Warhawk Weekly 8-18: Welcome Week in full swing; New Student Convocation
Welcome Week Fall 2026 in full swing!
Welcome Week kicked off Monday — the first day of Fall 2026 classes — marking the start of a new and exciting academic year at AUM.
Welcome Week is designed to give our newest Warhawks a strong start. Throughout the week, students can connect with classmates, get ready for classes, explore campus resources, and experience the traditions that make Warhawk Nation unique.
Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Celebrate the start of the semester Tuesday with a full day of entertainment and keep the fun going in the evening at the Silent Disco.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Discover new ways to get involved in campus life Wednesday. Meet student groups at the Club and Organization Expo, enjoy intramural activities on the Quad, and close out the day with trivia, bingo or Game Night with the Greeks.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Wrap up Welcome Week with food, refreshments and Warhawk spirit. Begin the morning at the Coffee Bar in the Taylor Center lobby, then head to the Quad for a campus cookout featuring Frios, the Sweet Hook-Up and caricature artists.
AUM set to welcome new Warhawks at Convocation
AUM will welcome new incoming Warhawks to conclude Welcome Week on Friday, August 21, at New Student Convocation.
During the event, university leaders and the Student Government Association president will officially welcome students to campus. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the AUM Athletics Complex.
Convocation is also an opportunity to learn what it means to be part of a supportive campus community committed to your success, meet new friends and begin building connections, earn credit toward your first University Success (UNIV) course assignment, and enjoy food, games and fun with your fellow Warhawks.
Students and faculty marshals begin to convene in the Taylor Center at 9:30 a.m. Beginning at 9:45 a.m., faculty should arrive in regalia and line up in the Athletics Complex hallway, and staff will line up on the sidewalk between the library and the Athletics Complex. Around 9:50 a.m., students will proceed from Taylor Center to the Athletics Complex, grouped by college and led by the associated faculty marshal. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.
Understand federal student aid changes for 2026-27
As students prepare for the upcoming semester, new federal legislation tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) (H.R.1) may change how some students receive federal financial aid and student loans.
AUM wants to ensure students have the support and resources needed to navigate financial planning under the new guidelines tied to the OBBBA. Updates may affect loan limits and aid amounts based on enrollment and eligibility requirements for the 2026-27 academic year.
AUM Financial Aid will host a town hall meeting Wednesday, Aug. 19 in Clement Hall 111 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Financial Aid Office has developed a comprehensive online guide to help students understand the changes and how they may affect their academic and financial plans. Review the federal student aid updates HERE and contact the AUM Financial Aid Office for help with your financial aid package, program-specific questions or alternative funding options.
For more information, visit https://www.aum.edu/obbba.
Warhawk Athletics: All-In campaign, Save on team gear
Go All-In for AUM Athletics
AUM Athletics will launch its fifth annual All-In fundraising campaign beginning Saturday, Aug. 22. The campaign supports resources that help Warhawk student-athletes succeed in the classroom, in competition and beyond college.
After raising more than $74,000 last year, AUM Athletics is calling on alumni, friends and fans to show their support again. Contributions made Aug. 22-30 can be directed to a specific team or athletics program and will help enhance travel, training, preparation, recovery and the overall student-athlete experience.
Learn more and go All-In for AUM Athletics.
Save on your AUM Athletics gear
Warhawks, get ready to show your team spirit from the first day to the last with customizable, top-brand merch!
Aug. 17 thru Aug. 24, save 20 percent on polos, tees, hoodies, and more with code GAMEON20. Visit the website to grab some new gear and show your support for the Warhawks today!
Campus parking decal pickup continues this week
A new academic year is underway, and students, faculty and staff are reminded to register their vehicles for 2026-27 AUM’s online parking portal. You will need your license plate number, vehicle year, make, model and color, home address and cellphone number to register.
Once your vehicle information has been entered, and you have reached the pending status, you may come to one of the locations listed below. Your registration will be approved at that time, and you may pick up your decal. Please be prepared to pay for your parking decal in the online parking registration system by credit card upon pickup. Decals/Parking Permits will be issued only after payment has been made.
Decals may be picked up in the Taylor Center Lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and Aug 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.
Permit options include:
- Nonresidential student permits: $30
- Residential permits for housing lots: No additional charge
- Housing/General permits for residential students: $30
- Faculty and staff general permits for white-lined spaces: No charge
- Faculty and staff reserved permits for orange-lined spaces: $75
- Student general permits with an AUM license plate: No charge
Faculty and staff registering an AUM license plate for the first time will receive a reserved decal and hangtag at no charge. Returning AUM license plate holders will pay a $5 administrative fee.
Complete your online vehicle registration.
If you have questions about the new portal or parking, contact Campus Police at 334-244-3424 or [email protected].
Explore BRE-SPAD biomedical research opportunities
The AUM College of Sciences, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, will host information sessions on fall BRE-SPAD opportunities Wednesday, Aug. 26, in Goodwyn Hall 112.
During the event, faculty can learn about receiving up to $20,000 in funding for biomedical research pilot projects and up to $5,000 for bridge grant projects. Sessions will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Graduate and undergraduate students can learn how to apply for paid biomedical research training opportunities, including eligibility and application requirements. Sessions will be offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
