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The College of Liberal Arts

Passionate students finding purpose through the human touch

By Caroline Rice, Senior in Journalism and Marketing

“I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.” — The Auburn Creed

A place where you are called by your name, where you’re given hands-on experience in your future career field, and where you will prepare for your first job, your last job, and everything in between– this is what defines our College of Liberal Arts (CLA) experience.

Walk into Tichenor Hall and you’ll find round tables dotted with yellow Au Bon Pain coffee cups, the rooms filled with liberal arts students. But they’re not just sitting down, listening to a lecture each day– they are walking around the classroom, engaged with their professor and classmates around them.

In our college, we have over 40 majors and minors— anything from communications to economics to professional flight– but what ties our students together is a passion and need for critical thinking.

Here are a few highlights of the College of Liberal Arts!

Small class sizes

Here in the College of Liberal Arts, we have the best of both worlds. The mission of our dean is to provide our students with the amenities, funding and sports environment of a large SEC university while maintaining a personal, intimate learning space of a small liberal arts school. We execute this mission through our small class sizes– an unheard of 10:1 student to faculty ratio– while providing students with connections and on-campus organizations that give them impressive experience in their future career field.

We also have CLA-only core classes with 30 students or less. This means that as a Liberal Arts student, you won’t ever have to take a large lecture class!

Liberal Arts Career Preparedness class

Many students’ favorite class is Liberal Arts Career Preparedness, a required class for every CLA student, because they build resumes, cover letters, an elevator pitch, and create a LinkedIn profile– all skills that help students stand out and get their dream internships and jobs.

Our college has more majors and minors than any other college on campus– over 40 majors and minors– so we interviewed four CLA students to get insight into their day-to-day life in the College of Liberal Arts.

Advising by major

Our advisors in the College of Liberal Arts are assigned by major, not by last name. Students will meet their academic advisor during Camp War Eagle before registering for classes. They will know your career goals and interests and make sure that you are in the right classes to prepare you for them. Our advisors care about their students as future professionals, but also as friends.

Career Services

The College of Liberal Arts’ Career Services provide students with a constant source of career-focused guidance. Specialized career counselors meet with students to guide them through steps to work toward their career goals with tools like resumé, cover letter, and e-portfolio building, graduate school preparation, job and internship searches, interview preparation, and salary negotiations. These appointments are available from a student’s first year on campus to one year post-graduation.

On-campus Organizations

Our students are involved in organizations in every corner of campus. Many of these organizations are directly related to majors and future career goals, such as writing for The Auburn Plainsman newspaper, working for The Oaks Agency, singing with the Chamber Choir or joining the Mock Trial team. Our professors encourage students to get involved in these organizations as early as their first semester freshman year to get hands-on experience in their major.

Interviews with CLA students

Elizabeth Talmadge, Senior in Psychology

Dothan, AL

College of Liberal Arts: Tell us about a day in the life of a psychology major.

Elizabeth Talmadge: The day to day life for a Psychology student differs depending on the week! Every day I am expected to go to class and learn more about how people tick. My favorite class currently is Motivation and Emotion. In this class we explore why people are motivated and how we can make ourselves motivated. It has honestly been super helpful in trying to motivate myself to study! Another area that is major for Psychology students is research. I participated in a research lab for two years here at Auburn and it was such a wonderful experience! I learned how to code and conduct research in a professional setting. The psychology department also has established an honor society, called Psi Chi, that connects students with different professionals in the field!

CLA: What is your favorite class you’ve taken?

ET: My favorite major class that I have taken would have to be Psychology of Learning! It was so interesting to find out how our brains retained information! Not only did we study how we learned in a classroom setting, but also how we learned in everyday settings. For example, how to learn the habits of eating healthy or cleaning your room. It was such a useful class and I am still profiting from it today!

So, what can you do with a liberal arts degree? With the soft skills that our professors instill in our students, the question is what can’t you do.

AJ Revera, Junior in Communications with minors in History and Public Administration

Madison, AL

CLA: Tell me about some organizations that you are involved in on-campus and why you like them.

AJR: I am heavily involved with Eagle Eye TV, Auburn’s student run TV station, where I serve as the Executive Producer. I love being a part of this organization because I get real, hands-on experience of a TV station in a comfortable environment. More so than anything, it’s a learning lab. I have met some of my closest friends at Eagle Eye and something that is awesome compared to other student TV stations across the country is that its not major-dependent. Anyone can join, regardless of major. This also means that it is open to all grade levels; I have been involved since my freshman year.

CLA: Tell me about your favorite professor.

AJR: My favorite professor is Dr. Fillippeli who I have taken for Argumentation and for Foundations of Rhetoric and Social Influence. She does a really good job of connecting with students and helping them learn difficult subjects. I met with her multiple times for 1 on 1 help in Rhetoric and Social Influence, and she helped me get a better grasp of the material and do better throughout the class.

Campbell Govignon, Junior in Public Relations

Calhoun, GA

CLA: Could you give me a brief overview of a day in your life on campus?

Campbell Govignon: A day in my life on campus typically involves starting the day working in the CLA Student Services office as a Student Recruiter. I then head to my Public Relations classes of the day and grab lunch at Chicken Salad Chick after class. Then I spend the rest of my school day either in the library or student center studying, working on projects or materials and operations for the organization on campus that I am a part of!

CLA: How did you choose your major? Tell me a little bit about your major.

