How is Auburn in the fall?

Written by: Melissa Henry

Fall is all orange, all Auburn!

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Football

Auburn Football Home Games – There is nothing like cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan – Hare Stadium with 88,000 of your closest friends! There are still opportunities to see the Auburn Football team and all the traditions our games have to offer on Saturdays in October and November.

Tradition

Hey Day – Hey Day is a tradition dating back to World War II when Auburn students created a day to properly welcome their fellow peers home. It has grown to become a day where the Auburn Family comes together and meets one another in celebration of all that is Auburn. 

Homecoming– Homecoming Week in Auburn, Alabama is centered around events and parades and all that welcomes members of the Auburn Family back to campus. Miss Homecoming, the parade float competition, and the pep rally all serve Auburn in a way that brings the Auburn Family, young and old, together. One of our very own student recruiters, Ellie Korotky, was crowned Miss Homecoming 2023.

AUBURN – OPELIKA FUN

Auburn – Opelika Tourism is the place to go to hear all you need to know! Fall is in full swing in Auburn – Opelika and so are the fun activities! Below you can find Auburn Opelika Tourism’s event calendar full of festivals and fun. If you are visiting town within the month October or November, you are in for a spooky treat with all these great events!

Halloween Enchanted Forest & Nature Nightmares at the Kreher Preserve

Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park

9th Annual Fall Bash at Red Clay Brewing Company

Opelika Sportsplex Fall Festival

Football Fridays

Friday night in Downtown Auburn is a weekend highlight! The town is alive, music is playing and people are out and about. Here are a few unique activities offered to students and visitors, alike:

AU Raptor Center 4:00pm on Game Day Fridays

Come Home to the Corner – Downtown Auburn

PUMPKIN – THE TRUE STAR OF FALL

Pumpkin Patches – With both of these pumpkin patches being located southwest of Auburn and about a 20-minute drive from Auburn University’s campus – this is a for sure stop while in town on a fall weekend!

Farmer in the Dell – “Pick Pumpkins, ride hayrides, buy local honey and more

Choctafaula – “Pumpkin Patches and the Sleepy Hollow Haunted farm”

And we all know that it wouldn’t be fall without tasty fall coffee drinks!

POLL: Where can you find the best fall drink in Auburn, Alabama?

Ross House – @ross.house.coffee –  Pumpkin Brulee (caramel and pumpkin)

Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers – @auburnoilbooksellers – Their Drink of the Month is the Out Of The Woods Latte (pumpkin spice, white mocha, maple spice and cinnamon)

Well Red Coffee, Books & Wine – @wellredau – Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Bean – @thebean_au  Specialty Lattes like “Caramel Harvest” and “Fall in a Mug” are sure to bring the fall vibes to your coffee cup!

Not Sure What Major to Pursue?

Then our Exploratory program might be for you!

The Exploration Center in Career Discovery and Success is here to help! We support students in exploring the 150+ majors offered at Auburn to find the right one. Incoming first-year students may enroll as an Exploratory major and spend up to two semesters discovering the ideal major for their academic and professional goals.

The Center’s academic advisors and career counselors provide intensive and personalized support, including serving as the instructors for our two-credit course specifically designed for all new Exploratory majors. In the course, students work through an intentional exploring process, including the following elements:

  • Goal Setting
  • Career Assessments
  • Practice utilizing research tools for exploring
  • Introduction to the colleges and programs available
  • Exploring insights from people in the majors and different career fields

While exploring, students receive academic advising and career counseling outside of class. Advising focuses on helping students craft schedules strategically so they will still graduate from their degree-granting major on time. Career counseling appointments are an opportunity to dig deeper into identifying occupations and fields that fit a student’s interests and skills. Having both within our office ensures students get the support they need when they need it.

We know it is hard to start college, find the right major, and take classes strategically, and students deserve support in the process. Our goal is to ensure that you confidently choose a major while progressing toward your degree. To learn more, please email us at explore@auburn.edu or call the office at 334-844-7277. We are located in 101 Mary Martin Hall, so if you are on campus, we’d love to meet you and answer any questions you may have. 

Student Spotlight

Name: Grace Heery  Major: Nutrition Dietetics and Exercise Science Year: Senior

What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?

