Progress on the PlainsApril 2015 | Issue 1

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About theAuthor

Fun Facts:Favorite Color: Turquoise

Marisa is a current senior at Auburn University with a major in public relations and minor in marketing. She will be graduating August 2015 and is pursuing a job in public relations and marketing. Marisa is interested in both small agency work and the opportunities a large in-house position can provide.

Marisa is passionate about writing, communicating with others and learning about new businesses and industries. Marisa is also passionate about Auburn University and the opportunities an Auburn education can provide. The articles in this magazine showcase progress Auburn University is making in the educational and agricultural departments. The story ideas were created, researched and written by Marisa, allowing her to write, communicate with others and learn about new topics.

Enjoy!

Favorite Animal:

Random Fact:

Giraffe

Hosted a German exchange student in high school

Favorite Drink: Coke

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Table of Contents

468

101214

ComingAttractions

“This isAuburn”

On-Farm Variety Trials

Learn It. Live It. Share It.

The eWaste Institue

Sustainability at Auburn

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Coming Attractions:

Did you know in the past ten years Auburn University’s enrollment number has grown by approximately 3,000 students? While this may not seem like a monumental

number, a monumental number of changes must be made to the campus in order to accommodate the growing student body. It is for this reason that the Auburn University master plan, coupled with the strategic plan, are of paramount importance to the growth of Auburn University.

There are a number of improvements to the University’s campus that will begin, and even finish, in the next few years. A few of these improvements include state-of-the- art classroom facilities, big additions to Jordan-Hare Stadium and continued development of Samford Park.

The state-of-the-art classroom facilities, known as Engaged Active Student Learning (EASL) classrooms, have been piloted on the Auburn University campus since fall 2013. These EASL classroom spaces will now be expanded. One of these buildings, the one nearest to completion, is the Mell Classroom Building.

The Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex, which will include both a classroom facility and laboratory, will be built on the site that Parker and Allison currently stand on. The EASL classrooms align with the first priority of the University’s strategic plan –which is to enhance students’ academic, social, professional and personal success.

Once the engaged student buildings are completed, it might look familiar to you. “If you’ve ever been to the learning commons in the library, then you already know what a lot of these spaces will look like. The learning commons in the library is one of the most used spaces on campus by students –providing them with more of these spaces on campus will prove very beneficial to students’ [academic, social, professional and personal] success,” Dr. Emmitt Winn, associate provost, said.

Big changes are also in the works in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The 2015 football season will kick off with a brand new 11,400 square-foot scoreboard, to replace the current scoreboard in Jordan-Hare’s south end zone. “This $13.9 million project is still in its infancy. The Board of Trustees has approved the project, so we are now going through the process of asking the board’s permission to retain a designer,” University Architect Jim Carroll said.

This new scoreboard is a significant jump from Auburn’s old 2,024 square-foot screen. The new Jordan-Hare scoreboard is represented in the University’s fifth priority of the strategic plan –which is to focus resources on the institutional mission and priorities.

By | Marisa Rodriguez

Auburn University Campus Construction

Mell Classroom Building Rendering

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The competitive athletic programs portion of the fifth priority states that Auburn University will improve the game-day experience for fans and upgrade many of the University’s athletic facilities.

Changes will also continue at Samford Park as well. Phase II of Samford Park will include a memorial walkway that will extend from the circular seat at Toomer’s Corner to the southern side of Samford Lawn. Carroll notes, “The original concept for Phase II of Samford Park was taken from a 1929 master plan for Auburn University.” The walkway will be completed first, in time for the fall 2015 football season, but the trees will not be added until about this time next year.

Jeffrey Dumars, assistant director of campus planning and space management, mentioned a strategy for rolling Toomer’s Corner during this phase. “When the big trees go in, we don’t want people to roll those trees. We want to give them a chance to acclimate to their new surroundings for a year, so roll the rest of the park. Then, football season 2016 we want rolling to return to those two trees and to not roll the descendants,”

“The original concept for Phase II of Samford Park was taken from a 1929 master plan for Auburn University.

Dumars said. “We want to go back to the tradition of rolling two trees.”

While many plans for the Auburn University campus are in the works, it is important to note that no plans proceed without heavy consideration. Both the master plan and strategic plan are aligned to help students, and these projects are proof of just that!

”

Samford Park Rendering

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“This is Auburn” An Inside Look Into theUbiquitous Campaign

By | Marisa Rodriguez

If you’ve spent any time on the Auburn University campus, website or social media platforms, you might have noticed a theme. In August 2013, Auburn University launched

a new marketing campaign with “This is Auburn” as the central message. Since its inception two years ago, the “This is Auburn” message has been branded on outdoor advertising, print advertising, collateral pieces, television commercials and web work. With its ubiquity on the Auburn University campus, it’s hard not to wonder what this campaign is all about.

