Warhawk Weekly 3-17: Graduate Preview Night; Flash Talks
Thinking about grad school? AUM’s Graduate Preview Night has answers
If you’ve been wondering whether grad school is your next move, AUM is making it easy to explore your options.
Graduate Studies Preview Night is set for Tuesday, March 31, from 5-7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223, offering prospective students a chance to connect with faculty, explore programs and get real answers about what comes next.
To help break it all down, Ashley Warren, graduate admissions program coordinator, answered a few common questions in a Q&A:
A: Anyone in the community who seeks to further increase their job possibilities, perhaps gain the edge that will garner a promotion at work, or maybe wishes to explore new career fields by working toward a graduate degree in an up-and-coming area. AUM welcomes both current students or students who have not been enrolled in college in recent years because they have been in professional settings.
A: More than 50, so there’s something for just about every career path.
A: You’ll have the opportunity to directly approach faculty and ask questions face-to-face. If a participant is trying to narrow their choice down to one degree, the event is helpful because multiple departments can be chatted with during the same evening. There will be representatives who can readily discuss each of AUM’s available graduate programs. If interested, attendees can use available laptops to go ahead and apply the night of the event. Tech support is available.
There’s even a $25 application fee waiver available at the event, and those who have worked up an appetite are welcome to pick up a free boxed dinner.
A: Both. AUM offers online, in-person and hybrid options to fit your schedule.
A: One thing that seems to consistently surprise prospective students is the time that faculty and staff are willing to put in to make sure that every question is answered and processes are thoroughly explained. A large number of students worry about making the transition from undergraduate to graduate, and many who have been out of school for a number of years have anxiety about reentering the classroom setting. The goal to help allay that stress, so that students can focus on their studies and understand that they are supported.
A: AUM has the best of both worlds: innovative programs and a size that allows each student to personally connect with faculty and staff, if he or she chooses to take advantage of the opportunity.
A: No, this event is for everyone who wants to delve deeper into considering their professional futures.
A: Yes. AUM’s online programs are asynchronous, and many classes are offered outside of the business day.
McGill to deliver keynote at AUM’s Flash Talks
AUM’s Office of Distance Education & Faculty Development Institute will welcome Robin McGill, deputy director for academic affairs at the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, as the keynote speaker for Flash Talks 2026 on Wednesday, March 25.
The annual celebration of learning brings together faculty and staff for a series of fast-paced presentations on teaching, innovation and emerging trends in higher education. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Taylor Center 230.
“AUM’s annual celebration of learning is designed to foster collaboration, share innovative ideas and highlight the impactful work happening across campus,” said David M. Walker, director of the Office of Distance Education & Faculty Development Institute.
During the Flash Talks portion of the event, presenters will share topics ranging from innovative teaching strategies and gardening techniques to photography, video production, and online safety and computer security. In this fast-paced, speed-dating-style format, participants rotate to a new presentation every nine minutes.
Morning Flash Talks sessions will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., followed by a complimentary lunch and keynote presentation at 12:30 p.m. McGill’s keynote, titled “Who We Serve: Public Education Across Alabama,” will focus on the evolving role of higher education in meeting the needs of students and communities across the state.
McGill, who also serves as the state’s chief academic officer, oversees a broad portfolio that includes academic programs and college access initiatives. She serves on multiple statewide boards, including the Alabama STEM Council and the Alabama Articulation and General Studies Committee.
The deadline to register is March 17. Register online now.
AUM expands graduate pathways for international educators
As part of a new partnership with the Alabama International Education & Economic Partnership (ALIEEP), AUM is expanding opportunities for international educators working in Alabama public schools to pursue advanced degrees in high-need subject areas.
The partnership creates new pathways for these educators to enroll in AUM’s Master’s and Alternative Master’s programs in education, supporting both teacher development and the state’s growing need for qualified educators.
“We are proud to collaborate with ALIEEP to support international educators who are contributing to classrooms across Alabama,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton. “By connecting graduate education with educator preparation and certification pathways, this partnership strengthens both our schools and the communities they serve.”
The collaboration reflects AUM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Alabama’s education workforce while expanding access to high-quality graduate education for teachers serving in classrooms across the state.
