Talk:American University

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[edit] General Discussion

We should certainly develop this into a more advanced entry. Sections should include an overview, history, organization of the school, campus, students and faculty, sports/clubs, traditions, noted alumni and noted faculty. Shall we divide and conquer?

For History The AU website offers a fairly good history, but it could certainly be rewritten. As well as a timeline. There is also some good information on the WWI and WWII era here. The original website is gone, but the Google cache has it.

Any takers on working on this with me?

I should (current alum), but be warned--I'm one of the laziest writers ever. Most of my edits now are cleaning other people's writing, I'm pedantic that way. Will do what I can, however. [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 19:08, 23 Jun 2004 (UTC)
I've added in what material I could from those sites; they were really useful. I think more is needed, but this is a start. You might want to look over it. Also, just a note--on talk pages, it's customary to sign your posts. You can do so by typing four tildes, like this: ~~~~ Best, [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 22:37, 24 Jun 2004 (UTC)
I'll see what I can do. I just added a section on the dorms [alum] and plan to do some more on life at AU and perhaps a thing or two on some historical stuff. (Unfortunately, my description of my edit got lost, which is why I came here.) --Habemuswikkum 16:04, 24 Apr 2005 (UTC)
Habemuswikkum, I reverted to the previous version before your changes. Be sure that when you include content, it follows the style and content guidelines set forth for Wikipedia. You can read them by clicking the Help link on the left panel. The conversational style of your addition on the residence halls could use some polishing, so I've left them out of the revert. --SparqMan 19:07, 24 Apr 2005 (UTC)

I added a basic organization chart. Thanks for the note on signing - SparqMan 23:57, 24 Jun 2004 (UTC)

I changed Harvey Lieber from the Government Department to the Public Administration Department, as that is his department.

[edit] Technology

That technology section sounds a bit too much like it came from admissions. AU is certainly more technological than some campuses, but tauting a campus-wide wireless network and hardline connections in each dorm room is no longer as impressive sounding as it was in 1997.SparqMan 03:44, 21 Feb 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Building Info to add

University Library. The library holdings include more than 780,000 volumes; 1 million microforms; 3,300 journals; 250 electronic resources; and 8,700 films, videos, and multimedia. The library provides individual carrels and group rooms for study. In addition to 35 ALADIN workstations and six CD-ROM workstations, a separate computer library and electronic classroom with 12 workstations is located on the lower level. In addition, the Music Library, housed in Kreeger Music Building, offers 35,000 recordings and more than 12,500 musical scores.

Law Library. The law library holds more than 500,000 volumes and 6,646 serial subscriptions. Special collections include depositories of United States and European Union documents, the Goodman Collection of Rare Law Books, the Richard Baxter Collection in International Law, and a collection of litigation documents with transcripts from the Iran contra controversy of the late 1980s.

Add in Greenberg Theatre (300-seat theatre, located at 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, includes a stage, orchestra pit, dressing rooms, and scene and costume design shops.) and Katzen Arts Center (and collection).

http://www.american.edu/american/registrar/facili.htm

[edit] Alumni

I'm all for adding notable alumni to this listing, but at what point are they no longer notable if we don't know who they are? Some of the more recent editions seems less than recognizable. SparqMan 16:36, 30 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I think the line is "If the person deserves a Wikipedia article, they should be in here". Best, Meelar (talk) 19:52, Mar 30, 2005 (UTC)

How sad that the alumni list is larger than the content of the article. It might make sense as somepoint to make an AU alumni entry, and then focus on content. SparqMan 19:17, 22 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Given that the Business and Law section now contain many unrecognizable names, or businesspersons at companies that are not particularly well known, I think that the time has come to migrate the alumni to their own article. We can leave behind a few choice alumni examples. --SparqMan 23:51, 30 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Here is the page: List of American University people. I'm open to suggestions on five to ten alumni that are worth including in the article.

[edit] Trivia

The trivia is nice, but mirrors the PR AU website. Why not just link to that? SparqMan 22:49, 11 Apr 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Location

While I agree that saying AU is at the top of Embassy Row is a long-standing exaggeration, it does help provide some context as to the location of the campus to someone unfamiliar with Washington, DC streets. Any suggestions for a replacement? --SparqMan 29 June 2005 02:06 (UTC)

I think it would help. I know that when I first was thinking about attending AU, the location in DC was an issue- especially for my parents. I think that it reassures the applicant of the safety of the school if we include larger landmarks that are closer to AU. Plus, I think it is a really cool fact about AU. --Senordesupremo 03:36, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

