Issues & Answers
A Q&A on tuition and fee increases
Chancellor Jenkins addresses the student body about tuition and fee increases. Click to play [.wmv] |
In my twenty-plus years on this extraordinary campus, I have come to realize one absolute: a university can be only as great as the sum of its collective parts. LSU is no exception. My unwavering support for this institution is not based solely on things such as our magnificent architecture and stately oaks; it is rooted in what truly creates a top-tier university – its students and faculty.
With this in mind, I take the opportunity to answer a number of questions recently posed to me from many of you across campus regarding LSU's plans for achieving our flagship agenda goals and how those plans may affect us all in the future.
Q: Why does LSU need tuition or fee increases?
The Governor’s Preliminary Executive Budget recommends a 1.7 percent budget increase for LSU to keep the University at the southern peer average of per-student state appropriations. With a budget increase of that amount, LSU would provide for the need-based aid program, Pelican Promise, as well as upgrade faculty positions.
There are also things LSU still has to accomplish to not only progress in reaching the aforementioned southern peer average, but to simply maintain our current quality. The first item on the list is a pay increase to help retain quality faculty. This is the first priority for any revenue achieved through a tuition and/or fee increase.
Additional investments would be for quality improvements consistent with the Flagship Agenda:
- 20 new faculty positions ($3 million)
- 85 new graduate assistantships ($2 million)
- Advisors/counselors, First-Year Experience ($1 million)
- Scholarships ($1 million)
- Information technology and library ($3 million)
- Facility maintenance ($1.1 million)
- Additional 2 percent faculty merit increase to move pay closer to SREB average ($2.6 million)
LSU would obviously prefer for state appropriations to cover these needs and will continue to request appropriations for these enhancements. However, as the legislative process unwinds, we may need to look to our students to help keep the Flagship Agenda moving forward.
Q:Will TOPS cover the tuition increase?
Thanks to TOPS, an LSU student receiving the benefit currently pays $1,329 per year in fees; that is $398 less than a student paid in 1987-88 prior to the program being instituted ($1,727 per year). TOPS, in its current form, will pay for the tuition increase, but will not pay for the operational fee increase.
Q:Will the increase help LSU reach its Flagship Agenda goals? How?
Yes! The Flagship Agenda attempts to put the brightest people in an optimal living-learning environment. To gather these people, we must offer competitive pay for good faculty and offer scholarships and aid to undergraduate and graduate students.
The small state appropriation and the operational fee allow us to improve on our recruitment, retention, and graduation rate indicators. LSU plans to add professors to improve section availability, add advisors and counselors to help students move through their curriculum more easily, and make some investments in the first-year experience that are critical for retention and graduation.
The tuition increase would allow us to reward good faculty. In just the last two years, LSU has given faculty a 5 percent and a 6 percent pay raise, so we are gaining ground. LSU is about 7 percent away from reaching the SREB average in faculty pay.
The fee also allows LSU to improve the IT infrastructure and library. While the Student Technology Fee covers student-used equipment and software, the University must provide adequate cabling, Wi-Fi, technicians, protective software, and computing purchases not covered by the fee, but necessary to make IT work.
The LSU Libraries needs investment because our libraries serve the entire academic/research enterprise. LSU would also like to upgrade some of its facilities so faculty and students feel more comfortable in their work environment. This campus currently has a $200 million deferred maintenance backlog that can be reduced by steady investment.
Q:Will exemptions be made for low-income household students?
Both plans require that the increase be waived in cases of financial hardship. LSU defines a hardship case as a student who qualifies for a full Pell Grant. Since 2000, the Legislature has exempted every tuition and fee increase, amounting to $1,330 per year in exemptions. Last year, the total amount of these exemptions was $2.8 million.
Q:What has been the University's recent trend regarding tuition and fee increases?
Since 2000, the Louisiana Legislature has authorized an Academic Excellence Fee, an operational fee, and a multi-year 3 percent tuition increase. The increases have been very modest. Just over the last two years, LSU’s tuition and fee increases ranked as the 48th lowest of 50 flagship universities.
