Dear BAU Community,
This past month, BAU celebrated love, gratitude, and the strength of our community. We recognized our outstanding faculty for their dedication, passion, and the invaluable guidance they provide to our students every day. February was also a time to give back, as students, staff, and faculty participated in service activities that helped strengthen our campus connections.
Our New Student Government Leaders – SGA 2026
We are proud to introduce our newly elected Student Government Association (SGA) leaders for 2026:
- Rumi Lama – President
- Kutay Deniz – Vice President
- Saim Caylas – Treasurer.
Their leadership will contribute meaningfully to fostering a more connected, inclusive, and dynamic student experience throughout the academic year. Congratulations to our newest SGA leaders as they begin this important journey of service and impact.
Guest Speaker Spotlight in Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Recently, our Leadership and Organizational Behavior class welcomed guest speaker Mr. Terrence Hayes, who shared valuable insights on communication and influence drawn from his professional experience. His expertise closely aligned with the course content, particularly in scenarios requiring clear communication, trust, and effective influence under pressure. Our students gained a practical perspective that reinforced the key concepts discussed in class.
Hands-On Learning in Software Engineering
A big shout-out to Professor Tsige Tessema, who led her first hands-on networking session in her Software Engineering class, introducing students to foundational concepts like desktop network connections.
With the support of the new lab space, her students were fully engaged, energized, and learning in a practical, real-world environment. This session lays the groundwork for the upcoming Security Operations Center (SOC), where students will continue hands-on training in cybersecurity and incident response.
Valentine’s Volunteer Giving Love and Giving Back to the Community
This month, our incredible student and faculty volunteers spent an evening at Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. They supported the event by welcoming guests, creating heartfelt cards, and helping ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Their efforts reflect the spirit of service and community engagement at Bay Atlantic University. Thank you to all who participated and represented BAU with professionalism and care.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at BAU
Our community recently celebrated Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Dragon and highlighting this important cultural tradition on campus. As part of the festivities, red envelopes containing a variety of prizes were placed throughout the building, offering an interactive experience that encouraged broad participation and fostered a sense of connection across the campus community.
AI & Mental Health Series Partnership
We recently hosted The AI Collective for the first session of their “AI x Mental Health” six-part series. During this session, attendees explored the current AI landscape in mental health and participated in a live demo building and tested a simple chatbot.
The event provided practical insights about AI tools, therapists whose clients are using them, and developers seeking to understand potential risks. Participants left with a clearer understanding of how AI can support mental health while navigating its challenges responsibly.
Representing BAU Across Campuses and Communities
This month, our incredible faculty and staff represented Bay Atlantic University through several off-campus initiatives. They connected with prospective students at the Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus and shared information about BAU’s academic programs and student experience.
The team also participated in Vizyon College’s International Education Fair, engaging with high school students and introducing them to the educational and international opportunities available at BAU.
Welcoming Our New BAU Ambassadors – Spring 2026
We are incredibly excited to welcome our newest BAU Ambassadors as part of our amazing BAU Communications team. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and authentic student perspectives will play a key role in elevating our outreach efforts and showcasing the vibrant spirit of our university.
What’s Next: March on Campus
With March upon us, the campus is full of activity and community spirit. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate our annual Ramadan Dinner, enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival, and take part in various volunteer opportunities. There are many ways for students to learn, connect, and get involved, and we look forward to seeing everyone make the most of the spring term.
Warm regards,
Dr. Sinem Vatanartiran
President, Bay Atlantic University
