Sections - AWOL

First World Problems: The West’s indifference towards the Rohingya crisis

Aqsa Rashid, Writer • December 5, 2018

Western media and governments give the crisis lip service, but little action.

Steps to Recovery: The opioid epidemic in D.C.

Luci Rascher, Podcaster • December 5, 2018

Combatting opioid abuse amongst teens and young adults in the DMV.

Professor Profile: Margaret Stogner

Braeden Waddell • December 5, 2018

Environmental Media Today: An interview with Margaret Stogner, the executive director of AU's Center for Environmental Filmmaking, helped give a perspective on the interaction between contemporary environmental film and the world of internet and social media.

Snap Into Focus: The fight for food security

Emily Martin • December 5, 2018

SNAP continues to run older legislations after Farm Bill expires.

Behind the Curtain: AU’s Board of Trustees, Part III

Part III: Trustees and Transparency

Savanna Strott • November 28, 2018

The information available to students about the Board is limited. The governing laws and policies of the Board are accessible online, but confidentiality policies restrict what else is available to the public.

Behind the Curtain: AU’s Board of Trustees, Part II

Part II: The Diversity of the Board

Savanna Strott • November 19, 2018

Diversity and inclusion have become a large part of American University’s focus in recent years. A $61 million focus, in fact, for fiscal year 2019.

Behind the Curtain: AU’s Board of Trustees, Part I

Part I: The Cost of Being a Trustee

Savanna Strott • November 14, 2018

American University President Sylvia Burwell will present her “strategic plan” to the Board of Trustees during their meetings this Thursday, Nov. 15, and Friday, Nov.16. The plan, which Burwell has been developing for the past year, will roll out in Jan. 2019 and will guide AU for the next five years, she announced at an event in October.

University Administration, Student Government Slow to React to Allegations of Hazing Against Former AUSG President

Benjamin S. Weiss and Will Fowler • November 9, 2018

Editor’s Note: This article is the culmination of a ten-month investigation into the administrative, Greek life, and student government reactions to former SG president Taylor Dumpson’s resignation...

Should Journalists Vote?

An ethical question in a toxic political climate

Katya Podkovyroff Lewis, Editor-In-Chief • November 6, 2018

The current political climate has been a result of cumulative tensions nationwide since the 2016 election. Today, in the midst of the 2018 midterms, voters will decide if a new light will...

COMMENTARY: AWOL on Recent Attempts to Silence Student Media

Benjamin S. Weiss and Katya Podkovyroff Lewis • October 24, 2018

When prominent members of AUSG weaponize the terms ‘fake news’ and ‘hate speech’ to advance their political agendas and silence dissent, they contribute to the toxicity of the anti-media environment.

AU Goes to Space

Taylor Sabol, Managing Editor • October 22, 2018

American University has expanded their STEM educational programs to out of this world projects. AWOL staff had the opportunity to speak with the AU physics department to discuss their newest focus: the AU Thin Sat project.

The Gray Area: Cannabis Culture in Washington, D.C.

Melany Rochester's award-winning mini-documentary explores life as a cannabis user in the District.

Melany Rochester, Spring 2019 Photo & Videography Director • October 17, 2018

The Gray Area is a short documentary about cannabis culture and legality in the nation's capital. It explores how cannabis businesses are able to operate under the current cannabis law, and it delves into the racial disparities of the law in Washington D.C. and in the United States.