Spring Welcome Back & Involvement

WHAT’S INSIDE EVENTS

UPC schedule released for spring semester

spring

welcome back

2019

+ involvement published by The

Auburn Plainsman

page 4 SPOTLIGHT

SGA president and other seniors share their Auburn bucket lists page 5

SPORTS

Stay up-to-date with Auburn Tigers basketball schedule cheat sheet

page 6 RELIGION

Christian ministries keep doors open for students of different denominations

page 8

CAMPUS

Keep up with construction around campus

page 10 DINING

CAMERON BRASHER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Changes still coming to Foy Commons page 11

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The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

January 17, 2019

SGA

New things coming from SGA in 2019

By TRICE BROWN Campus Reporter

Over the holiday break, the Student Government Association continued working to solve students’ issues.

SGA President Dane Block said SGA Senate has incorporated new student liaisons to further the voice of the students during Senate meetings.

SGA is continually working with University President Steven Leath and the Provost Office to create more opportunities for students to attend Auburn, Block said.

“We’re here to advocate for new and unique opportunities for students to attend Auburn because there are so many qualified and capable students out there

that don’t know about Auburn or don’t know if they could get in or whatnot,” Block said.

Last semester, SGA Senate passed a memorandum expressing SGA’s support of Auburn’s participation in the American Talent Initiative. The non-profit organization aims to recruit low-income, high-caliber students onto college campuses.

Block said SGA is working with the Auburn Athletic Department as basketball gets ready for SEC play. Block said SGA is looking to see how the wait time can be improved and if it could be made fun by the inclusion of dining services or music.

The Student Government Association has a lot of things coming for students from every angle in the 2019 spring semester.

SGA President Dane Block said SGA is working with dining services to solidify a location for the Chick-fil-A food truck.

Block said they are also looking to eventually create another Chick-fil-A location at The Village dorms.

According to Block, SGA and parking and transportation services are expecting the Request for Proposal for a subsidized ride-sharing program to be finished and a company selected to partner with by the end of the semester.

“I believe companies are going to chomp at the bid to partner with a university because you’ve seen that across the board with different universities,” Block said.

SGA is currently working in collaboration with student leaders across campus on advocating for a National Pan-Hellenic Council Legacy Plaza. The Senate passed a resolution supporting this last semester, and they are continuing to advocate for it.

This semester will be Block’s final semester as SGA president. Block said he is looking forward to finishing strong and ensuring that the voices of the students lose no authority as these projects are being talked about.

January 17, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

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MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

Academic advisors enocourage students to stay balanced this semester

By NATALIE BECKERINK Campus Writer

The beginning of a new year means the beginning of a new semester on Auburn’s campus — a chance for students to start fresh.

Though resolutions towards school and grades may be on everyone’s mind, it’s hard to know where to go first. A few academic advisors from various colleges on campus provided some advice to help get people on the right track.

Amy Brock, the director of advising for the College of Agriculture, emphasized that each semester is a new semester, and that it’s important to focus on one at a time in order to ensure success. She

provided several tips to help students along their journey. Brock also mentioned how something as simple as being kind towards fellow students can also assist in the formation of a successful semester.

“Each of you are facing different obstacles. You never know when a kind word can completely change someone’s day,” Brock said.

Other advisors gave different, but still effective, advice. Terrell Bean, an advisor in Lowder Business Building, highlighted the importance of staying on top of day-to-day activities.

“I would advise students to be proactive in their planning in every aspect of their daily lives,” Bean said. “Time management is

AU Players to host its first open mic night

By TIM NAIL Community Writer

For some, a new year means trying new things; to encourage this spirit, AU Players is set to throw its first open mic night of 2019 this week.

The organization schedules its Friday Forums each month to allow members to demonstrate their talents on stage. This month’s is scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Telfair Peet Theatre. Music, improv and puppet acts have made up past forums, with the group welcoming any and all abilities.

“This is an opportunity for students to practice material in front of an audience,” said Jessi Rogers, president of AU Players.

“It’s a fun and low-key way for people to get in front of a crowd and perform.”

