03.04.25 Steering Minutes

Minutes

Meeting was called to order 3:33 pm by Chair Eckhardt.

Minutes from the February 11, 2025 Steering Meeting were approved by unanimous consent.

Agenda for the March 18, 2025 Senate Meeting was approved by unanimous consent.

Remarks and Announcements

Provost Nathan noted that the agenda for the next Board of Trustees meeting will be finalized next week, so she and President Roberts will likely share information on those items at the Senate meeting. She shared that next year’s Common Book has been selected, and will be shared at the Senate Meeting. She will also share information on the number of applications for Professional Improvement Leave (PIL). Norman Godwin may have an update from the faculty compensation, workload, and productivity working group. Also, the new SGA President will likely be introduced.

Information Item Presentations

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Requirements

Presenter: Michael Walters

Walters shared that NAGPRA is a federal law, passed in 1990, focused on repatriating human remains and certain cultural items to their Native communities. There will be a campus-wide survey of all Auburn employees (faculty and staff) to identify any religious objects, cultural patrimony, funerary objects, or human remains that may exist on campus. Senators are encouraged to share this information with their constituents and encourage them to complete the survey when it goes out so that the university can comply with the law and ensure all Native artifacts are accounted for.

AI Update

Presenter: Asim Ali

Asim Ali shared an update on AI, including survey data showing that graduates think AI should be integrated into their course, employers expect graduates to come in trained in using AI tools in the workplace, and faculty are generally not confident in how to use AI in their teaching. To help address this gap, Ali noted there are resources available on campus, including common AI tools such as Microsoft CoPilot and Adobe Firefly. Ali shared that the home for AI innovation at auburn is AI @ AU, led by Hari Narayanan & Gerry Dozier. Every Friday this Spring at 10 am they hold guest lectures (virtual or in-person) by Auburn faculty and invited guests on AI. There is also the Teaching with AI Canvas Course, which is available broadly and has been used by the Alabama community college system and has won a national award. Ali shared information on a recent build-a-bot workshop and resources for students, such as the Guide to AI Enhanced Learning. He noted that folks in Biggio are also available to meet with classes and departments to think about AI in the curriculum. 

Action Item Presentations

Academic Honesty Committee Report

Presenter: Mark DeGoti

DeGoti presented on the Academic Honesty process at Auburn and provided information on updates to the policy and proposed changes to process, which is part of the SGA’s Code of Laws. After discussion, it was decided to move this topic to the Spring Faculty Meeting rather than the March Senate Meeting to allow broader sharing of the information and so that more faculty can ask questions and speak to the topic.

Graduate Council Committee Report

Presenter: George Flowers

George Flowers provided information on the Graduate School and the Graduate Council’s role in supporting the school’s work. Over the last year, the Graduate Council has reviewed and processed 112 graduate faculty appointments and re-appointments, as well as approved 6 graduate certificates, 1 graduate degree, 1 graduate minor, 38 program revisions, and 286 new/revised courses.

Vote on RISE Committee Motion

Presenter: Chris Lepczyk

The motion made by the RISE Committee at the February Senate meeting was shared again.

Vote on Rules Committee Member Nominees

Presenter: Jaena Alabi

The nominees for the Rules Committee and process for voting were discussed.

New Business

There was no new business.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 5:16 pm.

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.