President Jay Gogue gave the State of the University Address in Langdon Hall Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.
“The four major areas we look at when University people get together and talk about the quality of the University and state are education, cost, access and diversity,” Gogue said. “Those are the four big topics in education that every institution is fussing about and worrying about.”
The data in these four areas is compared to Auburn University’s peer schools. Louisiana State University, Georgia University, University of Arkansas and the University of Alabama are just a few.
“In terms of cost, our tuition is higher because we offer more money in scholarships than our peers,” Gogue said.
Auburn University has a graduation rate of about 74 percent in six years.
“The data looks at persistent rates and how many people persist from freshman to sophomore year,” Gogue said.
Auburn is behind in diversity compared to it’s peers, with 1/3 less international and Asian- American students than other schools. However, the African-American ratio is equal to its peers.
“Diversity is something we have really been working on trying to improve,” Gogue said. “We have been talking to different minority groups on campus to try and see how to improve those relations and make them feel comfortable.”
Gogue said improvements to campus go beyond building metaphorical bridges, but also building new facilities.
“The new Mell Street classroom is under construction,” Gogue said. “Nursing and pharmaceutical research buildings have been approved. A new performing arts building has been funded. We are also having a big discussion as to whether we should tear down the dorms in the Hill or renovate them.”
The comprehensive campaign was also touched upon briefly.
“The goal was to raise over a billion, and right now we are a little over 9 million,” Gogue said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