Among noted previous performances are local rock band LaRocque and Roll, American Sign Language interpreters, alongside singers and scene readings. Prizes may be given to lip-sync battles and riff-offs, though

Rogers stated this only occurs a couple times each year.

Acts are limited to five minutes each, with alcohol and nude content prohibited.

A total of ten slots are available for every forum, though only existing members of AU Players are allowed registration. Sign-ups are open the week of the event and will remain available until the day of or until all 10 slots are taken.

“AU Players [membership dues are] $25 for the whole year, which helps cover all our cookouts and fun activities,” Rogers said.

“However, members can join at any time, so if someone wants to join during the second semester of the year the dues are only $15.”

Audience admission is free, and both Auburn students and staff, as well as the general public, are invited to attend. Students looking to join AU Players may attend a Monday meeting at 5 p.m. or email Jessi Rogers. The January forum will commence at 11 p.m. and last until midnight in room 126 of the theatre.

Serve, Learn, Make a Difference ...

key.”

Katy Crier, an advisor in Auburn’s College of Science and Mathematics, also emphasized the importance of keeping track of your schedule.

“Become a planner,” Crier said. “It is hard to balance a full course load with on campus involvement and your social life, but it can become manageable if you schedule how you are going to schedule your time. Be in control of your schedule; don’t let it control you.”

In addition to talking to advisors, which is highly encouraged throughout all majors and concentrations, other sources, including SI sessions, Study Partners and other programs through the Office of Academic Support are available.

2019 Spring Volunteer

FAIR Tues., January 22 @ Student Center (2nd Floor)

10am-1pm

Come meet our Community Partners!

For more information, visit

www.auburnserves.com

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

O UTREACH G LOBAL

www.auburn.edu/outreach

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The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

January 17, 2019

s u p m ca

events to expect from UPC this semester

By MIRANDA SHAFFER Lifestyle Writer

Auburn’s University Program Council is always there to think of new ways for Auburn’s student body to connect through engaging new events and activities.

“This spring will be an exciting semester for UPC as we bring back a few familiar events and, more importantly, hold many new events that we hope will collectively reach Auburn students with different backgrounds and interests,” said Scott Murphy, UPC president.

The first big event students should mark

their calendars for is on Jan. 17 as UPC partners with Emerge through the Delta Speaker Series to bring sports star Tim Tebow to the coliseum.

In January, campus can also expect UPC’s first video game tournament in the Student Center game room.

“We’re excited to see the results of this tournament as we continue to work to provide a collective array of events where everyone on campus can find at least one event that they are interested in,” Murphy said.

February will hold a new event called Laser Tag on the Green, where there will be a massive inflatable laser tag course on the

Green Space. This will allow for large groups of students to come together and play laser tag for free.

In March, UPC’s special events committee will host a small indie concert on Cater Lawn to celebrate spring and the warmer weather. The musicians who will be playing has not been announced as of yet, but Murphy assures there will be some great music and great food.

One of UPC’s most successful events, Comedy on the Plains, will make its return in the beginning of April in the Foy Auditorium. UPC revealed they have been working closely with a few specific comedians but

will not be able to release any information regarding the talent until closer to the show.

Murphy also said there is a strong possibility that the stadium movie could make a comeback this semester, although a date has not been set yet.

This event allows students to experience a movie inside Jordan-Hare Stadium on the Jumbotron. UPC will also continue to provide free movies for students in Langdon Hall on the first Thursday and Friday of every month.

Below is a cheatsheet of all of UPC’s upcoming events for this semester with the events’ locations and dates.

