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Louisiana State University

Compliance Certification

Submitted as part of the requirements for reaffirmation of accreditation by sacscoc under the new
principles of accreditation
(www.lsu.edu/sacscoc)

August 15, 2003

PREFACE

CONTENTS

Core Requirements

Core Requirements

1.      The institution has degree granting authority from the appropriate government agency or agencies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The 1974 Louisiana State Constitution (Article VIII, Section 7) provides the LSU Board of Supervisors the authorization to grant degrees.  (To view the Constitutional statements, scroll down from the top of Article VIII  to §7. Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.)  Additional legislative action is noted in Acts 1998, 1st Ex Sess., No. 169 and Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 170.

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2.   The institution has a governing body of at least five members that is the legal body with the specific authority over the institution. The board is an active policy-making body for the institution and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the financial resources of the institution are adequate to provide a sound educational program. The board is not controlled by a minority of board members or by organizations or interests separate from it. Neither the presiding officer of the board, nor the majority of other voting members of the board, have contractual, employment, or personal or familial financial interest in the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

A 16-member governing board, the LSU Board of Supervisors (quorum of 10), is responsible for Louisiana State University.  In some cases the 9-member Executive Committee (Chair, Vice Chair, Chairs of standing committees, and appointees of the Chair) takes action. Once members of the board have been appointed, their conduct and responsibilities are guided by existing laws and policies designed to prevent potential conflicts.  The Board of Supervisors’ power is derived from the 1974 Louisiana State Constitution  (Article VIII, Section 7), while some coordinating and advisory functions are assigned to the Board of Regents and enumerated by the state constitution (Article VIII, Section 5).  Once members of the board have been appointed, their conduct and responsibilities are guided by existing laws and policies designed to prevent potential conflicts. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for the dispersal of state-appropriated funds to the individual institutions that it serves (Article 8, Section 12).

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3.   The institution has a chief executive officer whose primary responsibility is to the institution and who is not the presiding officer of the board.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Chancellor serves as the chief executive officer of Louisiana State University, a unit head within the LSU system and subject to the direction and control of the President of the LSU System and the LSU Board of Supervisors. The Chancellor exercises complete executive authority over the institution in accordance with LSU Policy Statement 50: Responsibilities and Concerns of University Personnel, Section D, #1 and the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors, Article 7, section 4.  (To view the Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Principal Administrative Officers of the LSU System, click on the Bylaws link, open the .pdf file, and page forward to Article 7, section 4.)

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4.   The institution has a clearly defined and published mission statement specific to the institution and appropriate to an institution of higher education, addressing teaching and learning and, where applicable, research and public service.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

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5.   The institution engages in ongoing, integrated, and institution-wide research-based planning and evaluation processes that incorporate a systematic review of programs and services that (a) results in continuing improvement, and (b) demonstrates that the institution is effectively accomplishing its mission.

·        In Compliance

Narrative: 

Planning and review activities at LSU are documented on the university’s Planning & Review website. The University Planning Council (UPC), an advisory body to the Chancellor, maintains the institution’s strategic and long-range plans, determines the Planning Calendar, and guides the planning process which, in turn, is directly linked to the university’s budget cycle.  The planning and budget cycles are shown on the Planning & Assessment Chart.  (The Chart is a .pdf image map.  Use the Zoom-In and Zoom-Out tools to more easily read any part of the Chart.).  The 1998-2003 Planning Cycle was based on the University Planning Document drafted by the UPC.  With the conclusion of this 5-year planning cycle in 2003, the UPC helped to coordinate the dialogue and discussion that supported the development of the central focus of the next planning cycle, the 7-year Flagship Agenda.  The 2003-2010 Planning Cycle is anchored by the National Flagship Action Agenda which will guide the university’s efforts to reach national flagship status and will culminate in 2010 with the university’s 150^th anniversary celebration. 

