Minutes
Steering Committee Meeting
May 4, 2021 3:30pm
Zoom Meeting

Present: Don Mulvaney (Chair), Greg Schmidt (Secretary), Nedret Billor (Immediate Past Chair), Todd Steury (Chair elect), Ralph Kingston (Secretary elect) Bob Norton, Bob Cochran, Cheryl Seals, Emmett Winn, Michael Tillson
Absent: Bill Hardgrave

Chair Mulvaney called the meeting to order at 3:35pm.  

Approval of Steering Committee Minutes, 4/13/2021:  Approved unanimously

Chair Opening Remarks:  Don Mulvaney introduced the Steering Agenda and the proposed senate agenda for 4/20/2021. On the agenda for discussion at Steering is a proposed senate agenda containing one action item and four informational items.

Opening Steering Discussion: the subject of returning to normal operations for the Fall came up in the context of how governance meetings will be conducted in Fall 2021 and onward.  Steering members discussed the pros and cons of zoom meetings and in-person meetings.  Steering intends to research the issues surrounding zoom/in-person/hybrid Senate meetings bring the topic up for discussion at the June meeting.

Steering Discussion of Proposed Action Items
Vote on Rules Committee nominees to Senate Committee Service:
Presenter: Greg Schmidt, Secretary
Schmidt noted thanked Rules Committee members and presented the current slate of committee assignments to be voted upon at the May Senate meeting. He noted that most committee vacancies are filled, and that if the current slate of nominees are approved at the May meeting, only one Senate committee vacancy will remain. There was no discussion among Steering members on this agenda item.  
Steering Discussion of Information Items
Report on EVERFI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Upcoming Training
Presenter:  Dr. Taffye Clayton, Vice President and Associate Provost for Inclusion and Diversity

Clayton shared with Steering the implementation efforts underway for the EVERFI digital Diversity and Inclusion training modules on the Auburn Campus. She reviewed the goals of the program and the modules intended for campus employees and for students and laid out the implementation strategy and timeline for 2021 and forward.

A Steering question on this item included was on sexual assault prevention modules and the focus on athletics. Clayton explained that the focus on Athletics had to do with Title IX administration. Auburn is following how other institutions have implemented EVERFI. Robert Norton asked if the training modules can be given to the COVID Resource Center in advance, so that the CRC members be trained early and can consider accommodations during Camp War Eagle.

Update on Cybersecurity Protocols, OIT Activities and Privacy
Presenter:  Jim O’Connor, VP and Chief Information Officer; CIO – VP IT and IT Admin
O’Conner gave information on ongoing cybersecurity threats to the University and the actions OIT is taking to meet them.  He asked Steering for guidance on what elements regarding privacy he could convey to the senate. The presentation included data on cybersecurity trends, OIT statistics on malicious attempts directed at Auburn University, and the role of AU employees in maintaining vigilance. O’Conner also included discussion of Federal requirements for cybersecurity as it pertains to federally funded programs. Regarding privacy concerns, O’Conner noted that the Division of Institutional Compliance and Privacy (DICP)manages Auburn’s Electronic Privacy Policy, and that OIT acts under the direction of the DICP.
Steering discussion with O’Conner focused on data security and how the University is dealing with social security numbers of students, alumni, and faculty that exist in university records.  Steering suggested O’Conner include data on what AU spends on cybersecurity and cyberattack insurance.

A&P Assembly Update
Presenter:  Paige Patterson, A&P Assembly Chair
Patterson was unable to attend the Steering meeting but provided the presentation slides. Steering members reviewed the slides and made no suggestions.
COVID Resource Center Update
Presenter:   Dr. Robert Norton, Professor in Poultry Sciences and Faculty Rep to the CRC
Norton indicated the presentation will be an update on vaccination numbers, vaccine availability, clinic visits, and other data relating to Auburn University and COVID-19.
Steering briefly discussed the idea of mandating vaccinations for students returning for Fall 2021. Norton indicated that a mandate may require legislative action, but Auburn will at least strongly encourage vaccinations for returning students. Auburn remains in communication with Alabama Public Health officials and is monitoring CDC recommendations as it plans for a resumption of normal activities and classes in the fall.
SGA Did You Know Corner.
Presenter:  Rett Waggoner, President AU SGA
Chair Mulvaney indicated that the SGA representative, who was unable to attend the Steering meeting,  intends to share usual updates on SGA activities.

New Business -  none

Approval of Agenda for 5/18/2021 Senate Meeting
The Steering Committee unanimously approved the senate agenda.

Adjournment
Chair Mulvaney adjourned the meeting at 4:55 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Greg Schmidt
Secretary, University Senate