Dear Faculty Colleagues,
I am writing with this week’s update on our academic transition work. My aim is to share what is underway, explain the steps being taken, and provide faculty with timely information as this work continues.
The Executive Steering and Rules Sub-Council and the Ad Hoc Transition Advisory Team have either held their first meetings or are scheduled to meet this week. These initial conversations are focused on organizing the work ahead, setting near-term priorities, and supporting the continuity of academic operations during the transition.
I apologize for a naming mistake in my earlier messages. I referred to the Executive Steering and Rules Sub-Council as the Executive Rules and Steering Sub-Council. The website has been updated to reflect the correct name: Executive Steering and Rules Sub-Council.
The Core Curriculum Review process, which began in fall 2025, continues through the summer and into the fall with the goal of providing a comprehensive review of Auburn University’s current core. Currently, the Steering and Advisory Review committees are compiling a summary report of the work of the last two semesters that will be shared widely in early fall. Based on that report, the review committees, in collaboration with the Core Curriculum and General Education Committee, University Curriculum Committee, colleges, and departments, will identify possible opportunities for revision to strengthen Auburn’s academic core.
Concurrently, in response to the recently adopted Board Policy on Academic Curriculum, Courses, Syllabi, and Core Educational Requirements (Section VII), these two committees, joined by the deans of the Colleges of Liberal Arts, and of Sciences and Mathematics, are working with the relevant departments and faculty to outline an implementation plan that incorporates US History and Civic Fluency as required core courses. Additionally, as stated in section XI of this policy, this implementation plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees at their September 2026 meeting. (Please note that the Core Curriculum Review website currently reflects the review as of May 2026. In the coming weeks, this website will be updated to reflect the current processes, timelines, resources, and opportunities for engagement.)
Last week, I shared the following clarification about the status of policies in the Auburn University Faculty Handbook (Faculty Handbook) with the deans, department heads and chairs, and members of the Executive Steering and Rules Sub-Council. Specifically, in accordance with the Auburn University Board of Trustees Policy on Presidential Academic Advisory Council, the governing documents of the University Faculty and the University Senate contained in Chapter 2 of the Faculty Handbook are revoked. The structures included within those documents have been replaced by the model introduced in the Policy on Presidential Academic Advisory Council. At the direction of the Board of Trustees, my office is working with the Office of the President to implement an orderly transition from the prior faculty body and senate structures to this refreshed advisory model.
Other policies contained in the Faculty Handbook, including Chapter 3. Faculty Personnel Policies and Procedures, remain in effect in their current form unless they are expressly revised in accordance with applicable university policy and process. References to the prior University Faculty and/or University Senate models contained in these policies will be interpreted in a manner that ensures an orderly transition. Any revisions to policies in the Faculty Handbook will be undertaken and communicated in accordance with university policy.
This work reflects ongoing efforts by many faculty across the university, with additional opportunities emerging for faculty to participate more deeply and broadly as the transition continues.
Thank you for the care and good faith so many of you are bringing to these conversations. I value the time, attention, and counsel you continue to offer, and I look forward to working together in support of Auburn’s academic mission and the faculty’s essential role in it. | 
