The signing ceremony took place at Auburn's Board of Trustees meeting that was held during the week of Homecoming.

Auburn University, AL) Dr. Gordon Sumner, National Executive Director, National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and BG Russell Summerlin, USA, Retired, Field Chair of the Alabama Committee for ESGR, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Jay Gogue, President, Auburn University, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on November 8, 2008.  The signing ceremony took place at Auburn’s Board of Trustees meeting that was held during the week of Homecoming.  
The Statement of Support confirms that Auburn University joins others in pledging that:

• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

 “Today, we are clearly demonstrating how critical it is to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s defense capabilities through our National Guard and Reserve units.  As such, I am asking not only our Auburn staff, but all members of the Auburn Family who hire National Guard and Reserve employees to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said President Gogue.
Auburn University joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces, especially those in the National Guard or Reserves who are serving their country.”
When asked about the criteria, General Summerlin said “By signing the Statement of Support, Auburn University will stand proudly with its National Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life.  Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.  And today, Auburn shows its sincere appreciation and admiration to them and their families for the sacrifices made on behalf of all Americans”.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil .