Articles written by Sarah Brock

With its tall, regal statute and chiming bell, the Samford clock tower is one of the most iconic images on Auburn’s campus. But few have seen the inner workings of the famed tower. A small wooden door in the attic of Samford Hall leads to a set of steep stairs that if followed, leads to more stairs and rooms that house the clocks and bell. 

University Senate passed a resolution Tuesday stating that a faculty member’s percentage of assigned duties should be a factor in determining merit raises. Tenure evaluation, promotions and post-tenure review are all based on the percentage of assigned duties, so this policy is now consistent with these reviews. 

The Board of Trustees passed the faculty dismissal policy last week. The policy, which has been in the works since April, was met with hesitation by trustees, many of whom said this policy is no different than the old one.

The Board of Trustees will get its first look at a proposed faculty dismissal policy today. After a draft was approved by University Senate four weeks ago, the document was revised again. University Senate Chair David Cicci called the revised policy a compromise between the faculty and administration.

Auburn’s 18th president, Jay Gogue, had his 100th day in office Wednesday. He sat down with Senior Reporter Sarah Brock last week to reflect on his time so far and Auburn’s future.

For most of the year, Alabamians have seen the effects of a decreased water supply. From low lake levels to dying crops, the state has suffered from this year’s severe drought. But with population growth and increased development, the state and nation could experience a water crisis larger than this year’s drought.

Two weeks after the Interfraternity Council (IFC) received reports of hazing at Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the IFC Court placed the fraternity on social probation until Jan. 1, 2009.

During social probation, SAE will be prohibited from holding social events, but the fraternity can still hold chapter meetings and philanthropy events.

From Al Gore to gas prices, the nation is abuzz with environmental issues. But Auburn students don’t have to look far for ways to affect the world. With two student organizations, a campus recycling program and the Sustainability Initiative, students have several options to participate in the movement to affect the environment.

With a unanimous vote Tuesday, the University Senate approved a faculty dismissal policy that has been in the works since April.

“I don’t believe there are any perfect dismissal policies, and this is not one either,” said David Cicci, chair of the University Senate.