Summary of AAUP Executive Committee meeting, October 21, 2003

The AAUP Executive Committee met on October 21, 2003 at 12:00 p. m. in 228 Thach.

The following members were present: Jim Bradley, Larry Gerber, Jeff Jakeman, Gary Mullen, Virginia O'Leary, Isabelle Thompson, and Bill Trimble. Absent were Wayne Brewer, Glenn Howze, Robin Jaffe, Renee Middleton, Judy Sheppard, and Christa Slaton.

Announcement

Larry Gerber described a recent AAUP National meeting that was held jointly with the NCAA and the Coalition on Athletics. The meeting was concerned with bringing together a variety of groups to strengthen academics in athletics.

Discussion

Joint AUM-AU Committee Investigating Allegations of Board of Trustees Influence on Grade Changes at AUM

The Executive Committee discussed what sort of involvement, if any; the AAUP Auburn Chapter should have in this investigation. Since the matter concerned allegations relating to AUM, we decided to refer the matter to the Alabama State Conference of AAUP for possible action.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

In recent articles, the press has reported that Dr. Walker, Bobby Lowder, Jack Miller, and Earlon McWhorter met with Senator Richard D. Shelby, Congressman Mike Rogers, Secretary of Education Rod Paige, and others to discuss Auburn's possible problems with SACS.

The SACS Reaccredidation visit will be February 22-24, 2004. Before that visit, the AAUP will develop a response to the Self Study and a response to the Bradley reports. The AAUP Executive Committee will also ask to meet with the Visiting Team.

Meeting of AAUP Executive Committee with President Walker

It was suggested that rather than meeting with President Walker, we should meet with the new Provost. Gary Mullen plans to make an appointment with Provost Handley as soon as possible.

Opelika-Auburn News: Publisher's Decision Not to Run Paul Davis' Column

The publisher of the Opelika-Auburn News has decided not to run Paul Davis' Sunday column because Mr. Davis himself has become a news story. Another reporter, Jack Stripling, has been assigned to cover the Auburn University news. Mr. Davis will continue to write opinion articles.

Posting Newspaper Articles on the Auburn Chapter AAUP Website

President Mullen asked advice about copyright rules for posting newspaper articles to our website. We are looking into the matter.