Q:What gains or improvements should the student body anticipate in the short-run resulting from tuition and fee increases?
The most immediate visible effect will be counselors in the colleges. Students should have greater access to advisors, which we expect will translate into faster movement through the University and higher graduation rates. There will also be additional faculty and a better IT operating environment. There should also be some physical changes in the campus, such as repairs and disability access.
Q:In general, how do increases in tuition/fees improve the image of LSU and allow the university to become more competitive against peer universities?
First, LSU’s tuition and fees should still be very modest compared to other flagship and peer universities. In terms of price, we should be very competitive.
Second, every investment gives LSU an improved position when competing for top faculty and students. Students can expect that each incoming class will be better than the one before.
Third, we should expect to see very soon action by the Governor and Legislature to fix some of the problems of higher education. We believe performance measures will be part of the plan and LSU is ready to meet any goal set forth by the state.
For years, LSU has been raising its standards, thereby raising the bar for local high schools. It is our hope that future state-mandated higher education changes will acknowledge the unique experience that we offer Louisiana’s students and the special economic development opportunities we give to the state.
I am proud of where LSU is today and of the many successes we have enjoyed over the years, but to simply maintain the status quo is not acceptable. I invite you all to join with me in working to make LSU a university where greatness is expected and not simply imagined.
Issue: Why isn’t the library open past midnight during the regular semester?
Answer: There has never been much traffic in Middleton Library after midnight. A few years ago, the first floor was kept open until 2 a.m., but with the myriad resources available electronically there were very few patrons. Staffing the library after midnight is extremely difficult and – with all its nooks and crannies – safety and security are of primary concern.
Issue: When completed, will the new Union Theater be completely handicapped accessible?
Answer: Currently, only the orchestra section of the Theater is accessible. The renovation will bring the facility into compliance with ADA regulations. This will include:
. accessibility to all three seating tiers.
. two new elevators will be installed on the northeast corner, serving the main building and the Theater.
. all restroom facilities and backstage facilities (dressing rooms) will be accessible.
. staircases that do not meet code will be replaced; hand railings will be installed as necessary.
. all major exterior entrances will have automatic doors.
LSU Response to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding Great Cats
Note: The following is Chancellor Sean O'Keefe's response to a letter from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dated Aug. 3, 2007, regarding LSU's plans to obtain a tiger cub from Great Cats.
August 8, 2007
Lisa Wathne
Captive Exotic Animal Specialist
PETA
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
Dear Ms. Wathne:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter expressing your views on LSU receiving a tiger from Great Cats of Indiana. We are committed to assuring that the tiger will be treated properly and that the refuge be responsible.
Based on our careful review of Great Cats, we are advised by expert U.S. Department of Agriculture personnel that this is a reputable and legitimate rescue program. Great Cats does not intentionally breed tigers, and our assessment is that they abide by the “guiding principles” of a legitimate sanctuary.
USDA further advises that the noncompliant items at Great Cats were all directly or indirectly related to shortages in operating funds and/or personnel. The issues under review by USDA primarily involve facility cleanliness. Sadly, personnel and funding shortages are common among animal rescue programs dependent primarily on private donations. This is a condition I know your organization is sensitive to helping to alleviate. We have been advised by USDA that the noncompliant items have been addressed by Great Cats. Indeed, our exercise of due diligence has served to highlight the benefit to the animal coming to LSU where there will be adequate resources, provision of excellent care, and a clean environment.
Your letter concluded with a caution as we move ahead to acquire the animal. Please be assured that LSU has never had any intention of paying for a tiger. Any tiger received by LSU will be donated.
Again, thank you for your interest in this matter. We are committed to providing a safe, humane, and compliant environment for a tiger at LSU.