I highly recommend the Exploratory program to anyone who is even slightly unsure of what they want to do because it not only allowed me to learn about every single major Auburn offers but also taught me about decision-making skills I use every day in college. I was fully confident in my abilities to navigate Auburn academically, professionally, and socially by the end of my first semester. Through the program, you will be able to discover the type of careers that you can do with certain majors, and that exposure was really when I started to figure out what I could see myself doing in the future. With an open mind, active engagement, and a positive attitude in the EXPL class, I truly believe you will not regret taking the time to discover what you are passionate about and turning that into your major! 

What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) One aspect of the EXPL major course that I found most impactful was the exploring experiences I participated in. The goal of exploring experiences was to connect my interests to an event, a faculty member, or a student involved in the area I was curious about. These experiences not only helped me understand from a first-hand perspective what a particular college, major, class, or organization was about, but they also encouraged me to make various connections across campus. This skill was beneficial to learn as a freshman and I have continued to learn and grow from those experiences as a senior finishing up my degree. 

What advice would you give an exploring student? As an incoming freshman, it can be very intimidating to start your college experience and have to decide on a major so early. Choosing to be a part of the EXPL major not only gives you time to learn more about your interests and options, but it also allows you to surround yourself with people who also feel the same way early on in your college career. As an out-of-state freshman, it was very comforting to know it was okay to not know what I wanted to do yet, and I had access to a support system of advisors as well as peers in the exact same spot I was!

Name: Charlie Fleury  Major: Public Relations (Minor: Business)  Year: Senior 

What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student? I think the exploring experiences that I was able to take advantage of were some of the most significant experiences I had in this program. Whether I was interested in the career field being discussed or not, I tried to be very intentional about attending as many as possible as this is how I was able to truly identify what was best for me from a major standpoint and a career standpoint. Not only are these experiences helpful when trying to declare your major, but they are also very inspiring. So much valuable insight is shared during these experiences in an effort to help the students, so make the most of these experiences by taking in all of the information and asking questions.

What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component of the class that had a lasting positive impact?) I found the work we did on O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook [online resources for information about occupations] to be very helpful and valuable. Through conversations with my EXPL instructor and friends in the majors I was interested in, I got a great understanding of what to expect in those majors. However, the assignments on O*NET and OOH were able to further my knowledge and understanding of the fields of interest from a career standpoint. Being able to identify the roles and responsibilities in addition to traits of people in that field/occupation really helped me determine what field was best for me.   

What advice would you give an exploring student? Don’t put pressure on yourself to figure everything out right now. It’s so easy to feel pressure to create a life plan when declaring a major as a freshman, but in reality, that can be very unrealistic for many students. With that in mind, during your time in college and in the Exploratory program, take advantage of your instructors and advisors. They have a wealth of knowledge and a strong desire to help each of their students find success, so lean on them as a resource. I also believe it’s important to say yes to any and all opportunities that will give you experience in your fields of interest. Whether that be an involvement position on campus or a job off campus, those experiences are truly what will help you identify where you’re meant to be!

Name: Reese Fisher Major: Marketing
Year: Sophomore

What was the most significant experience you had as an EXPL student?

The exploratory program was the best thing I have done as an Auburn Student. Coming into college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It felt that everyone I talked to had their entire life planned out, and I didn’t even know what classes I had to take. The exploratory program eased my anxiety and clarified that it’s normal not to know what you want to do at 18. I was given an immediate support system surrounded by students in the same situation as me and my advisor, who got to know me personally through class and individual meetings. I was given multiple resources on choosing a major and a career that best fit my work style and interests. I was also given resources on navigating Auburn as well as the help available to me as a student. I was taught how to work Tigerschedule, Handshake, Advise Assist, AUInvolve, and more. The knowledge I gained from the exploratory program will follow me throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.

What was one highlight of the EXPL major course when you were an EXPL student? (Was there a specific assignment or component that had a lasting positive impact?)

My favorite assignment that I did in the exploratory program was the Strong Interest Inventory Profile. When I received my results from the test, I was very thankful for how comprehensive the information I received was. Many career aptitude tests will only give students one area of interest, or one specific major that they should inquire about – that’s it. So, imagine my surprise when I receive an email with a 14-page document not only going over my results, but giving details as to why this career path would or wouldn’t be a good fit for me based on my personality, work style, and hobbies. Looking over my general occupational themes, my top five interest areas and strong occupations list reaffirmed that I was on the right track, and gave me other careers that I wouldn’t have even thought to consider. Even though I am no longer an exploratory student, I still refer to my SII results and encourage any student considering multiple majors to take this assessment.

