Administrative and Professional Assembly
246 Foy
Approved as Corrected
The meeting was called to order at
The following members were present: Joan Aston; Drew Burgering; Pat Deery; Amy Douglas; Lisa Fleming; Maria Folmar; Kale Hill; Teresa Logiotatos; Ellen McManus; Vivian Miller; Jennifer Nabors; Julie Nolen; Kirsten Perkins; Melvin Smith; April Staton; Martha Taylor; Todd Storey; Liz Teel; Tony Ventimiglia;
The following were absent: Michael Harris; Melissa Morris, Melissa Long (excused); Cathy Ramey (excused).
Newly elected members of the Assembly were introduced:
The minutes of the
The chair presented Certificates of Appreciation to the following for their years of service as members of the Assembly:
Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to members at large of the Executive Committee, 2003-04:
Committee Reports
The Ad Hoc Committee on Nominations and Elections submitted their findings to the Assembly:
Members of committee present were Karen Rankin, John Asmuth, Pat Deery, Maria Folmar, and Dianne Jay.
Purpose and Charge:
To develop guidelines for the Executive Committee and Nominations & Election committee for determining proportional representation on a consistent basis in future elections. (Article II, Section 3, Part B)
To develop the “general guidelines” for the N&E committee in the actual election process to include generating list of A&P employees, printing and distributing ballots, and receiving/counting ballots. (Article II, Section 3, Part D)
The Committee proposes the following procedures to be read into the minutes.
Prior to Assembly elections, the Executive Committee would:
1. re-examine population of A&P from last election,
2. determine redistribution of representation,
3. recommend elections in vacant places by the A&P employees within the organizational unit,
4. post simple version of breakdown on web.
Reference: Addendum 1
Facilitation of elections would involve both the Executive Committee and the Nominations & Elections Committee.
1. Chair of N&E Committee solicits nominations from Assembly members for vacant seats as determined by the Executive Committee. All A&P employees receive notification of vacancies in all positions, but only A&P employees within the organizational units with the vacancies will receive and cast ballots for the vacancies in their units.
2. Nominations are sent to the N&E Committee chair.
3. The N&E Committee compiles nominations by division and are responsible for the assembly, distribution and receipt of ballots.
4. The N&E Committee counts ballots and reports to the Executive Committee the election results.
Following guidelines would ensure that election procedures are uniformly and consistently applied and implemented.
ADDENDUM
1
Administrative
and Professional Assembly
The A&P Constitution calls for 19
elected representatives. Representation on the Assembly shall be proportional
and distributed among the organizational units according to the actual A&P
population of that unit as determined by the Executive Committee prior to the
annual elections. The Chair and Chair-elect are
not counted in the representation proportion of elected representatives.
The following table illustrates the 2003-04
representation on the Assembly by units and the recommended representation
scheme determined by the Executive Committee for the election of 2004-05
representatives to the assembly.
Rationale for the recommended scheme:
The approach allows some flexibility for handling organizational changes;
1.
Organizational
changes are not likely for most of the elements of this scheme;
2.
This borrows from
the University Senate's scheme in that traditional parts of the University have
their own representatives;
3.
Those units that
are combined have some reason behind their combination: (a) ACES and Outreach
have some tradition of working together; (b) Education and Liberal Arts are
close together in Hale Center; (c) Business and COSAM are part of the
"traditional" elements of the University; (d) CADC, Nursing, and
Pharmacy are smaller professional programs, Nursing and Pharmacy are located
close together; (e) Forestry and Human Sciences are located close to each
other; and (f) Ag and AAES are part of the same organization; (g) only the
addition of Alumni to the Library and the Office of the Provost doesn't have
any solid connection; and
4.
If organizational
changes occur after and election, then the representative scheme can be
adjusted before the next election.
5. This scheme allows representatives to represent a fixed, known group, and provides some flexibility.
Representation area by Organizational Unit |
No. employees in area |
Current Rep., Term End |
No. Reps Currently Serving ‘04 |
No. Reps Recommended** |
Need to Elect |
Place 1. Office of the President (AA/EEO, HR, Comm & Mktg, Gen Coun, Govt Affairs, Internal Auditing, Multicultural Affairs, Planning & Analysis, President's Office, Sec. to Board of Trustees |
56 |
Pat Deery, 2006 Amy Douglas, 2006 Kale Hill, 2006 |
3* |
1 |
|
Place 2. Athletics |
123 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Place 3. Facilities |
74 |
Michael Harris, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place 4. Division of Student Affairs |
77 |
Melvin Smith, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place
5. |
41 |
Maria Folmar, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place 6. Office of Information Technology |
107 |
Missy Long, 2006 Cathy Ramey, 2005 |
2 |
2 |
|
Place 7. Development |
67 |
Julie Nolen, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place 8. Provost Office(16), Library (16), Alumni (18) |
50 |
Liz Peel, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place
9. College of Business (15), |
47 |
Vivian Miller, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place
10. |
53 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Place
11. |
87 |
(Unexpired term, 2005) |
|
1 |
1 |
Place
12. |
76 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Place
13. |
23 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Place
14. |
53 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
Place 15. College of Agriculture & Alabama Agricultural Experiment Stations |
165 |
|
|
3* |
1 |
Place 16. Research |
38 |
Tony Ventimiglia, 2006 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place 17. Business & Finance |
79 |
Melissa Morris, 2005 |
1 |
1 |
|
Place 18. Admin Services/ Auxiliary Enterprises |
39 |
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
1255 |
|
13 |
21 |
8 |
* In order to allow for transition, the Executive Committee is
recommending that the three representatives currently serving Place 1 draw lots
to determine who will represent Place 1. The other two will represent Place 15
with the elected rep from that area until current terms expire.