With all best wishes,
Cordially,
Sean O'Keefe
Chancellor
Update on LSU Women’s Center and African American Cultural Center
The Women’s Center (WC) and the African American Cultural Center (AACC) Dialogue Teams*, which include affiliates, allies, and supporters, i.e. LSU faculty, staff, students, and community partners, met July 18, 2007, to discuss the current physical plant of both centers and the potential opportunity for growth and expansion. Some key facts presented during this meeting included:
- The current size of each center. The AACC is approximately 1200 sq. ft. and the WC is approximately 1600 sq. ft.
- The current limitations of each center. 1) The AACC has only one meeting space and no other isolated office space; 2) For minimal expansion, both centers would require significant private donations; and 3) Both Centers are on the LSU deferred maintenance list.
- Traffic flow and operations of each center.
- False reports of demolition and discontinuation of each center. Neither center is being demolished nor discontinued. This team will continue to work towards a plan that will be in the best interest of both centers.
This fruitful discussion highlighted the following:
- A recognized truth of the vital contributions that both centers offer to the campus and greater community.
- A unanimous decision to facilitate the expansion and growth of the WC and AACC while maintaining the individuality, integrity, and identity that each center brings to LSU .
- An excitement to work closely with University administration to brainstorm ideas for enhancing space allocation.
- A willingness to interface with campus and community constituents to gain feedback and provide vital progress reports.
* Dialogue Teams – These individuals have committed not only to working closely with the University administration but also to interfacing with campus and community constituencies who have passion about the future of the WC & AACC. Be assured that these stakeholders are vocalizing your concerns and open communication is taking place between the administration and campus and community constituents for both centers. It is our intention that these stakeholders will provide the greater community with accurate reports of the University’s progress.
Women’s Center: Dr. Rita Culross, Professor and Women & Gender Studies Director;
Tim Field, University College and Staff Senate President; Rachel Herbert, LSU graduate and current Women’s Center volunteer; Roberta Madden, YWCA Director of Women’s Health & Public Policy and Women’s Center advocate; Morgan Moreau, Women & Gender Studies major and Women Organizing Women President; Ashley Ransburg, LSU graduate and East Baton Rouge Parish public school teacher, Women’s Center & AACC advocate; Sheri Thompson, Computing Services, former WC director responsible for the WC move from Hatcher to current location; and Jessica Ketchum Weber, doctoral student and Women & Gender Studies Student Organization President.
African American Cultural Center: Dr. Troy Allen, African & African American Studies faculty member and African American Cultural Centers historian; Kwame Asante, State Director of the Louisiana NAACP;Westley Bayas, III, General Studies major and African American Cultural Center Student leader; Kirt Bennett, second African American LSU Student Government president and African American Cultural Center advocate; The Honorable Donald Cravins, Jr., Louisiana State Senator and African American Cultural Center advocate; Elise Gilbert, Kinesiology major; and 2007 Black History Month Chair; and Linda Smith Griffin, librarian and Black Faculty Association & BFSC representative.
For up-to-date information on this topic, please visit www.lsu.edu/diversity.
Issue: I've noticed that in the current as well as past political campaigns some candidates use LSU purple and gold and even reference "Tigers" in their campaign materials. Are these products licensed by LSU?
Answer: LSU has strict guidelines and standards for the use of its marks and colors and closely monitors infringement on the University’s trademark rights. We do not endorse political candidates, and when we are made aware of the issues you reference, we take immediate steps to curtail such use.
LSU Response to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
05/22/2007 02:44 PM
Note: The following is Chancellor Sean O'Keefe's response to a letter from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dated May 22, 2007, regarding LSU's plans to obtain a tiger. Sean O'Keefe |
Issue: The RIAA has traditionally engaged in scare tactics and over-ambitious lawsuits. As an LSU student living on campus, what steps has/will LSU take to protect the privacy of students who use peer-to- peer networks for legal purposes? And what steps has/will LSU take to protect its students from the RIAA's scare tactics?
Answer: I assure you that LSU strives to protect the privacy of its students, faculty, and staff. Concerning the issue of peer-to-peer file sharing, Information Technology Service (ITS) has educational material available online at File Sharing at LSU and www.lsu.edu/itpolicy on actions you can take to avoid copyright infringement, and ways in which students who use peer-to-peer applications for legal purposes can protect themselves. In addition, the institution has implemented preventative measures to insure appropriate use of peer-to-peer applications on our campus network and within the residential housing network we support.
I want to take a moment to explain in a bit of detail about how RIAA notifications work, both in the past and now with their new tactic. Indeed, you are correct that they do seem to be taking ever more aggressive actions.
First , ITS (on behalf of the University) does not reveal the identity of students in response to any notification from RIAA (MPAA, or others) regarding potential copyright infringement – unless a legal court order is issued (a subpoena). Here is how the notification process works.
These entities notify LSU of their belief that their copyright is being misused, under what is called the Digital Millennium Copyright (DMCA for short); they give us the only details they can get via the network – the IP number of the device alleged to have infringed on their copyright. The DMCA law then requires LSU to pass on these notifications to those connected to our network at that address. We do not reveal that information to the entity issuing the DMCA complaint. We alert the student – not the RIAA. We do monitor the individual's response to the complaint and there are actions we take as a University network provider (detailed in those Weblinks above).
If the University is served with a subpoena (legal order from a court of law) requiring the name of a person associated with that IP address – usually the result of the problem not being addressed, then and only then do we reveal the information we have on the person – as required by law. At this point, LSU cannot do otherwise and be within the law.
The latest RIAA process is a step beyond the DMCA notifications, but again falls short of a court-mandated action. Now, the RIAA is notifying universities that a particular IP number is infringing copyright and that they intend to eventually issue a subpoena to sue that person in court – but they're offering a chance for that individual to settle in advance without going to court. What LSU will do in this new process is to proceed with forwarding the notification to the user involved (as if it was a DMCA complaint, which after a fashion it is) – but again, we are not revealing their identity without the legal subpoena. We are also going to send along information we have on the law, so the person can best judge what to do.
The news stories also talk about the RIAA asking universities to keep log files. How LSU is interpreting this is as follows. They do not want us, should they issue a subpoena later, to then say “… we erased our network records (say, after the end of a semester) so we can not tell you who had that IP address anymore.” LSU, at the time the notification is received, makes note of to whom we sent the letter; and we've kept that information. We are not tracking the use of that user or computer nor are we keeping data about any use. This is the limit of what we feel we must do under the law. Despite comments in the media from other institutions, I have confidence that they, too, are doing this minimal record keeping.
As a point of fact, in the two years that I have been at LSU, we have not once received a court-order/subpoena to reveal an individual's identity. LSU also is well below the national average in receipt of DMCA complaints as well, and as my recent broadcast memo stated, we have not received any notifications in this most recent RIAA action. I believe that LSU students by and large respond appropriately to initial DMCA notifications, and thus there is no need for the RIAA to go further. This has been our experience to date.
I assure you that the Office of the CIO here at LSU, through its Information Technology Security & Policy function, is closely monitoring the actions being taken by the RIAA, and will work with University Counsel on insuring our network environment continues to promote compliance with the law that protects both copyright owners and the privacy of our network community. We are also working to ensure that the LSU community stays informed of developments.
Again, LSU is committed to providing a safe, secure environment for faculty, staff and students.
Issue: When will the parking garage be ready and who will be able to park in it?
Answer: We are just getting into the design phase of the parking garage, which will be located at the corner of Highland Road and Raphael Semmes Drive behind the African-American Cultural Center. We envision a 750-space facility with 100-150 spaces for exclusive student use (residents who reside on the east side of campus), 100-150 spaces for faculty and staff, and the rest for visitors (paid parking). We hope to get construction underway next spring or early summer when the renovations to Laville and Pentagon cafeterias are complete and we can tear down Highland Cafeteria. It should take about a year to complete, so we hope to have it open by Fall 2009 – or Spring 2010 at the very latest.
Issue: If LSU aspires to be a national flagship university, why is the library closed on home football game Saturdays?
