2/14/06 Contact: David M. Granger, 334/844-9999 (grangdm@auburn.edu)
Dina Kanellos, 334/944-2203 (kaneldi@auburn.edu)

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS TO HOST INTERNATIONAL AVIATION CONFERENCE

AUBURN - The Council on Aviation Accreditation and the University Aviation Association are hosting the CAA/UAA Joint Meeting on the Auburn University campus. The international conference began yesterday and continues through Friday, Feb. 17.

The conference, co-sponsored by the Aviation Management and Logistics Department and the College of Business at Auburn University, will bring together all segments of the aviation industry and representatives from the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada and Turkey.

"Having CAA and UAA associated with Auburn University permits us to draw on their expertise and enables us to have a stronger aviation program. They keep us on the runway," said Col. Emmett Johnson, chair of the Aviation Management and Logistics Department in the College of Business at AU.

UAA plays a pivotal role in the advancement of all collegiate aviation programs and represents its members to industry, government and the general public. CAA, on the other hand, serves as the specialized accrediting body of aviation programs at the institutions.

"We are excited to bring these experts from academia and industry to Auburn for this collaborative meeting," said Carolyn Williamson, UAA executive director. "The meeting provides an excellent opportunity to address strategic issues and areas such as standards, curriculum and safety."

A highlight of the meeting will be the Industry/Educator Forum, which serves as a useful device for the CAA to utilize in maintaining alignment between the aviation industry and educator member institutions. "By analyzing changes occurring in this dynamic industry, CAA assures that curricula and standards for accreditation remain relevant," said Gary W. Kiteley, CAA executive director. At this year's forum, an educator panel will address air traffic management.

Another highlight of the meeting will be a professional development workshop on "Brain Science . . . the Biology of Learning." Dr. John W. Medina, a leading developmental biologist and author, will conduct the workshop addressing how brain function impacts the learning process. Upon completion of the workshop, seven hours of CEU credit will be issued through Auburn University Office of Continuing Education.

For additional information, call (334) 844-2434 or visit the web sites at www.uaa.aero or www.caa-i.org, or visit the Joint Meeting registration desk at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

The College of Business at Auburn University is accredited at the undergraduate and graduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the highest standard of achievement for business schools. Fewer than 20 percent of collegiate business programs around the world have earned AACSB accreditation. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.

Auburn University is a preeminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama's largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

(Contributed by Dianne Townsend.)

# # #

feb06:AU-uaa-caa