What advice would you give an exploring student?

I would advise an exploring student to talk to students and adults currently working in the career paths they are exploring. Interacting with students studying the majors I was considering gave me an inside look into the classes I would be required to take, how much the workload was, and if they enjoyed what they were learning. I also had the opportunity to interview adults who were currently working in the career paths I was interested in. I was able to ask questions about their everyday tasks, the flexibility of their workplace, what they would consider to be the pros and cons of their career, and so much more. The conversations I had with students, faculty, and current workers was the most influential and informative experiences I had when it came time for me to choose a major.

How to apply to Auburn University for Fall 2024

Summer is over, and another application cycle has begun. The Fall 2024 application is officially open on our website and on the Common Application, and the first deadline is approaching. With September 15th right around the corner, we wanted to share some useful information and hopefully answer questions about the Fall 2024 admissions process.

1. When should I apply?

For Fall 2024, admission decisions will be released in rounds. There are 4 Early Action (EA) rounds this year. For scholarship consideration, you must apply and be accepted in one of the EA rounds. EA decisions are non-binding. This means that you do not have to commit to Auburn if you are accepted in an EA round. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1st. To have a complete application file, all required materials must also be received by the deadline.

Decision Rounds

Decision TypeRequired Materials Received ByDecision Released
EA Round 1September 15, 2023Mid-October
EA Round 2October 15, 2023Mid-November
EA Round 3November 15, 2023Mid-December
EA Round 4December 1, 2023Early February
Regular DecisionFebruary 1, 2024Early March

2. What are we looking for in an application?

Admission to Auburn University is competitive. When you apply to Auburn, the Admissions staff carefully reviews your academic achievement, and each application is given personal consideration. As a land-grant institution, we understand and embrace our responsibility to serve the citizens of the state of Alabama. We focus on successful applicants who demonstrate the greatest potential for success and can live up to the Auburn Creed.

Middle 50%
The ideal candidate will have achieved an academic GPA at or above our middle 50% GPA, demonstrated academic excellence and participated in challenging coursework during high school. As a guideline, the middle 50% profile for students enrolling in Fall 2022 was:

ACT: 23-30 (Alabama Resident)

ACT: 27-31 (Non-Resident)

SAT: 1160-1370 (Alabama Resident)

SAT: 1240-1370 (Non-Resident)

GPA: 3.85-4.31

Early Action – Preliminary Academic Review 
We select our freshman class through an evaluation that includes a preliminary academic review of an applicant’s academic performance. Our initial review focuses on the rigor of classes, GPA, and test scores as well as a deeper dive into a whole student. We consider the mix of in-state and out-of-state students. As a land-grant institution, our mission is to serve Alabama residents. Academic factors in our review include:

  • ACT or SAT test scores for students applying with a test score. 
  • Your 9th-11th grade point average including weighted and unweighted. 
  • Grades earned in core curriculum courses. 
  • Planned 12th-grade courses. 
  • Pattern of grades over time. Marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress. 
  • The number of college preparatory, Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), honors, gifted, and transferable college courses completed and achievement in those courses. 
  • Academic performance relative to other applicants at their high school and the learning opportunities available in their high school. 
  • Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.
  • Academic area of interest. 

3. Do I need to send my ACT or SAT scores?

Auburn University is a test-preferred institution; we recommend that students take and submit official ACT and SAT scores for admissions. Freshman admission is based mainly on your high school courses, grades, and academic rigor. While we encourage students to submit standardized test scores, they are not required to be considered for admission or scholarships.

If you are applying with test scores, official test scores are required for a completed application. Official test scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency.

Auburn University School codes are:

ACT: 0011

SAT: 1005

Applicants with at least a 3.6 GPA and unable to test will be reviewed holistically through our test-optional pathway.

4. What do I need to apply?

Traditional Applicants

Submitted Admission Application

$50 non-refundable application fee*

Official ACT/SAT test scores sent from the testing agency**

Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s). We will accept an official or unofficial copy.

Test-optional Applicants

Minimum 3.6 cumulative GPA*** 

Submitted Admission Application

$50 non-refundable application fee*

Uploaded copy of your high school transcript(s). We will accept an official or unofficial copy.

