This Week @ AU

It is game week on the Plains. Along with the festivities that come with
home football games, students must also change the way they park their cars. The following parking lots carry certain restrictions for the day before and the day of home games:

1. Coliseum, C-Zone Lot: All vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. on the
day before a home football game.

2. West, RO/C-Zone Lot (at the west end of Thach Avenue): All vehicles must be removed by 6 a.m. on the day before a home football game.

3. The RW Zone Lot (bound by Wire Road and Magnolia Avenue) and the C-Zone Lot (bound by Magnolia Avenue and Donahue Drive): All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. on the day before a home football game.

4. The Entire Stadium Parking Deck (including RQ zone) located by the
football stadium: All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. on the day
before a home football game.

5. The C-Zone lots located across the street from the north side of the
Coliseum and the Pool Lot: All vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. on
the day before a home football game.

Violators of the above restrictions may be subject to towing.

Alternate parking lots* for RQ, RW and RO hangtag holders who are
displaced by game day parking are available on South Donahue Drive.
Please see the map for more information.

*Alternate R parking lots open at noon the Thursday before each home
football game. All vehicles must be moved by noon the Sunday after each
home football game.

Many students and parents have contacted Auburn University with questions about the 2009 novel H1N1 flu virus and Auburn University’s response.  The Department of Public Safety and Security/Emergency Management has updated frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the H1N1 flu.  Questions are broken into sections: general FAQ and information for students, parents and faculty and staff.  Topics covered include what to do if you think you have the flu, precautions being taken to prevent the spread of the flu (at the medical clinic and on campus in general), steps that students should take if they are diagnosed with the flu, how class absences are handled and vaccination information.

Those with flu-like illness are asked to limit contact with others, except to seek medical care, until being fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.  Those who are ill are encouraged to seek medical attention at Auburn University Medical Clinic in order to receive appropriate treatment and assist Auburn University with monitoring the severity of the flu on campus.  If you are diagnosed with the flu by another medical provider, please report this through the medical clinic's flu reporting hotline at 844-1706.  Those with underlying medical conditions that may put them at increased risk of severe illness from flu, are concerned about their illness, or develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing, should seek medical care promptly.

To minimize your risk of contracting or spreading the flu, remember to practice good hygiene, including covering your cough, washing hands frequently and minimizing exposure to persons with flu-like illness.  Visit
www.auburn.edu/emergency for updated information on the campus response to H1N1 flu and links to current flu resources.

Auburn University's Southeastern Raptor Center will host educational, birds-in-flight raptor programs this fall, on Fridays before home football games.  The program, "Football, Fans and Feathers," begins Sept. 4 at 4 p.m., the day prior to Auburn's home football opener against Louisiana Tech. A variety of birds such as hawks, falcons and eagles will be free-flown from flight towers, and education specialists will inform the audience about each bird and their role in nature.

Shows will also be held Sept. 11, 18 and 25; Oct. 16 and 30; and Nov 6, each beginning at 4 p.m. The Nov. 27 show will begin at 9 a.m. on the day of the Alabama game.

Programs take place in the 350-seat Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater on Raptor Road off Shug Jordan
Parkway. Directions are available at www.auburn.edu/raptor. Admission is $5 each, and children under age 3 are admitted free. Admission is $3 a person for school groups of 25 or more; those groups should contact the center ahead of time by calling 844-6943.

Auburn fans can show their team colors this fall by participating in All Auburn All Orange and the College Colors Day. Events begin Friday, Sept. 4, with College Colors Day, a national movement in conjunction with the kick off of football season. It promotes higher education and celebrates the achievements, spirit and traditions of colleges and universities. The Auburn family can continue to show support throughout the fall by participating in All Auburn All Orange and wearing the official All Auburn All Orange T-shirt to designated events. Upcoming events include football vs. Louisiana Tech, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m.; soccer vs. Missouri, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.; volleyball vs. LSU, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.; swimming and diving vs. Alabama, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.; equestrian vs. Texas A&M, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.; football vs. Kentucky, Oct. 17; and football vs. Alabama, Nov. 27. In April, fans voted for the T-shirt design and the winning design was announced on A-Day. A portion of the proceeds from this T-shirt supports scholarship programs and the Student Government Association’s Big Event program. Last year, 12,000 shirts were sold, providing $15,000 for scholarships and the Big Event. For a list of retailers selling the shirt, or for more information, visit this link (www.allauburnallorange.com).

