Analyzing complex formulas is what Giles Auchmuty does best, but when he’s not crunching numbers in the classroom, he applies his problem-solving skills to a number of faculty-related projects.

Auchmuty, University of Houston professor of math, took office as Faculty Senate president in January. Since then, he has sharply divided his time between a number of projects designed to benefit both UH and its faculty members.

During the past year, he has served as co-chair of the Faculty and Staff Campaign and was a member of the committee charged with developing the UH System’s (UHS) strategic planning process.

Auchmuty will serve as president for the remainder of 2004. He will pass the presidential gavel to President-Elect Allen Warner, professor of education, in January 2005.

“I’ve enjoyed the position, as well as being involved in providing faculty input to the university decision-making process,” Auchmuty said.

Auchmuty recently sat down with UH Today to discuss the year’s highlights and the senate’s goals for the fall semester.

Q You assumed the role of Faculty Senate president in January. What has been the senate’s biggest accomplishment so far?

A The main thing is that the UH System Board of Regents adopted the UHS Strategic Plan, which details how the system will develop over the next decade. The senate was very much involved in the plan’s development.

Q Which principles and initiatives are most significant to UH faculty members?

A I feel that the strategic principle that will impact UH is the one that discusses how the university will develop as a research university and contribute to the cultural life and economic growth of the Houston area.

Q How will the strategic plan affect the senate’s goals?

A The senate’s first goal will be to review the plan and its implications on UH. It’s important that faculty know what is in the plan. One thing I have noticed is that none of the principles addresses graduate or professional education, which I think should be a major part of UH’s role.

Q Are there any major events the senate will participate in this fall?

A On Oct. 1, the faculty senates from all four UHS universities will host the first systemwide faculty senate meeting in the Hilton University of Houston Hotel. The UHS Board of Regents will be in attendance to inaugurate Jay Gogue as UH president and UHS chancellor.

Q What are some of the senate’s priority issues this semester?

A The senate works through committees, which do various things. For example, the Educational Policies Committee is looking at what the textbook policies are and how to reduce the cost of textbooks for students. The senate also will look at aspects of intellectual property and copyright properties. Also, the senate joined the Coalition on Intercollegiate Athletics, which is a national faculty organization consisting of 50 NCAA Division I universities. It looks at how to integrate athletics into campus academic life. The senate also plans to help in the further development of the new parking garage, and we’re especially pleased that it will include a student services center and a visitors’ center.