Warhawk Weekly 8-19: Welcome Week; Farrow expertise featured
Welcome Week at AUM offers activities, connections and traditions
Welcome Week kicked off Monday — the first day of fall 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.
Coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs, the week features a variety of activities, including academic and Greek life events, gaming trucks, food, giveaways, and information booths across campus.
Welcome Week concludes on Friday, August 22, with New Student Convocation. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a student procession from the Taylor Center to the AUM Athletics Complex, followed by the convocation ceremony at 10 a.m. During the event, university leadership and the Student Government Association president will officially welcome students to campus. 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.
- Enjoy food, games, and fun with your fellow Warhawks.
Get the full list of Welcome Week activities: Warhawk Welcome Week Schedule.
Farrow featured in national media for expertise on U.S.-Russia relations
AUM faculty member Dr. Lee Farrow, chair of the Department of History & World Cultures, was recently featured in Time magazine’s article, “Why Alaska? The Symbolism of Holding the Trump-Putin Summit in The Frontier State,” where she provided expert historical insight into today’s global diplomatic decisions.
In the piece, Dr. Farrow provided crucial context on Alaska’s significance in global diplomacy, noting its geographic proximity to Russia and its value as a site for strategic security during high-level international discussions.
A leading authority on Russian-U.S. relations and author of “Seward’s Folly: A New Look at the Alaska Purchase” and several other titles, Dr. Farrow has become a sought-after voice for national media outlets covering U.S.-Russia history and diplomacy. Her expertise has also been highlighted in The New York Times feature, “Why Russia Sold Alaska to U.S.,” as well as in NPR’s All Things Considered story by Greg Myre, “Alaska Was Once a Full-Fledged Russian Colony. Now It Will Host a U.S.-Russia Summit.”
In addition to her national media presence, Dr. Farrow serves AUM as both a Distinguished Teaching Professor and a Distinguished Research Professor. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans and both her master’s and doctorate degrees from Tulane University.
Theatre AUM to hold auditions for ‘The Birdz’
Theatre AUM will host auditions for its fall 2025 production, “The Birdz,” an adaptation of Aristophanes’ classic play “The Birds” with new musical arrangements and lyrics by Assistant Professor Chapel McCullough and Professor Neil David Seibel. The adaptation for 2025 was crafted by Seibel, who also directs the production.
Auditions are set for Wednesday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m. in Theatre AUM, located in Taylor Center. Callbacks will follow on Thursday, August 21.
Actors should prepare a short monologue (45–90 seconds) and a portion of a pop song (1980–2025) if they wish to be considered for singing roles. Students should also bring their class and work schedules for fall semester.
The production is seeking six to seven actors to bring to life a colorful range of characters, including:
- Peisetairos – a grumpy, clueless soul longing for an easier life.
- Euelpides – a flamboyant, unapologetic bird lover with a streak of luck.
- Trochilus – a cockatoo full of loud, noisy energy.
- Epops – the wise and observant hoopoe, who voices the god Poseidon.
- Procne – the nightingale, symbol of diplomacy and healing, who voices the goddess Iris.
- Supporting roles – including a priest, tax collector, Titan Prometheus, politician, influencer, and others.
Rehearsals will run August 25–September 25, followed by technical rehearsals beginning September 26. Dress rehearsals are scheduled for September 29–October 1. Public performances will be held October 2–4 and October 9–11, with a closing matinee on Sunday, October 12.
For more information, contact nseibel@aum.edu.
Register your vehicle for the 2025-26 academic year
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to register their vehicles for the 2025-26 academic year through AUM’s easy-to-use online parking portal to secure a campus parking spot.
To complete your vehicle registration online, you will need the following information:
- Tag/license plate number
- Vehicle year, make, model and color
- Home address and cell phone number
Once you’ve entered your vehicle information and your status shows “pending,” you may visit one of the locations listed below on the specified dates to have your vehicle registration approved and pick up your parking decal.
Please be prepared to pay for your parking decal at that time via the online parking portal using a credit card.
