Faculty governance and curriculum control are colliding as Auburn University’s board moves to consider proposals that would eliminate the central faculty governance body and expand trustees’ authority over course decisions, despite a state law exemption. The episode reflects a growing pattern of governance fights in which trustees seek greater levers over academic matters. The development matters because curriculum approval and shared governance mechanisms are core guardrails for academic freedom, faculty oversight, and program integrity. When boards reassign those powers, faculty governance bodies may lose procedural authority even where legal exemptions exist. The board’s consideration is expected to take place as governance stakeholders press for clarity on how institutional authority will be exercised over teaching and curriculum decisions.