AUBURN UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY

March 18, 2002 - 10:00 a.m.
Dixon Conference Center

John Asmuth, Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.. Assembly members present were: John Asmuth, Stacey Bozeman, Cara Mia Braswell, Amy Douglas, Lisa Fleming, Kathy Harmon, Phyllis Harris, Harriette Huggins, Kathryn Jarvis, Karen Rankin, Anna Reynolds, Linda Sayers, Mary Lou Smith, Thomas Stofer, Mary Ann Taylor-Sims, and Kim Trupp.

Review and Approval of Prior Minutes: The minutes from the November 13, 2001 meeting were reviewed. No amendments were made. John Asmuth motioned that the minutes be accepted and Kathy Harmon seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

Speaker, Dr. William Walker. Mr Asmuth introduced Dr. Walker who prefaced his remarks by stating that the vitality of the University relies on the contributions of many groups. Dr. Walker then thanked the Assembly for helping to fulfill a foundational role in the University.

Dr. Walker addressed the events of last October when, after two fraternity Halloween parties, photographs of students in offensive attire and poses were posted to a local photographer's website. He stated that these events prompted an even greater commitment on the part of AU to promote diversity and tolerance as core values of the University. Dr. Walker indicated that he was offended, hurt, angered, and embarrassed by the photographs though he could not pretend to know how the African-American community felt. After convening forums to discuss last October's events, Dr. Walker mandated that long-term and systematic action must be the necessary outcome of these discussions. Specifically, educational programs that engage diversity and ostracize racism must be initiated.

Dr. Walker noted that a number of initiatives either are or will be underway. Examples are:

  1. Working closely with fraternities to change cultures in terms of diversity issues;
  2. Establishing within Student Affairs programs for emphasizing acceptance, change, and education (PEACE);
  3. Offering diversity training workshops utilizing a well established program facilitated by consultants associated with the Russell Corporation and;
  4. Developing a comprehensive diversity plan which includes the establishment of a campus Center for Diversity and Race Relations. The Center would be the focal point of AU's commitment to changing its current culture.
Dr. Walker also commented on the Weary Report which is posted on the AU website. The Board of Trustees charged Dr. Bill Weary, a nationally recognized consultant, with "immersing" himself in Auburn University and then making recommendations based on his observations. The Board, through committee, will be discussing the Weary report at its June meeting.

At the February Board meeting, an enrollment cap of 25,000 students was discussed. Undergraduate enrollment would be 80% and graduate enrollment would be 20% of total enrollment. Currently, undergraduate enrollment is 19,650 and graduate enrollment numbers 2,800. Issues related to funding and other factors necessitate restricting enrollment growth. An increase in the student residential population was discussed as well. Housing 25% of the undergraduate population on campus was articulated as a goal with the possibility of requiring freshmen to live on campus. Additional items discussed related to the proposed master plan outlined in the Sasaki Report (which also included student housing issues mentioned earlier). A proposal to make AU a pedestrian campus while also taking into account a variety of considerations such and parking and service/emergency vehicular access were addressed.

Dr. Walker closed by commenting on funding issues. He stated that the Educational Trust Fund is not a totally reliable source of higher education dollars. Additionally, September 11 caused declines in revenues due to economic uncertainties. Tuition increases for next year are a possibility depending on public funding. Private funding driven by a capital campaign seeking increased levels of support is critical. Spurring economic growth and development in Alabama must also be a key objective for AU and other research institutions in the state. AU should take the lead in these initiatives. Mr. Asmuth then opened the floor for questions or comments.

Comment: Thank you, Dr. Walker, for keeping the University community informed via email messages. Dr. Walker responded by asking: "Why haven't we done this before?".

Comments From the Chair. Mr. Asmuth reiterated items such as new buildings, parking, the establishment of a pedestrian campus, and football Saturday issues noted in the Sasaki report. He also indicated that Ellyn Hix would serve on a task force charged with implementing eight agenda items that, according to the Weary Report, should occur before a presidential search begins. Mr. Asmuth continued by stating that the possiblity of a salary supplement for the current fiscal year is being considered and that there is hope for salary improvements for next year.

Mr. Asmuth reported that new Faculty Senate Officers have been seated. A current issue with this group is the amount of money AU is spending on legal and consulting fees. Mr. Asmuth also informed those present that consideration is being given to changing all faculty positions to nine month appointments. The A&P will continue to monitor developments regarding that issue. Mr. Asmuth concluded his comments by stating that he has already attended the Russell Corporation diversity training and noted that excellent discussion took place. Finally, Mr. Asmuth expressed appreciation to Dr. Walker for his efforts on behalf of AU.

Adjournment. There being no further business, Mr. Asmuth adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.

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Kim Trupp, Secretary