June 2020 Board Meeting
Today the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System held its regular board meeting. The meeting live stream is archived here.
STUDENT BOARD MEMBER AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP
Today’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System marked the end of Student Board Member Rachel Lautigar’s term. The Board honored Lautigar’s service with a ceremony passing the gavel to new student Board member Olivia Bailey.
“The student board member offers a unique perspective,” Board Chair Mark Romero said. “We are thankful Rachel sacrificed her free time to be the voice of the students across Louisiana, and we look forward to welcoming Olivia with open arms.”
Bailey, who was sworn in as the 46th student Board member, is the SGA president at University of Louisiana Monroe. Bailey has been exposed to the workings of the Board over the past several months as a member of the ULM Presidential Search Committee.
“I am so grateful to serve as this year’s student member to the Board of Supervisors,” Bailey said. “The student voice needs to be heard more than ever before. I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
In recognition of the commitment and sacrifice of the student member, the Board established the ULS Foundation Student Board Member Scholarship to support the student member’s future educational endeavors.
“This position connected the dots for me in recognizing the importance of the nine universities that make up this System,” Lautigar said. “Before my role on this Board, I was set to move out of state. My time here showed me how important education is and how much potential we have to improve the state.”
Lautigar, the first recipient of this scholarship, will be pursuing her law degree.
NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS JUSTICE AND CONFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS
Today, the Board addressed the social unrest the nation has faced the past month with an in-depth look at the System’s diversity and equity initiatives to date and by approving UNO’s Ph.D. in Justice Studies. Associate Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, and Effectiveness for the UL System Claire Norris delivered a report on the state of programs supporting equity and inclusion within the Reginald F. Lewis Educational Equity Initiative. Norris highlighted the Board’s work in creating leadership teams more reflective of the System population and seeking partnerships with organizations that can elevate our work.
A 2017 JustSouth Index report measuring social justice ranked Louisiana last in the nation. UNO’s Ph.D. in justice studies will develop leaders well-equipped to address issues of social, political, and economic justice.
“The city of New Orleans and the University of New Orleans are rich with both successes and challenges in the continuing fight for social justice,” University of New Orleans President John Nicklow said. “The university carries an obligation to catalyze change through education and research and this degree is great progress. The University of New Orleans is proud to assume a greater role in striving for racial justice.”
In October 2018 the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System reaffirmed the System’s emphasis on fostering an inclusive and diverse environment with the adoption of its Diversity Commitment. Since, the Universities of Louisiana have implemented several programs to move closer to that goal, all housed within the Reginald F. Lewis Educational Equity Initiative. The first annual report of the initiative has recently been published outlining all steps taken to better support educational experiences inclusive to all.
“As higher education leaders, we recognize that education is the great equalizer,” Norris said. “There is a direct correlation between this Board’s work improving educational opportunities in our state and increased outcomes in nearly every aspect of life.”
Actionable steps toward equity continue to be a Board priority.
UNIVERSITIES TO REOPEN FOR FALL SEMESTER
The Universities of Louisiana are planning for a return to on-campus instruction for the fall semester. Our member institutions are committed to providing accommodations to those in vulnerable populations while upholding the following four hierarchical principles outlined in the System’s guidelines for fall 2020.
1. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and our communities is paramount.
2. The continuity of learning and research must be maintained, adapting to fulfill Principle 1 as appropriate and necessary.
3. The financial health and viability of the enterprise must be protected and is dependent upon the fulfillment of Principles 1 and 2.
4. The social, emotional, and economic welfare of our communities must be considered and are dependent upon the fulfillment of Principles 1, 2, and 3.
“We have heard from our university communities and understand that this Board and the public share safety as our priority,” System President Jim Henderson said. “Fall 2020 will look decidedly different than last semester and even the one before it. There are still uncertainties, but we are looking forward to being on campus soon.”
The Universities of Louisiana continue to emphasize the importance of social distancing and hand washing. Masks will be worn in all common areas to further protect students, faculty, staff, and university communities against the spread of COVID-19.
