1/28/02

Bob Lowry, 334/844-9999

REPORT SAYS AU PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN STRENGTHENED, DESPITE LACK OF FUNDS

AUBURN -- Auburn University's academic programs have grown stronger in the past decade, despite inadequate resources, underpaid faculty and conflicts over university governance, according to a new report on Auburn's agenda for the next five years.

The report -- "Auburn University's Agenda'"-- was requested by the AU Board of Trustees to review university operations, specifically how it is governed and administered, and to lay out an action plan for the future. Increasing Auburn's "institutional capacity" and creating a common set of goals and a shared vision are among the university's primary challenges, the report says.

"For Auburn to move forward and continue providing a quality education for our students, we needed to grade the university on its day-to-day operations and analyze its direction for the future," said Interim President William F. Walker. "This is a comprehensive and challenging report that tells us what we are doing well, where we need to improve and how to get to where we want to go."

William Weary, a nationally-recognized consultant with Fieldstone Consulting, Inc., in Washington, D.C., prepared the 43-page report. He is well known for his publications and workshops on presidential searches and assessments of university presidents and boards, which are used by The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

As part of his study of Auburn, Weary interviewed more than 160 people representing all facets of campus life. They included trustees, administrators, deans, the athletic director, information technology leaders, the legislative director, facilities coordinator, faculty leaders, undergraduate and graduate student leaders, officials from the alumni and development office and officials from various organizations, such as the Auburn Foundation and Auburn Alumni Association.

"During the course of the months I've watched Auburn, I've had the impression of a descent, a plateau, and, now, the beginning of a rise," Weary's report says. "Much powerful work already has begun.

In looking at Auburn's current situation and needs, Weary proposed an eight-point plan that covers each area of the University. The report's agenda for Auburn details how the university is currently performing, the challenges it faces and the tasks it should undertake in that area.

The report identifies and addresses the following needs: ensuring that Auburn is assessing and meeting the needs of its students, colleges, departments and other "customers;" planning for needed renovation and maintenance; properly funding a campus that is "starved for resources;" enhancing and unifying the University's advancement activities; developing a clear academic mission; developing a stronger university administration; amending the way Auburn governs itself, including changes to the structures and procedures of the Board; and conducting long-range planning.

Weary gave high marks to Auburn's academic programs that, despite many challenges, have "become far stronger." He specifically praised the Peaks of Excellence initiative, which emphasizes designated research programs as Auburn hallmarks.

"The Peaks -- steadily supported and radiating excitement and success -- have become model Auburn programs in research, outreach, instructions, public relations and revenue-generating potential," according to the report.

However, the report makes clear that budgeting issues, the need for systematic reviews of programs and faculty performance, and the need to integrate information technology in the classroom are obstacles facing Auburn academics.

jan02:AU-future