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MINUTESBOARD OF REGENTSMarch 27, 2008The Board of Regents met in session at 9:05 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, in the Louisiana Purchase Room, Claiborne Building, 1201 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chair Pat Strong called the meeting to order. Executive Assistant to the Commissioner, Ms. Carolyn Blanchard, called the roll, and a quorum was established. Present for the meeting were:
Absent for the meeting was: W. Clinton Rasberry, Jr. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Strong noted that no written requests were received for public comments and asked whether the audience had any comments at this time. There were none. MINUTES APPROVEDAPPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 28, 2008 On motion of Regent Toups, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of February 28, 2008. PRESENTATION BY DR. LARRY HOLLIER, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF THE LOUISIANA CANCER RESEARCH CENTER AND CHANCELLOR OF THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER - NEW ORLEANS Regent Strong recognized Mr. Donald Vandal, Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, who gave a brief history of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium. He noted that Act 41 of the 2002 Special Legislative Session created the Consortium and Act 19 of the 2002 Regular Legislative Session created support for the Consortium. He said funding is $10 million per year. Mr. Vandal introduced Dr. Larry Hollier, Chair of the Board, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, and Chancellor of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Dr. Allan Miller, Interim Senior Vice President of Health Sciences at Tulane University Health Sciences Center. Dr. Miller updated the Board on information relative to the Louisiana Cancer Research Center obtaining designation as a National Cancer Research Institute. Dr. Hollier noted that research is the main building block to becoming a National Research Cancer Institute. During discussions surrounding the construction of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, the decision to include patient care was deemed necessary. Dr. Hollier discussed how the inclusion of patient care would change the construction of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. A full discussion with the Board ensued, with several members expressing their own personal experiences with healthcare issues. Regent Labat, an emergency room physician, expressed her concerns that the delays in constructing the Center will result in a continued denial of medical access for many people. Dr. Hollier gave a power point presentation on Louisiana’s healthcare manpower crisis. Regent Strong thanked Dr. Hollier and Dr. Miller for the very enlightening discussion and complimented the collaboration between both universities. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF STANDING COMMITTEESSPONSORED PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORTOn behalf of Regent Levy, Chair of the Sponsored Programs Committee, Dr. Kerry Davidson, Deputy Commissioner for Sponsored Programs, presented motions from the Sponsored Programs Committee Report of March 26, 2008. CONSIDERATION OF FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT AWARDS (REA) PROGRAM COMPONENT OF THE JOINTLY SPONSORED (REGENTS/NASA) LOUISIANA SPACE CONSORTIUM (LaSPACE) PROGRAM On motion of Regent Levy, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Sponsored Programs Committee to approve the LaSPACE consultants’ report and funding recommendations in the amount of $128,638 relative to the four top-ranked LaSPACE Research Enhancement Award (REA) projects recommended for funding, to be paid from Support Funds annually allocated to the LaSPACE Research Enhancement Awards program. Projects will be funded in the order, amounts, and with any stipulations recommended in the consultants’ report. If an award is declined, that award shall be offered to the alternate proposals in the order indicated in the report. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR MATCHING FUNDS FOR PROPOSAL TO THE NSF CENTERS OF RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (CREST) PROGRAM On motion of Regent Levy, seconded by Regent Klein, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Sponsored Programs Committee to approve committing a cash match from previously unspent monies in the Board of Regents Support Fund for the Southern University NSF CREST proposal entitled “Center for Bioenergy Research and Development.” The amount of cash match provided annually shall be $150,000, not to exceed a total of $750,000 for the initial five-year duration of the award. Matching funds are to be provided only if NSF CREST funding is received. UPDATES EMANATING FROM THE BoRSF PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2008 Dr. Davidson mentioned that the BoRSF Planning Committee had endorsed a resolution for the Louisiana Online Grants Administration Network (LOGAN), a web-based system of grants administration. He said an internal assessment report was included in the Board packet. ADOPTION OF THE SPONSORED PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Levy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Sponsored Programs Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) FACILITIES AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE REPORTOn behalf of Regent Stelly, Vice Chair of the Facilities and Property Committee, Mr. Rich Griswold, Associate Commissioner for Facilities, presented motions from the Facilities and Property Committee Report of March 26, 2008. SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS REPORT On motion of Regent Stelly, Seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the Small Capital Projects Report as listed: Highland Hall Bathroom Renovations - Broussard Hall (Building 98) Replace AHU and Remove Abandoned Equipment Main Equipment Room) - Evangeline Hall Bathroom Renovations - David Boyd Hall - First and Second Floor Renovations - School of Veterinary Medicine Lab Casework and Finish Out - Athletic Soccer Field Renovations and Drainage