In fall 2011, a brand steering committee began early research and brainstorming for this marketing campaign. “We wanted our campaign to have flexibility, simplicity and the ability to have the brand used in different ways,” explained Camille Barkley, Auburn University assistant vice president in the office of communications and marketing. “A graphic designer was actually the one who originally threw out the “This is Auburn” idea,” Barkley further explained.

The “This is Auburn” campaign provides an adaptable way to describe the numerous positive qualities that

contribute to Auburn University. The campaign has been broken down into six brand chapters to aid in describing the values and impact of Auburn University. The six brand chapters include national gravitas, academic muscle, research wow, outcomes (ROI), family/spirit and outreach.

The national gravitas chapter aids in disseminating one of the most important components of this campaign, academics. Auburn is a top national public university with rankings to back it up. Nouns used to describe national gravitas throughout the “This is Auburn” campaign include achievement, momentum and prestige. Similarly, academic muscle represents Auburn’s academic programs with stellar rankings and accolades, enabling students to excel in their chosen fields. Adjectives that represent this brand chapter include potential and support.

“A graphic designer was actually the one who originally threw out the “This is Auburn” idea.”

“This Is Auburn” Gravitas Ad

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Research wow encompasses Auburn’s efforts to make a difference by providing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. This component of the six- brand chapter uses nouns such as discovery, advancement and impact to represent it. Prospective students and parents of prospective students are especially interested in the results an Auburn University education can provide. The outcomes (ROI) chapter epitomizes this. An Auburn University education, student experience and mentoring provide students with the skills and strategies to turn career dreams into realities. Nouns used to describe this chapter in the “This is Auburn” campaign include success, direction and future.

One of the most recognized and appreciated aspects of Auburn University is the Auburn family. The family/spirit chapter embodies the strong traditions and school spirit that Auburn is known for. Nouns that can be found threaded throughout the “This is Auburn” campaign to represent family/spirit include community, togetherness and home. Lastly, as a land-grant institution, Auburn is committed to outreach. The outreach chapter explores Auburn’s efforts to share knowledge and provide volunteer hours to benefit humanity. Nouns for this chapter include community and fulfillment.

Only early in year two, out of at least five, students and prospective students can expect to see a lot more of the “This is Auburn” campaign. “In particular, prospective and incoming students are given a better understanding of all that Auburn has to offer. They are getting a better general picture of Auburn University through the “This is Auburn” campaign efforts. Our research has shown that prospective students are even starting to see athletics and academics as equal,” explains Barkley.

As with any strong marketing strategy, the success of this campaign has been measured along the way. “Unlike at other university’s our campaign is not mandatory. We look at who is using this campaign and how to help measure our success,” explains Barkley. Mike Clardy, director of Auburn University communications, adds “the voluntary part of it is important because we can see creative material that others are using.”

Individuals throughout the Auburn University campus have shown such an interest in creating materials that support the “This is Auburn” campaign, while also reflecting their own efforts, that the Auburn University Office of Communications and Marketing even have a brand inspiration book and style guide to aid in keeping the “This is Auburn” branding consistent. Talk about support from the Auburn family!

“This Is Auburn”Tiger Transit Ad

“This Is Auburn” U.S. News & World Report Ad

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On-Farm Variety Trials:

Helping Farmers PrepareBy | Marisa Rodriguez

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is gearing up for its 2015 on-farm variety trials. But what are on-farm variety trials? ACES experts

conduct on-farm variety trials to determine the best cotton varieties for Alabama farmers to plant. Further, these efforts are complemented by the variety trials that Auburn University Ag researchers do on research stations.

The process is long but fruitful for Alabama cotton farmers. The process begins around March by contacting cotton producers in the state of Alabama to ensure locations to conduct these on-farm variety trials. Many Alabama cotton farmers work with Extension experts for on-farm variety trials because they receive information directly and get to see first hand how different seeds grow on their land, with their tools. The next step involves contacting seed companies in hopes of getting seed provided for this process; the seed is needed for the first week of April.

Once the seed has arrived, Extension experts separate seeds into on-farm locations and store it on the

producer’s farms. Once the time to plant arrives, at least three Extension experts are at the farms on the morning of planting. Extension experts fill out a sheet that includes what order the seeds are planted in. Once the planting is completed, Extension experts visit the plots monthly to check on the seeds progress. In late September, Extension experts are on farms when

producers pick cotton.