"Reassuring applicants" should not be a consideration for editing an encyclopedia article. Mentioning AU's location in DC near prominent national landmarks may be more noteable, particularly if such landmarks are particularly close to the campus or otherwise linked to the campus or its traditions or culture. --ElKevbo 03:42, 7 September 2006 (UTC)
Point taken. I need to get into the 'encyclopedia' mindset. In terms of the landmarks being prevalent in AU's culture, I would say it is. I know many people from campus that intern in embassys, and the embassys themselves are active on the campus. I think that it is important to note the location of the campus, instead of the vague "located at Ward Circle" and "straddling these two neighborhoods of NW DC." Just my thought. --Senordesupremo 03:49, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Other uses

What is the best title for a disambiguation page on which we can place links to all of the "American University of..." articles? None of the general warnings seem appropriate. American University of Science and Technology, American University of Puerto Rico, American University of Beirut, American University of Sharjah, American University of Paris, American University of Armenia, American University of Rome, etc. Some are related, some are not. Ideas? --SparqMan 05:37, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

I agree, a disambiguation for this page is necessary. The American University in Cairo is probably the most famous of the international schools of the same name. I would do it, but I'm far too much of a newbie to try that big of a reorganization. --Bobak 12 January 2005

[edit] Bad Odds for Females

The undergraduate body at AU is made up of 62% females and only 38% males. The dating scene on campus is dismal for straight females. Head to the city for a dazzling difference. A student there explains...

“Oh, dear, didn’t anyone tell you? AU is overwhelmingly female, and the difference gets better or worse depending on the school you’re in. Of the small male population, a near majority are gay. However, don’t be too discouraged. They’re all nice, and the town is crawling with undergrads, Congressional staffers, interns, and law students. There is no shortage of eligible men, and they are indeed hot … East Coast style though. Be forewarned.”

from the College Prowler guidebook, American University - Off the Record

  • Great to know that College Prowler is publishing inaccurate statements. A near majority of the male population is not gay. There are no figures on that information. While the campus is more open to questions of gender identity and the university actively supports the community with the GLBT Resource Center, it is wholly inaccurate to frame the campus in that way. --SparqMan 18:33, 25 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Copyvio?

A bunch of text comes from here. This same text is used on a few university websites, but I'm unsure if it's considered promotional text. Either way, a rephrasing is in order. --SparqMan 17:57, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

More of the copy text comes from a WCL manual PDF. A rewrite is required for much of the history section. --SparqMan 18:52, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ward Circle Building pic

Image:Wardbldg.jpg

I'm fairly sure that this is NOT the Ward Circle Building, but for the life of me, I can't figure out what building is actually in the photograph.

Okay, I just figured out that it's the Mary Graydon Center.


>> Actually, this is Ward, but from the Quad, not Nebraska.

71.41.148.2 23:25, 14 December 2006 (UTC)Jake

[edit] Ok, now that's DEFINENTLY a POV violation

The introductory paragraph is without a doubt not NPOV. It is a considerable bastion of anti-university statements, and seems to be more an insult for American University than actual encyclopedic information. I'm going to revert.--Offkilter 06:16, 4 April 2006 (UTC)

In the process, you removed the links from the opening section. Please revert and then remove the text. --SparqMan 17:05, 4 April 2006 (UTC)

Notice that 147.9.151.49 posted some similarly non-NPOV-sounding "facts" under the Other Facts section -- unless such gems as "most students do not like the school" are verifiable and sources are given, we should probably revert them as well. 70.95.74.249 10:01, 5 April 2006 (UTC)

Meh, I read through it again just now and it occurred to me that citing "some AU student groups" is clearly in violation of the verifiability policy, so I've gone ahead and removed the offending text. 70.95.74.249 12:48, 5 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Logo

Must we use the flag for AU's logo? It looks overwhelming when you go to the wiki page for AU. Why not use the seal that's on the diplomas?


This entry reads like it was written from someone in the AU development office.

I think we should have SOMETHING up there. Be it the AU Flag, the seal, anything. I look at other college's wikipedia articles and see that they have as thier logo. We just need something. Any thoughts? --Senordesupremo 03:41, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Images

Just about all of the images on this page are going to be deleted soon. The article will then be in serious need of some pictures. Any current students might want to take some good photos and release them GFDL. --Descendall 07:05, 29 August 2006 (UTC)

Done. I will get better ones as the year goes on. If there are any shots you want me to get specifically, please let me know! --Senordesupremo 03:38, 7 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] General NPOV shift

It is understandable that AU alumni attempt to bulk up the article of their alma mater, but this article needs to become more informative and feel less like a marketing piece. For example, being cited as a high tech campus in 1997 is not exactly a reason to explain why wireless devices can be used inside the library. Anyhow, pardon the dust as I attempt to apply NPOV. --SparqMan 20:00, 15 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Tenley Campus Information

Here is some information regarding Tenley Campus. The information was provided by Meghan Oakley, Assistant Director for Admissions of the Washington Semester program.

