Hello Owls, and welcome to OutFAU’s 2025–2026 New Student Edition! To our returning readers, we hope your summer was as refreshing and recharging as a Glinda-approved bubble bath — at least for those of you who didn’t spend it in summer classes. And to our incoming freshmen and new students: welcome to Oz — oh, wait — FAU.
Over the summer, a lot happened in our corner of the Emerald… er, Sunshine State. Doechii dropped her hit Anxiety, the undisputed song of the summer. Disney released the live-action Lilo & Stitch. The Sims 4 finally added Fairies. Florida opened Alligator Alley. And the Epstein Files? Still not fully released. But since our broomsticks can only carry so many pages, here’s a peek at what we’ve conjured up in this issue:
- Diana Cox receives the Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship, honoring FAU’s first openly gay Student Body President and former Mayor of Wilton Manors, Justin Flippen. (Page 3)
- With over 300 student organizations on campus, finding your place is easier than you think. Learn how to use Campus Labs to find where you belong. (Page 3)
- Is FAU as Diverse as It Claims to Be? The University renamed its iconic Diversity Way to Opportunity Way and entered a voluntary agreement with ICE — sparking a student-led protest on Friday, September 5. (Page 4)
- Inside FAU Student Government: A dispute over comments targeting an LGBTQ+ student leader’s appointment created weeks of tension — closing without a censure or apology. FAU SG Secretary of the House May Rojas shares a personal account. (Page 5)
- A guide to local nonprofits and the resources they offer college students. (Page 6)
- Safe Sex is Sexy: The rates of HIV, AIDS, and STIs are higher than you might realize. Here’s how to keep things both fun and safe. (Page 7)
And yes, OutFAU is recruiting! If you have a love for writing or design — or you just want to join a group of wonderfully Wicked minds — we have a place for you. Details are on Page 3.
So whether you’re stepping into freshman year or swooping into your final act, we hope this issue helps you feel more at home at FAU. Now, I could keep talking… or you could just sit back, relax, and get swept up in OutFAU’s August 2025 Issue. Enjoy!
Read the issue here.
Launching Your Choice Awards
Calling all Florida Atlantic University students, faculty, alumni, and OutFAU readers — it’s time to celebrate your favorites!
This summer, OutFAU kicked off its first-ever Your Choice Awards, our “best of” competition to spotlight the people, places, and things you love most — both on campus and in the community. We spent the summer taking nominations for everything from the best spots to grab a bite in Boca and Delray to the most inspiring professors, student activists, and campus clubs.
Now, the nominations are in — and it’s time to vote on the finalists. Whether it’s your go-to coffee shop, the hangout you can’t live without, or the changemakers making FAU a better place, this is your chance to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
Voting is open now — make your voice heard and help crown this year’s winners that will be featured later this semester!
OutFAU Is A 5-Time Green Eyeshade Award Winner
OutFAU earned five awards at the 75th Green Eyeshade Awards: third place for Student News Outlet; first place in Visual Storytelling and third place in Print Design for Lewis de Berry’s work on The Body Issue; third place in Special Projects for The Body Issue for Mary Rasura and CJ Walden; and second place in Editorial Leadership for Rasura.
From bold visual storytelling to powerful editorial direction, our team continues to make waves in Southeast journalism — and we’re just getting started.
Read the story here.
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