CG: My major is Public Relations. I chose PR because it is a collaborative people-centered field of work that focuses on media and public outreach. It is also a broad field that allows you to work in many different industries and is pretty much needed anywhere.

Sarah Stephenson, Senior in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Birmingham, AL

CLA: What surprised you about the College of Liberal Arts?

Sarah Stephenson: When imagining college classes before I began my time at Auburn, I thought of large overwhelming classes where I would never know my professors or the people in my classes. However, the most surprising thing to me about the College of Liberal Arts and specifically my major has been the personal connections I have found to both my professors and classmates. The professors are not only passionate about their classes, but also about their students. All of the professors I have had in the College of Liberal Arts have been extremely approachable and willing to meet with me at any time.Throughout my time in college, I have been encouraged by how much the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the relational side of learning. I have formed relationships with my professors, as well as the people in my classes.

CLA: What has your favorite class been?

SS: My favorite class I have taken in my major is my Child and Adolescent Language Disorders class because I have a desire to work with children in the future and this class confirmed this interest for me. Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton structured this class to be extremely interactive and hands-on which allowed me the opportunity to experience a deeper glimpse of what my future career will look like. Because Dr. Hamilton helped this major come to life for me, she is my favorite professor. She took the book knowledge my cohort and I were learning and helped us to see the direct applications to our future career. Dr. Hamilton is very inspiring because of her passion for and knowledge of the field of Speech Pathology. She brought to light issues in the field and helped me understand possible solutions that will continue to benefit me when I become a practicing Speech Language Pathologist.

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Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Auburn has over 500 on-campus student organizations to choose from. Many of these organizations provide opportunities to serve the campus and the city of Auburn. We’ve highlighted a few below. You can learn about each of these organizations and more on the AU Involve website.

The Big Event

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/bigevent

The Big Event is one giant day of service in the Auburn-Opelika area. Students in the organization will lead teams to complete service projects all over the community. You can serve as a project leader or just volunteer the day of. Around 1,000 students participate in The Big Event each year.

Project Uplift

https://cla.auburn.edu/projectuplift/gallery/

Project Uplift provides the opportunity for Auburn students to serve as a mentor to a child in the Auburn area. Students will be assigned a mentee between the ages of 5-12. Their role is to spend time with their mentee every week. They can go to a park, go on a walk, get ice cream, watch a movie, or just hang out. This is a great way to be a friend and positive influence to a child in the community.  

Auburn University Dance Marathon

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/audm

Who doesn’t love a big party where you get to dance all day long AND raise money while doing it? The students involved in AUDM raise money throughout the year for the Children’s Miracle Network hospital. “The year culminates with a 12 hour long event where the students stay on their feet through dancing, games, and entertainment in order to celebrate the total amount raised that year.” Dance Marathon, which is a nationwide event, has the motto “We dance for those who can’t.” Auburn students love participating in Dance Marathon and have raised over $3 million through their involvement with the organization.

IMPACT

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/impact

Through IMPACT, Auburn students are able to serve in the community on a regular basis. Students can be a Project Coordinator or attend IMPACT volunteer projects whenever they would like. There are many locations in the area including food banks, retirement homes, after-school programs, the humane society, and more. Students volunteer in each of these areas through IMPACT on a weekly basis.

Beat Bama Food Drive

https://auburn.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/beatbamafooddrive

The Auburn-Alabama rivalry runs deep, and it doesn’t just stop with sports. Through Beat Bama Food Drive, Auburn students compete against Alabama students to see who can collect more cans for their local food bank. In 2021, Auburn students were able to collect 352,389 pounds of food for the Food Bank of East Alabama.

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A Tale of 3 Admissions Advisors and Their Advice for Out-of-State Students

Billy Fisher: Peachtree City, Georgia

I have worked as an Undergraduate Admissions Advisor at Auburn since 2016. However, I’m originally from Peachtree City, GA and first fell in love with Auburn when I came on a campus tour back in 2010. The next thing I knew I was here as a freshman in the Fall of 2011 majoring in Supply Chain Management, and four short years later I was sad about the idea of leaving Auburn upon graduation in 2015. I’m so grateful that I get to work for the university I love so much and live in the town I love so much. My wife and I started dating in college, and our hobbies and activities surround everything Auburn – going to ALL sporting events, enjoying great food and just a great college town. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, golfing, working out and watching all sports. I am a very passionate Braves fan, and am so glad I got to experience a World Series last fall!

My Top 3 Pieces of Advice for an Out-of-State Student

  1. Be Extremely Intentional About Getting Involved Right off the Bat

Auburn will provide you with every opportunity to get plugged in as soon as you step foot on campus. We have over 550 different clubs and organizations, and one of the best ways to get plugged in is to start before you get on campus. Check out our AU Involve campus organization database and find out a little more about what may be a good fit for you so that you can jump right in! If you don’t do that before coming to campus, no worries – Auburn will provide every opportunity right off the bat. This may be through Welcome Week actives during your first week at Auburn, sporting events, on campus housing events and so much more. There’s no need to overload yourself, but just be intentional. There’s a spot for everyone at Auburn. In addition to getting plugged in, it’s a great way to get a lot of delicious and FREE food!!