All adviser and administrative offices in the College of Liberal Arts are now located on the third floor of  Tichenor Hall. The main office for Student Services is 321 Tichenor; all students will need to check-in at the main office before their adviser appointments. The move to Tichenor from Haley Center took place last week, and all offices are now open, including the dean's suite in 331 Tichenor, Human Resources in 312 Tichenor, Budget Office in 308 Tichenor and Connecting Alumni to Students in 331E Tichenor. The Department of Communication and Journalism is also in the process of moving back to its original home in Tichenor Hall. For more information, visit this Web site http://media.cla.auburn.edu/cla/move.cfm.

Parking services announces to students that the parking spaces at the now-closed Caroline Draughon Village or CDV have been rezoned from RE to C.  Those with any questions can contact David Vedder, manager of parking services, at 844-4143.

The University Program Council presents Water Aerobics on Thursday, Sept. 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Aquatics Center. Tickets for the comedy show, featuring Daniel Tosh, are also on sale. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, UPC will host a film showing of “Adventureland” at 7 p.m. in the Auburn University Student Center ballroom. For more information, please visit www.auburn.edu/upc or stop by the UPC office in Suite 3130.

Provost Mary Ellen Mazey is inviting all faculty, staff and students to participate in the Office of Sustainability Climate Action Plan. The Office of Sustainability is beginning its work for the Auburn Climate Action Plan -- the process of developing specific approaches to address the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which Auburn President Jay Gogue signed in fall 2008. By joining this national project, he committed Auburn University to significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The campus community will decide how to do it and what a reasonable target goal and date will be for Auburn. Some universities have set 2012 as a target, others 2050; and they have set different target goals. The Climate Action Plan, or CAP, will be a campus-wide, inclusive process similar to the strategic planning process that occurred in 2007. While the entire campus will be invited to provide input and comment, Auburn University is committed to providing opportunities for direct involvement in the plan for interested members of the campus community. The Office of Sustainability is now establishing working groups to make recommendations in particular areas: energy, information technology, purchasing, transportation, buildings, grounds, food and dining, recycling and waste reduction, campus and community engagement, and student life. The working groups will have 10-15 members representing the campus community. Each working group will have a chair who will serve on the CAP task force that will summarize the working group recommendations in a final report to President Gogue and the Board of Trustees. Provost Mazey hopes you will view participation in these groups as an opportunity to contribute to Auburn's long-range future in a meaningful way. Please direct any comments and questions on the Climate Action Plan to the Office of  Sustainability at 844-7777 or sustain@auburn.edu.

The Student Counseling Services at Auburn University is preparing for National Suicide Prevention Week Sept. 6-12. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and the 11th leading cause of all deaths in the United States. SCS Director Doug Hankes and Senior Staff Clinician Amy Davis are certified to train "Gatekeepers"  which include faculty, staff and students on how to effectively recognize and refer persons in distress or who are suicidal to campus and community resources. The program model uses the Question, Persuade and Refer curriculum, or QPR, nationally recognized by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations as a "Best Practices" program. It is a one-hour program and can be given to groups of up to 30 individuals. Please contact SCS at 844-5123 to schedule a program any time during the coming academic year.

The Interfraternity Council will be hosting Formal Rush today until Thursday, Sept.3. During this time all of Auburn's fraternities will open their doors to potential new members. Dress for this occasion is coat and tie. Those interested in joining a fraternity, please visit the Interfraternity Council Web site at www.auburn.edu/ifc, and register for Fall Recruitment. For a list of the fraternities associated with the Interfraternity Council, please visit www.auburn.edu/ifc. For more questions concerning this topic, please e-mail Wilson Meadows at meadojw@auburn.edu.

The Office of International Education invites students to stop by its fall study abroad fair on Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Haley Center lobby. Representatives from the Auburn faculty-led study abroad programs, other universities’ abroad programs and provider companies will be there to discuss study abroad options with students. For more information on study abroad programs, visit www.auburn.edu or e-mail auab@auburn.edu.