Answer: Middleton Library is not always closed on Saturdays of home football games. If the game begins at 7 p.m. or thereafter, Middleton Library closes at 4 p.m. If the home game begins as early as 4 p.m., it closes at 1 p.m. If games begin between 4 and 7 p.m., a decision is made about closing time, depending upon the starting time of the game. If the game begins earlier than 4:00 p.m., Middleton Library does not open. And, of course, the library is not closed for away games.
Tailgating and game-daytraffic make it difficult for staff and patrons to get to the library. Staff and patrons usually have to park at considerable distance, and leaving campus is also very difficult, especially with the incoming traffic flow. In addition, there are sanitation, safety, and security issues.
The football Saturday Schedules policy is under Hours on the LSU Libraries home page at http://www.lib.lsu.edu/admin/hours/index.html. For the convenience of potential patrons, the closing notice is posted on the Web site as soon as the game time is known, and many of our resources are available electronically so they can be accessed from off campus.
Issue: I'm very upset that there aren't any bowling lanes or a billiard room included the LSU Union's renovation.
Answer: When planning for major renovations to the LSU Union began in 2001, the bowling lanes were included in the plans and were going to be turned into a state-of-the-art facility. During the second and third years of planning, however, several things occurred.
We discovered that the preliminary cost estimates for renovating the bowling lanes were considerably higher than expected – and this was before Hurricane Katrina, which drove all construction costs up even higher.
Interest in bowling has declined steadily over the last decade. In surveys we ran, bowling consistently ranked in the bottom third of services that students would use. In addition, statistics about bowling throughout the state indicated a steady decline in interest among high school students, meaning that smaller numbers of high school students came to college with an interest in bowling. A majority of college students today prefer the types of fitness activities now provided by recreational centers, for example, cardio equipment and weight training.
Bowling was eliminated as an activity class by the Department of Kinesiology. These classes helped create interest in the past.
I assure you, students were involved in every decision of planning from the very beginning through open forums, surveys, meetings with the design architects, and various planning committees.
You'll be happy to know that when completed, your Union will boast a new billiards room with all-new tables. It will be right next to the new Live Oak Lounge on the ground floor and will be accessible in the 24-hour zone.
Chancellor's statement on the purple and gold Confederate flag (August 18, 2006)
This is to reiterate the LSU position on the purple-and-gold Confederate flag. The most recent contribution to this important debate is contained in the July 31, 2006, edition of 225 magazine, in which an LSU student was interviewed concerning the matter.
LSU does not and will not condone the display of the purple-and-gold Confederate flag. Some members of the University community consider this a symbol of hate, bias, intolerance and bigotry, while others view it as a symbol of Southern heritage. LSU, and the First Amendment, support the right of both groups to express their views. However, the University discourages the display of this symbol, and, indeed, the use of the University colors should not imply endorsement or affiliation.
Some would like the University to “ban” the flag, but such an action would also violate a fundamental, constitutional First Amendment right of free expression. This law allows people to wave a purple-and-gold Confederate flag, but also allows others to protest that flag. As such, the University will not adopt an unenforceable policy to inhibit these rights, but will endeavor to encourage greater awareness of the offense it brings to members of our community. The University has actively discouraged the sale of the flag by commercial establishments and is seeking options to prohibit the use of the University colors in this manner.
The University seeks to encourage an open debate among students and members of the University community to foster continued intellectual discussion. Rather than impose one opinion on everyone, the University is a venue to encourage students, faculty, staff and community members to discuss this issue openly and honestly. Public discourse is the road to education, enlightenment and tolerance. To encourage that debate, LSU will sponsor a symposium this September to examine this issue and other related topics. Broad participation will be encouraged and welcomed.
LSU also has a responsibility for public safety and order. Campus demonstrations, like all other campus events, must be registered with the University through the Office of Student Life & Academic Services. All student groups must submit the event registration application. Non-student groups also must complete a similar registration process. Any event, rally, demonstration or protest that is not registered will not be permitted on campus. This policy is in place for the safety of all LSU students, faculty and staff. All student, and non-student, groups will be expected to follow LSU policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all. Those organizing and registering such events are reminded of the “peaceful assembly” policy and the Student Code of Conduct. These polices raise the prospect of constructive dialogue and civility. Adherence to these policies will contribute to a more meaningful and progressive debate to illuminate all points of view.
