Dear Colleagues,
Earlier today, the Auburn University Board of Trustees adopted two policies that will shape how key academic matters are reviewed and how faculty insight is incorporated into institutional decision-making: the Board Policy on Academic Curriculum, Courses, Syllabi, and Core Educational Requirements (Exhibit A, pp. 109-116) and the Board Policy on the Presidential Academic Advisory Council (Exhibit A, pp. 103-107).
These policies reflect the Board’s constitutional responsibility to govern Auburn University. Together, they strengthen clear, institution-wide standards for academic transparency, quality, and accountability, and strengthen Auburn’s model for meaningful academic consultation by creating a direct, structured, and professionally responsible channel for faculty perspective to the President and senior academic leadership.
The Curriculum policy reaffirms the Board’s oversight of degree programs, credentials, core educational requirements, courses, syllabi, and related academic processes. It is intended to advance academic quality, transparency, consistency, and institutional alignment while preserving meaningful faculty participation. Among its principal provisions are Board approval of new degree programs, majors, minors, certificates, and other credentials; Provost-level review of new and substantially revised courses; creation of a university syllabus repository; and continuing review of the core curriculum, including instruction in United States history, civic fluency, and constitutional literacy.
The Presidential Academic Advisory Council policy establishes a refreshed framework for faculty consultation. It is intended to provide the President, Provost, and senior leadership with faculty expertise and perspective on matters including curriculum, educational quality, faculty affairs, student success, accreditation, and institutional effectiveness. Under this framework, the former university senate model and structures will conclude, and faculty consultation will continue through the new Presidential Academic Advisory Council adopted by the Board.
With these policies now in place, implementation will proceed under the President’s leadership and in accordance with the Board’s direction. In the coming weeks, this work will include timelines, procedures, and guidance for curriculum review, course approval, syllabus expectations, core curriculum review, and the formation of the Presidential Academic Advisory Council.
Auburn is strengthened by faculty whose expertise, dedication, and scholarship sustain the excellence of our teaching, research, and service to students. As this work moves forward, it will be guided by academic quality, intellectual rigor, educational excellence, and clear communication so that the resulting processes reflect both institutional purpose and the values that have long shaped Auburn’s academic community.
Thank you for the care, professionalism, and deep commitment you bring to Auburn University, to our students, and to our shared academic work.
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Vini Nathan
Provost & SVP for Academic Affairs |
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