While students raced out of Washington to enjoy their summer break, several major developments occurred on campus which The Eagle reported in its summer editions. Here is the break down of that news.
Sports
AU's Athletic Department underwent major reorganization over the summer. Athletic Director Lee McElroy left the university in July to take a similar position with the State University of New York at Albany. McElroy's departure came after university administration decided during the spring semester to leave the Colonial Athletic Association for the Patriot League.
"I have enjoyed my four year tenure at AU and the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of coaches and administrators," McElroy said about his departure.
McElroy became the fourth staff member to leave the Athletic Department this year. Other staff members who left include former men's basketball coach Art Perry, women's basketball coach Jeff Thatcher and men's soccer coach Bob Jenkins.
AU has not found a replacement Athletic Director.
After Thatcher's departure, Kate Miller, a senior on the women's basketball team transferred to Kent State University. Miller surpassed the 1,000-point mark last season for her career as a junior. She was named a GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-American, and led the Eagles in scoring with 471 points.
Meanwhile, AU began an investigation of the Athletic Department for academic misconduct, according to summer Eagle reports. AU's internal investigation created a report that was later submitted to the NCAA Committee of Infractions, which will use that information to conduct its own investigation of the incident.
AU officials were not certain whether this incident would lead to sanctions against individual athletes or the entire athletics program.
University Center
AU announced over the summer that the second floor of the Mary Graydon Center will be renovated in the spring semester, 2001. The student clubs and organizations located there will be relocated to the Letts and Anderson Terraces.
Julie Weber, director of Residential Life and Housing, said 117 students will be moved to accommodate the organizations moving the Letts and Anderson Terraces. These students will be relocated throughout the residence halls in the spring semester, Weber told The Eagle over the summer. She explained this will be possible because of the housing drop that usually occurs between the fall and spring semester.
Gary Wright, assistant vice-president for student services, said when the renovations are completed Mary Graydon Center will feature a "cyber-caf." The renovations would increase the visibility of many on campus organizations, he said.
Also pertinent to the University Center's plans was the unexpected departure of Student Activities director Mick Ellis. In the interim, Wright is overseeing the operation of the Student Activity office.
Around Washington
Unless students were stuck in their dorm rooms this weekend, they probably noticed that Metro extended their weekend hours until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Eagle reported over the summer that the Washington Metro Area Transit Organization decided over the summer to expand Metro's hours when they approved their budget in June.