*Students are eligible for an application fee waiver if certain criteria is met.

**Starting Fall 2024, Auburn University will accept the ACT Superscore Report. Auburn will calculate a superscore for the SAT and any individual score reports from ACT. Only your best testing result will be used for admissions and scholarship consideration.

***If your GPA is not on a 4-point weighted scale or on a 100 pt scale, Auburn will recalculate your GPA. If the recalculated GPA is less than a 3.6 GPA, official test scores will be required to receive an admissions decision.

5. Should I apply through the Auburn website or Common App?

You can submit your admissions application online at auburn.edu/admissions or through the Common Application. Choose the application you’re most comfortable with; there’s no preference given to either application. The same information will be reviewed whether you apply through our website or through Common App. We highly encourage you to submit the application you start, as filling out both applications may delay your application from being processed. A completed application file includes a submitted admissions application, an application fee or fee waiver, your high school transcript and official ACT/SAT scores if applicable.

6. What if I still have questions?

You can find more information about the Fall 2024 admissions process here. You might find our FAQ page to be useful also. If you still have questions, reach out to your admissions advisor. You can search for your advisor here. We are here to help you on your path to Auburn!

Why I Love Auburn: A Series

By Mary Hanlon Hunton

The Auburn Family has many sayings like “Bodda Getta” and “It’s Great to be an Auburn Tiger”, but my favorite is “if you love Auburn, it will love you right back”. This could not be truer, and I am among countless other Auburn students who will attest to this fact. I was born into the Auburn family having had both my parents graduate in the early 90’s. I first fell in love with Auburn because of them and their love for this university! There are countless videos of me singing our fight song and pictures of me on Samford Lawn in a cheer uniform with Aubie. I was a die hard fan, and there was no doubt that I bled orange and blue. I remember going to football and baseball games, attending family members’ graduations, and visiting campus for various events. I looked forward to every fall because that meant I would be in the most magical place tailgating with friends, cheering on my Tigers, watching our beloved eagle soar around Jordan Hare, and shouting “War Eagle” as loud as a kid could!

When the time came to choose my post-secondary path, I applied to only one school, Auburn. It was my dream to attend Auburn University, major in Nursing, be on the Tiger Paws dance team, and make new friends from all over the globe. I loved everything Auburn and couldn’t wait to hit the ground running as soon as I stepped foot on campus. I made the dance team, joined a Greek sorority, and got involved in many service projects. In my role as Tiger Paw, I was afforded the opportunity to be a university ambassador, have a front row seat to some of the most exciting games in Jordan Hare as well as Neville Arena, and my senior year I led our team as captain. Nothing will ever compare to the pure joy I experienced each time a child ran up to me on gameday to give me the biggest hug, borrow my poms, or snap a photo. I was now the girl on the field I used to watch not that many years ago. I was able to share my love of Auburn with Auburn’s future, just as my predecessors did for me.

You would think being a nursing major and student-athlete would be enough, but my desire to meet new people, share adventures of a lifetime, and serve Auburn pushed me to inquire about other opportunities that were not originally on my radar. I applied to be a part of a summer study abroad to Italy and Greece where I didn’t know a soul when I signed up, and after 4 weeks I made lifelong friendships. I participated as a volunteer in Nashville courtesy of Alternate Student Break Program, worked as a camp counselor at Camp Smile A Mile, and just this year became a Student Recruiter. My journey over the last four years has made me into the woman I am today. Quite simply, I LOVE Auburn because it’s more than a place on a map to me; it’s family and an undying spirit that resides inside my heart. It will forever be a part of who I am because of the amazing experiences I was a part of and the incredible professors, coaches, and advisors who all poured wisdom, strength and confidence into me. I will always believe in Auburn and love it!

What is the GPAC at Auburn University?

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, at Auburn University opened in 2019 and is the premier performing arts venue of East Alabama. Broadway productions, concerts, opera, dance, and student and faculty performances are featured here. The mission of the GPAC is to “engage audiences across the university, the state of Alabama and beyond with curated arts experiences that inspire, enlighten and unite”.

A few of our admissions advisors have attended performances at the GPAC so we thought we would share them here with you!