Issue: I think computer-based math tests are unfair. Is there any plan to do away with computer-based tests in math courses?
Answer: LSU has had great success with its computer-based math tests and does not intend to discontinue them. Indeed, our testing system has become the model that other universities are following.
Experience has shown that students who have success with computer-based testing usually are doing the homework enough times to learn both the skills and concepts involved. Learning for them has become active rather than passive.
All test questions come directly from the computer-based homework, which can be worked and reworked an infinite number of times, thus allowing a student to practice the actual test questions and not be surprised by what is marked right and what is marked wrong. In addition, the directions in the software are very clear and tell students exactly how to enter the answers. For example, in Math 1021, about 120 exercises from quizzes and tests (which come directly from the homework) have been consolidated into two review homework assignments. The 30+ questions on the final examination come directly from those 120 exercises, so there are no surprises.
Issue: What and how much does LSU recycle?
Answer: The University recycles mixed paper (white paper, card stock, colored paper, newspaper, envelopes, phonebooks, magazines, and computer paper), newsprint, cardboard, pallets, concrete, tires, batteries, oil, wood waste, glass, plastic, aluminum, and used cooking oil.
Every effort is made to make recycling easy for faculty, staff, students, and visitors. We have had great success with the blue exterior recycle bins for plastic and aluminum. About 30 exterior containers for the collection of glass plastic and aluminum are in high-traffic areas across campus, and new containers will be provided as funds come available. As an expansion of this effort we are also placing containers for plastic and aluminum can recycling inside classroom buildings. Pilot locations for this effort are the vending areas and entrances of Lockett, Coates Hall, Prescott , Atkinson, and Tureaud halls.
Since 2003, Facility Services has distributed some 2,000 desk-side recycle trays and 800 large recycle boxes to academic and administrative buildings and provides the custodial staff to empty interior recycle boxes. In the near future, the large cardboard paper recycle boxes with more durable blue plastic paper recycle containers.
With the increased number of newspapers being delivered to campus we have placed 30 green recycle bins in the Quad to help capture discarded newspapers.
In addition, there is a 6 yard recycle container located at 20 locations on campus for office paper, shredded paper, and flat cardboard.
Here's a quick glance at LSU recycling efforts:
SOLID WASTE & RECYCLE STATS |
||||
Containers |
Type |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Wausau container |
Aggregate |
. |
220 |
249 |
Paper recycle containers |
Indoor large |
. |
650 |
665 |
|
Desk side |
. |
1675 |
1675 |
Aluminum/plastic/glass containers |
Blue outdoor |
. |
26 |
46 |
Dumpster box |
30 yard |
. |
8 |
8 |
Front load dumpster |
2,4,6,8 yard |
. |
172 |
185 |
Recycling dumpster |
6, 8 yard |
. |
36 |
41 |
. |
. |
. |
. |
. |
Amount Removed |
. |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
Front Load (regular refuse) |
. |
|
|
19,675.61 yards |
Recycling (cardboard/paper) |
. |
387 tons |
520 tons |
304 tons |
Aluminum cans/plastic |
. |
1.5 tons |
8.2 tons |
12.17 tons (campus) |
Wood waste recycle |
. |
292 tons |
162 tons |
1,334.90 tons |
Pallets |
. |
500 ea. |
700 ea |
370 ea |
Concrete/demolition |
. |
654 tons |
1680 tons |
1775 yards |
Batteries |
. |
134 ea. |
353 ea |
94 ea |
Used cooking oil |
. |
N/A |
5050 gals |
9035 gals |
Tires |
. |
184 ea. |
144 ea. |
132 ea. |
Issue: Are the LSU products sold in the LSU Bookstore and elsewhere subject to labor code standards regarding working conditions?