Introduction of Executive Committee Drew Burgering, Chair-elect; Martha Taylor, Past-Chair; Cathy Ramey, Secretary; and members at large Maria Folmar, Missy Long, and Tony Ventimiglia.
Maria Folmar, Chair of Professional Development committee presented the year-end report.
This project is on-going and extensive with a
variety of avenues being explored, resources accessed, and people contacted.
Report of the Professional Development Committee, April 2004 – Draft
As a standing committee of the Auburn University Administrative and
Professional Assembly, the Professional Development Committee is charged with
“aiding and encouraging the professional growth and development of the
Administrative and Professional members. It shall study and recommend action on
professional leave, continuing education, and recognition of professional
achievement.” To follow this charge, the committee has focused on reviewing the
opportunities for professional development at AU, including a survey to find
out how the A&P group on campus views professional development. The
following shows both survey results and the Committee’s recommendations based
on its findings.
These recommendations are being made as a result of the evaluative endeavors of the A&P Professional Development Committee, beginning in March 2003, and culminated in meetings held in association with the Committee that developed and implemented an on-line survey designed to solicit input from A&P staff regarding training and development needs in November 2003. In addition to review of survey results by the Committee, the Committee met with Pat Deery, Director of Training in the AU Human Resource department. The following represent needs and issues discussed as a result of the survey responses, Committee meetings and during the meeting with Mr. Deery:
25.47% More
classes available
52.83% More
and different topics available
44.34% More
challenging or advanced concepts or topics
38.68% Formats
22.64% Clarity
in requirements for participation
12.26% Other
64.15% Management
skills
45.28% Supervisory
skills
34.91% Technical
skills
35.85% Financial
and budgetary skills
55.66% Computer
skills and applications
40.57% University-specific
updates and status information
8.49% Other
1. Annual budget HRD
from comparable/member institutions:
a. SREB average $58,880
b. AU $21,000
2. Number of programs
presented per annual year:
a. SREB average
- 181
b. AU 165
3. Size of training
staff (FTE’s):
a. SREB average 5.5
b. AU 2
The following recommendations are made by the
Professional Development Committee of the Administrative and Professional
Assembly. On behalf of the membership of AU A & P employees, these
recommendations are submitted to the Assembly for discussion and for
consideration regarding action to be taken.
The
committee recommends that:
Unfinished business
Tony Ventimiglia reviewed the proposed constitutional amendments which were presented at the July 2004 meeting. The revisions were posted on the Discussion Board in November so A&P employees have had more than thirty days to review the amendments and respond on the Discussion Board. The amendments are now ready to be voted on by the Assembly. If passed the members currently serving will serve until March of 2006, 2007, 2008, depending on the year of election. The following revisions were approved:
ARTICLE II – Section 3: Representation.
Insert new text of these
sections here.
ARTICLE III – Section 2.B. (Chair-Elect)
REASON(S): A Parliamentarian is needed to maintain consistency in the application of Robert’s Rules of Order. Having the Chair-elect serve in this capacity is suggested for two reasons: (1) it will give that individual time to become familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order prior to becoming the Chair; and (2) once this individual is Past-Chair they can serve in an advisory capacity to the incoming Chair-elect on parliamentary issues.
Insert
new text of these sections here
ARTICLE IV – Section 1: Assembly meetings
REASON(S): In order to ensure better communication within the A&P employee group, as well as to encourage greater participation within the membership, this change has been requested by the Assembly members.
Insert new text of these
sections here
ARTICLE V – Section 1.E (Calendar and Schedules Committee)
REASON(S): Based on comments received from Committee members, nine people are not necessary to carry out the function of this Committee.
Insert new text of these
sections here
The revisions were passed by the voice vote of the Assebly. The Chair announced the revisions will be forwarded to the President’s office for review.
