Dear Colleagues,
As we wrap up the second full week of classes, our campus is settling into the familiar rhythm of the fall semester. Although the official census will be finalized in the coming weeks, preliminary data indicate that undergraduate and graduate enrollment levels are closely tracking last year’s numbers. I again extend my sincere thanks to all our academic units for your outstanding collaboration and dedication during the Camp War Eagle sessions; your efforts have been essential in ensuring a smooth and successful start to the term.
Switching gears, our academic leadership gathered earlier this month for a retreat, which provided a venue for critical updates and discussion of academic priorities for the year ahead. In addition to brief overviews of the changing collegiate athletic landscape, our VP for Facilities shared an informative and interesting presentation of Auburn University’s physical infrastructure. Breakout sessions focused on a high-level analysis of graduate education at Auburn University and another on Academic Goal Planning. These presentations are available here.
As we work together to fulfill our mission in the coming year, we’re also taking a close look at the challenges that remain top of mind across our departments. These include funding, faculty hiring to meet growing enrollment, and graduate student recruitment, among others. As my office actively pursues initiatives to address these concerns, we also recognize the complexity of these issues as we navigate what is an ever-evolving higher education and federal funding environment. While I’m hopeful that the fall semester will unfold smoothly, it is imperative that we remain responsive, thoughtful, and ready to adjust as needed as new information is disseminated.
One area where adaptability will be especially important is in responding to recent federal policy changes. A new executive order now requires political appointees within federal agencies to review and approve funding announcements and grant awards based on alignment with administration priorities. Until these appointees are in place, agencies are temporarily restricted from issuing new funding opportunities. Our Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is closely monitoring guidance from national advocacy groups and developing strategies to support faculty during this transition. Faculty are encouraged to contact the Office of Sponsored Programs with any questions.
Last week, the university launched a new website dedicated to Digital Accessibility, reinforcing our commitment to creating inclusive, user-friendly digital environments that meet federal standards. This initiative is part of our broader effort to ensure that every member of our campus community has equitable access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. The website offers a wide range of resources for faculty, including practical tools and guidance for creating accessible content. I encourage you to explore the site and learn more about the important role each of us plays in helping meet our accessibility goals and upholding our shared standards.
As we continue building momentum around accessibility, we’re also moving forward with two major initiatives I introduced earlier this spring: the Core Curriculum Review and the Faculty Compensation, Workload, and Productivity Analysis. Both efforts are gaining traction this fall as we prepare to launch a series of campus-wide listening sessions focused on Auburn’s existing core curriculum, inviting broad input from faculty and stakeholders. We are currently reviewing the first version of a consulting agreement from an external vendor (Huron Consulting) regarding the Faculty Compensation Analysis.
While the initial weeks of the semester have been full, they set the stage for what will be a busy September. As we approach the anniversary of September 11, we are reminded of the importance of reflection, remembrance, and education. In that spirit, faculty are invited to experience the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit, on display at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika from September 11–16. Co-sponsored by our Department of History, many of our faculty and students are volunteering with the exhibit and I encourage you to attend.
We also have several campus events coming up that I hope faculty will participate in. On September 15 at 7 p.m., the Common Book Program kicks off with editor and author Jenny Jackson, who will speak in the Melton Student Center Ballroom about this year’s selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (registration is requested). Later that week, my office will host the annual Promotion and Tenure Receptions on September 18 from 3–5 p.m. in the Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex (third-floor atrium). As a reminder, Faculty Award nominations close the next day, on September 19. The Common Book series continues with a special event featuring voice actor Matthew Mercer, moderated by our colleague Dr. Emily Friedman, at the Gogue Performing Arts Center on September 27 at 7 p.m.
We are also beginning preparations for another important commemoration in our country: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Planning is underway to ensure Auburn’s participation reflects the significance of this milestone through academic programming and campus-wide celebrations. Units considering events or initiatives tied to the semiquincentennial are encouraged to begin planning now and share their ideas with my office ahead of next July. Early coordination will help us align efforts and create a unified, impactful series of celebrations.
Finally, I want to offer congratulations to Auburn’s Epsilon Nu chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society for earning a prestigious Best Chapter Award—one of only six awarded nationally. Under the leadership of Dr. Matthew Clary, the chapter was recognized for its outstanding work in student research, civic engagement, and professional development. And I offer congratulations to the AU Libraries for reaching their highest-ever ranking in the Association of Research Libraries Investment Index, now at 100 among 125 institutions.
I wish you a restful holiday weekend. As always, thank you for all you do for Auburn University.
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