2. Consider Greek Life if You’re Interested, but Don’t Feel Like It’s the “End-All-Be-All”

I often hear so many prospective out-of-state students expressing concern about feeling like they have to get involved in Greek Life at Auburn in order to fit in. Greek Life is great if it’s something you’re interested in, but one of my favorite things about Auburn is that there is absolutely no separation between Greek and non-Greek students, and there is every opportunity to get involved regardless of if a student joins a Greek organization or not. Bottom line – it’s great if you want to do it – but not a must at all. Follow what you want to do and not what you think you should do.

3. Have a Blast, but Remember That Grades Matter

The price of out-of-state tuition is real, and I know so many out-of-state students choose to attend Auburn because of merit scholarships that lessen the cost. Just remember that students must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA at the end of each year in order to maintain that scholarship. So – have a blast, make friends, get involved, but just make sure that the classroom is the priority it needs to be.

Mary Davis Kennedy: Chattanooga, Tennessee

War Eagle! My name is Mary Davis Kennedy, and I graduated from Auburn in 2016 with a communication degree and again in 2021 with my master’s degree in education. I’m originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, but both of my parents are from Alabama and both graduated from Auburn. I grew up attending football games and visiting family in the area, so my Auburn roots run deep, and I always knew I wanted to continue my family’s legacy at Auburn.

I only knew a handful of students when I moved to Auburn, so I was incredibly overwhelmed and very homesick. Not because I didn’t love Auburn (because I did and still do!), but because college is a huge transition. Because of this, I utilized the free counselling sessions offered through our Student Counseling and Psychological Services Office at the Auburn University Medical Clinic. They offer individual and group counseling options, along with other services. More information can be found on their website. So, my advice to any student who experiences any kind of struggle (big or small), utilize the resources available to you so you can be the healthiest version of yourself!

On a lighter note, my next piece of advice is to get involved (but not too much). Getting involved is a great way to get connected, network, and meet new friends, especially as an out-of-state student. I was involved in Greek Life and really enjoyed my time serving my social sorority. If anyone is thinking about getting involved with the Greek system, I encourage you to do it. But, if you don’t want anything to do with it, that’s okay too! Only about 30% of Auburn students are involved in the Greek system. Auburn offers over 500 involvement opportunities including SGA, club and intramural sports, and religious groups, so there’s plenty of options to pick from. To learn more about Auburn’s involvement opportunities, visit our AU Involve website. 

My last piece of advice is to live on campus because, similar to what I said about getting involved, it’s an easy way to meet new people and to have an instant community on campus. At Auburn, freshmen are not required to live on campus, but again, it’s something I always highly recommend. You also don’t need to have a car because everything you need is either on campus or within walking distance! Soon there will be a Publix in downtown Auburn, which will be perfect for our on-campus students. You’ll be able to walk to the grocery store! Plus, there’s always someone around to go grab a bite to eat with or to go to the library to study with. To learn more about living on campus at Auburn, visit our housing website.

Heather Rodgers: Fort Worth, Texas

War Eagle from Texas! I started as a Regional Admissions Advisor in November of 2018 but graduated from Auburn back in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My first visit to Auburn was the summer before my senior year of high school in 2004, and I knew instantly that it was the right place for me. I had not even heard of Auburn until right before I visited campus, so I learned everything I could about it during senior year before moving across the country to a new state. Auburn became my home away from home, and a few things helped make that happen.

Go potluck!

You may already know someone you want to room with, and that’s okay. But if you don’t (or even if you do), consider going potluck. The other person chose to room with someone they don’t know yet too, and there is a chance you will become best friends.

Make at least one friend in every class.

It may not happen on the first day, but all you have to do is smile and say hello to one person. Having a friendly face in class helped me get through the tough courses and made it easier to ask for a study partner when exams rolled around.

Say “Yes!”

Dinner at Taco Mama with your roommate and their friend? “Yes!”

Auburn gymnastics meet with a new friend in your residence hall? “Yes!”

Coffee with the person you just met in class? “Yes!”

If you say no and just go back to your room, you are missing out on fun opportunities to meet people and to experience Auburn. Auburn has so much to offer, and you will miss it if you don’t say yes!

Bonus Advice…

Communicate with your friends and family back home! Send a letter, email, text, voice message…whatever it is that helps you remain connected to the ones you love who aren’t in Auburn with you. There are so many ways to stay in touch now, and it will keep you from feeling far away on those days you wish you could hug your people back home.

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The Top 5 Places to Study on Auburn’s Campus

By Hanna Morrison

Whether it’s finals, midterms or just a busy test week, studying in the same place for hours on end can put you in a bit of a studying rut. Luckily Auburn’s campus is filled with lots of unique and fun places to study to help you mix things up! Take a look at our top five favorite places to study around Auburn University.

Mell Classroom Building – Photo via Williams Blackstock Architects

Mell Classroom Building

Built in 2017, the Mell Classroom Building was constructed onto the front of the Ralph B. Draughon Library. Since then, Mell has been one of our students’ favorite places to study on campus. Studying in Mell provides students easy access to the many resources of RBD Library and large windows that offer tons of natural light. Students can study in the open-air common areas or grab one of the private study rooms that are great for study groups. Use the D!BS reservation system to reserve you and your friends a study space in the Mell Classroom Building.

Samford Lawn – Photo via Auburn University Campus Recreation

Samford Lawn

With warmer weather the majority of the year, many Auburn students love to study outside. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy studying in the shadow of Auburn’s most recognizable building. When it is time for a study break, take a stroll downtown for a glass of Toomer’s lemonade or stretch your legs playing ultimate frisbee with friends.