All areas of the university, including departments, colleges, units, etc., report annually on their planning and assessment activities.  During the 1998 – 2003 Planning Cycle, the annual updates were posted as Unit Plans in a central database on the LSU website.  (SACSCOC Off-Site Reviewers:  After accessing the Unit Plans page for the desired year from the 1998 – 2003 Planning Cycle menu bar, please be sure to click on ‘Log-In’ on the far right of the menu bar at the top of the page to have full access to all information.)  Under the 2003-2010 Planning Cycle, website posting of departmental and unit planning and assessment activities is decentralized with plans posted on the departmental or unit websites.  College or division plans are posted on the respective college or division websites.  The UPC coordinates this university-wide effort.

 A central component of assessment and evaluation at LSU is internal Program Review.  All academic programs are reviewed every 10 years.  Programs designated as Foundations of Excellence are reviewed every 5 years.  The purpose of internal program review is to improve programs through a systematic, cyclical review process.  The value of Program Review rests on the outcomes and their usefulness. Because the process and outcomes are developed for purposes of improving educational opportunities, curriculum quality, and program relevance, the university strives to make appropriate use of the results as outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement developed by the department, college, and provost at the conclusion of each Review.  A summary of activities and accomplishments of the Program Review Process are noted on the Council’s website.  Accomplishments and educational initiatives are also noted on the Chancellor’s website, the Foundations of Excellence website, and within individual college, departmental, and unit plans.

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6.   The institution is in operation and has students enrolled in degree programs.

·        In Compliance

      Narrative:

LSU is the state’s flagship university and has students enrolled in degree programs.  The total student population on the LSU Campus in Fall 2002 was 31,582 students with 26,672 enrolled in undergraduate programs, 4,572 enrolled in graduate programs, and 338 enrolled in professional degree programs. The LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center had a total enrollment in Fall 2002 of 662 students.

LSU offers 198 degree programs, of which 72 are baccalaureate, 72 are Master’s and 54 are doctorates. The Office of Budget and Planning provides full admission, enrollment, and graduation data by semester (University Quick Facts) and across semesters (Trend Data). Of particular interest for this core requirement is the trend data on enrollment attributes (by classification; by College) and degrees awarded (by level; by College).

Effective Fall 2002, the LSU Hebert Law Center became the sole United States law school and only one of two schools in the Western Hemisphere to offer a course of study leading to the simultaneous conferring of two degrees:  the Juris Doctor (J.D.), which is the normal degree in American law schools, and the Bachelor of Civil of Law (B.C.L.), which recognizes the training in both the Common and the Civil Law.  The Law Center conducts a graduate program leading to a Master of Civil Law and Master of Laws.

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7.   The institution

      a    offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level; at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post- baccalaureate, graduate, or professional level. The university provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency;

      b    offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education;

      c    offers a general education program at the collegiate level that is (1) a substantial component of each undergraduate degree, (2) ensures breadth of knowledge, and (3) is based on a coherent rationale. For degree completion in associate programs, the component constitutes a minimum of 15 semester hours or the equivalent; for baccalaureate programs, a minimum of 30 semester hours or the equivalent. These credit hours are to be drawn from and include at least one course from each of the following areas: humanities/fine arts; social/behavioral sciences; and natural science/mathematics. The courses do not narrowly focus on those skills, techniques, and procedures specific to a particular occupation or profession. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for course equivalency;

      d    makes arrangements for some instruction to be provided by other accredited institutions or entities through contracts or consortia, where appropriate. The institution itself, however, provides instruction for all course work required for at least one degree program at each level at which it awards degrees, or provides an alternative approach to meeting this requirement. The alternative approach is approved by the Commission on Colleges. In all cases, the institution demonstrates that it controls all aspects of its educational program.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

a)      The baccalaureate degree programs at LSU average 128 hours, and range from 120-162 hours.  Academic programs as well as their curricular requirements may be found in the LSU General Catalog. The LSU Graduate Bulletin provides the minimum semester hour requirements for Master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. In most cases, Master’s degrees include 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis.  A limited number of Master’s degree programs with a non-thesis option and requiring 36 hours of course work are also offered.  The requirements for all degree programs offered at the LSU Hebert Law Center may be found in the Law Center Catalog.  The total number of semester hours required for the JD/BCL is 97 hours.  A minimum of 24 hours of credit is required for the graduate law degrees. 

