AUBURN UNIVERSITY

ADMINISTRATIVE & PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY

May 3, 2000 - 1:00 PM (Unapproved)

Dixon Conference Center Ballroom A

Call to Order: Kevin Robinson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:04 P.M. Assembly members present were: Judy Allen, Ralph Foster, Kathy Harmon, Ellyn Hix, Mickie Jacob,

Greg Lund, Michael Miller, Larry Moore, Miriam Brown Pepinsky, Kevin Robinson, Mary Lou Smith, and Burnette Tolbert.

Review and Approval of Prior Minutes: The minutes from the February 16, 2000, Assembly meeting were reviewed. Moore made a motion to accept the minutes as written; Allen seconded motion.

Robinson introduced guest speaker Jimmy Samford, President Pro Tem of the Auburn University Board of Trustees.

Comments from Board of Trustee Member Jimmy Samford: Samford addressed the potential negative consequences for Auburn University if a proposed teacher pay-raise bill in the state legislature is passed. Samford stated that it is his understanding this would have a drastic effect on higher education funding and the estimates are sixty-one percent of the growth in the Education Trust Fund would go to fund pay raises for kindergarten through grade 12 teachers. “We can’t sacrifice higher education for K-12.”

The Board’s goals for the future include protecting and enhancing the core programs at Auburn, especially in quality undergraduate education, enhancing the University’s strengths, compensating employees and assisting in making AU among the top state universities in the country. That doesn’t mean things won’t change, they will and must change, universities that excel in the future will have defined their mission, identified their goals, and mobilized their resources to achieve those objectives.

Samford pointed out to the assembled administrators that they are, for the most part, an invisible infrastructure of the University. The better things go, the less visible you are. Pointing out that when things go wrong or if there is a problem, like the Board, you’re sure to be identified as the source of the problem.

The strength of the University was assessed by pointing out that AU compares well to other institutions, freshman admissions had to be closed early, despite a drop in enrollment at other institutions nationally and in Alabama. There have been improvements in facilities and investments in programs over the past decade and this shows strength in the University. Some eight years ago the budget for deferred maintenance was about $750,000 and has soared to some $7 million this year. This is approximately 10 times the amount allocated in the early 90’s.

The University pays the price of progress and is at risk of criticism by being innovative; however, the major goal is to keep Auburn programs and technology responsive to a rapidly changing environment for its students.

In closing, Samford pointed out there may be differences of opinion about the future, but the Board’s motives and aspirations for Auburn are as positive and genuine as those of anyone.

Samford thanked Robinson and the Assembly for allowing him to speak to the group and thanked them for all they do for the University. Samford then took questions from the Assembly and the audience.

Q. How will the proposed legislation on the funding of K-12, guaranteeing K-12 salaries be brought in line with the national average, affect Auburn?

A. It is my understanding that it could have a drastic affect on higher education. I believe it was 61% that they would take from the educational trust fund for K-12. And, I have seen figures where it could go as high as 80 percent. That may be fine and good for the current year; however, things change and growth may not remain the same. If there were a recession, it would really hurt. I personally think it would be inappropriate for this legislation to pass.

Q. Is there any tuition assistance or plans of such to attract employees to Auburn?

A. This is not something that has been brought to the Board at this point in time. I will have to refer this to Kevin (Robinson).

Robinson indicated that the AP had passed a proposed plan but didn’t know if there were plans for presenting this to the Board. Executive Vice President Don Large shed some light on this issue by stating that a plan is being put together for the Board. Dr. Large indicated the Faculty Senate had also worked on this issue. Surveys were done to find out what interest there is among employees and who might want to utilize this benefit; also, a survey was made of other universities across the south as to the types of plans that they have implemented. He also stated that the Budget Advisory Council is also reviewing the plan and will present it to the President. He said they are targeting the FY 2002 budget year for bringing the plan to the Board. This will allow for a plan worthy of presentation to the Board of Trustees.

Q. As employees of Higher Education, do you have recommendations of how we should be more involved, like the AEA, is that where we should go and have an alliance to help protect higher education in the state of Alabama?

A. I don’t think there is anything more important to a politician that to have his constituents contacting him and telling him how you feel about a particular issue. It really has a bigger impact than most people would think; it is most important to let him know how you feel about issues.

Other Business Discussed

Robinson reported the AP’s Welfare Committee had been assigned the task of researching the possibility of a leave bank for employees. This would allow employees to contribute some of their accumulated leave into a bank that could be used by persons in need of leave due to illnesses. Robinson reported that an AP employee had contacted him expressing an interest in such a plan, and he had assigned the task of researching the idea to the Welfare Committee. Julia Freeman, Chair of the AP Welfare Committee, gave a brief overview of the Committee’s work to date on the issue.

Executive Vice President Don Large addressed the group regarding the upcoming University budget. Dr. Large indicated that plans were for a 2% COLA and 3% merit dollars available for raises in this coming budget year. He stated there are funds allocated for career ladder promotions and that there would be a 3% maintenance budget increase this year.

Robinson reported the next scheduled meeting of the Assembly will be August 2, 2000, at the Dixon Conference Center at 1:00 P.M.. The primary agenda item for this meeting will be the election of AP officers for 2000-2001.

There being no other business to discuss, motion was made by Hix to adjourn and seconded by Allen. Motion carried.