Legally Blonde – Broadway Series

I was first introduced to the magic of Broadway through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances. The 2007 performance of “What You Want” from the show Legally Blonde captivated me. From that performance, I had the cast record album and knew the songs all by heart. I always dreamed of getting the chance to see the show live. I never had the opportunity to visit Broadway to see Legally Blonde and eventually the show was no longer on Broadway. Seeing Legally Blonde live was a dream that I thought was just not meant to be. In October, I had just started working at Auburn when I happened to hear students talking about going to see the Broadway Production of Legally Blonde in Auburn, Alabama. This is how I would first be introduced to the Gogue Performing Art Center. I was able to get a ticket for the show day of and finally see Legally Blonde performed live on stage. I ventured to the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Learning that Auburn had a theater that normally hosts 4 different Broadway Performances a year felt like a dream come true. Going to the Gogue feels just as I would expect seeing a show on Broadway to feel. I find that it is special that I get the opportunity to see Broadway performances in Auburn. The Gogue really brings the shows to life with its state of the art facility, and I have also found that the Gogue does not have a bad seat in the house. All seats are arranged in a way that gives every member in the audience a spectacular view to be transported into the show they are seeing. -Dana Poore

La La Land – Summer Film Series

The Gogue Performing Arts Center is screening movies in their outdoor Ham Amphitheater throughout the summer. The 2023 Summer Film Series opened with Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and bring a date! River Region Ballroom Dance of Montgomery led ballroom dance lessons prior to the movie. We learned the rumba and foxtrot, which the instructor described as “NASCAR but with fewer explosions.”

The GPAC provided popcorn and water, and there was a chance to win a bottle of wine from the event sponsor. Additional refreshments were available for purchase from the Amsterdam Café, Las Latinas, and Kona Ice food trucks. It was a relaxing and fun outdoor summer event for the whole community. -Bryce Gray

The Little Prince – Dance & Movement Series

Ballet X: The Little Prince

I have always been someone who loves the arts, so being on a campus with a premier performing arts venue is a dream! I have attended a variety of performances throughout the years including touring Broadway productions, concerts, films, and more. However, one of my favorite performances was a ballet– The Little Prince by BalletX. I had never seen a professional ballet before, so this performance was a step out of my comfort zone, but it did not disappoint! With an abstract set design and a unique cast of dancers, The Little Prince engaged my imagination throughout the entire performance. It was such a delightful experience!


I would encourage anyone from current students to guests traveling through Auburn to check out the current performances at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Maybe one of your old favorites will be touring through town or you can try something new and different–regardless, you are guaranteed an entertaining night at the Gogue! – Hanna Morrison

The College of Education

In the College of Education, we are building better futures for all! We do this through outstanding teaching, innovative and impactful research, and meaningful outreach in four departments: Curriculum & Teaching; Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology; Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling; and the School of Kinesiology.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do. They are future educators, trainers, health professionals and leaders who will have an impact in schools, medical facilities, industry and society as a whole.

Maddy Messick, president of the college’s Student Ambassadors, is a junior majoring in elementary education. Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Maddy plans to return to Baldwin County to teach elementary school students after graduating in 2025.

Maddy Messick, junior majoring in Elementary Education

Why Auburn?

I’ve always loved Auburn. Every year I would go to the Auburn homecoming football game and every year I would reassure myself that it was the school for me. Auburn is so welcoming and everyone here is just so supportive. 

What is your favorite thing about the college and your department?

I love how big Auburn is, but how small it feels. It can be overwhelming at first because there’s a big difference between a college campus and high school. The College of Education makes the student experience so welcoming. By this I mean that you aren’t necessarily in the huge classes you would expect. Once you get accepted into the college, you are broken up into cohorts and you will stay with that cohort until graduation. Not only will you graduate with your classmates, but you will also graduate with supportive, lasting friends who have watched you develop throughout all four years. 

What is your favorite class? How big are your classes?

I absolutely love all the elementary math classes. It’s so cool relearning all the material in ways that will help you teach in the future. My classes are not big at all. When you take your basics, you’ll most likely have a lot of people in your class, but once you get into your curriculum, your classes usually have 25-30 students each.

Do you get any kind of real-world experience in the College of Education?

Yes! One of my favorite things about the College of Education is that you are required to have five consecutive days of teaching before you can even apply to the college. This will help you see if it’s something you really want to do in the future. You will also have lots of other required times to be in a classroom.

What are some perks to being a College of Education student?