Improvements - Restroom and Locker Room Facility - Chimes Street Pedestrian Corridor and Tree Protection - Equine Stall Renovation - Phase II - Choppin Hall Lab - Existing Casework Replacement and Hood Installation - South Campus - Reroofing Building 3010 - Kirby Smith - First Floor Adaptive Reuse - Science Building - Replacement of Air Handling Units Lion’s Eye Center Dry Fire Suppression System - Fourth Floor Corridor Ceiling Replacement - Residence Hall ADA Improvements - Red River Watershed Management Institute Field Station - FY 2008-2009 CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET RECOMMENDATION AMENDMENTS On a motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to defer action on the Southern University System request that the BOR amend its FY 2008-2009 Capital Outlay Budget Recommendation to include a project to construct parking garages at Southern University and A&M College. Staff is directed to conduct further evaluation relative to the propriety of the State’s participation in what is typically thought of as an auxiliary enterprise. On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Brame, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to amend its FY 2008-2009 Capital Outlay Budget Recommendation to supplement funding for the project to construct a Cultural Center (Information Center) at Southern University and A&M College. The amount of the supplement is $1,300,000, to come from State General Obligation Bonds. On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to amend its FY 2008-2009 Capital Outlay Budget Recommendation to supplement the project for the construction of the T. H. Harris Hall Annex at Southern University and A&M College. The project will cost $4,400,000, with funding to come from self-generated sources. ACT 959 PROJECTS On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Smith, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the construction of an Environmental Classroom Building at Camp Grant Walker under the provisions of Act 959 of 2003. The project will cost $570,000 from self-generated sources. On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the project to construct a Multi-Purpose Facility at the Southern University Agricultural Center under the provisions of Act 959 of 2003. The project will construct approximately 6,224 GSF of space at a cost of approximately $771,776. On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Brame, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the project to construct a Quadrangle at McNeese State University. The project, in essence a campus beautification project of an existing open area, is estimated to cost $1,050,000 which is to come from a self-imposed dedicated student fee. LEASES On a motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the lease of the playing field at Cajun Field at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to Rajun Cajun Facilities, Inc. (RCFI) for the purpose of installing a state-of-the-art artificial playing surface. The work is to be completed before the first game in August 2008. The improvements, anticipated to cost $650,000, will be leased back to the university upon completion of the work, whereupon the lease will terminate with improvements donated to the university. Terms of the lease are 6% for three (3) years. DEMOLITION OF EXISTING FACILITIES On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Smith, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Facilities and Property Committee to approve the demolition of substandard, existing, married student apartment buildings at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette as a continuation of the plan to provide modern housing on campus. ADOPTION OF THE FACILITIES AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Facilities and Property Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) Regent Strong inquired about the Division of Administration’s review of the current capital outlay process. Dr. E. Joseph Savoie, Commissioner of Higher Education, noted that the process would be reviewed during the 2008 Regular Legislature Session. Regent Strong strongly suggested that higher education have input in the review of the process. Regent Toups requested that a resolution be sent to the Legislature to urge the Division of Administration to proceed with funding and construction of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium research facility. On motion of Regent Toups, seconded by Regent Klein, the Board voted unanimously to recommend that a resolution be forwarded to the Legislature that urges the Division of Administration to proceed with funding and construction of the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium research facility. ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORTOn behalf of Regent Roy, Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, Mr. Gerard Killebrew, Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs, presented motions from the Academic and Student Affairs Committee Report. PROPOSED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Louisiana Technical College - Delta Ouachita Campus A.A.S. in Industrial Instrumentation Technology On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klein, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant conditional approval for the proposed A.A.S. in Industrial Instrumentation Technology (CIP Code 15.0404) at Louisiana Technical College - Delta Ouachita Campus, effective immediately. Beginning January 1, 2009, and annually on that date until NAIT accreditation has been achieved, the College campus shall submit a progress report to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs, updating progress toward programmatic accreditation as well as numbers of program enrollees and graduates. A.A.S. in Industrial Electronics Technology On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant conditional approval for the A.A.S. in Industrial Electronics Technology (CIP Code 47.0105) at Louisiana Technical College - Delta Ouachita Campus, effective immediately. Beginning January 1, 2009, and annually on that date until NAIT accreditation has been achieved, the College campus shall submit a progress report