Horton-Hardgrave Hall – Photo via Williams Blackstock Architects

Rooftop Terrace at Horton-Hardgrave Hall

Want to study with panoramic views of Auburn’s campus? Check out the rooftop terrace on the fifth level of Horton-Hardgrave Hall. This 100,000 square-foot terrace provides the perfect outdoor study space with show-stopping views of Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Auburn Arena and Samford Hall. With plenty of outdoor seating, high top tables and even flat screen TVs, there is enough room for your entire group of friends to study on a sunny day.

Melton Student Center – Photo via Auburn University

Melton Student Center

Located in the heart of Auburn’s campus, the Harold D. Melton Student Center provides the perfect place to cram last minute for your World History exam or make Spanish flashcards in between classes. The Student Center is home to Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Au Bon Pain and more dining options so you can grab a bite to eat while you study. Whether you choose to sit in one of the many food venues or in the quiet area located on the 3rd floor, the Student Center is a fun and convenient place to study on campus.

The Edge at Central Dining – Photo via Auburn University

The Edge at Central Dining

The Edge is Auburn’s newest dining facility and a hidden gem when it comes to the perfect study space. Students must use one of their dining meal swipes to enter, but once inside you can stay for hours while you make repeat trips to the all-you-can-eat buffet. There are also dining/study rooms that can be reserved by students. Who wouldn’t want to study with an endless supply of soft-serve ice cream?

No matter where you decide to study for your next exam, Auburn’s campus has something that’s perfect for every studying style. Try out some of these study locations and let us know which one is your favorite. It won’t take long before you have your new favorite, go-to spot!

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Life as an Auburn Naval ROTC Student

Auburn has Navy/Marine, Air Force, and Army ROTC branches for students to join. We interviewed four Naval ROTC students to learn more about their experiences.

http://www.auburn.edu/academic/rotc/nrotc/

Zachary Mutty

The life of an Auburn University Midshipman starts at New Student Orientation (NSO). Yourself and all other newly appointed MIDN show up to Nichols Center donning their best khakis pants and white polo to kick off your training to become a Navy or Marine Corp Officer. I viewed my time in Naval ROTC as a part time job. In a part time job, you show up to work, get the job done and go about your day. The same can be said about Naval ROTC. You attend morning PT sessions, afternoon leadership labs, and drill practice. However, at the conclusion of each event you maintain your status as a normal Auburn college student. You have the ability to join clubs, participate in IM sports, and be a member of a Greek life chapter.

            Auburn Naval ROTC has given me countless opportunities from exploring naval aircraft to being at the controls of multimillion dollar warships during summer cruise and Naval ROTC club trips. These training and club trips have afforded me the opportunity to travel all around the country as part of Auburn Naval ROTC. There are a variety of clubs in the Auburn Naval ROTC program that help you advance your knowledge about the respective warfare areas you will someday enter. They include the Naval Aviation Society of Auburn (NASA), Arleigh Burke Honorary Fraternity (ABHF), Semper Fi Society, and the Drill Team. I was a member of NASA and the Drill Team with created fond memories from trips to Pensacola, FL to tour Naval Aviation Squadrons, and New Orleans, LA for the Tulane Drill Competition. Here at Auburn, we have a semester long sports competition against the Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC where the winner earns the coveted Commanders Cup. We compete against each other in various sports such as football, soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee and more. At the end of the year, the branch with the most overall points wins the Commander’s Cup.

Every summer you will attend a different summer cruise. Your first summer you will go on CORTRAMID where you will spend a week with each potential warfare community you might someday join after commissioning at the end of your Naval ROTC career. Your second summer you will go on Second Class Cruise where you will be assigned an enlisted running mate and learn about life in the navy as an enlisted sailor. Your third and final cruise will be a First Class Cruise where you will be assigned an officer running mate and learn about life as a naval officer. All of these cruises build upon each other to give you a strong base to start your Naval career.

            As a student at Auburn University, you will quickly learn everyone loves Auburn sports. If you have been to a sporting event you have probably noticed the service members carrying the national ensign and rifles known as the color guard. Auburn NROTC performs color guards for Auburn football games, Auburn basketball games, Auburn soccer games, and Auburn baseball games. As a member of the color guard, you have the ability to stay after your performance to enjoy the event. If you have been to an Auburn football game you may have noticed the field being covered in all 50 state flags. We call this freshman flags where every freshman has the opportunity to carry one of the 50 flags onto the field and then stay after and enjoy front row seats at an Auburn football game. I was blessed to perform freshman flags during the 2017 Iron Bowl and was one of the first students to be able to rush the field after Auburn’s dominating win.

            Auburn NROTC has afforded me opportunities I never thought possible in college. I have now commissioned into the Navy and will attend flight school in Pensacola, FL all thanks to the Auburn Naval ROTC program.

ENS Rosinko

When thinking about the military and Naval ROTC the first things that comes to mind are discipline, physical fitness, rigidity, and getting yelled at by an angry Gunnery Sergeant. All things that seem to be quite the opposite of what you associate with college. While some of those things hold true to Naval ROTC, the reality of it is that life as a Naval ROTC student is not all that different from the average Auburn college student. There are certainly a few sacrifices that you’ll have to make, but the benefits far outweigh those tradeoffs.