Spring 2019 University Program Council events APRIL

JANUARY 16 Rollin’ Through the Decades (6 - 9 p.m., SC Ballroom)

4 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall)

17 Delta Speaker Series featuring Tim Tebow (5 - 6 p.m., Colesieum)

5 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall)

22 Open Mic Night (7 - 9 p.m., SC 2nd Floor Lobby) 25 Super Smash Bros. Tournament (5 p.m., SC Game Room)

FEBRUARY 7 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall) 8 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall) 14 Open Mic Night (7 - 9 p.m., SC 2nd Floor Lobby) 21 Laser Tag on the Green (5 - 8 p.m., Campus Green)

10 Weagle Wednesday (10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Campus Green)

MARCH 7 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall) 8 Film TBD (7 p.m., Langdon Hall) 28 Concert on Cater (6:30 9:30 p.m., Cater Lawn)

11 Comedy on the Plains (7 - 9 p.m., Foy Auditorium) 18 Spring Fling (6 - 9 p.m., Campus Green) 22 Earth Day Extravanganza (11 a.m. -2 p.m., Campus Green)

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January 17, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

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FILE PHOTO

A student’s cap at Auburn University’s commencement exercises in Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017.

Seniors share advice for ultimate Auburn experience

By HANNAH LESTER Campus Writer

Auburn Unviersity offers many different activities that can shape a student’s college experience. Thus many students can leave Auburn having only experienced half of what the University has to offer.

As high school students prepare to attend a college, Auburn appeals for a number of reasons. However, for graduating seniors at Auburn, reminiscing can prove a bittersweet time.

As Auburn seniors reflected on their Auburn experience, they created an Auburn bucket list full of “must do before leaving Auburn items.”

DANE BLOCK “I believe one thing I would recommend students to do before they leave is to find an older mentor,” Dane Block, SGA president senior in finance, said. “This may be an older individual in your major or organization.”

“Now something fun … attend as many sporting events as possible,” Block said.

“With football being the center of attention in the fall, the spring is loaded with various sporting events. As students, we have the opportunity to attend a lot of these events free of charge.”

Block said that he was never pushed toward Auburn, despite his mother having attended the University.

“What intrigued me most about Auburn were the endless opportunities,” Block said.

“Tasked with creating my own unique experience, I was eager and ready to begin

my journey. Looking back, four years later, there is not a thing I would change. Auburn has been perfect in every way as I have developed into the person I am today … spiritually and academically.”

Block said that he has seen himself grow tremendously over his four years at Auburn, but that it is normal to feel confused at the start.

“Part of the journey we call college is about defining your path,” Block said.

“Once we define our path, it is our responsibility to pursue it with all of our heart and might.”

Part of Auburn University is getting to create experiences for yourself with the people you come to know and love.

“Auburn is a great place, full of great people,” Block said. “It is these people, or the Auburn Family as we know it, that make your experience what it is. I am extremely grateful for the community I have built over the past four years. They have pushed me above and beyond any expectation I ever set for myself.”

With many paths that students can take at Auburn, some might choose athletics, others might fall in love with the theater, but Block chose to pursue student government.

Elected in 2018, Block was given one year as SGA president to work with and serve the Auburn student body.

“This past year serving as SGA president has been the most unique, challenging, yet rewarding memory of my time at Auburn,” Block said. “It has not been the opportunities or experiences that have made this memory what it is today. It is the people and the chances to engage on a daily ba-

sis that have made this experience the best yet. The opportunity to lay myself down and serve day in and day out for the betterment of Auburn and all who represent it will be something I will always see as a blessing and be grateful for.”

Block has three pieces of advice for freshman at Auburn.

“Work hard. College is supposed to be a lot of fun, and it will be, but most importantly, it is a time for you to get an education,” Block said. “Take advantage of the resources provided at Auburn and be the best student you can be … it pays off.”

Secondly, Block wanted students to find something they were passionate about at Auburn. Block was able to pursue his passion through SGA and other opportunities at Auburn and assured freshman that there is something for them, too.

“Find something you enjoy and pursue it,” Block said. “If it’s something new, be a pioneer and see where it takes you.”

Finally, Block encouraged students to enjoy themselves. As almost any alumni would tell a student, Auburn is a place to make some of the best memories of your life.

“Have the time of your life – Auburn is full of great people and great things to do,” Block said. “Enjoy this time, and do not take one second for granted. Seize every moment, and make the memories that will last you a lifetime.”

NAOMI HAMPTON “I highly recommend visiting Chewacla State Park at least once before you leave.

