Faculty elect officers for 2000-2001
Auburn faculty elected Bruce Gladden of Health and Human Performance and
Mary Boudreaux of Pathobioloby as,
respectively, chair-elect and secretary-elect at the April 13 meeting of the
University Faculty. The new officers assumed office following their
election and will serve
in a backup role to 1999-2000 University Faculty Chair Jo Heath of
Mathematics and
Secretary Marcia Boosinger of Draughon Library for a year before moving into
those posts in
April 2000. The officers also serve in those posts with the University
Senate, which is the representative body of the University Faculty.
The following are written statements submitted by the new officers prior to
their election.
Bruce Gladden, Alumni Professor
Department of Health and Human Performance
Candidate for Chair-Elect
"As I finish my 10th year at Auburn University, I continue to be amazed at
Auburn's status as a quality educational institution. I am amazed because
this high quality has been maintained in the face of lower per-student
funding, lower faculty salaries and less support in general in comparison
to many similar schools. Auburn's high educational ranking is a testament
to the quality and dedication of the faculty, staff and administration,
often in the face of inadequate support and inadequate positive feedback.
In my view, the major obstacles that inhibit Auburn from reaching its
potential are largely external to the university.
"Many of these obstacles derive from lack of leadership in state
government in the past, insufficient appreciation of the value of education
by the citizens of Alabama, inappropriate college and university funding
based on politics in the state Legislature and a misguided Board of
Trustees that fails to recognize Auburn's promise as a flagship university
for the state of Alabama. Our Board has too often been ignorant of the
proper functioning of a university, too concerned with micro-managing the
university and too involved in using the Athletic Department as a play toy.
Examples of these misdirected roles are abundant.
"What can the University Senate, specifically the Chair of the Senate, do
about these external obstacles? Frankly, the answer is: probably very
little. However, none of us should become complacent or apathetic. All of
us must continue to do our jobs to the best of our ability on a day-to-day
basis. Leaders in the University Senate must continue to work with the
administration to send the message to the Board, to the Legislature and to
the citizens of Alabama that Auburn is an outstanding university and that
it is wise to invest in education in general and in higher education in
particular. The Senate Leadership must stand firm for the primary role of
the faculty in the academic policies of the university. We must speak out
for the integrity of the educational process at Auburn, but at the same
time we must choose our battles so that we are not perceived as a group
of malcontents who can never be satisfied.
"Aside from the general issues addressed above, there are some specific
issues that need to be addressed in the near future. We are set to begin a
one-year trial of a faculty workload policy; we need to carefully evaluate
this policy and decide a) whether we really need such a policy, and b) if
so, exactly how it should operate. We need to ensure that academic
standards are maintained in the face of continuing demands that AU and
AUM be more closely coordinated. We need to continue to search for ways
to improve the working environment of our non-tenure track employees.
While we continue to maintain the quality of our undergraduate programs,
we should also strive to improve our graduate programs, particularly by
seeking waivers of tuition costs for most graduate students.
"We must continue to press for regular salary increases to bring AU
salaries to at least the regional average. I am especially concerned about
the low entry salaries that we have to offer incoming assistant
professors. These low salaries are becoming more and more of a problem
in recruiting excellent faculty members. We also shouldn't' forget the
less obvious aspects of our financial remuneration such as health
insurance and retirement options. Historically, a positive aspect of
faculty salaries at Auburn has been the opportunity to earn approximately
one-third of the annual nine-month salary through summer teaching. This
advantage must not be lost in the transition from quarters to semesters. I
don't think very many faculty would have supported the change to
semesters if it meant a reduction in the opportunity for a 12-month
salary. Perhaps Auburn should consider a policy that requires all students
to attend at least one summer school session. This would help students to
graduate on time in a four-year span and it would enhance the opportunity
for summer pay for faculty.
"In conclusion, let me say that it is an honor to be nominated to run for
Chair-Elect of the Senate. I'm not certain that I'm the most able person
for the job. I can only say that if I am elected, I will do my best to fairly
represent the interests of the Auburn faculty."
University Service: Member of AU faculty since 1989. HHP Department
Senator for two terms, Steering Committee, Human Subjects Institutional
Review Board (member and chair), Rules Committee, Graduate Student
Affairs Committee (member and chair), Biomedical Research Support
Grant Advisory Committee, Drug-Free Workplace Committee, Academic
Standards Committee, Alumni Professor Selection Committee, Biogrants
Committee, Radiological Safety Committee, numerous search committees
and departmental committees.
Mary K. Boudreaux
Associate Professor
Department of Pathobiology
Candidate for Secretary-Elect
"During my tenure as Senator, I have seen a change in the relationship
between the upper administration and faculty senators. As Auburn
University entered uncertain times brought on by budget shortages and a
petulant Board of Trustees, the adversarial relationship between faculty
and administration evolved into a working and respectful alliance. As a
proponent of a "United We Stand" philosophy, I was heartened to see people
working together. Although better circumstances would have been
welcome, history shows that nations have made their best strides when
individuals worked together to challenge an adversary. I personally would
rather not have an adversarial relationship with any group, including the
Board of Trustees.
"As an eternal optimist, I would like to see the alliance of faculty and
administrators at Auburn University evolve into an alliance with the
members of the Board of Trustees. This may not be possible with the
present board members or with the present board appointment system, but
if favorable changes do occur, our goal should be to seek a constructive
relationship with this body. The Senate leaders have already made
beginning steps toward at least a more understanding relationship by
inviting board members and groups of faculty to periodic discussions over
issues during lunch hours. This type of effort should be continued and
others instituted. An alliance that includes the administration, faculty,
and Board of Trustees would make Auburn University a powerful and
respected constituent within the state of Alabama. It may even help
prevent a repeat of embarrassing decisions that have recently placed
Auburn University in less than a complimentary light. As Secretary-Elect I will become a member of the Executive Committee
of the University Faculty and play a role in keeping accurate records of
Senate meetings as well as representing the faculty on the Rules
committee and the Steering committee. I am hopeful that by participating
in these functions that I can facilitate the positive interactions that have
been evolving between faculty and administration and perhaps even be a
part of a change in our relationship with the Board of Trustees."
University Service: Member of AU faculty since 1986; Assistant
Professor
1986-91; Associate Professor 1991-present; Health Services Committee
1992-95; Faculty Welfare Committee 1996-99; Faculty Workload Policy
Committee (Chair) 1998-99; Pathobiology Senator 1998-2000. Selected
committees within the College of Veterinary Medicine: Admissions and
Standards (Chair) 1992-99; Graduate Advisory Committee 1992-present.