Campus Civitan is a volunteer service organization. Civitan's major emphasis is helping people with developmental disabilities, generally through supporting the Civitan International Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham or UAB. Individual clubs support people with disabilities by working on local projects such as Special Olympics, as well as other projects that provide services for the community. Campus clubs offer each member the opportunity to develop his or her leadership skills, public speaking abilities, managerial tools and organizational skills. Campus clubs are also an excellent way to meet people with similar interest in the community and to strengthen the network of professional contacts.

Those who are interested in becoming a member please e-mail the president, Randy Buckner, at bucknrd@auburn.edu.  Names will be added to a mailing list to keep informed of the first meeting.

The Women’s Philanthropy Board, in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences, will host its 2009 Fall Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 11, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The featured speaker will be Kirsty Coventry, Auburn alumna and Olympic gold medalist.

Registration for the luncheon is $50 and includes the 12 p.m. lunch. Tables of eight can be reserved for $400.

Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. To register, contact Sidney James Nakhjavan at 844-9199 or e-mail wpbchs1@auburn.edu. Make checks payable to the Auburn University WPB for the Fall Luncheon and mail to: AU College of Human Sciences,Women’s Philanthropy Board, 210 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL 36849.

Career Development Services invites students to join them on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom for its interactive presentation titled, “Monster College Advantage.”  This interactive presentation will help students make the most of their time at Auburn University, both in and outside the classroom. For more information, call 844-4744.

Auburn University has introduced a new design for its collegiate license plates to be available in late August or early September. Proceeds from the sale of Auburn University license plates in Alabama go to the Auburn University "License to Learn" Scholarship Endowment Fund, a statewide program that raises funds for freshmen scholarships. Approximately $1.2 million in scholarships was awarded in 2008-09.

Auburn University collegiate license plates will be available at local county license offices in late August or early September. Since all counties will not receive the tags at the same time, those interested in purchasing the tags are encouraged to call first. Both numbered and personalized tags are available. The cost for either one is $50 above the normal tag cost of $24.25. Collegiate license plates may be purchased at any time, regardless of the
individual's tag renewal month.

To read more, visit http://wireeagle.auburn.edu/news/1092.

O-Days provide students with the opportunity to learn about the many student organizations available at Auburn University. Students can choose from many student groups to join or gain more information about during this time.  The dates for O-days are today through Thursday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be located on the Haley concourse.

August 26, 2009

Dear Students and Parents,

You no doubt have concerns about the H1N1 influenza strain, known more commonly as swine flu, which has been spreading around the country.

Along with virtually every other college and university in the country, Auburn has been monitoring the situation closely. We feel we are prepared in the event the incidence becomes more widespread here, and are fortunate to have such an outstanding medical clinic on campus and strong relationships with community providers, as well.

We advise everyone -- students, faculty, and staff -- to wash hands frequently, avoid contact with persons who are ill. Flu can spread easily from person to person, therefore, we need everyone's help in preventing the spread of flu at Auburn. Please: practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol based hand cleaners, especially after coughing or sneezing; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or do so into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs are spread easily this way; stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (a fever is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher) or signs of a fever (you have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Talk with your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu; those vaccinations should be available in the Auburn area within the next week or so. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available; currently, H1N1-specific vaccines are not expected to be available until the end of October.

Anyone who becomes ill should avoid contact with others, and follow existing policies regarding absences: a doctor's excuse provided to the instructor is all that is required for any student illness, as outlined in the students' Tiger Cub handbook. Students should communicate with their instructors and arrange a time to provide make up work or re-schedule any missed exams. Our state public health department and our medical clinic director have indicated there is no need for further action at this time.

Parents, if your student lives on campus and is diagnosed with H1N1, we ask that you please consider transporting them home in a private vehicle to stay for the duration of their illness (until they no longer have a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication). This is intended to allow your student a comfortable recovery and minimize other students' exposure to the virus. If this is not possible, please have your student notify his or her resident director or resident manager so that other accommodations can be made for them on campus as needed.