            The price you pay for Naval ROTC is assumed to be much more than it actually is. If you’re on a Naval ROTC scholarship, you will serve in the military for a few years after graduation. If you do not meet the standards for the Physical Fitness Test (PRT) then you’ll have to wake up early to work out four days a week. Men will need a short haircut and fresh shave to stay within grooming standards. Occasionally, you will have to wake up early for a fun field day with our consortium unit at Tuskegee. You will need to maintain a minimum of fifteen credit hours each semester and take certain classes for the program that will not be part of your degree.

            What are the benefits of Naval  ROTC? As a Naval ROTC student, you will get access to classes and training designed to help you learn and hone your leadership abilities. A skill that will be useful to you in any career you choose after the military. You will have the opportunity to participate in freshman flags which will give you free access to football games. Personally, I was able to go to the Georgia and Alabama games my freshman year because of this. There are numerous clubs associated with the unit like our aviation society, submariner society, surface warfare society, color guard (which will get you free access to all kinds of sporting events like football and basketball), drill team (which takes a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras to compete in a competition and experience the festival), and commander’s cup (which is an intramural sports competition between the ROTC branches). There are also field meets where we compete in friendly competitions with the Tuskegee unit. For those who are on scholarship, there are also many financial benefits and opportunities for great experiences. Every summer you will have the opportunity to explore the different components of the Navy and different parts of the US and the world. Places like San Diego, Pensacola, Pearl Harbor, Norfolk, Camp Lejeune, Guam, Spain, etc. You will have the opportunity to fly in jets, sneak through the ocean on a submarine, watch the sunrise from a destroyer, or experience the floating cities known as aircraft carriers. Financially, the benefits are incredible, as your entire tuition is covered by the Navy. You receive a book stipend every semester, you get a monthly stipend that increases every year you are in the program, and you have a guaranteed job immediately after graduation. For me personally, between the Navy and university scholarships, I was able to pay for my entire college experience by myself.

            All in all, while there are some sacrifices to being a Naval ROTC student, the benefits far outweigh the costs. You will have opportunities to experience things most people can only dream of while still being able to experience Auburn to its fullest.

http://www.auburn.edu/academic/rotc/nrotc/

Andrew Lewis

Since I was four years old, it has been my dream to be a naval officer and an Auburn graduate. I came to Auburn as a third-generation Auburn student not knowing what to expect. By far, joining Auburn Naval ROTC was the best thing I have ever done. Normal college experiences seem boring in relation to the experience I have had in Auburn Naval ROTC. From the camaraderie created at morning PT events to experiencing Auburn football games in Jordan-Hare front row, my time here at Auburn flew by. In addition to all the good times I have had at Auburn, there was work that had to be done.

 The battalion does a great job of ensuring that we are successful both on and off the drill field. From tutoring to study hours, Naval ROTC creates an environment that aids in a student’s studies and academic success. The fun never stopped, continuing right into the summer. The stereotypical motto of “Join the Navy, See the World,” definitely has merit. I spent my first summer in San Diego, CA doing some of the coolest things a 19-year-old can do. We were either underway on nuclear submarines, shooting guns with Marines, zipping around the skies in aircraft, or seeing what it’s like to be a Surface Warfare Officer. It doesn’t stop with the first summer, during the next one I was able to experience New York City during Fleet Week as a midshipman. Finally, if I hadn’t had enough fun yet, I was able to go to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) and fly with Naval Aviators almost daily on a wide range of aircraft. If someone were to ask me which experience was my favorite, I would not be able to tell them because choosing one just isn’t possible. When we weren’t doing all these cool things, we were building bonds with fellow midshipmen from around the country that will last a lifetime.

Jackson Weyhe

At about six o’clock in the morning, on any given Wednesday, someone could drive along S Donahue Drive, and they would see a group of ROTC students formed up on the lawn in front of the Nichols Center. They are still tired, having only been up thirty minutes or so, and the coffee has not kicked in yet. Following an hour or so of physical training, everyone leaves and goes about their normal class day as a college student. On Wednesdays, however, Naval ROTC students are required to wear a prescribed uniform that day on campus and usually attend an afternoon leadership lab with their fellow midshipmen. Here, they learn about traits necessary to be a successful naval officer and even put these lessons into practice.

While there are many more obligations beyond these when you join NROTC, life is not too different than any other normal college student. Some days may be longer than others, but the general principles are to show up on time, in the right place, with the right uniform on and armed with a good attitude. If you are able to this, you are well on your way to becoming a strong naval officer. Like every other college student, you still go to class, have fun, and enjoy being a student at Auburn University. Some of the benefits include the possibility of a free education, an opportunity to serve your country, and strong friendships. Along with these, being a midshipman offers you the chance to do many fun things including summer cruise, drill team, Commander’s Cup, color guard, and freshman flags. These opportunities give you the chance to have fun, get into Auburn sporting events, and travel the country to places like California, Hawaii, and Guam. While NROTC does require hard work and dedication, people get out of it what they put into it and the rewards definitely make it worth it.

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An Inside Look at The College of Human Sciences

Meet Montana Humphries, Senior in the College of Human Sciences

Hi! I’m Montana Humphries, and I am from Oxford, Alabama, a somewhat large town between Birmingham and Atlanta. As a child, I grew up a huge Auburn fan! My mother and I would always take special trips on Saturdays to watch the Tigers play in Jordan-Hare. Attending games and walking around campus at such a young age meant so much to me and inspired me to one day attend Auburn after graduating high school. There are so many amazing careers in the world, but nothing beats a career that allows you to forever make an impact in the lives of the individuals around you. This is exactly what the College of Human Sciences allows you to do! When I was transferring to Auburn, I was seeking a major that would allow me to make a difference in the world and provide guidance to others, while also having student organizations and opportunities available to students. The College of Human Sciences was the perfect fit as it focuses on the well-being of others, families, and environments to improve and enhance the human condition, while also focusing on the student experience.

