Warhawk Weekly 7-28: Reserve campus parking; Grad’s WSFA spotlight
Reserve your campus parking starting Aug. 1
Students, faculty and staff may begin registering their vehicles for the 2026-27 academic year through AUM’s online parking portal on Aug. 1. Registrants will need their license plate number; vehicle year, make, model and color; home address; and cellphone number.
After completing the online registration and reaching “pending” status, registrants may pay by credit/debit card through the parking portal and pick up their decals in the Taylor Center lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 11, 12, 14, 17, 19 or 20. Beginning Aug. 21, decals and hangtags will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Campus Police Office in Taylor Center 267. Those registering an AUM license plate should bring a copy of their tag receipt.
Non-Residential student parking permits cost $30 for the academic year. Residential parking permits are included at no additional charge but are restricted to residential lots. Residential students may purchase a Housing/General permit for $30 to park in general campus lots. Students with an AUM license plate will receive a general parking permit at no charge. Any student who purchases an AUM license plate will receive their General Parking Permit for free.
Faculty and staff general permits allow parking in white-lined spaces. Reserved permits for orange-lined spaces cost $75 per academic year. Faculty and staff re-registering an AUM license plate will pay a $5 administrative fee, while first-time AUM license plate registrants will receive a reserved decal and hangtag at no charge.
Complete your online vehicle registration. For questions, contact Campus Police at 334-244-3424 or [email protected].
To learn more about parking on campus or access the online parking portal, visit: AUM Campus Parking.
AUM grad’s viral campus video earns WSFA spotlight
While a student at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ravikanth Sai Gowda (’25) captured a rainy day on campus through his camera lens, turning it into a viral moment. Inspired by the beauty of campus after the rain, Gowda filmed a cinematic video that earned nearly 13,000 views on AUM’s Instagram account.
Now, the visual storyteller is making headlines beyond AUM. This month, Gowda was featured on WSFA 12 News’ “Morning Smile” and “County Road 12,” where he reflected on his viral video, his creative journey and the campus that inspired it.
Gowda told WSFA that he enjoys creating images and videos that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression. The viral campus video wasn’t the only memorable moment Gowda captured during his time at AUM. His energetic graduation photo, featuring him leaping into the air after earning his master’s degree, reflected the same enthusiasm and creativity that define his work.
Now living in Texas, Gowda hopes the attention generated by his AUM video and photography will open doors as he continues growing as a visual storyteller.
Originally from Hyderabad, India, Gowda earned his master’s degree in computer science from AUM in December 2025, studying software development, cloud technologies and system design. Outside the classroom, he continues developing his passion for photography and videography by capturing sunrises, sunsets, travel destinations and scenes from his home country.
AUM Aspire develops next generation of campus leaders
A new group of Auburn University at Montgomery employees is strengthening its leadership skills through AUM Aspire, a professional development program offered by the Office of Continuing Education and Community Engagement.
Designed for new and midlevel supervisors, AUM Aspire equips participants with practical tools to communicate effectively, encourage collaboration, manage workplace challenges and lead with confidence. Through interactive sessions and team-building activities, participants explore topics such as transformational leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict management and innovation.
Members of the 2026 AUM Aspire class are:
- Christopher Wallace, Admissions and Recruiting
- Ashlyn Arp, Advancement
- Jesse Firman, Athletics
- Kristin Roy, Counseling Center
- Aundracus Stephens, Human Resources
- Nikki Bracewell, Office of the Registrar
- Alex Koda, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
- Stephanie Burdette, Central Advising
The 2026 class represents a broad cross-section of the university and reflects AUM’s continued commitment to developing strong leaders who help create a collaborative and welcoming campus community.
Learn more about Continuing Education opportunities at AUM: https://www.aum.edu/continuingeducation/
Challenge yourself through AUM Honors
Push yourself, build lasting connections and discover what you can achieve through AUM’s University Honors Program.
Open to students in every major, the program offers thought-provoking interdisciplinary courses, small class sizes, priority registration, leadership and service opportunities, exclusive events and a welcoming community of ambitious students. Honors students also receive personalized support as they prepare for graduate school, competitive scholarships and future careers.
Ready to take the next step? The application includes two short essays and a 30-minute interview that may be completed in person or via Zoom.
Start your fall semester strong at orientation
Ahead of the start of classes in August, incoming students and their families can visit campus to learn about the AUM community. New Student Orientation helps students register for classes, connect with campus resources, meet fellow Warhawks and prepare for a successful start to the semester.
Building these connections and gaining the tools needed to thrive at AUM helps students feel confident and prepared from day one.
The next orientation session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, July 31 on campus with additional sessions set for Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.
Unpack more details about orientation and register for your preferred orientation session online.
