Warhawk Weekly 10-28: Students gain hands-on training; First-Generation Warhawks
AUM I/O psychology graduate students gain hands-on training with State Personnel Department
As part of their graduate studies, AUM industrial and organizational (I/O) psychology students recently gained real-world experience by partnering with Alabama’s State Personnel Department (SPD) to refresh training resources for state employees.
Through the summer Worker Training and Development (PSYC 6650) course, students were tasked with revamping SPD training modules as a class project. SPD, the state’s central personnel agency, provides free professional development for employees across all agencies.
“We were excited to partner with AUM and use the knowledge and experience of both the professors and students,” said Jennifer Thomasson, manager of training and recruitment at SPD. “Together, they have been an invaluable resource in ensuring the content of our training modules is current and accurate, and that new concepts are introduced and incorporated where appropriate in public sector training.”
Assistant Professor of I/O Psychology Moses Rivera, who teaches the online course, said the project was designed to help students turn classroom knowledge into practice.
“Since launching the program, we’ve built relationships in the Montgomery community that give our students opportunities to apply what they learn in real organizational settings,” Rivera said. “Partnering with SPD was a perfect fit because some of its staff, including its director, have I/O psychology backgrounds. It allowed students to see how their expertise and training connects directly to our state’s workforce needs, while also considering how to measure effectiveness of training outcomes.”
Rivera and Casey Giordano, assistant professor of I/O psychology and program director, initiated conversations with SPD in April to establish the program’s first formal partnership. SPD then invited AUM students to help redesign and modernize its training resources.
Launched in Spring 2022, AUM’s two-year, fully online I/O psychology program prepares professionals to advance in employee relations, organizational culture, personnel assessment, and other workforce leadership roles.
Photo caption: Graduate students from AUM’s summer industrial and organizational psychology class (from left) Amber Hasan, Hannah Russell, and Kiara Henry who participated in the training project with the Alabama State Personnel Department.
Learn more about AUM’s I/O psychology graduate student training project.
Honoring the journey of First-Generation Warhawks
Breaking new ground as the first in your family to attend college is no small feat, and AUM wants to celebrate your success!
The Warhawk Academic Success Center will host “First-Gen Celebration Week” with fun-filled activities from Nov. 3-7.
The week kicks off with a special event on Monday, Nov. 3, from noon–1 p.m. in Taylor Center 230, featuring stories and encouragement from first-gen student leaders, faculty, and staff.
Other scheduled First-Gen Week activities:
- Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 9-11 a.m. | Taylor Center Lobby: First-Gen and Juice Bagel Bar with First in Flight
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 11a.m.-noon | Goodwyn Hall 111: Masks Off: First-Gen Panel Discussion
- Thursday, Nov. 6 | All Day | Social Media: First-Gen League, Roll Call!
- Friday, Nov. 7 | noon-2 p.m. |Taylor Center 230: Tri-Alpha Induction Ceremony (Invite only)
Be on the lookout for more events, and feel free to share your own First-Gen Warhawk stories. Tag AUM’s Instagram account — @auburnmontgomery – and use the hashtags #Firsttosoar and #AUMfirstgen.
Plan for wellness now with Benefits Open Enrollment
AUM’s annual Benefits Open Enrollment period for faculty and staff begins today and will run through Nov. 17. This is the time for benefits-eligible employees to review, update, or make changes to their selections for the upcoming year.
Open Enrollment ensures that your benefits align with your current needs and those of your eligible dependents. From health and dental coverage to retirement and wellness options, AUM’s benefits package is designed to support faculty and staff both personally and professionally.
If you have questions or need additional details, email [email protected].
Learn more and make your selections on the Benefits Enrollment site.
Explore communication clubs, student awareness campaigns
Stop by information tables in the Goodwyn Hall Breezeway on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. to learn about AUM’s communication clubs — The AUMnibus, AUMLive, and the Public Relations Council of Alabama (PRCA) student chapter. Student leaders will be on hand to share information, along with candy and snacks.
Communication students will also present five PR awareness campaign projects from their media writing class:
- Help the Hub MGM, raising awareness about homelessness in Montgomery
- Paws for a Cause, supporting the Montgomery County Humane Society
- Warm Hearts, Warm Homes, a Project Share initiative with local utility companies
- Pause the Scroll & Engage with Life, encouraging a break from doomscrolling
- Pathways to Peace, promoting mental health and wellness
Projects will be judged by Associate Professor of Communication Eunyoung Kim and AUM alumna Keturah Stone.
This year’s communication club leaders include Jordan White, editor and photographer of The AUMnibus; Kate Lindsey-Hunter, president of PRCA; and Tyreanna Causey, president of AUMLive.
Spooky Halloween happenings at AUM
Are you ready for a frightfully fun Halloween at AUM? Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy a week filled with festive activities.
For Faculty and Staff:
From “Jeopardy!” to “Family Feud,” it’s your turn to play, Halloween style at AUM! The AUM Staff Council will judge campus departments in the 2025 Halloween Office/Door Decorating and Costume Contest on Friday, Oct. 31. This year’s theme is “Game Shows Through the Years.” Winners announced Wednesday, Nov. 5.
For students:
Join the Tabletop Games Club for a spooky night of fun on Halloween, Oct. 31, from 5–9 p.m. in Taylor Center 230. Enjoy scary-themed games, show off your costume in a contest, and enjoy food, drinks, and plenty of candy!
Don’t miss out on other Halloween happenings across campus. Check the AUM Calendar of Events.
Pursue a leadership opportunity as Director of Conference Services
AUM’s Office of Campus Services is seeking internal candidates for the position of Director of Conference Services.
This leadership role will oversee planning and logistics for a wide range of campus events, including commencement ceremonies, student recruitment programs, executive functions, student organization meetings, external conferences, camps, and summer programs.
The director will also lead and supervise professional and student staff, manage the campus events calendar, coordinate with campus partners, and oversee mail operations. The position also carries responsibility for budgeting, contracting with external clients, and ensuring safety and risk management for all events.
Faculty and staff with strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and experience supervising employees are encouraged to apply.
Kickstart your future with AUM’s MS-SLP program
Applications are now open for our Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology online program’s Fall 2026 cohort.
Open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders or a related field, the MS-SLP program prepares graduates for licensure and certification.
Apply before the January 15 deadline.
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.