b)   The degree programs at LSU help to fulfill the institution’s mission in the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and the cultivation of the arts.  The TABLE OF DEGREE PROGRAMS in the Academic Programs chapter of the LSU General Catalog summarizes curricular requirements for each field of study.    The LSU Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee is an interdisciplinary committee representing a cross section of the faculty. The Committee reviews all program changes to ensure the rigor and relevance of each program.  (See University Policy Statement 45: Courses and Curricula for more information.)

c)   To fulfill the General Education requirements, students must complete 38-39 hours of course work in six major areas: English composition, analytical reasoning, arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Each student must demonstrate computer literacy in ways deemed appropriate by the faculty of the senior college in which the student is enrolled.  The LSU General Catalog provides a chapter on General Education delineating the role of the university’s General Education requirements.  The university’s General Education requirement represents a conviction on the part of the faculty that all students need to reason logically, communicate effectively, and relate to the world around them. While courses completed in a field of study help students to develop specific knowledge and skills in a chosen profession, general education courses not only enhance awareness of the world and the people in it, but also foster an appreciation of the arts and humanities and provide a basic understanding of mathematic and scientific principles.  Oversight of the General Education requirement is provided by the Committee on General Education of the Faculty Senate. 

d)   Requirements for Obtaining a Degree, LSU/Southern University Cooperative Programs; and the LSU/BRCC Cross-Enrollment Program (in the Undergraduate Admission chapter on p. 41) may be found in the LSU Catalog.  Additional information about the LSU/BRCC agreement is on file in the LSU Office of Academic Affairs.  Registration/Schedule of Classes booklet issued each semester also details the process used for LSU/BRCC cross enrollment and LSU/Southern cross registration programs.

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8.   The number of full-time faculty members is adequate to support the mission of the institution. The institution has adequate faculty resources to ensure the quality and integrity of its academic programs. In addition, upon application for candidacy, an applicant institution demonstrates that it meets the comprehensive standard for faculty qualifications.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

As reported on the 2002 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Employees by Assigned Position survey, a total of 2,028 full-time faculty members (includes LSU, LSU Hebert Law Center, and LSU Agricultural Center faculty) were on the LSU payroll as of November 1, 2002.  The primary function/occupational activity of these faculty members was as follows: 1,306 primarily instruction, 375 primarily research, and 347 primarily public service.  A total of 249 part-time faculty were reported, with 237 primarily instruction, 9 primarily research, and 3 primarily public service. 

The total student population on the LSU Campus in Fall 2002 was 31,582 students with 26,672 enrolled in undergraduate programs, 4,572 enrolled in graduate programs, and 338 enrolled in professional degree programs. The LSU Hebert Law Center Campus had a total enrollment in Fall 2002 of 662 students. 

The Fall 2002 student to faculty ratio on the LSU Campus was 21:1 which falls within the range of LSU’s peers.  As noted in the four-year overview of undergraduate, graduate, and total course sections taught by full- and part-time faculty, full-time faculty taught approximately 77% of undergraduate class sections, 96% of graduate sections, and 84% of the total sections offered.  Additional, detailed information on the student population and faculty can be found in the Common Data Set provided by the Office of Budget and Planning.

LSU faculty members have appropriate credentials to teach their assigned courses as shown in the

Faculty Credentials Roster.  A listing of all instructional faculty who were primary instructors-of-record, their assigned courses, and their qualifications to teach their courses are presented for Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 by department.  Information for Fall 2003 will be added as soon as data are complete.  In addition, as directed in a series of memos from the Executive Vice-Chancellor & Provost’s Office, hard-copy documentation of credentials is maintained for all LSU faculty members.