Find your inner designer
AUM’s Department of Fine Arts, in collaboration with CTRL ART DESIGN, will host a Graphic Design Student Showcase on Thursday, March 26, at 5 p.m. in the Cason McDermott Art Gallery in Goodwyn Hall.
The curated exhibition will highlight and feature the award-winning work of AUM students, including some Addy Award-winning designs, highlighting the creativity and talent emerging from the university’s graphic design program.
Designed as both a showcase and an interactive experience, the event will include hands-on design activities that invite attendees to engage with creative prompts and explore the critical thinking and strategy behind every day visual communication.
Open to students of all majors as well as the public, the free event aims to bridge disciplines across campus by demonstrating how creativity and problem-solving are essential tools in every field, from arts to business and beyond.
Attendees can enjoy refreshments during the reception and take home limited-edition design buttons as a keepsake from the exhibition.
Commemorate your commencement
Attention, Spring 2026 graduates: Celebrate your success and leave a lasting legacy by making a class gift and jumpstarting your alumni involvement.
Make a gift of $20.26 to the AUM college or program of your choice, and you’ll receive an AUM Commemorative Medallion to wear at commencement. Your gift will help support future Warhawks and position more AUM students for success.
Order your Commemorative Medallion online at aum.edu/classgift or in person in the Taylor Center lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet members of the Alumni Association team.
- Wednesday, March 25
- Thursday, April 2
- Wednesday, April 8
- Tuesday, April 14
- Wednesday, April 22
If you ordered online, medallions can be picked up on April 22 in the Taylor Center Lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn more at www.aum.edu/classgift.
Summer & Fall 2026 registration is open
Summer and Fall 2026 advising and registration are officially underway, so plan ahead, register early and set yourself up for a smooth semester.
Students who register early are more likely to secure seats in required courses, stay on track for graduation and build schedules that fit their lives — not the other way around.
Before heading into summer break, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor and lock in their classes for the upcoming terms.
Appointments can be scheduled through AdvisorTrac, by visiting the Office of Central Advising or by emailing [email protected].
Warhawks Athletics: Tennis trio earns GSC honors, Softball sweeps series
AUM tennis trio earns GSC honors
AUM tennis swept Gulf South Conference (GSC) weekly honors, with Giuseppe Bonaiuti named Men’s Player of the Week and Guillermo Vedia Sanchez earning Men’s Freshman of the Week. On the women’s side, Mercedes Garcia Cid was named GSC Freshman of the Week after competing at No. 2 singles and doubles in matches against Middle Georgia State and Augusta.
Softball sweeps GSC series
No. 6 AUM softball powered its way to a 10-2 win over Christian Brothers on Sunday, tying a program record with five home runs. The victory secured the Warhawks’ first GSC series sweep of the season, improving their record to 22-4 overall and 8-4 in league play.
Showcase your research, creativity, community engagement projects
AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center invites students to submit abstracts for the 2026 Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement.
Submissions may include research or creative activity projects completed in collaboration with faculty or through coursework. Undergraduate and graduate students across all departments and colleges are encouraged to submit their abstracts. Submit your abstracts through April 17.
As part of the celebration, the EEEC will also host the Community Engagement Recognition Awards Program to honor community-engaged students, faculty and staff for the 2025-2026 academic year. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may be recognized for their work at AUM and throughout the River Region.
Submit your nominations for individuals and nominations community partners through April 1.
The Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement awards ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday, April 24, in Taylor Center 230, followed by student research poster presentations in the Goodwyn Hall Lobby.
Earn a Graduate Study Merit Scholarship
If you’re a current graduate student who has completed at least nine course hours and possess a GPA of 3.4 or better, you may be eligible to receive the 2026-2027 Graduate Study Merit Scholarship offered by the AUM Alumni Association.
To apply for the scholarship, submit the necessary documents to [email protected] (include “Scholarship Committee, AUM Alumni Association” in the subject line) by April 20 and include:
- Two letters of support, preferably from AUM faculty or staff (on AUM official letterhead), emphasizing leadership attributes
- A 250-word essay outlining the applicant’s educational and career objectives, academic honors/civic activities, and how the award will benefit them.
- A current resume
Apply and learn more about the Graduate Study Merit Scholarship.