Extension experts then bring the cotton back to the micro cotton gin to record the weights and take a small sample of cotton fiber. The cotton fiber is then sent to a cotton-classing office, which examines the thickness, length, strength and amount of trash in the fiber. “When identifying the best cotton varieties, many factors must be considered. We look at

how well it germinates, strong early-season growth, how well it tolerates severe conditions, such as drought, and, of course, the bottom line is yield and fiber quality,” Dale Monks, Alabama cotton specialist explains.

“Farmers don’t have time to look at websites for this information. Our app notifies farmers of the results of these on-farm variety trials, news, new technology and Extension information. ”

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Lastly, the data returns to Extension experts who organize information into charts and disseminates the findings through the Alabama Crops website, posting it on the Alabama Crops Twitter and putting it on the Alabama Crops app. “Farmers don’t have time to look at websites for this information. Our app notifies farmers of the results of these on-farm variety trials, news, new technology and Extension information,” Monks adds.

The research Extension specialists do helps farmers prepare in a number of ways. William Birdsong, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist explains, “Farmers are able to see what varieties work, which ones don’t work and if there are any acute problems with the varieties planted. The information we provide helps these farmers make a better decision on which varieties they use on their farms in the future.”

To learn more about on-farm variety trials and find the on-farm variety trials results, check out the Alabama Cooperative Extension System website.

“We look at how well it (cotton) germinates,

strong early-season growth, how well it tolerates severe

conditions, such as drought, and, of course, the bottom line is yield

and fiber quality.”

Alabama Cotton in Picking Process

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Learn It. Live It. Share It.

The Auburn University ePortfolio Project

By | Marisa Rodriguez

If I told you Auburn University offered a program that can improve your learning and potentially increase your odds of employment or acceptance to graduate

schools would you participate in this free, campus-wide initiative? Auburn University’s ePortfolio Project offers just that.

In 2013, the Association of American Colleges & Universities conducted an online survey to gain knowledge on the priorities employers look for in college learning and student success. Eighty-three percent of employers said an ePortfolio would be useful in evaluating the knowledge and success of potential hires.

With this information, it should come as no surprise that a wide variety of schools, departments and programs at Auburn University have joined the ePortfolio Project. The ePortfolio Project, housed in the Office of University Writing, can be found at work across the Auburn University campus from multiple departments in the college of liberal arts to the college of architecture to biosystems engineering to the school

of kinesiology and even to the nursing, pharmacy and vet medicine schools and many more.

“No matter what major you plan to choose, you’ll be able to create an ePortfolio. What do you want to be able to show graduate schools or potential employers?

The process of creating an ePortfolio invites you to be intentional with your time at Auburn so that you can communicate the significance of your skills, experiences and learning,” explains Dr. Lesley Bartlett, Assistant Director of University Writing for the ePortfolio Project.

Only in its second official year, the ePortfolio Project has been adopted by upwards of 30 colleges, departments and programs and a number of individual students

participate in the ePortfolio Project on their own time. For students whose departments or programs don’t assign and teach ePortfolios, the ePortfolio Project hosts a workshop series to aid these students in creating their professional ePortfolio by revisiting coursework and extracurriculars and teaching

ePortfolio Project Website

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students how best to share those experiences with a professional audience. Further, during the pilot year (2012-2013), the office of university writing recognized a need for ePortfolio ambassadors. ePortfolio ambassadors act as the student voice for the ePortfolio Project by creating their own ePortfolios, advocating the initiative to individual classes and student organizations and attending ePortfolio Project events. Additionally, the ePortfolio Project has been recognized in the 2013-2018 Auburn University Strategic Plan under priority one as a way to enhance student learning. “This recognition certainly makes us more visible and emphasizes the institution’s commitment to this project,” notes Bartlett.

Further emphasizing Auburn’s commitment to the ePortfolio Project, resources can be found across campus to aid and promote student and faculty involvement in this initiative. The Miller Writing Center tutors students on their ePortfolios. Additionally, the ePortfolio Project awards the Gary Brown ePortfolio Project Faculty Cohort Award to recognize exemplary leadership in promoting the project. Similarly, grants are awarded to faculty members each spring to support the meaningful teaching that the ePortfolio Project promotes.

“The ePortfolio Project is all about student learning,” adds Bartlett. “We believe the process of documenting, archiving, reflecting on, synthesizing and showcasing experiences can be transformative for students. And if the ePortfolio helps students get jobs—and we think it

will—then all the better. We’re still a young project, but we aim to be a signature part of students’ Auburn experience.”

The ePortfolio is a living document in that it should change as you change and evolve as your audience and purpose evolve. Once you have created your ePortfolio and graduated, it is important to maintain the ePortfolio as you gain more experience. The Auburn family enjoys seeing its members grow and learn, and the ePortfolio Project showcases just that!

For more information and to see examples of Auburn students’ ePortfolios, please visit the ePortfolio Project website.