Faculty Work Load

The policy on Academic Work Load is described on Page 13 of the Faculty Handbook as follows:

Assignments are made by the department chair in consultation with the faculty and must be consistent with stated departmental goals and objectives and with stated criteria for evaluating faculty performance.  The normal classroom teaching assignment (for full-time faculty with minimum involvement in other faculty duties) is the equivalent of 12 semester hours of lecture per week.  Classroom teaching assignments are adjusted according to research, service, and administrative assignments, and may vary according to student level (undergraduate, graduate, professional).

According to reports produced by the Office of Budget and Planning, the average teaching load (excluding independent study/research classes) for tenure/tenure track faculty is approximately 6-credit hours per semester. 

Adequacy of Faculty Resources

LSU's research enterprise encompasses social sciences, the arts and humanities, physical sciences, and engineering. In 2001-02, LSU, LSU Hebert Law Center, and LSU Agricultural Center employed 2,028 faculty members to fulfill its research mission, and they expended about $152 million in research grants and contracts. In 2002-2003, the LSU-only faculty members were cumulatively awarded $122 million in externally funded projects, a 47% increase since 1998-99. The entire Baton Rouge campus' facilities (including LSU, Law, and Ag Center) amount to 6.1 million net assignable square feet (NASF), of which more than 1 million NASF is dedicated to laboratories and libraries. Additionally, over 562,000 gross square feet of new research space is in development, at an estimated cost of $138 million.

Adequacy of faculty resources is addressed in the university’s Program Review process.  The Office of Budget and Planning provides departments with Personnel Information, such as average teaching load of faculty, numbers of full-time faculty by rank, gender, and race, average faculty salaries, staffing changes and their impact on the direction of the program, and the size and nature of undergraduate and graduate teaching responsibilities of the faculty.  If a need for additional faculty resources is determined by the review, the issue is addressed in the Memorandum of Agreement developed by the department, college dean, and provost. The Office of Budget and Planning also provides departments with peer/benchmark data from the University of Delaware National Study of Instructional Costs and Productivity for use in determining adequacy of faculty resources.

Future Directions

LSU believes that its faculty and resources are adequate to meet the requirements of compliance for this Core Requirement. However, the university also acknowledges that it can improve the quality and quantity of its instructional and research resources. This desire for positive change is a central part of the university’s new planning cycle for 2003-2010 and is reflected in the goals and objectives of the LSU National Flagship Agenda.  The university’s Quality Enhancement Plan will focus specifically on satisfying Objectives 2 and 3 of the Agenda and will, thus, directly benefit student learning. With the strengthening of research programs, the addition of more highly qualified faculty, increases in the quality and number of graduate students, higher qualified undergraduate students, and enhancements in the university’s infrastructure, LSU hopes to reach its goal of providing nationally competitive opportunities for its students, faculty, and staff.  The initiatives related to the LSU National Flagship Agenda will result in better student/faculty ratios, positive changes in faculty workloads, and an increase in faculty and student resources which will position LSU among the more progressive public universities in America.

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9.   The institution, through ownership or formal arrangements, provides and supports student and faculty access and user privileges to adequate library collections as well as other learning/information resources consistent with the degrees offered. These collections and resources are sufficient to support all its educational, research, and public service programs.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU provides access to extensive library and learning/information collections and resources for students, faculty, and staff facilitated by strong, campus-wide Information Technology (IT).  As shown on the IT website and in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services, these closely interrelated collections and resources are coordinated, primarily, within the domains of LSU Libraries, Office of Computing Services, and the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching.  Summary information and hyperlinks to collections and resources are found on the IT website, and detailed information is available on the individual websites of each entity.

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10. The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students.

