8/10/06

Deedie Dowdle, 334/844-9999 (ddowdle@auburn.edu)
David M. Granger, 334/844-9999 (grangdm@auburn.edu)

AU UNVEILS POLICY ON DIRECTED STUDIES, ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

AUBURN -- Auburn University interim President Ed Richardson today released details of an expanded AU policy on directed studies, announced two administrative changes and provided an update into the university's investigation into a complaint filed regarding such courses. The AU directed readings policy outlines more stringent requirements for eligibility for directed studies courses as well as for the approval of and academic standards for those classes.

In addition, Richardson announced that Tom Petee, a professor in AU’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology and Social Work, has submitted his resignation as department chair. No interim has been named and Petee’s responsibilities as chair have been assumed by the Office of the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Richardson also said that the duties of the program coordinator for Adult Education have been reassigned to the Office of the Dean of the College of Education. Both individuals associated with these positions retain their tenured professor status.

In addition, Richardson made available copies of correspondence between AU and its accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), regarding the investigation and said the university would report to SACS when the investigation is complete.

Auburn University Directed Studies Definition and Policy

Summary of President Richardson's remarks

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