I love being a College of Education student because of the smaller classes. I love getting to know everyone around me and hearing about what ideas they have for their future classrooms. I also love our college because there are so many ways to be involved. I am currently a Student Ambassador and I have met so many amazing alumni through this experience.

Goals after graduation?

My goal after graduation is to be the best teacher I can be. I want to make a difference in the lives of every child who comes through my classroom. Not only do I want to be a great teacher, but I also want to make sure each child feels welcomed and loved.

Through instruction, research, outreach and service, Auburn’s College of Education is transforming health and education as we equip students like Maddy to have an impact in our communities and the world.

Want to know more? Visit our website or contact our recruiter for more information at edurec@auburn.edu.

Campus Safety & Security

Safety is an important factor in the decision to attend Auburn. Auburn has robust infrastructure, programs, and partnerships in place that contribute to a safe environment for learning and living. A key component is engaging the whole community in our safety programs.

The Department of Campus Safety & Security and the University Precinct of the City of Auburn Police Department work hand-in-hand to provide 24/7 services to the campus community out of the state-of-the-art Campus Safety & Security Building. Don’t hesitate to call or stop by to discuss safety questions or concerns, or to report a crime.

Programs and Resources

The Auburn Safety app provides information on a lot of our programs and is a great resource for students and family members. Features include push notifications, emergency guidelines, in-app security shuttle request, personal safety tips, sexual violence and other resources, access to the campus weather station, and more.

Training

Campus Safety offers a variety of training for the campus community, including students and organizations. Watch for announcements or request training for a group by completing an online form. Topics include RAD self-defense for women, emergency preparedness, active shooter response, first aid/CPR, Stop the Bleed, crime prevention, and security awareness.

Communications

An important component of safety is staying informed. Auburn sends a variety of safety messaging to the campus community:

AU ALERT emergency notifications for emergencies requiring immediate action on campus

Campus Safety Notices for crimes on or immediately adjacent to campus that may pose a serious or ongoing threat

-Campus Safety Advisories for general safety information

Other public disclosures available on our website include daily crime logs, daily fire logs, and the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes crime and fire statistics as well as important information about security and fire safety policies and programs. We encourage all students and their families to check it out!

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Campus Safety works with departments across campus daily to promote safety, encourage personal responsibility, and empower members of the Auburn family to look out for each other. Here are some tips to help keep our campus safe:

-Download the free Auburn Safety app and be aware of the resources available.

-Review personal safety tips in the Auburn Safety app or at www.auburn.edu/safety.

-Take advantage of training and outreach opportunities.

-Stay engaged with @AuburnSafety on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

-Stay alert to your surroundings, trust your instincts and report concerns immediately.

–911 for emergencies or crimes in progress

–334-501-3100, option 1 for delayed reports of crime to City of Auburn Police

–334-844-8888 or campussafety@auburn.edu for general safety concerns

Campus Safety is always open to questions, concerns, and suggestions. Please stay in touch so we can keep our campus safe together.

Life as an Auburn Army ROTC Cadet

By Grace McNairy, Command Sergeant Major, War Eagle Battalion

Auburn University is unique in the fact that we have all three branches of ROTC. Within the Air Force ROTC programs, cadets have the option to serve in either the Air Force or Space Force. Students in the Naval ROTC have the option to serve in the Navy or the Marine Corps.

The Army ROTC program is the oldest program on campus and was established in 1872 through the Morrill Land- Grant Act. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps with the signing of the National Defense Act of 1916. Auburn Army ROTC is a four-year program in which students earn a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. The War Eagle Battalion has had many notable graduates throughout the years. Some of them include Coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan ‘32, Congressman William Nichols ‘39, Astronaut COL (R) Jim Voss ‘72, LTG (R) Ronald Burgess ‘74, NFL Hall of Famer Kevin Greene ‘84, LTG (R) Darsie Rogers ’86, Olympic Gold Medalist Ruthie Bolton ‘89, and LTG Flem Walker ‘87.

Joining Army ROTC at Auburn has been the best decision I have ever made. Throughout my time as a cadet, I have met people who will be my friends forever. The War Eagle Battalion has given me numerous opportunities to expand my leadership and experiences. After my junior year, I attended Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Cadets from all over the country descend on Fort Knox to test their skills among their peers. There are 11 regiments with roughly 600-800 cadets in each regiment. At CST, all of your training from day one of freshman year to that point is tested. For three years, you will have attended physical training 3 to 4 times a week, Military Science classes twice a week and leadership lab on Wednesdays which has prepared you to perform at CST.

