Many breathed a sigh of relief as 2016 came to a close and 2017 began. It is the season of saying “new year, new me” and in AU’s case the season of welcoming in some new changes and working on improving on what is already in place. 

In a public relations email to students at the start of the semester, Dr. Carlos Campo addressed a few student concerns and requests.

“We are working to create some choices for students, with some perhaps coming as soon as the fall of this year. We also hear requests for expanded hours for dining (under review), a bar on campus (probably not going to happen), later hours for The Rec (possible—looking into it), hot tubs on the quad (not this year), fire pits outside of Eagles’ Nest (coming soon), ice machines on every other floor in dorms (interesting, possible), air conditioning (not likely—though new housing will be equipped) and much more.”

According to President Campo, the wellness campaign will be one of the focuses of this semester and onward. Recently, the university was selected as a White House Healthy Campus and “Dr. Sullivan and two students [visited] the White House [during the first week of classes] as part of that celebration.”

Campo also looks forward to continuing work on the Ashland Rising 2020 initiative, a plan that the administration put into place upon Campo’s arrival. 

“One of the things that is clear is that our sporting events bring all of us together and so that’s one of the things we’ll continue to do,” Campo explained. “There’s such excitement about our sports teams, in particular our women’s basketball team, which is No. 1 in the nation in D2 of course, so it’s one of those things that will pull people on to campus.”

Along with sports, Campo explained that the university plans to continue its Corporate Connections program, which brings in local corporations to campus in order to forge further connections between the university and the community. 

“One of the things we found is that our students are already [going out into the community], we just have to highlight it, to let more students know what’s going on,” said Campo. “Our students are engaged. They’re doing things like working on clothing drives. They’re reading to folks at Brethren care. They’re engaged with young students as well in after school reading programs and other things too. But it’s one of the things we want to see more of.”

The university has also been taking advantage of the College Credit Plus program that allows students to come on to campus to earn college credit along with taking college level courses from their own high schools. 

Campo is also very excited about the new International Masters of Business Program, which he explained as a one-year program that was created for the busy professional. By providing weekends for finishing work, and being a fully online program, it allows students the chance to have a full-time job and still complete a graduate degree program. 

“It’s not for every student,” Campo said. “But we’re excited that a lot of students will take advantage of it these next few years.” 

Looking at this semester, Campo encouraged underclassmen to get outside of their comfort zone. 

“We tell students, ‘get involved in stuff you might not be interested in, and just see if that new perspective might add something [to your life],’” said Campo. 

For graduating seniors, Campo explained the last semester is like a marathon. 

“Finish strong,” advised Campo. “When you see the finish line it’s actually the time that’s toughest to finish. You kind of hit the wall and realize ‘Oh my gosh, am I going to finish?’ so of course the first thing is to get it done and stay focused.” 

Campo also suggested that seniors not wait until May to start thinking about what’s next. He explained that students should worry less about initial pay and more about finding organizations that align with personal values. 

He also encouraged those who are soon to be alum to keep the university close and to begin to consider how they can “give back to the institution,” and “stay connected to the institution.”

“Ashland is only as strong as our students and our alum,” said Campo. “So that’s another thing we certainly want to say to our graduating seniors.”