7/21/06 David M. Granger, 334/844-9986 (grangdm@auburn.edu)

RICHARDSON ASKS FOR DIRECTED STUDIES GUIDELINES

AUBURN --- Interim Auburn University President Ed Richardson called on AU’s provost and faculty and a Board of Trustees committee to work together on a policy that would limit the number directed-studies course offerings any single professor at the university could offer.

Richardson also asked that steps be taken to ensure academic rigor in directed-studies classes and to ensure that proper administrative oversight of these courses is maintained.

Richardson announced he was calling for the set of policies at a media briefing this morning in AU’s Samford Hall. Here is Richardson’s prepared text for that briefing:

Statement from Ed Richardson, Interim President of Auburn University
July 21, 2006

We are all aware of the issues discussed in the New York Times last week. I have reviewed the facts that we have in hand and have consulted with the Provost, the leadership of the Faculty Senate and members of the Board of Trustees. They are, to a person, in strong support of immediate action.

As a result, I am instructing Provost John Heilman to work with the faculty and the Academic Affairs Committee of our Board to develop a set of policies no later than our Trustee meeting on August 4 that will:

• Limit the number of directed studies courses that any single instructor can offer. Although only 2% of undergraduate student enrollments over the past 3 years were directed studies, we will ensure these courses are used properly
• Ensure that every course offered at Auburn University is taught with the academic rigor our students deserve and all have the right to expect
• Ensure that proper administrative oversight is in place throughout the University

These policies will comply with the standards established by SACS, but the SACS standards should be viewed as a minimum. What is more important is the value of an Auburn degree and what it stands for. We have inherited a strong academic reputation due to the hard work of alumni, faculty and students, and it is my job to ensure that we continue to earn that reputation.

My actions today should not be seen as a conclusion but as a first step. The investigation being conducted by the Provost’s office is ongoing and, as promised, will be made public upon completion. One of the aspects of that investigation is to interview students and former students, and scheduling these interviews has been a challenge, but we will continue to pursue the interviews to insure that the report is accurate and complete.

I want to be clear. In the event that any academic misconduct is confirmed, we will take appropriate action.
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Jul06: au-richardson