Some of Auburn's rumors about the future of the Haley center were answered at the third Student Government Association HeAUrd That! event Tuesday, Oct. 22.
In continuing with SGA's push to branch the student and administrative bodies through interactive discussions, students brought tough-to-answer questions to the event to get answers personally from the University administrators who could answer them best.
The future of the Haley Center was a question many in the audience voiced to the speakers, but despite recent planning discussions, they said nothing yet is concrete.
"No decision has been made at this point in time about which direction we should go," said Dan King, associate vice president of facilities. "I'll tell you two years ago that we were leaning very strongly about tearing it down, but the pendulum has swung a little bit and we're considering some reuse options that are not a bad way ahead. Maybe taking out the tower or gutting the building but leaving the courtyard."
King said options to move the pharmacy school off campus, implement an unused corner of the school or building on top of the old Haley Center were all being considered, but no plans have been set in stone yet.
Additionally, students questioned the administrative speakers about the academic requirements for in-state and out-of-state scholarships at Auburn, as well as the amount they would receive, citing the University of Alabama's scholarship fund as larger and easier to apply for.
"Auburn is a state sponsored university, and our appropriation from the state isn't that great, but nevertheless it still is," said Paul Harris, honors college associate director. "I would say students aren't being penalized, it's because you're an in-state resident the tuition is going to be lower. If money wasn't a factor we would be giving more scholarships."
Besides answering questions the administrators used the opportunity to inform the audience about upcoming events and projects.
Strategic initiatives under Emmett Winn, associate provost, to bring advanced wireless technology into the classroom and promote "E-learning" could lead to iPads appearing in select classes across the next few years.
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Fair, which will occur during research week from April 14-17, will be where students can come meet with the different colleges and units on campus to find out about job opportunities.
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