·        In Compliance

      Narrative:

LSU provides extensive support programs, services, and activities for students facilitated by strong, campus-wide Information Technology (IT).  As shown on the IT website and in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services, these closely interrelated services are coordinated, primarily, within the domains of the Division of Student Life & Academic Services (click on ‘Accreditation’ in the left menu bar of the Division’s website for an overview of services offered), LSU Libraries, Office of Computing Services, and the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching.  Summary information and hyperlinks to supported services are found on the IT website, and detailed information is available on the individual websites of each entity. 

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11. The institution demonstrates that it has a sound financial base and financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support the mission of the institution and the scope of its programs and services. The institution provides the following financial statements: (a) an institutional audit (as distinct from a system wide or statewide audit)) and management letter for the most recent fiscal year prepared by an independent certified public accountant or an appropriate auditing agency employing the appropriate audit guide; (b) an annual budget that is preceded by sound planning, is subject to sound fiscal procedures, and is approved by the governing board; and (c) a schedule of changes in unrestricted net assets, excluding plant and plant-related debt (short and long-term debt attached to fiscal assets).

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

As shown by the following information, LSU has a sound financial base and demonstrated financial stability, and adequate physical resources to support its mission and the scope of its programs and services.

LSU financial statements:

a)   To satisfy the requirements for reaffirmation under the new SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation, an institutional audit of fiscal year 2002-2003 for the LSU Campus, the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center Campus, and the LSU Agricultural Center Campus was requested of the Legislative Auditor by President Jenkins.  Because the fiscal year for the LSU System ends on June 30, the Auditor’s report cannot be ready before March 1, 2004.  This information will be made available as soon as it is received.

The LSU, Law Center, and Agricultural Center Campus audits are regularly included in the LSU System-level audit conducted each year by the Legislative Auditor.  LSU System Financial Statements from June 30, 1999, to June 30, 2002, and the Supplement to Financial Report which provide data for the three campuses for these years are provided on the hyperlinked website which is accessible to the public.  Reports from the Auditor of the LSU System Financial Statements for the prior three years, including management’s discussion and analysis, can be found at the hyperlinked website. 

In conjunction with the audit of the LSU System at June 30, 2002, the Legislative Auditors issued a separate management letter for "LSU and Related Campuses" within the LSU System. Included within the scope of the management letter were the following institutions: LSU, the LSU Board of Supervisors, the LSU Agricultural Center, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, LSU at Alexandria, and LSU at Eunice. The auditors consider such institutions to be "related" because some of the business functions and most of the accounting functions are managed for them by the LSU Campus, using the same mainframe systems (i.e., budget, HRM, purchasing, general ledger, etc).

 b)   In conjunction with the planning process as described in Core Requirement 5, every LSU campus produces an annual published budget document in a format prescribed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the LSU System Office.  The LSU 2002-2003 budget document (on-line in .pdf), is available in hard-copy in the LSU Middleton Library. The LSU Agricultural Center 2002-2003 budget (on-line in .pdf) and the LSU Hebert Law Center 2002-2003 budget (on-line in .pdf) are available in hard-copy in the LSU Middleton Library.  The annual LSU Operating Budget is approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors.  Board approvals are noted in the Board meeting minutes of August 18, 2000, for the fiscal year 2000-2001 operating budget; in the August 24, 2001, minutes for fiscal year 2001-2002;  and in the August 22-23, 2002, minutes for fiscal year 2002-2003 operating budget.  All campuses of the LSU System operate under Federal and State regulations and statutes as well as the following:

¨      By-Laws &Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors;
¨      Policies of the LSU System;
¨      Policies of LSU;

and polices and procedures of individual departments and units such as:

¨      Accounting Services
¨      Budget and Planning
¨      Facility Services
¨      Human Resource Management
¨      Purchasing Office
¨      Property Management
¨      Public Safety.  

c)   For all three campuses, the 2002-2003 schedule of changes in unrestricted net assets, excluding plant and plant related debt (short and long-term debt attached to physical assets) will be available as soon as the institutional audits are complete on March 1, 2004, as noted above.  Hard copies and a link to the electronic version of this information will be made available then.  This schedule was not prepared at June 30, 2002, by LSU System institutions.  However, a Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets (SRECNA) was prepared by LSU at June 30, 2002, and included in the consolidated audit report for fiscal 2001-02.  The SRECNA, which is one of three core financial statements currently required by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) for all public institutions of higher education, provides the details of all operating and non-operating activity and the resulting changes in (total) net assets.