Parking Decal Pickup Schedule
Students, faculty and staff can pick up parking decals for the 2025-26 academic year on the following dates and locations:
- Monday, August 11 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Taylor Center 221
- Wednesday, August 13 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Taylor Center 221
- Friday, August 15 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Taylor Center Lobby
- Monday, August 18 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Taylor Center 221
- Wednesday, August 20 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Taylor Center 221
If registering an AUM License Plate/Tag, please bring a copy of your tag receipt for verification purposes.
Starting Friday, August 21, decals and hangtags can be picked up at the Campus Police Office in Taylor Center 267 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Permit Fees for Students, Faculty and Staff
Non-Resident Students: Commuter students parking passes/decals are available for $30 for the academic school year. Please be prepared to pay for your parking permit when you come to pick it up. All payments must be made by credit card through the online parking portal.
Resident Students: The fee for this permit is included in student housing costs. There will be no additional charge for residential parking permits. Resident Student parking permits are designated for residential lots only. This permit cannot be used to park in any “General” designated parking lots or the Wellness Center lot. If you wish to add a “General” parking pass that allows you to park on campus outside of Housing lots, you may register for the Housing/General permit for a $30 fee. Please be prepared to pay for your parking permit when you come to pick it up. All payments must be made by credit card through the online parking portal.
- Any student who purchases an AUM License Plate will receive their General Parking Permit for free.
Faculty/Staff General Permits: General parking permits are free for faculty and staff who register to park on campus. These permits allow parking in white-lined spaces, which are designated specifically for faculty and staff use.
Faculty/Staff Reserved Permits: Faculty/Staff reserved parking spaces (orange lined spaces) are available for $75 per academic year. Faculty and staff members who are re-registering for reserved parking with an AUM License Plate will only pay a $5 administrative fee. Faculty and staff members who register with an AUM License Plate for the first time will receive a reserved parking decal and hangtag at no charge. Please be prepared to pay for your parking permit when you come to pick it up. All payments must be made by credit card through the online parking portal.
Outstanding Balances
Students, faculty, and staff with outstanding balances for citations or permits can pay their fines or fees by credit card through the online parking portal. For information on how to appeal a citation, please visit the AUM Campus Parking website.
If you have questions about AUM’s online parking portal or campus parking, contact the Campus Police Office at parking@aum.edu or (334) 244-3424.
Join us Sunday to honor Cashwell
AUM will host an on-campus memorial gathering to honor and celebrate the life of Dr. Susan “Suzie” Cashwell, a beloved faculty member and the first director of AUM’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program.
A resident of Wetumpka, Alabama, Dr. Cashwell passed away on July 29 at the age of 62.
Hosted by her former students and colleagues, the memorial event will recognize Dr. Cashwell’s lifelong dedication to teaching, mentoring, and uplifting others. The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, in Taylor 222-223, and is open to the entire AUM community.
As part of the gathering, attendees are invited to share stories, bring photos, and contribute written reflections to a memory book that will be presented to Dr. Cashwell’s family.
Dr. Cashwell joined AUM’s faculty in July 2020 as the founding Director of the Bachelor of Social Work program and an Associate Professor. Building on the groundwork laid by dedicated faculty before her, she brought her unique personality and leadership style to shape the program into something truly special. Both students and colleagues looked to her for guidance and support, and it wasn’t unusual for her phone to buzz at all hours with calls from those simply seeking reassurance.
She exemplified servant leadership and was deeply devoted to her students and the social work profession. Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Her students have gone on to become educators, clinicians, and leaders, serving in roles ranging from one-on-one therapy to overseeing large organizations and training initiatives. The generational impact of her work is reflected in the countless lives shaped by those she taught and mentored.
Prior to AUM, Dr. Cashwell served in leadership roles and on faculty at several higher education institutions, including Saint Leo University, North Florida Community College, Herzing University, Thomas University, Valdosta State University, and Western Kentucky University. From 2000 to 2001, she was an Assistant Professor at Auburn University, a tenure-track position involving teaching, advising, and research.