BOARD ACTION:
ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
Grambling State University: approval of an Undergraduate Certificate (UC) in Data Analytics.
McNeese State University: approval of a Post Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Special Education Mild/Moderate for Secondary Education Grades 6-12.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of an Associate of General Studies.
University of New Orleans: approval of a Ph.D. in Justice Studies.
University of Louisiana System: approval to enter into a Course and Services Agreement with StraighterLine, Inc. for Compete LA students.
ATHLETIC COMMITTEE
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Giorgia Pozzan, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Michael E. Fluty, Head Women’s Golf Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Derek Plucienski, Head Men’s Golf Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Brendon James Gilroy, Head Men/Women’s Track Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
Nicholls State University: approval of supplemental compensation to certain Athletic Department employees.
Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Anna Nimz, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective April 20, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Timothy Donnelly, Associate Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Benjamin Gipson, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Kenneth Lee, Jr., Associate Women’s Basketball Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Corey Mistretta, Head Track and Field Coach, effective August 1, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. William Jake Narro, Head Golf Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. James Matthew Riser, Head Men’s Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a contract with Mr. Austin Armstrong, Assistant Football Coach, effective March 6, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a contract with Mr. Robby Discher, Assistant Football Coach, effective March 6, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of the first amendment to a contract with Dr. Bryan Maggard, Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2019.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of an amended and restated contract with Ms. Heather Mazeitis-Fontenot, Head Volleyball Coach, effective February 1, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of contractual amendments with Mr. Tim Baldwin, Head Men’s Golf Coach, effective April 1, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Mr. Matt Viator, Head Football Coach, effective July 1, 2020.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Ms. Keeshawn Davenport, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective May 1, 2020.
FACILITIES PLANNING
Louisiana Tech University: approval to demolish Cottingham Hall, Richardson Hall, and Mitchell Hall.
McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease Agreement with McNeese State University Foundation (Foundation) to install artificial turf at Joe Miller Ballpark and to enter into a related Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Foundation and the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Nicholls State University: approval to name the greenhouse the “Arlen B. Cenac Greenhouse.”
Nicholls State University: approval to name the Convergence Media Center in Talbot Hall the “DeSalvo-Callais Family Student Media Center.”
Nicholls State University: approval to name the newly constructed addition to Barker Hall Athletics Complex “The Boucvalt Family Athletic Center.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to rename the Lagniappe Theatre inside Bayou Pointe Event Center to “Camile W. Currier Student Theatre.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to proceed with the First Amendment to the Grounds and Facilities Lease between the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the University of Louisiana Monroe Facilities, Inc. for the property located at 870 Hwy. 80 East, Monroe, LA 71203.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to demolish the ULM Soccer House located at 4709 Bon Aire Drive on the campus of the University.
Nicholls State University: approval to initially lease the Carmel Inn and Suites, and subsequently purchase it, located at 400 East First Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301.
FINANCE
McNeese State University: approval to offer a 20% tuition discount to College of Education students entering certain alternative certification and degree programs.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of 2020-21 Meal Rates.
University of Louisiana System: approval of the Board Operations and System Universities’ Fiscal Year 2020-21 Internal Audit Plans.
PERSONNEL
McNeese State University: approval to appoint Dr. Wade Anthony Rousse as Vice President for University Advancement effective July 1, 2020.
Northwestern State University: approval to reappoint Dr. Frances Conine as Interim Vice President for the Student Experience and Dean of Students effective July 1, 2020.
Northwestern State University: approval to reappoint Dr. Francene Lemoine as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences effective July 1, 2020.
Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Dr. Michael Snowden as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion effective August 3, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to reappoint Dr. Geralyn McClure Franklin as Interim Dean of the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration effective July 1, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to appoint Dr. Valerie Fields as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs effective July 1, 2020.
University of New Orleans: approval to appoint Dr. Pamela Kennett-Hensel as Interim Dean of College of Business effective July 1, 2020.