Louisiana State University (including LSU, Law, and Ag Center) operates, maintains, and plans for a wide range of facilities on campuses in Baton Rouge that have approximately 9.5 million gross square feet with 6.1 million net assignable square feet (NASF) of which more than 1 million NASF is dedicated to laboratories and libraries that are adequate to carry out its educational and research mission. Additionally, over 562,000 gross square feet of new research space is in development, at an estimated cost of $138 million.

LSU has broad and comprehensive strategies which focus on detailed operations and maintenance and planning for its facilities to support the overall university mission.  The LSU Office of Facility Services is primarily responsible for all areas of operation and maintenance of facilities, including planning and design. Additionally, University Policy Statements and operating instructions in various forms guide personnel in tasks ranging from planning for new facilities to operations and maintenance of existing University facilities and are accessible to staff, faculty, students, and the general public through publications obtainable on-line.

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COMPREHENSIVE STANDARDS

Institutional Mission, Governance,

and Effectiveness

Institutional Mission

1.   The institution is guided by a clear and comprehensive mission statement; and the mission statement is approved by the governing board, is periodically reviewed by the board, and is communicated to the institution’s constituencies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

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Governance and Administration

2.   The governing board of the institution is responsible for the selection and the evaluation of the chief executive officer.

·        In Compliance

      Narrative:

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3.   The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined for the following areas within the institution’s governance structure:

e.       the institution’s mission;

f.        the fiscal stability of the institution;

g.      the institutional policy, including policies concerning related and affiliated corporate entities and all auxiliary services;

h.       related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.

·        In Compliance

      Narrative:

The LSU Board of Supervisors approves the institution’s mission.  (See the Board minutes of June 5, 2003.)  The Bylaws & Regulations of the Board of Supervisors of the LSU System outline the controls and responsibilities delegated to the Board and institution, respectively (see Chapter 7, Section 4, p. 10). The Board of Supervisors allocates funding for the year to the institution. The institution, in turn, presents a budget for the fiscal year to the Board for approval. The Chancellor is responsible to the President for the campus budget. This responsibility includes review and recommendation of budgets for the units and divisions within the campus as well as the consolidated budget for the institution as a whole.  In Chapter V:  Financial & Business Procedures, Bylaws & Regulations (p. 31) the financial and business procedures governing the Board and the institutions of the LSU System are stated.  Chapter VIII: Affiliated Organizations, Bylaws & Regulations (p. 46), Permanent Memorandum (PM) 9: LSU System Investment Policy, as well as Policy Statement (PS) 93:  Use of University Name and Indicia govern institutional policy, including policies concerning related and affiliated corporate entities and all auxiliary services. These same policies govern relationships to related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.  Chapter VI:  Gifts & Grants, Bylaws & Regulations (p. 33), provides additional policy information.

4.   The board has a policy addressing conflict of interest.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The LSU Board of Supervisors is the governing body responsible for all the campuses that comprise the Louisiana State University System.  While the Board’s Bylaws & Regulations do not include an explicit conflict of interest policy, the Board does follow established policies that fully cover potential conflicts of interest.  All members of the Board are appointed Officers of the State of Louisiana.  As such, they are subject to the laws of the State as defined by the 1974 State Constitution, Article 10: PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, and the State Code of Ethics which govern their conduct and responsibilities.  The creation of an additional policy specifically for the Bylaws was determined by the Board to be preempted by state law and redundant.

