Personal Responsibility

Recently, Type A and Sweet Pea attended Auburn Univ. for orientation known as Camp War Eagle. During their stay, a news story broke about a professor that had been involved with "independent studies" or " directed reading" classes that were set up for students in special situations. These classes were open to any qualified students and of course, several athletes were taking advantage. The course consisted of meeting with the professor and setting a curriculum which primarily consisted of selecting and reading a book and filing a report. Most universities have classes of this type that students may take advantage of for GPA enhancement or "easy" credit hours. At Auburn, the news story was slanted of course toward the few high profile athletes ( "Cadillac" Carnel Williams for one, now of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) that took a class of this type for the many reasons any student may. Of the 250 students involved in these classes ( of a student body of 23,000 +) during the time frame of the article, 18 were football players and a few other male and female scholarship athletes but the vast majority were regular students. This professor has come under criticism for these classes from within his own department and currently the administration is investigating.

In 1943, another professor penned what has become known as the " Auburn Creed". Most students probably follow more closely to the ideals and principles of this creed than take advantage of "crip classes" and short cuts to get through school. If all citizens were to bear these words in mind, and take their own personal responsiblities seriously, true progress could be gained.

The Auburn Creed

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I
earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and
trains my mind and my hands skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect
and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and
in clean sports to develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my
own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving
mercy, and walking humbly with my GOD."

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn
and love it.

George Petrie, 1943

I have tried to follow these words, falling far short at times, but striving and will continue to strive to live by them.