to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs, updating progress toward programmatic accreditation as well as numbers of program enrollees and graduates. Baton Rouge Community College - A.S. in Criminal Justice On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant conditional approval for the proposed Associate of Science program in Criminal Justice (CIP Code 43.0107) at Baton Rouge Community College, effective Fall 2008. By August 1, 2008, the College shall submit a progress report to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs which details efforts at securing additional faculty lines for this program. Additionally, a complete budget and budget explanation for program operations should also be submitted. Contingent upon the contents of this report, additional progress reports may be required. PROPOSED ACADEMIC/RESEARCH UNITS University of Louisiana-Lafayette - Institute for Coastal Ecology and Engineering (ICEE) On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant conditional approval for the Institute for Coastal Ecology and Engineering (ICEE) at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette through December 31, 2012. By December 31, 2009, an interim progress report shall be submitted to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs fully describing Institute revenues and expenses for the remaining three years of approval. Subsequent action may be required depending on the contents of this report. Louisiana State University and A&M College - Center for Advanced Materials On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant conditional approval for the proposed Center for Advanced Materials at Louisiana State University and A&M College for a period of one year, effective immediately. As required by the Board of Regents Academic Affairs Guidelines: Proposed New Centers, Institutes, and other Academic/Research Units, LSU shall submit to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs a proposal for full approval of the Center by March 1, 2009. In particular, this proposal shall provide for future external funding of the Center. PROPOSED LETTER OF INTENT - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE - PH.D. IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Brame, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to grant approval for the proposed Letter of Intent for the projected Ph.D. program in Environmental Sciences (CIP Code 02.0101) at Louisiana State University and A&M College. Any forthcoming proposal as a result of this Letter of Intent shall fully address issues and concerns as described in the staff summary. RESEARCH UNIT TERMINATION - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE - CENTER FOR VIRTUAL ORGANIZATION AND COMMERCE On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to terminate the Center for Virtual Organization and Commerce at Louisiana State University and A&M College, effective immediately. PROGRESS REPORTS ON CONDITIONALLY APPROVED PROGRAMS/UNITS Southern University at New Orleans M.A. in Museum Studies On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the March, 2008 progress report from Southern University - New Orleans relative to implementation of the M.A. program in Museum Studies. The University is hereby directed to conduct a critical assessment of program prospects. If upon completion of this process, the University decides that program maintenance is desirable, then the University shall develop a long-range developmental plan for necessary program support and augmentation. This plan shall provide for the level of curricular breadth and depth with accompanying assured financial support required of such programs nationally. This report, due to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs by August 1, 2008, shall be assessed by appropriate external consultants and their advice provided both to the University and the Board of Regents. If a decision is made otherwise, then the University shall recommend to the Regents a possible replacement program which better meets its students’ needs. B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the January, 2008 progress report from Southern University - New Orleans relative to implementation of the B.A. program in Child Development and Family Studies. By August 1, 2008, the University shall submit a subsequent progress report to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs. Southern University - Baton Rouge Ph.D. in Urban Forestry On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the January, 2008 progress report from Southern University-Baton Rouge relative to implementation of the Ph.D. program in Urban Forestry. As a result of examination of this report, the following conditions shall apply:
M.S. in Criminal Justice On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the 2008 progress report from Southern University-Baton Rouge relative to implementation of the M.S. program in Criminal Justice. Given continuing critical unmet resource needs in this program, the following conditions shall apply:
Upon staff assessment of these documents, the staff may recommend further action as needed. University of New Orleans - B.S. in Entrepreneurship On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the January, 2008 progress report relative to implementation of the B.S. program in Entrepreneurship at the University of New Orleans. By January 1, 2009, the University shall submit a subsequent progress report to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs addressing continuing concerns. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport - Doctor of Physical Therapy On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee to receive the December, 2007 progress report from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - Shreveport relative to implementation of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. By January 1, 2009, the Center shall submit to the Associate Commissioner for Academic Affairs a subsequent progress report addressing adequacy of faculty resources. ADOPTION OF THE ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Roy, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Academic and Student Affairs Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) LEGISLATION COMMITTEEOn behalf of Regent Stelly, Chair of the Legislation Committee, Ms. Connie Koury, General Counsel, presented motions from the Legislation Committee Report. LEGISLATION AND LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2008