Auburn ROTC is one of the best battalions in 6th Brigade producing future leaders for our Army. The stakes are high for cadets in the War Eagle Battalion. We are traditionally one of the top performers in the brigade and expect a lot from our cadets. A typical week as a cadet includes physical training 3 mornings a week, 2 classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and leadership lab on Wednesday. Once a semester, we attend a Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Fort Benning, GA. Due to our proximity to Fort Benning, we are awarded numerous training opportunities.

Throughout my time in the War Eagle Battalion, I have learned so much. Peer leadership is hard, everyone knows it, but it is not impossible. Through ROTC, I have been given opportunities to practice leading my peers. My confidence has grown exponentially throughout my time in the War Eagle Battalion. The lessons I have learned in ROTC has translated to my involvement on Auburn’s campus. Last year, I served as my panhellenic sorority’s president. The lessons I learned from peer leadership helped me lead my sorority.

The opportunities I have had throughout the years are unmatched compared to my peers. Over the past two summers, I have spent time at Fort Knox, Kentucky expanding my leadership abilities. Throughout my time at Fort Knox, I was tested mentally, physically and emotionally. After my time at Fort Knox, I attended Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT) this past summer. At Fort Campbell, I was attached to 3-187 IN, 3BCT, 101st ABN DIV where I spent a month learning from an Infantry Platoon Leader. While at Fort Campbell, I participated in numerous ranges, CDQC and a helocast.

May 7th, I will commission into the US Army as an Active-Duty Aviation Officer. I would not be the leader or person I am today without the War Eagle Battalion. I highly encourage any student who is thinking about joining ROTC to join and give it a try.

Life as an Auburn Army ROTC Cadet in the words of Jackson Bowman

              Throughout my four years at Auburn, Army ROTC has opened the door to more opportunities and life experiences than I could have possibly imagined. First and foremost, it is where I met my future wife as well as some of my best friends. It has also given me a base of people with whom I can network further on down the road. The shared experiences of being rained on in the field, freezing cold and blazing hot temperatures, and funny stories told have made my Auburn experience more full and better than the average student’s. ROTC also paid for my college which I am eternally grateful for. Being an out-of-state student and having my entire tuition paid for is a blessing that I cannot emphasize enough. Finally, upon graduation, I will commission as an Aviation 2nd Lieutenant. Having a job immediately after college is another aspect of ROTC that I am grateful for and one that I did not fully understand until my senior year. Overall, I would highly recommend Auburn Army ROTC to any student at Auburn or any high school senior looking to attend here. While there are some stressful and hard moments, the perks of being an ROTC cadet substantially outweigh any and all the cons. War Eagle and Above the Best!!

Restaurant Round-Up: Spring 2023 Edition

Lucy’s

Lucy’s located in Auburn AL, is known to be a modern American neighborhood eatery. With locally sourced food made from the heart, Lucy’s continues to be one of the most loved and sought out restaurants in town. The dainty and bright interior with a warm southern flair compliments the experience itself while the exterior is simple and elegant. The employees are attentive, professional, and genuine throughout dining at Lucy’s and look to accommodate anyone’s needs. Known for their truffle parmesan French fries and juicy steak frites,  many find that the food is consistently cooked to perfection. Additionally, Lucy’s has a variety of fresh caught seafood including a catch of the day, raw oysters, and scallops. A unique trait about Lucy’s is that it changes out its menu routinely to practice new techniques and incorporate new ideas on their menu. If you thought that sounded good, you are in for a treat. On Saturday and Sunday from nine to two, Lucy’s provides an innovative and tasty brunch menu. Not only are they serving mimosas and bloody Mary’s but also meals like smoked salmon tartine, chicken and waffle Bennie, and shrimp and green chili grits. The kitchen staff takes pride in introducing new flavor combinations as well as a fresh ingredient to level up recipes.  Lastly, the restaurant is accompanied by a top shelf bar, extensive wine list and fantastic cocktails. Lucy’s is a must try when visiting Auburn, Alabama! -Shea Labbato

Momma Goldberg’s

Momma G’s is an Auburn favorite that was founded in 1976 right here in our college town! There are locations all over the state of Alabama and a couple in Georgia, but nothing beats the original location on Magnolia Avenue!