"American University purchased the Tenley Campus from Immaculata College, a Catholic girls' school, in 1987 specifically for the Washington Semester Program" (emphasis supplied).

"Immaculata College was a Catholic girl's school with students from first grade through college. Until 1987, Capital Hall was the school's main building, then called Immaculata Hall, with the nuns living on the 4th floor and dorm rooms, classrooms, administrative offices, and a ballroom throughout the rest of the building. Federal Hall was called Loretta Hall and housed their library, science, math and other academic departments as well as the dining hall. Constitution was their gymnasium. Congressional was Marian Hall for the college students. Dunblane was the elementary school with classrooms and administrative offices."

Tedyc03 20:25, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Other facts

In 2006, The Advocate ranked American University among the nation's top 20 schools for LGBT students [1], a fact that the university is proud of (see president's press release, cited under "faculty, student and staff developments" [2]), and a fact which can help many LGBT students find a safe environment in which to study. Despite this, User:Danny [3] insists on deleting it from the "Other facts" section, as have other users in the past. This is vital information for some students, and it's something to be proud of. It's a great accomplishment. What's the big deal?

Why don't you ask Danny on his talk page? When else was that particular edit reverted? According to the history, its been reverted once. Don't blow this out of proportion and talk to the person who made the edit.Montco 03:06, 11 December 2006 (UTC)
I've had a similar issue when I put that fact in the "Academic" section, and it must have been deleted because it's not there anymore. Destitute 04:53, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "The" American University

Does a definite article belong at the front of the school's name? I'm pretty sure the big stone sign at the main entrance on Mass. Ave. says "The American University." Frankg 19:58, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

I poked around on their website and it definitely did not appear to be common to use the article "The" as part of the institution's name. Maybe I didn't look hard enough or looked in the wrong places. If it *is* part of the institution's name then it definitely needs to be bolded in the lead and the article moved to The American University (with a redirect from this article, of course). --ElKevbo 20:16, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
The official, chartered name of the school is "The American University" (as it appears on the seal), while it is called "American University" for marketing purposes. --SparqMan 20:18, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
If you can supply evidence supporting your assertion, then it seems to me that we should at a bare minimum (a) note the official name of the institution in the article and (b) move the article or at least create an appropriate redirection.
I also note that the institution is identified as "American University" in IPEDS. --ElKevbo 20:27, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
This is a starting point. I don't think anything less than an email to the school's marketing office is good enough given how pervasive the abbreviated name is. --SparqMan 21:05, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
And on that link you cited, it clearly states "The name of the university no longer includes the word the. It will be referred to in all university presentations and publications as American University." I've made a note of the former name in the first line of the article, and will correct all incorrect uses of the name. --YbborT 21:25, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
Sounds good to me. Good work folks! --ElKevbo 21:37, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
I don't believe the use of the article is a "former" name. Because the school was chartered with it in the name, it cannot officially change its name, while marketing materials (university presentations and publications) can use it without the article. Am I right? --SparqMan 21:42, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
I don't know the legalities involved, particularly of this case as the institution was chartered by congress which I suspect may complicate the issue. In any case, an official document from the institution clearly states that the name has been changed and that is good enough for me. --ElKevbo 21:51, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
Dartmouth College v. Woodward seems to give private universities plenty of latitude even after being chartered by a state. (And I imagine a federal charter wouldn't be much different).--YbborT 22:27, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
I don't think it's a question of their status as an institution but the legalities of changing the name of a corporation. I am under the impression that for a corporation, name is strongly tied to its legal identity. My area of expertise and education is higher education, though, not corporate law so I could be (and likely am) completely wrong. In any case, I think we're doing the right thing with this article by using the reference cited above. --ElKevbo 22:38, 3 January 2007 (UTC)


[edit] AU and UMC

Anyone know why this is being disputed on the site? I think this just needs to be cleaned up if there is anything worth disputing here. Senordesupremo 22:03, 27 February 2007 (UTC)

The thing reads like an advertisement. In fact, the inline comment notes that it's a direct copy & paste from this section is a direct copy & paste from http://www.american.edu/academics/provost/dean/faculty/WCL/geninfo.html AU's website]. --YbborT 01:06, 28 February 2007 (UTC)
It's an obvious copyright violation and I've deleted the section. --ElKevbo 01:40, 28 February 2007 (UTC)
Okay. Senordesupremo 20:56, 7 March 2007 (UTC)
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