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5.   The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or external bodies, and protects the institution from such influence.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

As public servants for the State of Louisiana, members of the LSU Board of Supervisors are subject to the laws of the state which govern their conduct and responsibilities.  The State Code of Ethics and Article 10: PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, Section §9 of the 1974 State Constitution specifically address ethical standards for public servants.  Additionally, the Bylaws & Regulations of the Board of Supervisors, Chapter VII, Section 7-3-e. and Section 7-3f. (pp. 40 - 42), provide guidelines protecting the institution from influence and conflicts of interest with regard to grant administration, the management of distributable royalties, LSU personnel officers, other influencers, or with regard to a corporation in which LSU holds and/or acquires stock.

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6.   Members of the governing board can be dismissed only for cause and by due process.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Members of the LSU Board of Supervisors may be removed from office only for cause and by due process as Public Officials of the State of Louisiana.  Article X: PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, PART I., Section §2. of the 1974 State Constitution establishes type of service and PART III., Section §24 addresses the impeachment and removal of elected and appointed officials.

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7.   There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.

·        In Compliance

Narrative: 

The 1974 Louisiana State Constitution (Article VIII, Section 7 ) and the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors outline the duties and responsibilities of the Board and the institution. The Chancellor is responsible to the Board of Supervisors through the President of the LSU System for the effective execution of policy as stated in Article VII, Section 4, (p.10) of the Bylaws & Regulations. The faculty's responsibilities are outlined in the LSU Faculty Handbook as well as in the university Policy Statements and Permanent Memoranda.

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8.   The institution has a clearly defined and published organizational structure that delineates responsibility for the administration of policies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

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9.   The institution has qualified administrative and academic officers with the experience, competence, and capacity to lead the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU administrators and academic officers are experienced, competent, and have the capacity to lead the institution as defined by employment, promotion, and evaluation policies of the university as shown in the on-line Credentials Roster.  Credentials of all administrators and academic officers are also on-file with the institution.  See the following documents for detailed information:

• Bylaws, Chapter 2. APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND TENURE, Section 2   (beginning on p.17)
• Permanent Memorandum 23: Ranks, Provisions & Policies Governing Appointments and Promotion of Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 20: Title, Salary, and Position Control for Professional and Administrative Personnel
• Policy Statement 35: Performance Evaluation of Administrative, Professional, and Other Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
  
• The LSU Hebert Law Center Statement of Procedures and Standards: Initial Appointment, Renewal, Tenure and Promotion

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10. The institution defines and publishes policies regarding appointment and employment of faculty and staff.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Bylaws of the LSU Board of Supervisors and the university Policy Statements and Permanent Memoranda prescribe the appointment and employment of faculty and staff.  Specific information on employment at LSU is found in the following documents:

§         Bylaws & Regulations:

§         Permanent Memorandum:

o       1:    Equal Opportunity
o       3:    Teaching Assignment for Non-Faculty Personnel
o       7:    Academic Honorifics
o       8:    Employee Discipline Procedures
o       12:  Leave Guidelines
o       15:  Employment of Retirees
o       20: Title, Salary, and Position Control for Professional and Administrative Personnel
o       25:  Nepotism
o       26:  Policy for Persons with Disabilities
o       28:  Employment and Payment of Contingent Employees
o       31:  Holiday Schedule
o       35: Performance Evaluation of Administrative, Professional, and Other Academic Staff
o       36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
o       39:  Performance Evaluations (Classified)
o       40:  Employee Records Confidentiality
o       43:  Additional Compensation Limits
o       47:  Employee Benefit/Indirect Cost Rates
o       50:  Responsibilities & Concerns of University Personnel
o       59:  Employee Assistance Program
o       61:  Overtime Policy
o       67:  Illegal Use of Drugs and Alcohol Misuse
o       73:  Sexual Harassment
o       79:  Flexible Work Hours and Staffing
o       80:  Grievance Procedures
o       87:   Identification Cards
o       102: Violence Free Workplace