Answer: Officially licensed LSU merchandise bears the "Officially Licensed Collegiate Products" label on the product or hangtag, which ensures that the product purchased has been approved and represents the good will of the University. Products that do not bear the label, but use the marks of LSU, may represent infringement of the trademark laws.
LSU's Trademark Licensing program was created in 1981 to protect the University's indicia, promote the University, and generate funds that are used for general University endeavors including scholarships and construction projects. LSU works with The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and law enforcement to ensure that merchandise being sold is from officially licensed vendors.
CLC's Special Agreement Regarding Labor Codes of Conduct (Code Agreement) promotes consistent and uniform labor code standards by providing a framework for bundling together the labor code requirements of various institutions represented by CLC. The labor code standards establish reasonable hours, working conditions, and pay for workers in foreign factories manufacturing products bearing the marks of collegiate institutions. By signing the Code Agreement, the licensee agrees to adhere to any and all labor code standards set forth by the licensing institution.
In order to monitor and verify compliance with code of conduct standards, many institutions– LSU included – are affiliated with organizations such as the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Worker's Rights Consortium (WRC) . Each organization establishes its own baseline labor code, which is similar to the CLC Code Agreement, and establishes its own monitoring program and resolution. Licensees are required to join the FLA as a prerequisite for the licensing programs for some universities – including LSU.
Issue: Why can't the University provide larger desks in the classrooms?
Answer: As part of a multi-year classroom renovation project funded by the Athletic Department, the University is replacing all of the wooden tablet-arm chairs with larger desks. The question regarding oversized desks has been raised by several students, and the University is investigating the availability of and possibility of providing such desks.
Issue: What procedures do students follow to appeal what they consider unfair action on the part of their instructors?
Answer: It is the University's basic philosophy that appeals should be settled at the lowest possible administrative level having the authority to act definitively and as quickly as possible. There is no single appeals process and there are specific guidelines for several different types of appeals. See Policy Statement (PS) 48 – Student Appeal Procedures for details. The document includes a Student Appeal Form.
In brief:
A. Contact the office primarily involved with the situation in question for specific procedural guidelines covering the desired appeal.
B. If the office as no specific procedure, PS-48 outlines the following process:
1. Meet with the University employee concerned to discuss the problem and attempt to arrive at a solution. You have 30 days to initiate the appeal.
2. If not satisfied with the answer, make a written appeal to the next level (supervisor, chair, dean). You may use the PS-48 Student Appeal Form to outline the case. You have 14 days to initiate this appeal after the meeting in Step 1. The administrator will attempt to arrange a meeting with 14 days of receiving the appeal and render a written decision with 14 days of the meeting.
3. If not satisfied with the answer, make a written appeal to the next level (chair, dean, vice chancellor). You should use PS-48 Student Appeal Form to outline the case. You have 14 days to initiate this appeal after the meeting in Step 2. You may request a hearing panel for this review. The administrator will gather written records and statements and attempt to resolve the question within 30 days . This decision may be based on the written documentation, on a meeting of all parties, or on a hearing panel.
This concludes the appellate process.
C. If you have concerns warranting a procedural review , you may petition the Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost with in 7 days for a review of the process followed by any part in the appeal.
Issue: What sort of surveillance system does the University have in place, especially in parking lots?
Answer: LSU's surveillance camera system, which is used as a tool in the University's crime prevention efforts, is operated by the LSU Police Department and maintained by the offices of Computing Services and Facility Services. The system is used strictly for surveillance purposes and only supplements the efforts of the men and women of the LSU Police Department.