The Auburn Web page at www.auburn.edu is always your first stop for the most current information in any type of situation that may affect our students' health and safety. Also, there is a new Parents' Page site where we also provide the information (www.auburn.edu/parents). This Week at AU is an electronic email newsletter sent weekly to all students, and should be reviewed for changing information and updates from myself, the president and/or the vice president for student affairs. Finally, you can also subscribe to Wire Eagle (wireeagle.auburn.edu/) to receive updates sent each week from Auburn to your email or mobile device.

The university posts recommendations and links to state and national resources with information on H1N1 at www.auburn.edu/emergency; currently there is information from the CDC specifically for universities which we continue to discuss.

Thank you, and I will continue to update you as needed should situations change.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen Mazey
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Auburn University has been closely monitoring the H1N1 influenza outbreak and planning for the possibility of increased cases of the illness during the 2009-2010 academic year.  According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, anyone with flu-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) should self-isolate by staying away from classes and work and limiting interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Those with flu-like illness are asked to seek medical care at Auburn University Medical Clinic to receive appropriate treatment and assist Auburn University with monitoring the severity of the flu on campus.  Those with underlying medical conditions that may put them at increased risk of severe illness from flu, are concerned about their illness, or develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing, should seek medical care promptly.

If diagnosed with H1N1 influenza, students are encouraged to return home, via private vehicle, for the duration of their illness if possible.  Students who are diagnosed with H1N1 influenza that reside on campus and cannot return home should notify their resident director or resident manager so appropriate accommodations can be made.  Existing class absence policies as outlined in the Tiger Cub are being followed at this time.

Those with underlying medical conditions that may put them at increased risk of severe illness from flu (such as compromised immune systems due to cancer, HIV, history of organ transplant or other medical conditions) are also encouraged to register with the Program for Students with Disabilities to ensure that any necessary accommodations are considered.  If you are unsure whether you have such an underlying medical condition, please consult with your personal physician first.

To minimize your risk of contracting the flu, remember to practice good hygiene practices, including covering your cough, frequent hand washing, and minimizing exposure to persons with flu-like illness.  Visit www.auburn.edu/emergency for updated information on the campus response to H1N1 flu and links to current flu resources.

The Student Government Association, in partnership with the university transit system is starting the Auburn University Night Transportation System, Toomer's Ten. Toomer's Ten consists of 10 buses running seven routes between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday through Saturday nights. This schedule excludes home football game evenings and university holidays. The buses will be transporting students from the library, residence halls, fraternity houses, Toomer's Corner, dining facilities, off-campus residences and other stops in between those locations. These buses will be leaving the Toomer's Corner stop every 30 minutes. The first run begins at 10 p.m. and the last run leaves at 2:30 a.m. All students are encouraged to take advantage of this great new system throughout the semester. To track your bus and find out more about the routes, visit  www.auburn.edu/transit. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jacob Watkins, SGA president, at  watkija@auburn.edu or visit www.auburn.edu/sga.

This summer, Auburn University's Spectrum Alliance received national recognition from Campus Progress of the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. Spectrum Alliance is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allies student group which discusses issues of relevance, as well as educates the Auburn community by hosting guest speakers and facilitating social events. This summer, Spectrum was awarded the "Best Student Organized Event" nationally for hosting Daniel Helminiak's presentation of "What the Bible Really Says about Homosexuality." Spectrum received this award for hosting a well-coordinated event and its ability to draw a large and diverse crowd as well. This award is a prestigious achievement which demonstrates Auburn University's commitment to diversity and student leadership.

Those interested in event planning and becoming involved in university programs can check out University Program Council Committee Interest Sessions, which will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Room 2218 of the Student Center at 4 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 26, in Room 2310 of the Student Center at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Committee applications are available online at the UPC Web site: www.auburn.edu/upc. Applications are due by noon on Aug. 28, and should be returned to AUSC Suite 3130. The UPC’s UPComing event this week is a “Veggie Cooking Workshop” on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. in Spidle Hall. Also, tickets for the comedy show featuring Daniel Tosh will be available Aug. 31. The show will be held on Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Activities Center. For more information, please visit the UPC Web site, www.auburn.edu/upc, visit UPC in AUSC Suite 3130 or call 887-4788