Auburn University

Administrative and Professional Assembly

A & P Assembly Meeting

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 | 1:00 p.m.

AU Student Center, Ballroom B

Minutes

Approved

I. Call to Order: Todd Storey called us to order at 1:00

II. Roll Call

Present: David Hennessey, Mark Wilson, Julie Nolen, Katie Mantooth, Phillip Coxwell, Wiebke Kuhn, Regina Williams, Tammy Hollis, John Owen, John Folmar, David Hennessey, Kathy Harmon, Todd Storey, April Staton, Maria Folmar, Susan Canaan, Lisa Brantly, David Hennessey, Christopher O'Gwynn, Elizabeth Bowersock, John Folmar

Absent: Barnese Adair-Wallace (Victoria Tate attending in her place), Seth Humphrey, Greg Ruff and Jane Hoehaver

Estimated attendance in audience: ~55

III. Guest Speaker – Dr. Jay Gogue

Todd introduced Dr. Gogue who wanted to talk about an area of concern followed by positive things going on at the University.

He first acknowledged the struggles of the economy on both federal and state levels. We should keep in mind that about 25% of the states do not allow state agencies to take money forward, no reserve, which discourages saving. In TX, they could have 45 days in reserve. So, keep this in mind when people are laying off lots of people. He also stated that 80% of a University budget is spent on employee salaries. We are fortunate at Auburn in that all lines of the University have a reserve so we are better positioned than many institutions across the country. For example, Brandeis University is selling its art collection.

The shortfall in AL going into 2010 is estimated at $800 million. Most states are waiting to see what happens with the federal stimulus package. The Senate is still considering a package, and the House passed one last week. When you look at these huge numbers, $39 billion in House and Senate that will go to states for public and higher education, AL’s share is about 1.55% based on population, etc. which would reduce the shortfall by around $590 million. There will be money available for students from disadvantaged homes. There will be some marked for higher education and to increase Pell Grants. Extension, WIC (Women, Infant and Children) and similar programs will also be given money. We do not know what will actually come through, but he does expect some stimulus package to be passed and money to be distributed.

He encourages us to continue to manage our money well in our departments and colleges.

Some good news he wants to share is that last week, he sat with the Siemens Corporation who wants to form an agreement with EAMC, AL Imaging, AUM and Auburn University to bring to Auburn the most powerful MRI available in the country. They are currently partnered with Johns Hopkins and Harvard, but have identified that Auburn also has appropriate resources. Every college on campus has ideas how to be a part of this potential project. Raytheon plans to expand a partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine to develop ways to treat special agent issues.

The final issue he mentioned is that from a quality point of view, our student quality is improving, and interest in attending Auburn is very high. Last year we received around 19,000 applications and the number is expected to be similar this year. The cost of tuition increased 12% last year. The Board of Trustee’s policy regarding tuition is that our tuition should not be higher than the mid point of the 11 public universities in the SEC. Auburn’s in-state tuition is at 95% and 86% for out-of-state. The comprehensive campaign and decision to invest money in scholarships is also important to recognize. He gave the example of how most people do not pay the “sticker price” for a car. Likewise most Auburn students do not pay the $6000 “sticker price.” When you consider free money that is given to student, the true cost would be about $2600. The discount is about 45% for in-state students. The peer rate is about 17%. There is continued progress in research.

He is delighted to be here, and he thanked us for what we do. There were about 60 specific areas to address in the strategic plan, and they reduced that to 35 when the budget issues came up, but they are moving forward really well with about 25.

IV. Approval of Minutes – November 19, 2008

Approved as written.

V. Comments from the Chair - Todd Storey

To bring us up to speed, Todd shared that Verizon will continue to be the University provider for the next five years. So, you can move forward updating University cell phone plans.

Dr. Mary Ellen Mazey will start mid February as the new Provost.

There is one more meeting with this Assembly group and elections for new representatives will be in March. The Nominations and Elections Committee will be contacting people about being a representative for the next three years.

VI. Executive Committee – April Staton

April shared that since our last meeting the executive committee has been involved in assisting nominations and elections finalizing the officer election process.

We have also discussed the A&P Fellowship program which was completed in the fall, and we will be meeting with Dr. Large to get his overview of the experience and make necessary updates to the application process. We hope to start the process earlier this year so we can get updates made soon. We have also discussed the Consulting Policy which had a trial run during the past year.  We will see what modifications need to be made in that application process as well.

She also encouraged everyone to look for updated information on both the Fellowship and Consulting Policy in the next several weeks.

The Executive Committee is still involved with the childcare initiative by having a member of the Executive Committee, David Hennessey, sits on the Ad Hoc Child Care Task Force.  This group met with Dr. Gogue before the Christmas break.  David will keep us posted on progress.

VII. Old Business

David Hennessey shared an update that the Childcare Task Force met the week before the Winter break with Dr. Gogue to evaluate the need for a campus childcare center. David said Dr. Gogue will create a president appointed ad hoc committee. The good news is that Dr. Gogue was very receptive to the idea and that he will likely support it if we can find the means to financially support a center. The hold up with the task force is finding a time for everyone to meet around full-time work schedules. He hopes to have more information in the months to come.

VIII. New Business

Todd explained that representatives vote on officers. Harriette Huggins started the election process, and the ballots were distributed. Dorothy Cordell, Bill Bryce and Sherry Sydnor from the Nominations and Election Committee were present to assist.

Harriette announced all nominees:

Chair Elect: David Hennessey and Mark Wilson.

David Hennessey will be Chair-Elect for 2009/2010.

Secretary: Susan Canaan and Julie Nolen

Susan Canaan will be the secretary for 2009/2010.

Members-at-Large: Lisa Brantly, Jane Hoehaver, Seth Humphrey and Christopher O’Gwynn.

Jane Hoehaver, Seth Humphrey and Christopher O’Gwynn will be members-at-large for 2009/2010.

Harriette encouraged everyone to look for information coming via email and shared that people can utilize the email address: apne@auburn.edu.

Todd thanked the committee members for their time and congratulated everyone elected.

IX. Open Forum

Todd opened the Open Forum and reminded everyone of time limitations. There were no comments

X. Next Meeting: March 25

XI. Adjourn: 1:38 p.m.