LSU is committed to the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff and continuously evaluates its efforts as they relate to crime prevention and crime awareness. For example, on March 30, 2006, the LSU Police Department participated in a press conference held by Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden and Homeland Security personnel to announce the implementation of a parish wide camera system. Although the system is in its initial phase, plans are under way to incorporate major infrastructure and universities. Local police chiefs and emergency operations personnel attended the meeting and voiced their support for the program. LSU Police Chief Ricky Adams represented LSU at the meeting and will participate in plans to include LSU in the advanced surveillance camera system. For additional information please refer to the attached Web link: http://brgov.com/pressdet.asp?gID=1139
LSU Police encourages all students, faculty, and staff to exercise common sense crime prevention practices such as locking doors and windows, reporting suspicious activity immediately, utilizing campus transportation and campus transit, remaining alert to your surroundings, and paying close attention to the various news outlets for crime trends and criminal activity as reported by citizens and the police. LSU offers a variety of safety and crime awareness talks and is proud to host the RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) program as a part of its safety initiatives. For information on awareness programs, safety tips, and important crime information please visit the LSU Police Department Web site at http://appl003.lsu.edu/pubsafety/lsupolice.nsf/index .
Issue: Are there any plans to increase graduate stipends across campus if an "operational fee" of $150 is imposed?
Answer: We will consider an operational fee option if we can make qualitative improvements on campus and advance the National Flagship Agenda. If the state persists in increasing fees to cover appropriations shortages, we are opposed to that action. As for what we'd do if a fee were enacted to advance the Agenda, we will consider an increase to stipends if fees are increased commensurately, but we'll need to raise the private funds in our upcoming capital campaign to cover the costs of fellowships, etc.
Issue: I live north of campus on Nicholson Drive near Aster Street . Campus Transit is unable to provide night bus service to the area, and the city bus does not get me close enough to my apartment. Can the CATS bus route be changed to accommodate those of us living here?
Answer: Effective March 20, 2006, the CATS Night Route B was altered to better serve students residing in the vicinity of Nicholson Drive/Aster Street . The route now turns right off Nicholson directly onto Aster. This moves the route three blocks further north on Nicholson and closer to the student areas in the vicinity of Nicholson/Aster. The route runs until midnight. (See map below.)
Issue: During a Spring 2005 “Chat with the Chancellor,” I was asked if there were plans to replace the old, wood desks in CEBA and when the University would be getting ride of metal folding desks still in use. The following is an update on the project. (The original question and answer appear below.)
Answer: In a continuing effort to improve classroom seating, the majority of metal folding desks were removed from classrooms before the Fall 2005 semester began. As of today (Spring 2006), 1,125 new, molded composite seats have replaced the wood table-arm desks in 24 classrooms in 7 buildings across campus. The best of the older chairs were used to replace broken ones in other classrooms, and 300 of the wooden desks were transferred to South Campus for use in classrooms created for displaced LSU School of Dentistry students. In February 2006, bids will be let for the renovation – including new seating – of Himes Hall basement.
Issue: Why is Memorial Tower no longer lit with purple and gold colors at night? Why has the tower completely stopped the hour and quarter-hour chimes?
Answer: The purple and gold lighting was used in the mid 1990s during the Rekindle the Spirit campaign and on special occasions for some time thereafter. The effect was achieved by placing temporary filters over the existing lights provide the “tinting.”
Though the clock is functioning, there are problems with the chimes, which are experiencing mechanical failure. The technical but short answer is that the contacts on the controls have outlived their useful life and are in need of replacement. Periodically, Facility Services “tweaks” the mechanism to allow the chimes to function. The cost of repair of the chimes is approximately $20,000. The estimated cost for refurbishing the chimes and clock mechanisms is $250,000. With state budget cuts looming, the project is not as high on the priority list as roof leaks, building lighting, or air conditioning, for example. However, Memorial Tower is being refurbished, and in due time the chimes project will be addressed as part of the restoration – with a private donation, perhaps, rather than state funds.
A memorial to Louisianans killed in World War I, the tower was originally a military museum. In the early 1960s, it became home to the LSU Anglo-American Art Museum , now the LSU Museum of Art, which moved to its new location in the Shaw Center in March 2005. Over the next few years, Memorial Tower will again be a venue in which to showcase the University's military heritage – the LSU Military Museum – as well as a meeting/gathering place for various groups.
When restoration is completed, it would indeed be a wonderful idea to re-establish the tradition of purple and gold lighting.