They have waterfalls, tons of hiking paths,

lakes, bike trails and so much more. It’s a great place to hang up your Eno and relax while taking a break from classes.”

Naomi Hampton was not the typical instate student who chooses to attend either Alabama or Auburn. Hampton chose Auburn after visiting from out of state. She is now a senior with a pre-vet, wildlife sciences major.

“I chose to come to Auburn because from the moment I stepped on campus, I felt like a part of the family,” Hampton said.

“Being an out of state student, I wanted to make sure I would feel welcome and have a good support network being so far from home, and Auburn gave me that and so much more.”

In a taxing major like Hampton’s, one of the reasons she chose Auburn was because of its advanced programs.

“I learned so much about myself and my goals just in my first year, and I haven’t stopped since,” Hampton said. “It’s taken time, but being here has helped me so much in how I see myself and others and has allowed me to see so many different perspectives from everyone I meet.”

Even though focused on her education, Hampton got to experience the magic of Auburn football like many students.

“I have a ton of favorite memories from here at Auburn, but the first one that comes to mind is rushing the field after the 2017 Iron Bowl,” Hampton said. “It was the first and only Iron Bowl I was able to go to and after waiting in line all day, it was great to be able to come out of it with a win and rush the field with everyone else.”

» See SENIORS, 7

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The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

January 17, 2019

Auburn Tigers basketball schedule MEN’S vs. Kentucky

Jan. 19, 3 p.m.

at South Carolina Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S

at Miss. State

Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Missouri

Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Alabama

Feb. 2, 7 p.m.

vs. Texas A&M

vs. Florida

Feb. 5, 8 p.m.

at Missouri

Jan. 27, 2 p.m.

at LSU

Feb. 9, 1 p.m.

at Ole Miss

Jan. 31, 7 p.m.

Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m.

vs. Georgia

Feb. 3, 2 p.m.

vs. Kentucky

Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

vs. Ole Miss

at Vanderbilt

Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.

at Vanderbilt

Feb. 16, 11 a.m.

vs. Arkansas

Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m.

at Arkansas

Feb. 10, 1 p.m.

at Kentucky

Feb. 23, 12:30 p.m.

at Tennessee

Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Feb. 27, 8 p.m.

vs. Alabama

Feb. 17, 3p.m.

vs. Miss. State

March 2, 3 p.m.

vs. Missouri

Feb. 24, 2 p.m.

at Alabama

March 5, 8 p.m.

vs. South Carolina

Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

at Georgia

vs. Tennessee

March 9, 11 a.m.

at LSU

March 3, 2 p.m.

MADISON OGLETREE/PHOTO EDITOR

January 17, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

SENIORS » From 5

“Make sure to take time to hang out with friends and explore the area because you’re only here for so long, and while you can obviously come back after you graduate, it’s never really the same as when you’re in college,” Hampton said. “The friends you make here will become your family, even if you don’t realize it until the end. All in all, work hard and have fun. It may be stressful, but it is so worth it.”

SCHYLER BURNEY “On a random, pretty day, grab some friends and go get lunch togo from Toomers,” said Schyler Burney, SGA vice president and senior in economics. “Take it over to Samford Lawn and just embrace the moment. Sitting on Samford and eating Toomers — how much more Auburn can you get?”

Burney came from a small high school and looked forward to a campus with space and opportunity.

“As soon as I stepped on Auburn’s campus, I knew that this University would give me the opportunities to get plugged in, while also allowing me to experience the feeling of a close-knit campus community,” Burney said.

Burney, much like Brock, pursued a path of student government and served in 2018 as the vice president of SGA. “College is an adventure,” Burney said. “I have seen myself grow as an individual, as a friend and as a leader. All of these are products

of me buying into what Auburn has to offer.”

Auburn University is full of many experiences that are traditionally Auburn. From football games to calling out “War Eagle,” students know an Auburn tradition when they see it. For Burney, many of these memories are her favorites.

“The 2017 Iron Bowl has been my favorite Auburn memory, hands down,” Burney said. “From rushing the field to experiencing Toomer’s Corner for the days that followed, those are memories that I will cherish long past my time at Auburn.”