What is your field of study and what do you plan to do?

My field of study is Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) with a concentration in Adult Development. I graduate May 2022 with hopes of working for Auburn University as an Academic Advisor. 

What have you enjoyed most about studying Adult Development in HDFS? 

The adult stages of life are so significant because they are when individuals make important life decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. Throughout someone’s adult years, they are faced with challenges and successes that mold them to be a unique individual. This is exactly why I chose this major and concentration. I have always desired to someday work with college students and serve as a mentor to provide guidance through such an important stage in their life. College is all about adjusting, figuring out who you truly are and desire to be, and starting the pathway to a dream career. It will mean the world to me to have an impact on a student’s academic career and advise them throughout their journey.

How would you describe the class sizes in the College of Human Sciences?

The class sizes are similar to high school and, for me, this was extremely beneficial!  As someone who made the transition from high school to community college to a four-year University, I was nervous and afraid I would struggle making friends or creating a relationship with my professors.  This college provides you with countless opportunities to build relationships. I had so many amazing conversations with my peers that not only helped me network but created friendships that will last a lifetime.

How did you feel transferring to AU and what do you enjoy most about the College of Human Sciences?

Coming from a smaller institution, I was both excited and nervous about making the move to Auburn University. As I started classes, met new friends, and introduced myself to my professors, I quickly realized that the opportunities to grow in the College of Human Sciences are endless. My experience of transferring into Human Sciences was nothing short of amazing. A fear of mine was that I would not be able to fit in and find my place, and that I would be a step behind someone who started as a freshman. I was completely wrong. The staff and faculty welcomed me with open arms. I felt at home and knew I made the right decision. There are so many clubs and organizations that are available for students to get plugged into, and this was another huge part of how I found my place in the college as well. What I enjoy most about the College of Human Sciences is the endless love and support that is poured into all the students. I can truly say that every single person I have encountered in the college demonstrates their passion for working with students, helps them grow, and accepts them no matter the circumstance. CHS wants their students to excel, grow, and have an amazing college experience.

What clubs/activities within the College of Human Sciences are you taking part in?

CHS offers so many clubs and organizations that allow students to become involved on campus and demonstrate their strengths. The Student Ambassador organization within Human Sciences has provided so many opportunities for me including community outreach, campus involvement, and an internship. I serve as HDFS Co-Chair for the Ambassadors which gives me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Another club I am involved in is the HDFS Professionals Club. I served as Public Relations Chair my junior year and now Vice-President for my senior year. These leadership positions helped me improve my interpersonal skills, meet new people in the community, and serve as a mentor to other students

Tell us about your internship in the College of Human Sciences.

My internship is with the Office of Academic Affairs and focuses on Academic Advising. I have the opportunity of working closely with students, locating student files, and assisting in appointment preparation. Shadowing advising appointments helps prepare me for my future career as it demonstrates the exact duties that I will perform on the job, what is expected of me, and how to handle all situations with students.  I have also learned more about the many important software programs used by advisors today, giving me a jump start at a career in this field.  As the first ever intern for the Academic Affairs office, I have had the privilege of working closely with staff and faculty and becoming involved not only in the college but all over campus at Auburn. This is an experience I will always cherish.

Montana’s major in Human Development and Family Science is one of several College of Human Sciences degree programs described as ahead of the curve because of a focus on social awareness, global trends and forward-thinking curriculum. Keep scrolling to see the possibilities, nationwide rankings and something exciting on the horizon, particularly for students interested in Hospitality Management.

http://humsci.auburn.edu/academics/programs.php

By broadening your horizons and opening your mind to the possibilities of a CHS degree, we prepare graduates to be a step ahead of the competition in the global marketplace. More students in the College of Human Sciences travel and study abroad than in any other college at Auburn University.

And there’s more!  Happening this summer—the new state-of-the-art Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center opens, serving as the new home to the Hospitality Management Program and bringing a luxury hotel and spa, teaching restaurant, microbrewery, coffee roastery, food hall and more to Auburn University and the community.  The Rane Culinary Science Center is certain to be a top pick among students and a favorite gathering spot in Auburn.

Opening Summer 2022

Take a fly through of the Rane Center!

With the skills and knowledge gained in the College of Human Sciences, our students not only meet the needs of consumers and businesses but exceed their expectations.

Visit the College of Human Sciences website for more information and come join us!

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What is Tiger Nights?

By: Jaxon Byrd, Assistant Director of Marketing for Tiger Nights

Tiger Nights (coordinated by the University Program Council) is your one-stop shop for all things fun. Dedicated to providing Auburn students with late-night, alcohol alternative events, Tiger Nights takes pride in bringing fun, unique experiences to campus. Major events in the past have included Rollin’ Thru the Decades, laser tag, spike ball, Fall Fest, Student Center Takeover and much more! Grab some friends or come solo and enjoy Auburn’s late-night programming!

Spikeball Tournament

Spike, save, and dive into some fun with Tiger Nights at the annual Spikeball Tournament held on the campus green in late February. Grab a teammate and make sure to RSVP on AUinvolve to reserve your spot in this competitive event!

