April 2020 Board Meeting
Today the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System held its regular board meeting via Zoom. During the meeting, members received various updates on the response to COVID-19 and plans for the future relating to academics, finances, athletics and equitable learning experiences and access. The meeting live stream is archived here.
MEDICAL SCHOOL PRIORITIZES SYSTEM STUDENTS
The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved an agreement between The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Louisiana System that recognizes the quality undergraduate education provided by the nine member institutions and prioritizes System students in the admissions process.
“A shortage of medical personnel has never been more apparent than today,” Dr. Jim Henderson said. “This partnership with Edward Via has the power to change that, especially for rural Louisiana. This is an exciting opportunity for our remarkable students that will ultimately benefit the entire state.”
The partnership guarantees medical school interviews to a minimum of 90 students from within the System: 10 students meeting minimum qualifications from each of the nine member institutions.
VCOM, located on ULM’s campus, will start classes this fall with its first cohort of 150 students
BOARD ADOPTS MENTAL HEALTH GUIDELINES
The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System adopted a policy and procedures memorandum that reinforces the Board and the System’s commitment to fostering communities of support through the promotion of mental health and wellness.
The guidelines, developed in collaboration with universities’ offices of student affairs, emphasize mental health services such as individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and substance abuse and recovery programming. They also emphasize prevention strategies that engage those who have the most contact with students: faculty and staff.
FEE APPOVED FOR NSU NURSE ANESTHETIST PROGRAM
The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved a fee structure for Northwestern State University’s new nurse anesthetist program. The program will cost $74,976 to complete, a competitive rate when you consider other programs in the state and region.
“Adding the nurse anesthetist program is an advance for the entire UL System,” Dr. Jim Henderson said. “We are fortunate to have exceptional faculty leading the program’s development and private resources available to offset some of the program costs.”
The starting salary for a nurse anesthetist ranges from $120,000 to $200,000. The average salary in Baton Rouge is $153,000. The first cohort of nurse anesthetist students will start next spring.
HENDERSON UPDATES REGENTS
Dr. Henderson provided an update on the System’s COVID-19 response during Wednesday’s Board of Regents meeting. The commissioner asked system heads to address COVID-19 through the lens of challenge, accomplishment, and opportunity moving forward. Dr. Henderson shared the difficulty of the human impact, the pride from universities’ awe-inspiring work, and the enormous opportunity ahead. Click to view a recording of his remarks.
BOARD ACTION:
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Grambling State University: approval to enter into a Course and Service Agreement with StraighterLine, Inc.
Nicholls State University: approval to offer two new Graduate Certificates in Educational Technology Facilitator and Educational Technology Leader.
Nicholls State University: approval of a Letter of Intent to offer a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a Letter of Intent to Develop a New Academic Program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a Letter of Intent to Develop a New Academic Program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval on behalf of the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) of an Agreement between VCOM and the University of Louisiana System.
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Kacie Cryer, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective April 15, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a revised Athletic Home Game Complimentary Ticket Policy.
FACILITIES PLANNING
Nicholls State University: approval to sell the Theodore Louis Duhé Building located at 235 Civic Center Boulevard, Houma, Louisiana through legislative act to the START Corporation, a local 501(c)3 non-profit.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease Agreement with the Lions Athletic Association to replace the artificial turf on the football field at Strawberry Stadium, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to demolish two Billeaud Hall Greenhouse buildings as a part of the new seating park/plaza for students.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to name the ULM Child Development Center the Emily Williamson Laboratory School.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to name the Financial Aid Suite inside of Sandel Hall “Dr. Charles R. McDonald Financial Aid Suite.”
FINANCE
Louisiana Tech University: approval to increase the contract tuition rate for students enrolled at Barksdale Air Force Base effective Summer Quarter 2020.
Northwestern State University: approval to establish a Nurse Anesthetist Fee.
University of Louisiana System: approval to establish LEQSF (8g) Endowed Professorships/Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships/First Generation Scholarships as follows:
Grambling State University
Dr. Adrian and Mrs. Gilonda Butler Endowed Professorship in Cyber Security
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Delta Iota Endowed Student Scholarship
Ruby Billups Standard of Excellence Endowed Scholarship
Lonnie B. Smith Endowed Scholarship
The Ruston Alumni Chapter’s Family of Coach James Wicks Duncan Sr. Endowed Scholarship
Louisiana Tech University
Delbert and Shelia Chumley Endowed Professorship in College of Business
Ray and Dorothy Young Family Endowed Professorship AgScience
Ray and Dorothy Young Endowed Professorship in AgScience
Rick and Lisa Shirley Endowed Professorship
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Drs. Chuck and Sue Lein/BORSF Endowed Professorship in Music Business (name change from Drs. Chuck and Sue Lein/BORSF Endowed Professorship in Management)
University of New Orleans’ request for approval to refund Series 2014 Bonds, University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation, Inc. – Student Housing Project.
PERSONNEL
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to appoint Dr. Donald D. Simpson as Dean of the College of Health Sciences effective July 1, 2020.