Burney said that through her mentors, friends and those who pushed her to grow, she is adapting into the best version of herself.

For freshmen, Burney said they should be OK stepping into a moment of uncertainty.

“When I look back, I grew the most in moments of uncomfortableness,” Burney said. “While it can be intimidating to try new things, be confident in stepping out of your comfort zone because you will learn something no matter how the situation turns out.

Overall, just make the most of your time here. It goes by in the blink of an eye.”

7

“I have seen myself grow tremendously here at Auburn,” Strength said. “I have learned to become more independent in my studies … I have became a better version of myself by getting my mental health in check. This has not been an easy ride here, but I will never give up. I believe in Auburn as much as Auburn believes in me.”

Part of what makes Auburn the place it is today is the community. Strength found her fiancé at Auburn two years ago and can now claim Auburn as the city where she fell in love.

Strength said that freshmen should not be afraid of changing their major. One reason that Strength is now a senior in history is because she gained the confidence to switch from education, which was not the right path for her.

“You should do research on what your next step is and talk to your advisor,” Strength said. “Never let anything stop you from being happy. War Eagle.”

AMANDA STRENGTH “One thing that I recommend students to do before they leave Auburn is to go grab a lemonade at Toomer’s Corner,” said Amanda Strength, senior in history and transer from Southern Union Community College.

Strength wanted to find a program to support her through her bachelor’s degree, and Auburn was the right fit.

FILE PHOTO

Graduates listen during Auburn University’s commencement exercises in Auburn Arena on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017.

P ea c e Co rp s Exp e r ien ce in th e Dominican Republic MARCH 9-16, 2019 PROGRAM:

SERVICE LEARNING TRIP (NON-CREDIT) Students will work on the Rio Blanco Eco-Tourism Project

COST: EXCURSIONS:

PROGRAM LEADER:

$1,200 (EXCLUDING AIRFARE) Peace Corps Headquarters visit, guided walking tour of the Colonial Zone, Dominican cooking class, dance class, Grupo Bonyé performance, and visit to Los Tres Ojos National Park

SE

RV SP E ON R BR ING EA K!

Nick Parr ndp0011@auburn.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JAN. 23, 2019

FOR MORE INFO & TO APPLY | WWW.AUB.IE/AUPCDR

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The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

January 17, 2019

n

o religi

christian ministries invite students to join

By LAUREN PIEPER Lifestyle Writer

As spring semester gets into full swing, many campus ministries are preparing events for students to partake in that aim to bring them closer to God and sharpen their faith.

There are numerous ministries on Auburn’s campus, and many denominations of Christianity represented in some way. This semester, these organizations are eager to host events that bring students together in faith.

BETA UPSILON CHI Regan Pompeo, sophomore in psychology and pledge captain, explained that BYX is a social fraternity centered around Christian worship.

“It is a great atmosphere to be a part of,” Pompeo said. “We do everything a normal fraternity would do. We throw parties, have socials and brotherhood events. We also have worship nights, worship at every chapter and have a community group at church but on a much smaller scale.”

He said their mission is to be a source of light in the University’s Greek life as well as establish a Christian brotherhood.

This semester there are a variety of rush events happening soon for prospective members.

Rush events are being held on Jan. 24-26.

Aside from rush events, BYX is hosting things for all students to attend.

“We are holding a benefit night at The Bean called Mocha Music,” Pompeo said. “It’s a worship night where part of the money The Bean makes that night goes to Exodus Ranch, a local foster home.”

They have not determined a day yet, but Pompeo encourages students to follow the fraternity on social me-

dia for updates and ask questions.

“If you are looking for a community of solid Christian men to have fun and grow with then BYX is for you,” Pompeo said.

CATHOLIC STUDENT ORGANIZATION Laura Mikos is a senior in education who is actively involved with CSO. “The Auburn Catholic Student Organization is a campus organization that’s goal is to lead others closer to Christ through the sacraments and fellowship,” Mikos said.

However, she said all are welcome to come. Those interested do not have to be Catholic to come to events put on by the Catholic Student Organization.