Photo courtesy of Momma Goldberg’s Deli

They’re known for their world-famous Momma’s Love, their delicious nachos, and other steamed sandwiches. In addition to the classics, you can also get a wide array of wraps, soups, and salads. Momma Goldberg’s is a perfect lunch spot during the week and even better on gamedays in the fall! The history, the flavors, and the atmosphere all make Momma G’s an Auburn staple.

My go-to order is the turkey delite with a side of Momma’s nachos and a cherry Coke (which goes perfect with their nugget ice)!

Photo Courtesy of Momma Goldberg’s Deli

If you’re on the Plains and looking for an Auburn classic, be sure to check out the original location and get yourself a Momma’s Love! -Ansley Phillips

The Depot

If you’re looking for a fine dining option to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or just a good time with friends, look no further than The Depot! Located in a former train depot in downtown Auburn, this spot has a unique atmosphere as guests are able to enjoy the passing trains while dining on some delicious food. Originally built in 1847, the train depot has been a prominent location for much of Auburn’s history. The restaurant today features the original black and white tile floors and heartwood pine train platforms from this historic Auburn landmark. A great option for lovers of seafood, The Depot boasts the “Finest and Freshest Seafood” in Auburn and has received the James Beard Smart Catch Leader Award. The menu changes seasonally and provides a variety of options. Featuring items such as oysters, fresh fish, and sushi to a wagyu burger, chicken, or steaks, the food is always incredible. My personal recommendation is the Spicy Blue Crab Dip appetizer. Whatever you decide to get, you will not be disappointed. Make sure to visit The Depot the next time you’re in town! -Haylee Dorrill

Umami

Umami is a fantastic choice for off the beat eating. With traffic, it will take around 14 minutes to get there which makes it a great spot to eat when you are coming from campus. Umami specializes in fresh ingredients and delivering on the umami flavor that the name suggests. Since it is a pacific rim restaurant, Umami’s menu ranges from traditional Indian dishes and high quality sashimi and sushi to wonderfully seasoned Asian courses. Personal recommendations would be the Seattle teriyaki chicken, butter chicken, or (if you want to splurge) the filet mignon fried rice. I highly recommend having this restaurant as an option in your arsenal of restaurant recommendations for family/friends. Umami truly is a treasure that is often overlooked by popular chain restaurants around it, but I have a feeling that it is going to be receiving plenty of new regulars in the fall. -Cole Irwin

Top 5 Things to Know About On-Campus Housing

Your college experience is exciting. When you live on campus you get the opportunity to build relationships and foster a community. Living on campus can also be challenging, but Auburn University Housing (AUH) is here to provide some essential things to know about on-campus housing.

1. Stay Up To Date With Communications Sent By AUH

It is important for both current and incoming residents to stay up to date with all communications sent out by AUH. The majority of our updates and reminders will be sent to students via their respective Auburn University email address. We recommend students check their AU email weekly for important messages from AUH.

2. Be Familiar With Your Resident Assistant (RA)

Your RA is there to make your on-campus experience more enjoyable. Make time to meet your RA and introduce yourself. If you need help in your hall, reach out to your RA. Keep an open line of communication with them. RAs will also host programs monthly to help build community. 

3. Choose The Best Space For You

We want your resident experience to feel like home. It is important that you choose the best space for you. AUH offers a variety of different residence hall styles at different price points. Students should research the different options we have available. We also have tours every day of each of our residence halls. If you cannot make it to campus, students can also view our residence halls by checking out our virtual tours.

4. Get To Know Your Roommates

Whether you already know your roommate or you are meeting them for the first time on move-in day, living with another person can be an adjustment. It is important for you to choose a roommate you feel you will be compatible with and set ground rules with each other. More than likely, your roommate will be great!

5. Utilize Your On-Campus Resources

By living on campus, you are within walking distance of all of Auburn’s on-campus resources. Take advantage of your close proximity to everything. Many of our residence halls are within walking distance of the campus rec, the library, and our dining halls. 

Living on campus can be an exciting time for our students. Auburn University Housing offers multiple different options to make sure our residents feel at home. To stay up to date with AUH make sure you continue to check your university email and follow us on social media @housingatau.