As we move through the semester, as an educator, it’s uplifting to watch students find their own paths. Experiential learning is central to learning and exploration, and I’m impressed by the many ways that students pursue their passions and faculty and staff mentor them to help bring their ideas to life. Stroll through the grounds, and you’ll find students tending and enjoying the community garden. There are startups by students through AU’s Center for Innovation, where they’re launching new ventures in areas from green certification to tourism. Students hone their writing and journalism skills at AU’s numerous media publications and are recognized nationally for their skill, with the staff of The Eagle recently winning a prestigious Pinnacle Award for a multimedia feature story. Students in the Performing Arts home their talents in recital halls and on stage. While off-campus, students engage in the community with programs such as DC Reads. It’s wonderful to see how students learn and grow by doing. I’m so thankful we are back together in person as a community. Wishing you and your families a joyous Thanksgiving.

The new FAFSA is open and students must fill out the FAFSA annually to be considered for need-based aid.

11/23 Tuesday classes cancelled; Friday classes meet instead

11/24 - 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday; no classes, university offices closed on Thursday and Friday

12/1 Spring bills are available

12/10 Fall classes end

12/11 - 12/12 Fall study days

12/13 - 12/18 Fall final exams. The final exam schedule is now posted. Please consult with your student before finalizing end of semester travel.

12/19 Residence halls close (graduating seniors may remain until 12/20)

12/19 Fall Commencement 

1/6 Spring bills are due

1/6 Residence halls re-open

1/10 First day of spring classes

Whether your Eagle is new to AU or is approaching graduation, we are here for you. Our family webinar series seeks to introduce you to our staff and resources while we focus on ways in which parents and champions can work in partnership with us to best support students on their journey.

Join us on November 18 at 7 p.m. EST for "Home for the Holidays." We'll discuss what you might expect during this transition for you and your students.

You can find recordings of our recent webinars at the link below. 

American University Professor of Sociology Celine-Marie Pascale has just published her latest book, Living on the Edge: When Hard Times Become a Way of Life, which documents the lives of people across the nation who are juggling multiple low wage jobs while facing the squeeze of stagnant wages and rising costs of living.The book also takes a complicated look at how racism, sexism, immigration status, polarized politics, and the COVID-19 pandemic have affected vulnerable working people.

American University’s 125,000-square-foot Hall of Science officially opened its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it’s been transformed into a hub of cutting-edge science teaching and research for both undergrad and graduate students. State-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms are home to AU’s departments of biology, environmental science, chemistry, and neuroscience, where exciting discoveries are being made across disciplines, ranging from food waste to climate change to cancer. Keep reading to learn more about AU's latest scientific research and see photos of the work going on in our new Hall of Science.

The funding will support initiatives at CMSI’s core intersection of creative culture, entertainment, and social justice and equity. “The work of examining and defending our democracy is at the core of what CMSI does, including efforts within the most creative and entertaining spheres of our society,” said Sam Fulwood III, dean of the AU School of Communication.