“We believe the process of documenting, archiving, reflecting on, synthesizing and showcasing experiences can be transformative for students.”

ePortfolio Project Workshop

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The E-Waste Institute:Alabama’s E-Waste

Management InitiativeBy | Marisa Rodriguez

Did you know the number of obsolete, broken or irreparable electronic products in households and businesses across the United States is

growing at three times the rate of household trash? Further, did you know hazardous chemicals and substances such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead, chromium and bromine can be found in these electronics? The need for educational information to respond to community needs related to electronic waste or e-waste management is becoming increasingly important. It is, for this reason, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System developed the AAMU/ACES E-Waste Institute.

The E-Waste Institute works to disseminate information, raise public awareness and influence public policies about e-waste across the state of Alabama. The initiative, which was developed in 2008, does this by conducting awareness campaigns, workshops and seminars, distributing informational publications and holding drives and training classes. “One of the biggest initiatives is e-cycling drives, which are held in major metropolitan areas within the state,” said Dr. Karnita Golson-Garner, Extension Environmental Specialist. “These e-cycling drives foster partnership development and allow citizens to drop off a variety of electronics, both big and small.”

Old Electronics to Recycle

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In addition to these drives, a Small Electronic Waste Recycling Program is present in Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Houston and Lawrence counties. This program allows citizens to drop off smaller electronic products such as cell phones and ink cartridges at their convenience, which are properly recycled by The Funding Factory, a national organization the E-Waste Institute partners with. “As it may not be feasible to hold a drive every year, because of associated costs and the fact that people will have already recycled their electronics in previous years, the Small Electronic Waste Recycling Program is an on-going effort during the time drives are not provided,” explained Garner.

“Going forward we are interested in enhancing and improving our efforts at the state level.

However, e-waste is not just a statewide problem, it is a global problem.”

“Going forward we are interested in enhancing and improving our efforts at the state level. However, e-waste is not just a statewide problem, it is a global problem. Therefore, we want to promote the program more on the national level,” stated Garner. “Letting people know that properly recycling electronic waste helps to protect our natural resources is an important message.”

To learn more about the E-Waste Institute take a look at institute’s website.

Electronics Motherboard

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Sustainability on the Auburn University

CampusLEED and Green Building

By | Marisa Rodriguez

Did you know the Princeton Review named Auburn University one of the top 350 sustainable schools in the United States and the only one in

Alabama? Further, in the Hopes and Worries survey administered by the Princeton Review to prospective college freshman and their parents, 60 percent of respondents said the sustainability of a university was a factor when considering that school.

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design standard is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices and saves money and resources while promoting renewable, clean energy and having a positive impact on the health of occupants. Auburn University is home to four LEED certified buildings, which include, the Gorrie Center, Aquatic Resource Management Center, Auburn Research Park building one and Office of Information and Technology building. Further, Auburn offers a Sustainable Design and LEED Accreditation class to majors involved in the construction industry, such as College of Architecture Design and Construction (CADC) majors, interior design majors and civil engineering majors.

“The LEED class teaches the seven LEED credit categories while simultaneously preparing students for the LEED Green Associates examination,” Daniel White, junior in environmental design and current student in

the LEED class, said. “Once you pass the exam you become a LEED Green Associate, meaning you are able to guide a design team striving for LEED certification. This certification aids students by giving them a competitive edge in their field and being more valuable to future employers as LEED-certified construction is on the rise.”

Office of Information & Technology Building

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The Gorrie Center was the first LEED certified building on the Auburn University campus and was the first building in the state of Alabama to receive LEED gold certification, the second highest certification level offered by LEED. The Gorrie Center works as a model for LEED buildings on the Auburn University campus in a number of ways. The building’s south facing orientation allows for maximum daylight, a glass-enclosed staircase encourages students to use the stairs instead of the elevator and the building uses 40 percent less electricity when compared to similar, non-LEED buildings on the Auburn campus.

“LEED standards and sustainability are the latest evolution of Auburn’s land-grant mission. While we are located in Alabama, we have a global reach and we want to disseminate information on sustainability with our reach,” Mike Kensler, Director of the Office of Sustainability, said. “LEED has become a benchmark for how dedicated a campus is to sustainability. We have an informal commitment to strive to build LEED buildings at the gold level,” added Kensler.

While Auburn University already has four LEED certified buildings, six new buildings tracking LEED gold certification are in the works.

To learn more about sustainability on the Auburn University campus, check out the Office of Sustainability website. Visit the LEED website to learn more about green building leadership.

“LEED standards and sustainability are the latest evolution of Auburn’s land-grant mission... LEED has become a benchmark for how dedicated a campus is to sustainability.”

Gorrie Center Glass-Enclosed Staircase

This is Auburn. This is Progress.