Objectives of the National Flagship Agenda

Objective 1. Increase research productivity in support of long-term economic development

Actions

1. Add a minimum of 150 faculty, provide for appropriate support staff, and compensate all faculty and staff competitively with LSU peers.
2. Increase graduate assistants by 50%, and double the number of post-doctorate positions.
3. Increase laboratory space by 50% for strategic growth in targeted areas to support increases in federal research productivity.
4. Increase annual library collections and access to scholarly material by 50%.
5. Strengthen technology infrastructure as outlined in the IT Master Plan.
6. Eliminate barriers to securing resources for productive research
7. Support PK-16+ teacher reform and underlying research.

Objective 2. Increase number and quality of graduate students and programs

Actions

1. Increase total number of high quality graduate students, particularly in doctoral fields that complement research strengths and in key areas of leadership and development for the state.
2. Continue to increase diversity of graduate students and faculty.
3. Increase quality and competitiveness of graduate programs through targeted investments and systematic program review.

Objective 3. Increase quality of undergraduate students and programs

Actions

1. Increase undergraduate admission standards and move to a more competitive and holistic admissions model. Strategically recruit and retain top students.
2. Increase recruitment, orientation, and retention efforts for transfer students.
3. Provide a broad array of nationally-competitive undergraduate degree programs through systematic review and targeted investments.
4. Provide innovative learning experiences that complement and enhance academic programs including international, multi-cultural, and interdisciplinary programs.

Objective 4. Improve quality of campus life

Actions

1. Increase effectiveness of programs and services that support student, faculty, staff and administrator success.
2. Increase diversity and inclusiveness of LSU, with increased emphasis on recruiting and retaining minority and women students and faculty, providing a workplace free of intolerance or discrimination.
3. Increase the quality of the working, learning, and living environment.

Objective 5. Assess LSU's progress and communicate achievements

Actions

1. Systematically and objectively monitor LSU's progress and address the key areas of concern.
2. Make a concerted effort to nominate students, faculty, and staff for national awards.
3. Identify and continuously update primary sources of information regarding student, faculty, and staff achievements.
4. Identify and invest in opportunities to inform national organizations and news sources on LSU's progress.

Objective 6. Increase funding sources to support Objectives 1-5

Action

1. Increase federal, state, and private dollars used for campus renovations and new building initiatives.
2. Increase state general fund direct support.
3. Create targeted revenue streams for research from state and federal funds.
4. Raise private funds to support undergraduate scholarships, graduate student stipends, and key academic initiatives.
5. Maintain tuition and student-paid fees, as well as available need-based aid and merit scholarships, at appropriate and competitive levels.