Spring Fair

Tiger Nights is bringing some carnival classics to campus! During the beginning of March, Tiger Nights is hosting the Spring Fair on the campus green. Stop by for games, food, and entertainment!

Formal

Tiger Nights is hosting Auburn’s first all university formal, at the Auburn Hotel. The dress is semi-formal. All Auburn students are welcome to attend. Dress to impress and come help us kick off this inaugural event!

Wipeout

Remember the show, Wipeout? Live out your dreams of being a Wipeout contestant and take a run at some of your show favorite obstacles on the Campus Green during early April.

Bingo Night

BINGO!! Tiger Nights is ending the semester with a committee favorite! At the end of April, Tiger Nights is hosting Bingo Night. Come play with your friends to win big.

                    

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What’s Ahead for Auburn in 2022

Exciting things are happening in Auburn this year!

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

https://www.aotourism.com/Arts-and-Culture/19/Tony-and-Libba-Rane-Culinary-Science-Center/

According to the Auburn University Construction Update from November 2021, The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a “first-of-its-kind project” for Auburn. Once completed in May, it will combine academics and revenue generation. The College of Human Sciences’ Hospitality Management program, including the Culinary Science, Event Management, and Hotel & Restaurant Management academic options will be supported by this project, and students will have the unique opportunity to train in operational hotel spaces and food venues outside of their academic instruction. https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/updates/board-of-trustees-updates/pdf/november-2021.pdf

Watch this fly through on YouTube for a sneak peak!

Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex (ACLC)

https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=15-034

Set to be completed in April, the ACLC will be a 151,000-square-foot building that can seat a total of 2,000 students in 20 adaptable classroom/laboratories. It will also have six engaged active student learning classrooms and five lecture halls. The ACLC will amount to a 40% increase in total engaged active student learning space on campus.

Football Performance Center

https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=19-441

Coming soon is the new Football Performance Center. This 233,400-square-foot facility will include a Football Operations Building and an indoor practice facility with two full sized turf fields. This is set to be completed in August of 2022.

Quad Residence Halls Renovation: Phase 1

Quad Residence Halls Renovations - Harper & Broun Halls
https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=19-557

Currently under construction are two of the ten Quad Residence Halls. Harper and Broun Hall in the Upper Quad are in the middle of getting mechanical, electrical, and HVAC upgrades, as well as new paint, floors, windows, and furniture. These two dorms will be completed in July 2022 and construction will begin on two new dorms the following academic year.

Outside of campus, there are some new and exciting things happening as well…

Whataburger opened at Toomer’s Corner on January 3rd.

Are you hungry yet?!

Buc-ee’s, the gas station known for its clean restrooms, beaver nuggets, and clever advertising, will be opening late 2022 off of Interstate 85 at Exit 50 in western Lee County.

https://www.wsfa.com/2021/10/31/buc-ees-holds-groundbreaking-auburn-plans-late-2022-opening/

A new Publix will be opening on South Gay Street within walking distance of campus. This is expected to be open by Fall 2022.

https://oanow.com/news/local/construction-begins-on-publix-shopping-center-in-downtown-auburn/article_40fdce82-127a-11ec-8fe7-23af965040dd.html

As you can see, there are many new things to check out in Auburn, Alabama this year! Make sure to schedule a visit to campus to see it all for yourself!

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2021 – What a Year!

In the admissions world, we work on the academic year which is made up of fall, spring, and summer semesters. When you’re so used to the academic year, it’s sometimes difficult to think about time in terms of the calendar year . Also, how does anyone properly keep track of time while living through a pandemic? I thought we were all still processing 2020.

Like most years, 2021 had its ups and downs; challenges and successes; celebrations and sorrows. How quickly the time has passed, and now, the holiday season is upon us. Finals, holiday parties, spending time with those we love the most. Every year, I spend time with my family watching at least one or two holiday movies. What would the end of the year be without Home Alone? Kevin McAlister is going to help add some humor to our recap today. Everyone loves Kevin, right?

We’ll recap 2021 by semester. 😊 Here we go!

Spring Semester

2021 began with the spring semester. Ah, spring. A time when we in admissions like to think that we’re slightly less busy than the fall. But really, this spring, we were busy with admissions deadlines and our most competitive applicant pool yet. We weren’t expecting quite so many applications, but we worked incredibly hard to make sure that each student received a full and thorough review. The Class of 2025 is amazing, and we’re so proud that you joined the Auburn Family!

Spring was busy for the rest of campus as well. Auburn celebrated two amazing Auburn women, Dr. Bessie Mae Holloway and Dr. Josetta Brittain Matthews, by naming residence halls in their honor. Dr. Holloway was Auburn’s first African American Board of Trustees member, and Dr. Matthews was the university’s first African American graduate and faculty member. Auburn Liberal Arts student Amelia Grace Hill was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Galicia, Spain; and Auburn Engineering student Shelby Wales was named a Goldwater Scholar to continue her research on 3D printing and geochemical reactions.

Auburn reopened the Gogue Performing Arts Center and featured performances by Wynton Marsalis, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and Zakir Hussain. Auburn also received top rankings from U.S. News & World Report for many online graduate programs, earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation, and was named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence.

Summer Semester

Summer is usually quieter in the admissions office. A time to recharge. Still, we were busy gearing up for the fall.