Dr. Cashwell graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work from Northern Michigan University. She is a two-time graduate of Florida State University, earning both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work.
Get in the Game: Register for Fall 2025 Intramural Sports
AUM invites students, faculty and staff to bring their competitive spirit as the Fall 2025 Intramural Sports season officially kicks off in September.
AUM’s Intramural Sports program offers a fun, inclusive way to get active, stay healthy, and connect with others across campus. Whether you’re looking to join with friends or sign up solo as a free agent, there’s a league—and a community—waiting for you.
Registration is currently open for a wide variety of sports and activities, including:
- E-Sports Season: Open Madden, 2K, and FIFA Leagues
- Badminton: Open Singles and Doubles Leagues
- 3-on-3 Basketball: Men’s and Women’s Leagues
- Cricket: Men’s and Women’s Leagues
- Disc Golf: Men’s and Women’s Leagues
- Flag Football: Men’s and Women’s Leagues
Beginning September 1, registration will open for:
- Innertube Water Polo
- Tennis
- Volleyball
All upcoming leagues offer both men and women divisions.
To register, visit the AUM Intramural Sports website or sign up on IMLeagues.com/aum or using the IMLeagues app. For more information, contact (334) 492-1619.
AUM to host ACHE 2025 Open Educational Resources workshop
Auburn University of Montgomery (AUM) has been selected as a host institution for one of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s (ACHE) 2025 Open Educational Resources (OER) workshops in September.
In partnership with Trenholm State Community College, AUM will host the workshop from 8 a.m. -3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 in Taylor Center 230. The event is free and open to faculty and staff. Register online now.
The free workshops, also taking place at the University of South Alabama, are part of ACHE’s broader statewide effort to reduce textbook costs, increase access to course materials, and support student success.
“We’re excited to serve as a host institution for this workshop and bring together both in-state leaders and nationally recognized experts,” said AUM Library Dean Phill Johnson. “Attendees will gain practical tools and resources to support the adoption and implementation of OER across Alabama’s higher education institutions.”
Funded by ACHE, AUM’s Open Educational Resources workshop will feature the following speakers:
- Joshua Hill – Instructional Designer, Center for Innovative Teaching and Technology, Hillsborough College. Hill is a pioneer in AI-supported OER creation and founder of the Zero Textbook Cost Initiative. He also developed Florida’s only self-hosted Pressbooks platform.
- Jennifer Pate – Director of OpenEd, Texas A&M Libraries. Pate leads textbook equity and OER efforts across the Texas A&M system and is a Founding Fellow with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s OER Fellowship program.
- Nakita Afaha – Program Manager, Affordable Learning Georgia, University System of Georgia. Afaha brings extensive experience in OER development, eLearning instructional design, and student success initiatives.
- Rebel Cummings-Sauls – Director of Digital Services and OER, Florida Academic Library Services Cooperative. With over a decade in higher education, she has held leadership roles at Kansas State University and the University of South Florida.
- Charlotte Ford, Library Director, University of Montevallo. Ford is a passionate advocate for Open Access. With 35 years of experience as a librarian, she has consistently championed free and equitable access to information, particularly in response to the rising costs of journals, database subscriptions, and textbooks.
The workshop also offers professionals the opportunity to connect with peers from across the state who are advancing OER initiatives at Alabama’s colleges and universities.
“We look forward to working together to expand access to high-quality, affordable education in Alabama,” Johnson said. “We hope attendees will leave the workshop with actionable strategies and valuable connections.”
Make your mark on the AUM Alumni board
Do you have a passion for Auburn University at Montgomery and a desire to help shape the future of its alumni community? The AUM Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a longtime supporter, this is a meaningful opportunity to give back, grow your leadership experience, and play a vital role in strengthening the bond between AUM and its alumni. Board members also serve as ambassadors for the university, helping to advance alumni engagement, support student success, and promote AUM in the community and beyond.
To be eligible, candidates must be graduates of AUM or have earned credit toward one of its degree programs, and be a member in good standing with the AUM Alumni Association.
Nominations are open through Sept. 15. Apply or nominate someone today.
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.
