Warhawk Weekly 1-13: Community engagement classification; Welcome Week
AUM earns 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
AUM has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (CE), awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. AUM is one of only five universities in Alabama to earn the 2026 designation, which recognizes an institution’s demonstrated commitment to community engagement.
“Higher education is a vital economic engine for us all. Our colleges and universities not only fuel science and innovation, they build prosperity in rural, urban and suburban communities nationwide,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. “We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building usable knowledge, and catalyzing real-world learning experiences for students.”
AUM defines community engagement as collaboration with our larger communities — local, regional/state, national, global — for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.
“Our vision includes our aspiration for AUM to be recognized as an integral community partner and a resource for the enrichment and economic development of the Southeast region and beyond,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton. “Now more than ever, institutions of higher education have a profound responsibility to connect with and serve our local, national and global communities in meaningful ways.”
The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification marks AUM’s first formal recognition of community engagement as a core part of the university’s mission and values, said Lynn Stallings, interim dean of AUM’s University College and director of the Honors Program. Stallings oversaw the application process along with Amy Ingram, director of AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center.
“This well-respected Carnegie designation provides objective, external validation of AUM’s longstanding commitment to community engagement,” Stallings said.
The 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification cohort includes 277 institutions nationwide, with 48 institutions receiving the designation for the first time. The group represents a broad cross-section of higher education, including 157 public institutions, 80 private colleges and universities, and 81 Minority Serving Institutions.
AUM’s classification is valid through 2032, at which time the university will be eligible to seek reclassification.
Learn more about AUM’s CE classification in the AUM Newsroom.
Get to know campus during Warhawk Welcome Week
Whether you’re just starting at AUM or returning for another semester, the first week of classes is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with campus life and your fellow classmates.
Warhawk Welcome Week, which kicked off Monday, offers a variety of daily activities and events designed to help you feel at home and become a full-fledged member of the Warhawk Nation. Throughout the week, expect free food, entertainment, workshops, and more. Here’s a breakdown of activities happening this week:
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- Student Affairs Resource Fair — Taylor Center Lobby | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Taco Tuesday — Taylor Center 230 | 11:30 a.m.– until supplies run out
- Alumni Association Tabling — TBD | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Greek Life Meet & Greet — Taylor Center 221–222 | 6–8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
- Breakfast — Taylor Center Lobby, Moore Hall, Library, STC (While supplies last)
- COE Hot Cocoa Meet & Greet — Front of Education Building | 9–11 a.m.
- Student Affairs Resource Fair — Taylor Center Lobby | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dining in the Dark — Taylor Center 222–223 | 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Ask an Advisor — Goodwyn Breezeway | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Learn About Study Abroad — Taylor Center Lobby | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Pancake & PJ Party (Student Involvement) — Taylor Center 230 | 6–8 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 14
- Breakfast — Taylor Center Lobby, Moore Hall, Library, STC (While supplies last)
- Student Affairs Resource Fair — Taylor Center Lobby | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- S’mores & Stickers with Student Leadership — Goodwyn Breezeway | 12–2 p.m.
Find your rhythm in an AUM music ensemble
Got vocal chops or instrumental skills? AUM invites you to turn your talent into tradition by joining one of its music ensembles: AUM Spirit Band, AUMcappella, or AUM Choir. All three groups are now accepting new members.
- AUMcappella is a select, all-female a cappella group that performs at campus events and community gatherings. All members receive scholarships.
- AUM Choir (Chorus) is a mixed ensemble with no audition required. Sing everything from classical to pop, with one end-of-semester concert each fall and spring.
- AUM Spirit Band brings the energy to home men’s and women’s basketball games and special events. Open to all students with band experience, the group practices Thursday evenings, and members receive a $500 per semester scholarship.
Interested in auditioning or joining? Contact Chapel McCullough, director of the ensembles, at [email protected].
Whether you sing or play, there’s a spot for you.
Register for math placement tests
AUM’s free math placement program can help students save time and tuition costs. Students can take math placement tests on the following dates in Goodwyn Hall 115:
- Friday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.
- Friday, March 6, 9 a.m.
- Friday, April 3, 9 a.m.
- Friday, May 1, 9 a.m.
- Friday, June 5, 9 a.m.
- Friday, July 10, 9 a.m.
Register for a placement test: aum.edu/mathplacement.
Warhawk Athletics: Wins, giveaways, and game-day hype
With a free food giveaway, record-breaking court action, and the release of baseball season tickets, Warhawk Nation has plenty to rally around this week.
AUM Athletics will host a Whataburger Warhawk Takeover on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Whataburger on Eastchase (6970 Eastchase Loop). The first 100 AUM faculty, staff and students will receive a free Big Ranch Wrap (while supplies last).
On the court, AUM women’s basketball is coming off a historic performance from Tamora Brown, who broke the program’s NCAA-era single-game scoring record with 41 points and tied the program record with seven steals against West Alabama.
And there’s more to cheer for with baseball season right around the corner. Baseball season tickets are on sale now so grab yours and support the Warhawks on the field. AUM baseball opens the 2026 season against the Young Harris College Mountain Lions on Friday, Jan. 30, in Young Harris, Georgia. Get the team’s full schedule.
Baseball single-game ticket sales will be announced at a later date. AUM students, faculty, and staff receive complementary admission to games with a valid university ID.
Stay up to date all season with the AUM Athletics App for special giveaways, rewards, and promotions available exclusively to app users.
Keep up with campus events
There’s an easy way to keep up with all of the fun events offered on our campus. Enroll in AUM365 and get the 4-1-1 from Curtiss The Warhawk himself. Text curti$$ to 334-398-6025 to receive reminders about upcoming happening.