Drew Burgering reported on the recommendations of the Executive Committee regarding the process of Presidential search. He highlighted segments of the University Senate Report which is available for at the following URL:
He presented the following recommendation from the Executive Committee on the Process and Timing of the Presidential Search and moved adoption.
“The Executive Committee of the Administration and
Professional Assembly, representing 1242 university employees, recognizes the
importance of selecting the new president of
It is of the utmost importance that input be gathered from all segments of the University. A search process that welcomes and embraces meaningful input from all areas, including faculty, students, administrative and professional personnel, staff, and alumni will strengthen the institution and empower the new president in ways that will only be beneficial to Auburn University.
We have reviewed the document presented by the University Senate. It correctly recognizes there is no one model accepted throughout higher education regarding the precise procedures to follow for a presidential search. We support the Senate document, and wish to add to it the following recommendations:
1. We recommend that one representative from the staff/AP employee group from AUM be added to the Presidential Search Committee as described in the Senate document. Adding a representative from AUM would provide representation from all groups on the main campus and AUM.
2. We support the Senate suggestion that a search process begin expeditiously, and recommend the goal of having a new president in place no later than July of 2006, as suggested in the SACS report.
We have attached a compilation of responses generated from A&P employees regarding criteria to use for selecting the next president.
Thank you for considering these recommendations.
Survey results follow:
Results of A& P Survey (as
of
Desired Characteristics of University President
Fall 2004 - 126 Respondents
Scale of 1 (Absolute
Requirement) to 6 (Unnecessary)
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
Blank |
Q1 |
76% |
18% |
5% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q2 |
60% |
33% |
6% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q3 |
25% |
49% |
21% |
3% |
0 |
1% |
1% |
Q4 |
63% |
22% |
11% |
2% |
0 |
0 |
2% |
Q5 |
52% |
39% |
7% |
0 |
1% |
0 |
1% |
Q6 |
75% |
21% |
4% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q7 |
85% |
10% |
3% |
1% |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q8 |
63% |
25% |
9% |
2% |
0 |
1% |
1% |
Q9 |
70% |
16% |
13% |
1% |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q10 |
43% |
29% |
25% |
2% |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Q11 |
43% |
25% |
24% |
4% |
1% |
2% |
2% |
Q12 |
22% |
40% |
32% |
5% |
0 |
1% |
1% |
Q13 |
48% |
37% |
11% |
2% |
0 |
0 |
1% |
Compilation of comments follows:
A&P Presidential Survey Results Dec. 2004 |
Comments |
All
constituent groups should be represented in the search for a new president.
The new president should be expected to recognize A&P and Staff as
significant stakeholders in the operation of |
|
This survey
seems a little skewed. Of course we want all of these things in our next
president. However, a person who is a quality leader with demonstrated
success should be able to "lead" others regardless of the
organization and its characteristics. Additionally, we all need to understand
and remember that share governance is a two-way street and the president's
commitment to inclusive governance is only as good as the willingness of
others on campus to agree that theirs is not the only correct decision or
opinion AND that sometimes decisions must be made quickly based upon a
person's expertise and intimate knowledge of a situation without input from
others. There is an element of trust in our leader involved here. Not every
decision is necessarily made by committee vote. People at |
|
Absolute requirement - no association with current members of the AU Board of Trustees. |
|
No direct
questions on communication skills. What's most desperately needed is someone
who can develop a vision and direction for |
|
The president of our University should be committed to the University and let all decisions be based on the best interest of the University and it’s employees, students and faculty also should correct problems with bad faculty and not let this tenure thing be used as a tool for retaining deadwood faculty, also should require that all faculty have background checks just like A&P and staff. |
|
This survey is pretty biased. The questions are loaded. It doesn't truly ask our opinion, but it seems to be set up to further someone's pre-established agenda. Items 1 through 7 make sense, but items 8-14 are completely useless. Who wouldn't want a president who has a "vision of role of higher education in the 21st century"? And no details are given as to how many of these; including "demonstrated ability to be effective agent of change" can be measured. Please e-mail us again when you are ready for our real opinions. |
|
Demonstrated commitment to serving both the University and its employees. |
|
Treat staff people with respect and equality. |
|
None of these are encompassing a "presidential" persona - a way of relating to the public. |
|
Needs to have a strong understanding of the role athletics plays at the University. I am not saying he needs to be an ex-jock, but he needs to understand what the student-athletes bring to the University as a whole. |
|
This
candidate could be a person of high achievement in the business world as an
alternative to a strictly academic person. The key quality is the ability to |
|
Good academicians don't necessarily make good leaders. Successful corporate CEO's have demonstrated characteristics lending to a higher degree of success in leadership roles. Think outside the academic box. |
|
I would add: *Demonstrated commitment to student development and involving students in key strategic planning efforts & initiatives. *Success/proven track record in strategic planning & leadership initiatives |
