Continued funding shortfalls and lean budgets are causing Auburn
University's College of Engineering to cut back on the recruitment of promising high
school students, according to Engineering Dean William F. Walker.
"One of the most unfortunate examples of the way in which we are
having to scale back recruiting programs can be seen in our relationship with
the Alabama School of Science and Mathematics in Mobile," Walker notes.
"We can no longer continue this program or ones similar to it."
The College of Engineering had been hosting junior and seniors at the
state magnet school in an annual intensive one-day field trip to the Auburn
campus, where the students were exposed to classes, labs and given an
introduction to the college's computer network.
"We also gave them a general overview of the institution and a look at campus life beyond the classroom," Walker explains. "Our intent was to
attract these students, who are among the state's finest, to pursue a career in
engineering at the state's premier engineering school. It was a natural partnership."
He notes, however, that the College of Engineering has sustained a series
of budget cuts and proration of state funds over the past several years, resulting
in severe restrictions to funding outlays beyond classroom instruction.
"Similar cutbacks to recruiting in
our athletic program would be considered inexcusable," Walker points out.
"While I fully support our athletic
department in their efforts, it seems unfair that
similar activities inside the academic schools have to be eliminated. Our students
come here primarily for an education."
Walker adds that the inability to bring students who have demonstrated
talent in science and mathematics, and have been recognized as gifted, is
particularly sobering.
"At this point I would like to
explain that we are still extremely interested in bringing students like these onto
the Auburn campus for an overview of engineering. These arrangements will
now have to be worked out differently, with students paying their own way."
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