After elections are held Oct.

Shuttle service added

Due to shuttle service budget reductions by the University, AUTO will provide supplemental Park Bethesda shuttle service, according to SG President Kyle Taylor and AUTO Commissioner Mohammad Khan. AUTO's new shuttle service will run for the rest of the semester, Taylor said.

Bill supports removal of military recruiters from AU

The Student Government supports the removal of military recruiters from American University, according to a bill passed yesterday by the General Assembly that will be signed into effect by President Kyle Taylor. The bill was brought before the assembly in response to a November 2004 federal circuit court ruling allowing universities to bar military recruiters from their campuses without risking the loss of federal money.