Auburn University was certainly busy as well. Auburn was well-represented at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics with 15 current and former Auburn Tiger athletes. Auburn students returned to Ariccia, Italy with Auburn Abroad to study over the summer. Professor Latif Kalin of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences was selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to conduct research in Brazil.

Fall Semester

Fall is the busiest time for the admissions office. We opened Fall 2022 admissions applications in August of 2021, and we’ve been going nonstop ever since.

In any normal year, Auburn would see roughly 20,000 admissions applications. We recently surpassed our previous record with 40,000+ freshmen applications for Fall 2022. Yes, this means that we’re already experiencing a 68.5% increase from Fall 2021 and a 155% increase from Fall 2020. Not only have the application numbers increased, but the academic profile of the applicant pool has increased as well. The average GPA of accepted students is currently a 4.21, and the average ACT score of accepted students is a 28.6. For Alabama residents, the averages for accepted students are a 4.1 GPA and a 27.1 ACT. For non-residents, the averages for accepted students are a 4.27 GPA and a 29.8 ACT.  

Auburn was also named among the top public schools in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings. We are excited to remain one of the top institutions in the United States. Auburn University’s bald eagle Spirit was named an Honorary War Eagle and took her final stadium flight this fall. Auburn introduced a new and improved fleet of Tiger Transits, and Auburn opened The Edge at Central Dining which is the new two-story dining hall.

It’s been quite the year. Here’s to looking forward to 2022! We are excited to see how the Class of 2026 shapes up! Hoping you have more ups than downs, more successes than defeats, and more celebrations than sorrows in 2022.

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and War Eagle!

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Get to know the College of Engineering

Hi! My name is Annie Dorsey, and I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering student from Dallas, Texas.  As a senior reflecting on my experience at Auburn, I am so, so glad I chose to come ~700 miles away from my home (even though this meant leaving what is unequivocally one of the top 50 states).  

Me (middle) and an engineering project group in front of our Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center

I study Industrial and Systems Engineering, which focuses on process improvement, efficiency, and optimization. Typical ISEs pursue roles in manufacturing, healthcare, or supply chain. ISEs are the people who created the fast pass at Disney World, who suggested the Chick-Fil-A employees stand outside to take your order during rush hours, and if you’ve ever seen Cheaper by the Dozen, both parents are ISEs. 

Industrial and Systems Engineering is just one engineering discipline of 12 total majors in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. In alphabetical order, they are: 

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Biosystems Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering 
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Wireless Engineering

These majors are all 4 year programs and are all ABET Accredited. To see the courses required for graduation in each major, navigate to the “Majors” section of the Auburn Bulletin.  

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering is named after an impressive alumni of the college: Samuel Ginn. He is such a fantastic example for us as students, so many of the great programs we offer in the college replicate his experience in industry.

Samuel Ginn (middle) in Fall 2021 on a visit to the College of Engineering where he chatted with students and faculty 

Ginn worked for 27 years for AT&T then moved to join what would become Verizon.  He worked there for 22 years, overseeing both mergers and IPOs.  As engineers, we learn how to work cross functionally.  We study to learn how to problem solve, then, after we receive the best training, we are equipped to go into any industry.  Samuel Ginn is the perfect example of this, having worked in telecom, not a typical engineering role.  It is especially impressive to me that he was in charge of large divisions that were being bought and sold and was able to adapt to new leadership in each case.  We encourage our students to be involved with engineering beyond simply their declared major, because a well rounded engineer makes a great engineer even better.  

The College of Engineering also begins the cycle of lifelong learning. By having electives that adapt to industry needs each semester, we ensure our students are prepared to go into the workforce. However, we also know as our Alumni change roles and grow in their career, they will need to continue to seek out learning opportunities.  In addition to robust grad school offerings at Auburn, we encourage our students to practice lifelong learning by participating in clubs. To facilitate learning outside of the classroom, we offer organizations like the Theme Park Engineering Group , which encourages all engineering disciplines who are passionate about theme parks to grow a deeper understanding of the engineering, design, construction, and user experience that go into making a ride. Programs like the Academic Excellence Program, which just celebrated its 25th year, is dedicated to recruiting and retaining diverse students to the college. By providing a community for students of any minority status to go to for mentorship, professional development, and peer learning, we hope to facilitate students meeting their future co-workers or co-founders! It is clear Samuel Ginn also holds lifelong learning in high regard by his serving as a Sloan Fellow at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.  

Some of our Chemical Engineers, members of AIChE, at a recent conference

AURA (Auburn University Rocketry Association) members prepare for a launch

When Ginn was inducted to the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 1992, he continued to exemplify what we should aspire to become as engineers.  All Auburn students are held to a high standard, but the students in the College of Engineering have especially achieved some amazing success.  We have had graduates who have gone on to become VPs at Exxon Mobil, CEO of Accenture, CEO of Apple, NASA Astronauts, and much more.  Lots of friends have used our robust alumni network to get internships at top companies like Blue Origin, Tesla, Brassfield and Gorrie, and Johnson & Johnson.  Even beyond job titles, our graduates continue to achieve and succeed. For more cool stories, check out our podcast, #GINNing, which highlights students, professors, and alumni alike.  

Here’s me, Annie, with one incredible graduate of Auburn Engineering, Tim Cook

It is clear Samuel Ginn is not only a great namesake of the college, but also should be a role model for all students in the College of Engineering with his passion for cross functional training, lifelong learning, and career and life successes.