|
I truly feel
that the next president of |
|
The next president also must be effective in raising money for the University. The money should be in the form of endowed chairs, gifts for specific programs and of course be able to secure greater share of state funds. I also, believe that a representative of the A&P should be a full voting member of the committee to select a new president. |
|
We need a new President and we need new Board of Trustee members. |
|
I believe the
new president should recognize the areas of uniqueness |
|
I would argue that all the Characteristics noted are Important in the Next President of Auburn University and it is the strength of the combination that is critical. Furthermore given that AU is truly a global institution with over 90 nations represented on this campus one should seriously consider (recognizing the local issues) how the candidates are able to mobilize the campus towards preparing Alabama's residents to work and compete in a global market place. NASULGC has prepared as report entitled "A CALL TO LEADERSHIP - The Presidential Role in Internationalizing the University." I have not seen a final copy of this as of yet however I have a draft copy at: http://www.auburn.edu/aub-ie/acip/advocacy/nasulgc2004.pdf |
|
Should not have demonstrated a bad attitude toward faculty or staff. Should understand that a being president of a college is NOT the same as being CEO of a corporation. Should support law and order and academic excellence not just finance and football. |
|
Experience in managing a high level athletics department that generates significant funds for the university. |
|
The next
president at |
|
Must be someone who can and will make decisions. |
|
Many times the University advertises their commitment to equal opportunity but that proves again and again to not be the case. Women and single employees still suffer from inequalities and are not given appropriate consideration for typical male positions. Human Resources do not seem to see a problem with this. There are also numerous positions listed as exempt that require far more overtime than other positions that involve less danger and less one on one involvement in teaching students. |
|
I long for the days when AU's president, like Pres. Muse, smiled at you and said hello -- even if he didn't know your name. |
|
I believe you will see the BOT remove interim from Dr. Richardson's title - period! http://reignlowder.us |
|
In my opinion, it is imperative that a national search, strongly centered on integrity of all parties, be conducted, and that all avenues to select the "right" candidate be exhausted. I believe that it is imperative that AU moves rapidly and purposefully towards and beyond resolution of the current and continuing administrative leadership and management cataclysm. Thank you for providing this opportunity for input. |
The motion passed. The chair announced the report
would be forwarded to the president’s office for review.
The chair announced to the Assembly that at the
February 7 Board of Trustees meeting, Drew and I were informed by John Varner,
Staff Council Chair; and Willie Larkin, Senate Chair that they were waiting for
action by A&P on the Intimate Relations policy passed by the Senate last
year. The chair called on Martha Taylor to update the Assembly. There were
particular problems with the language of the Senate Document so a meeting of
the leadership Cara Mia Pugh, Martha Taylor, Lynne Hammond, Connor Bailey,
Willie Larkin, John Varner and Lee Armstrong, University Attorney.
The following recommendation was proposed for revised wording of the
Intimate relations policy was presented:
“
After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Maria Folmar,
seconded by Pat Deery, to support this policy as written passed with one
dissenting vote. Martha Taylor will go back to the committee listed above for
their review.
The chair requested feedback from members of the assembly to have a
4-hour retreat to get together for team building, history of the A&P,
learning to be more effective. The chair appointed Maria Folmar, Vivian Miller,
and April Station to develop plans. Martha cautioned that we make sure an
agenda is posted and we notify everyone about what is being done so there will
be no misunderstanding that there is a meeting of the Assembly that no one
knows about.
The chair announced the Executive committee needs to review membership
of the A&P committees as well as University committees to determine where there
are places to be filled. When that is done, the information will be turned over
to the Nominations and Elections committee to seek nominees to be brought to
the Assembly for approval at a future meeting.
The Executive Committee is considering formal recognition of Willie
Larkin for his support of shared governance.
The Chair announced a new segment in the Agenda for Assembly meetings.
There will be 15 minutes of Public Forum. The rules for the forum will be as
follows:
1. The forum will
last no longer than 15 minutes,
2. Each person can
speak for 2 minutes.
3. No person can
speak a second time until everyone who wishes to speak has spoken.
4. There will be no
response from members of the Assembly until all public forum ends.
5. Questions will be
answered as we are able to address them.
Frank Dillman, Department of Poultry Science:
Karen Rankin, Outreach Information
The public forum ended.
The Chair responded to questions raised:
Tony Ventimiglia, suggested use of the discussion Board for sharing
information also.
The chair attended press conference at the Library. Clifford Jones,
Greater Peace Church in
Drew Burgering addressed comment about long discussion. We will try to
present more information in the future so long discussions may not be
necessary. We do want to make sure there is time for views to be expressed.
Pat Deery suggested that A&P Assembly members for the most part are
doing well when compared to the regional average except IT.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 21. Meeting
adjourned at
Harriette Huggins
For Cathy Ramey, Secretary.
.