“We have events almost every night of the week,” she said. “Those events include mass, Thursday night dinner, service projects, game nights and Adoration on Mondays.”

Aside from weekly events, Mikos listed some bigger events coming up this spring. A crawfish boil, a coffee social with swing dancing and capture the flag on campus are to come this semester. Events are posted on their Facebook page, Auburn Catholic, when they are announced.

The group also hosts a retreat on Lake Martin coming up on Feb. 2225 called Pan y Vino.

Mikos encouraged anyone to come and said CSO would love to meet new attendees.

LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Mason Woodard is a junior in geology and the president of the organization.

“The Auburn Lutheran Fellowship is a group of Auburn students across all walks of life and schooling that

meet for free food and Jesus,” he said.

“By that, I mean we meet weekly for Bible studies on Tuesday nights and free dinners on Sunday nights.”

This ministry works to become close with each other and God, as well as giving back to the community, Woodard explained.

“We create a small church family to grow not only in our faith but also as friends,” he said. “We also use our position to serve the community by working with the Alabama Rural Ministry and by donating excess funds at the end of the year.”

For those interested in the service work, he said they are doing a project at Alabama Rural Ministry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will try to do another one during the spring semester.

There will also be a retreat, either around the middle of the semester or after finals. Woodard expressed the quality time event does not have a date or location yet; however, some past retreats have been in Gulf Shores, Lake Martin, Fairhope and FDR State Park.

Woodard encourages anyone with questions to email him and come to their events.

“We have Dinners at 6:00 at Trinity Lutheran Church that are open to anyone interested in joining the group,” he said.

There is no one to be turned away.

“While we do sometimes focus on Lutheranism in particular, we already have students of other denominations in our group and welcome anyone wanting to get closer to God and their fellow Christians at Auburn,” Woodard said.

DELIGHT For women wanting to be surrounded and empowered by other women, Delight may be something to

look into.

Abby Putz is a junior in biomedical sciences and is highly involved with this organization. She explained that Delight is a national ministry that has expanded since it took root at Belmont.

“At Auburn, our goal is to connect women to a Christ-centered community that allows them to grow in their relationship with the Lord and with one-another,” Putz said. “Our chapter meets weekly to worship and learn together.”

To get involved, going to the weekly meetings may be the best way to get a feel for what Delight is like.

“Delight welcomes anyone, in any walk of life, at any time,” Putz said.

“We meet every Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Auburn University’s Student Center Room 2225.”

She said Delight is for any woman of any faith and walk of life, and they are excited to plan some upcoming events.

“At this time, we don’t have specific dates for our spring events,” she said.

“However, we plan several service events and small fun events throughout the semester.”

Although there are no set big events, Delight is welcoming anyone to come to weekly gatherings and take part in faith-based growth this semester.

“Delight is largely a community focused ministry,” she said. “That being said, our doors are always open, and we would love for people to come to events or weekly meetings.”

Anyone interested can take Putz’s advice to find Delight on AUinvolve.

There are many more campus ministries that Auburn has to offer, including other religions.

Looking on AUinvolve is one of the many ways to discover a faithbased organization that best fits the desired community.

PHOTO BY AARON BURDEN ON UNSPLASH

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The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

January 17, 2019

s

tie i l i c a f

an update on campus construction

By EDUARDO MEDINA Enterprise Editor

Auburn’s campus is rapidly evolving through the many construction projects taking place. Here’s an update on those projects and an explanation of their purpose on campus.

LEACH SCIENCE CENTER This addition will consolidate and relocate the physics department and faculty from Parker Hall and Allison Laboratory. The relocation will allow for Parker Hall and Allison Laboratory to be demolished. The addition will consist of instructional and research laboratories, student success and collaborative study spaces, departmental offices and support facilities for the College of Sciences and Mathematics. The completion date is still February 2019.

GRADUATE BUSINESS BUILDING The new Graduate Business Building will support

the growing graduate education needs of the Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. The building will house flat-flexible classrooms, study rooms, a studio lecture hall and student study pods. Its completion date is set for April 2019.