COSBP Resolution Ms. Koury noted that both Senator Nevers and Representative Trahan have agreed to file a concurrent resolution that urges and requests the Board of Regents to investigate the increasing cost of textbooks. The resolution urges and requests the management boards, in coordination with the Board of Regents, to institute an early notification of the adopted book lists for courses at least 60 days prior to the beginning of each session. Ethic Bills Ms. Koury stated that during the 1st Special Session of 2008, the issue of Ethics was discussed. ADOPTION OF THE LEGISLATION COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Stelly, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Legislation Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTOn behalf of Regent Brame, Chair of the Finance Committee, Mr. Vandal presented the Finance Committee Report of March 26, 2008. FY 2008-09 BUDGET UPDATE Mr. Vandal said an update was given on the development of the Executive Budget to be considered during the 2008 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Mr. Vandal also noted that there was a significant number of items funded in 2007-2008 with one-time funds that were non-recurred in the Governor’s Executive Budget. ADOPTION OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Brame, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Finance Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTOn behalf of Regent Toups, Chair of the Technology Committee, Dr. Larry Tremblay, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs, presented the Technology Committee Report of March 26, 2008. LOUISIANA OPTICAL NETWORK INITIATIVE (LONI) UPDATE Dr. Tremblay noted that Mr. Lonnie Leger, Director of Networking for LONI gave an update. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION CAMPUS PHYSICAL SECURITY INITIATIVE Dr. Tremblay noted that representatives from the system offices and campuses gave a report on the Postsecondary Education Campus Physical Security Initiative. He said that Ms. Stacy Hall, Department of Health and Hospitals, State Coordinator for the Strategic National Stockpile Program, had presented the basics of the DHH Strategic National Stockpile Program Point of Dispensing Planning. ADOPTION OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Toups, seconded by Regent Smith, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Technology Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.) PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE REPORTOn behalf of Regent Stokes, Chair of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee, Dr. Tremblay presented motions from the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee Report of March 26, 2008. LICENSURE On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to approve an initial license for American College of Education, located in Chicago, Illinois. On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Bruno, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to renew the licenses of Central Texas College and Walden University. PROPRIETARY SCHOOLS On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Smith, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to approve an initial operating license for Baker Center for Health Careers, LLC, located in Baker, Louisiana. On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Smith, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to approve an initial operating license for River Parish Allied Health Institute, LLC, located in Paulina, Louisiana. On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Klock, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to approve the Associate in Occupational Studies Degree program in Legal Office Technology at Career Technical College, with campuses located in Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana. On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Roy, the Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee to renew the licenses of the following proprietary schools (initial license date in parentheses):
REPORT FROM ACTING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Regent Strong presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Commissioner Savoie on behalf of Mr. Andy Benoit, Director of Admissions at the University of New Orleans and Louisiana President of the American College Testing (ACT) Council, for his many contributions to education in Louisiana. The Commissioner thanked everyone, and said he appreciates the work of ACT. ADOPTION OF THE PLANNING, RESEARCH, AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE REPORT OF MARCH 26, 2008 On motion of Regent Stokes, seconded by Regent Levy, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Planning, Research, and Performance Committee Report of March 26, 2008. (Copy on file in the office of the Board of Regents.)REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERCommissioner Savoie reported on the following items:
 The Regular Legislative Session begins on Monday, March 31.
OTHER BUSINESSRegent Strong inquired if a motion was necessary for the Commissioner to act on behalf of the board on higher education issues during the upcoming Regular Legislative Session. On motion of Regent Levy, seconded by Regent D’Aquin, the Board voted unanimously to, in keeping with traditional practice, authorize the Commissioner of Higher Education in consultation with the Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Legislation Committee, be given the latitude to respond to the various changes that may be offered to the bills concerning postsecondary education, in a manner consistent with the interests of postsecondary education and in keeping with the Board’s historically-stated positions. ADJOURNMENTOn motion of Regent Strong, seconded by Regent Klock, there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m. |
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