In a message Wednesday to Auburn University faculty, administrators, A&P and staff colleagues, Vini Nathan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, announced steps the University is taking to transition from previous faculty governance to the Presidential Academic Advisory Council (PAAC).
The announcement comes less than a week after the Auburn University Board of Trustees unanimously voted to dissolve any current university senate, university faculty or faculty governance body. The announcement also references the Board's approval of the Academic Curricula, Courses, Syllabi and Core Educational Requirements policy.
According to Auburn University's website, the policy "reaffirms the Board’s oversight of degree programs, credentials, core educational requirements, courses, syllabi and related academic processes. It is intended to advance academic quality, transparency, consistency and institutional alignment while preserving meaningful faculty participation."
In Wednesday's statement, Nathan said the two policies allow President Christopher Roberts to take all actions necessary to support the transition and conduct of the school's academic responsibilities. Nathan said the transition also offers an opportunity to support the University's "enduring commitment to thoughtful academic deliberation, intellectual rigor and the principled stewardship of the curriculum.”
The message also discussed qualities that sustain thoughtful academic communities, including "careful judgment, disciplinary expertise and a steadfast commitment to the institution's educational purpose."
According to the statement, the school will establish an ad hoc advisory transition team, whose purpose is to inform on topics relating to the University's "evolving academic advisory framework."
During the transition period, some academic committees will continue with their work in order to ensure continuity in the University's academics. Nathan said relevant committee chairs have been informed and have been asked to share that information with members.
The academic committees discussed above will undergo review and possibly revision for "name, composition structure, scope, function" or any other aspects required in order to align with the Board of Trustees' policy, along with Auburn's new academic advisory framework.
Nathan went on to state that "[the committee's] continued work remains essential to the regular functioning of the University and the advancement of Auburn's academic mission."
A website is in development for use by faculty to stay updated on timelines, information or any related direction during the transition. According to the statement, more information will be shared as the website becomes available.
Nathan ended the email statement thanking the faculty for their support and service towards Auburn's academic goals.
"Thank you for your continued service, professionalism and care in support of Auburn’s academic mission. Your engagement will remain important as the University moves through this transition with clarity, deliberateness, and continuity," Nathan said. "The insight, judgment and sustained commitment of the faculty remain central to the strength of Auburn’s academic community and to the fulfillment of its educational mission."
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Amanda Machamer, senior in journalism, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Spring 2025. Machamer previously served as a News Writer, Assistant News Editor and Assistant Content Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
