Emporia State censured by AAUP for violating standards

EMPORIA (KSNT) - The American Association of University Professors has placed Emporia State University on its censure list, claiming it to be one of the worst run universities in the country.

The AAUP's governing council has also censured Collin College in a move Tuesday morning. An investigative report found the ESU administration and Kansas Board of Regents violated AAUP-recommended standards regarding tenure and academic freedom, according to a release.

The investigation stems from Emporia State's implementation of a Workforce Restructuring in 2022, which allowed the university to suspend, dismiss or terminate employees. The framework was based on factors such as low enrollment, cost of operations, reduction in revenues for specific departments or schools, among others. ESU subsequently terminated 30 tenured and tenure-track professors, according to the AAUP.

AAUP launched an investigation into the university's actions in October 2022.

"The AAUP is not a governing body for Emporia State University and their activities have no impact on our plans for the future. Emporia State does not agree with the allegations for many reasons, not the least of which are the factual errors within the report. The university did not participate in the review because legal and personnel rules and regulations protect much of the information requested...

Emporia State University continues to move forward with our plans to restructure and invest in the successful elevation of our academic programs. Throughout this academic year, Emporia State has successfully attracted and hired talented faculty who join us in delivering an excellent education that serves today’s students."

Gwen Larson, Emporia State University