Minutes
Senate Steering Meeting
May 7, 2024
3:30 p.m.
107 Samford

Present: Lisa Kensler, Linda Gibson-Young, Lori Eckhardt, Jaena Alabi, Mark Carpenter, Evelyn Hunter, J Brian Anderson, Robert Cochran, Norman Godwin, Virginia Davis, Rachel Prado, Laura Kloberg; Guests: Duane Brandon, Chih-hsuan Wang, Katie Boyd, Anna Claire Stinson
Absent: L. Octavia Tripp, Vini Nathan

3:30 Welcome to guests/introductions

Mission: The Steering Committee acts on behalf of the AU Senate on matters requiring attention between meetings of that body and assists the chair of the Senate in setting the agenda for Senate meetings. In addition, it is concerned with the academic affairs of the University, with particular attention given to the need for developing and recommending policies under which these affairs are conducted. It works closely with other Senate committees to aid them in their assignments.

Call to Order
3:45 Discussion/approval of Steering Minutes from April 9, 2024 Meeting.
Plan for Remarks/Announcements President Roberts and Provost Nathan (did not address today)

3:50 Information Items
FAR Presentation – Duane Brandon presented his PPT in 15 minutes- encouraged to limit to10 minutes. Highlighted responsibilities and tasks involved for FAR. Addressed data on student athletes using 6-year cohorts. Highlighted University Academic Policies impacting student athletes. Limited Q&A.

AUBURNACHIEVE – Our AU Quality Enhancement plan. Presented in 10 minutes by Katie Boyd & Anna Claire Stinson from Academic Insight using PPT. Data across three touchpoints: Connecting the Creed, Auburn Achieve (4 assignments), and First Destination Six-Month Follow-up Process. Shared outcomes and undergraduate employment data. Shared Auburn Grad Career Survey data. Addressed Bright Idea Seed Grant Program (projects have been funded between $5K and $100K). Limited Q&A.

4:20  Committee Reports
Student Academic Grievance Committee re Policy Changes Presented by Chih-hsuan Wang, Chair of Student Academic Grievance using PPT within 10 minutes. Addressed current policy for Student Grievance and challenges identified with student academic grievances. Average number of student grievances per year = 5-10.

4:35 Action Items
Plan to VOTE: FSW Committee motion re Tuition Benefits – John Beckmann & Matthew Hoch
Plan to VOTE: NTTF Committee motion re Teaching Professor Series – Rachel Prado & Ash Curtiss

No VOTE required for Senate Committee Members per Linda Gibson-Young. May leave off agenda.

Announcements – Updates (Norman Godwin) – SB129 ad hoc Working Groups info

Discussion, edit, and approval of Senate Agenda for University Senate Meeting on May 14, 2024 at 3:30 PM (aub.ie/senatezoom)