BROWN-KOPEL STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT CENTER The Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center project will construct a three-story building consisting of classrooms, student study spaces, a wind-tunnel laboratory and departmental spaces for academic advising. The center will connect to the Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory through an elevated courtyard structure that will span between the two buildings. It’s scheduled to be completed in May 2019.

SOUTH COLLEGE STREET PARKING DECK The South College Street Parking Deck project will construct an approximately 600-space, five-level parking

deck to support faculty, staff, hotel guests, students and guests of the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. It will yield a net increase of roughly 400 spaces over the existing surface parking in the south lot of The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Martha Gentry, communications manager of Auburn Facilities Management, said the walls of the parking deck have just gone up. The parking deck is set to be completed by May 2019.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES CENTER The Student Activities Center Renovation project will renovate 33,400 square feet of the existing building. This project will provide a 1,200-seat multipurpose event space, to include an expanded stage, new lighting, theater equipment, acoustical treatment and event furniture. The project will also provide new athletic flooring in 19,600 square feet of the south portion of the existing building to be used by the Office of the Provost and the Auburn women’s volleyball team. The completion date is July 2019.

CAMERON BRASHER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Construction on the new science labs on Wed, Jan. 16, 2019 in Auburn, Ala.

January 17, 2019

The Auburn Plainsman: Welcome Back and Involvement

11

DINING

KATHERINE MILLER / PHOTOGRAPHER

Foy Commons Dining Hall has received a seating update.

New seating comes to Foy Commons Dining Hall

By ELLIE FALCONER Community Writer

As a new semester begins, students may notice the several dining changes that occurred over winter break throughout campus. That includes the recent cosmetic enhancement and subsequent seating rearrangement of the previously renovated Foy Commons Dining Hall.

From the outside, Foy Commons Dining Hall possesses the same façade familiar to all students and faculty. Once you enter the building, the newly improved contemporary décor and flow of the seating area is evident.

“Our goal is to create spaces that students want to spend time in,” Glenn Loughridge, director of Tiger Dining, said. “No matter how good the food is, if you are in a dingy space with uncomfortable seats your experience will suffer. We try to take that into account as we renovate dining spaces.”

Loughridge said good interior design creates a welcoming atmosphere that draws students in, helps students navigate the space and gives them a sense of place.

The Foy Commons Dining Hall includes three options:

Panda Express, Prevail Coffee and a traditional university-style buffet, where students pay a flat rate and can choose to eat from a variety of cuisine offered within.

The prominent change inside the dining room includes the addition of decorative, abstract see-through wall structures that on first impression appear as merely a cosmetic enhancement. But, these contemporary structures create a new seating arrangement within the usually busy dining room.

Previously, if a student purchased Panda Express, a coffee from Prevail or chose to eat at the buffet, they could eat anywhere in the dining room.

With the addition of the decorative wall structures, students who choose to eat Panda Express or Prevail Coffee may not enter, or eat their meal, in a large area of the dining room, which is now reserved for students who chose to eat from the buffet.

This change follows the seating trend in Village Dining and greatly limits where students can eat in the dining room if they don’t purchase a meal from the buffet. A large area of the dining room is reserved for buffet-goers, while a small area is now set aside indoors for stu-

dents who choose to eat Panda Express or Prevail Coffee.

“We only allow those who are eating in the [buffet] dining hall to sit in the [buffet] dining hall because beyond the check-in station no one is checking to see if you paid for the food you are getting,” Loughridge said.

Drew Bugg, senior in supply-chain management, isn’t in favor of the change.

“Seating at Panda Express is small now,” Bugg said. “It’s like they’re trying to get people to not go there.”

While indoor seating within the dining room is now limited based on where you purchase your food, the seating outside of Foy is still open to all.

Cosmetic and culinary changes are set to continue in Foy Commons Dining Hall. Loughridge said a new menu cycle is debuting this semester, more lighting is being added to the center of the space, and another large farm table is going to be added by popular demand.

“Foy is our first foray into a more traditional dining experience in central campus,” Loughridge said. “[I] feel that the overall student response has been positive. We are always happy to receive student feedback to continually improve the experience for our students.”