§         The LSU Hebert Law Center Statement of Procedures and Standards: Initial Appointment, Renewal, Tenure and Promotion

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11. The institution periodically evaluates the effectiveness of its administrators, including the chief executive officer.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Evaluations are currently guided by the following:

• Bylaws & Regulations, Chapter 2. APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND TENURE, Section 2   (beginning on p.17)
• Permanent Memorandum 23: Ranks, Provisions & Policies Governing Appointments and Promotion of Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 35: Performance Evaluation of Administrative, Professional, and Other Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
• LSU Faculty Senate Resolution 90-14:  Procedure for Faculty Review of Chairpersons
• The LSU Hebert Law Center Statement of Procedures and Standards: Initial Appointment, Renewal, Tenure and Promotion

The LSU Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Committee to Develop Recommendations for Review of Administrators introduced Faculty Senate Resolution 03-09:  Proposed Guidelines for Faculty Evaluation of Administrators to be used in addition to current review practices.  The Resolution with amendments as noted in the meeting minutes was approved by the Senate in May 2003. 

The Chancellor is evaluated every three years in accordance with Louisiana State University System Procedures for the Evaluation of Chancellors.  The Chancellor was last evaluated in Fall 2002.

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12. The institution's chief executive officer has ultimate responsibility for, and exercises appropriate administrative and fiscal control over, the institution's athletics program.

·         In Compliance

Narrative:

The Chancellor, LSU’s chief executive officer, has complete authority over all areas of the institution, including the LSU Athletics Department, as defined in Article VII, Section 4 (p. 7) of the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors, LSU Policy Statement 50: Responsibilities and Concerns of University Personnel, Section D, #1, and as shown in the LSU Organizational Chart.  The Chancellor is responsible for appointing the university’s Director of Athletics who serves at the pleasure of the LSU Board of Supervisors and under the direction of the Chancellor as outlined in the Bylaws & Regulations.  In addition, an institutional Athletic Council appointed by the Chancellor serves as a policy-formulating and regulatory body in all matters related to the university’s intercollegiate athletic program as detailed in the Bylaws & Regulations Chapter 1, Section 3.3 (p. 15).  Every 10 years, the university’s athletic programs are reviewed by NCAA for certification purposes.  The current NCAA Certification Review will be completed in 2004.

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13. The institution's chief executive officer has ultimate control of the institution's fund-raising activities.

·          In Compliance 

Narrative:

The Chancellor, LSU’s chief executive officer, has ultimate authority over all areas of the institution, including fund-raising activities, as defined in Article VII, Section 4 (p. 7) of the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors, LSU Policy Statement 50: Responsibilities and Concerns of University Personnel, Section D, #1, and as shown in the LSU Organizational Chart.   LSU Policy Statement 93: Use of University Name and Indicia and the Bylaws of the LSU Board of Supervisors (see Chapter VI: GIFTS AND GRANTS, p. 36 and Chapter VIII: Affiliated Organizations, p. 43) govern institutional policy, including policies concerning all related and affiliated corporate entities and auxiliary services.  These same policies govern relationships to other associated foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and its programs through fund-raising and other means.

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14. An institution-related foundation, not controlled by the institution, has a contractual or other formal agreement that (a) accurately describes the relationship between the institution and the foundation, and (b) describes any liability associated with that relationship. In all cases, the institution ensures that the relationship is consistent with its mission.

·          In Compliance

Narrative:

Relationships between institution-related foundations and LSU and consistency with LSU’s mission are defined in the following Affiliation Agreements:

LSU Policy Statement 93: Use of University Name and Indicia and the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors (see Chapter VI: GIFTS AND GRANTS, p. 36 and Chapter VIII: Affiliated Organizations, p. 43) govern institutional policy, including policies concerning all related and affiliated entities.  These same policies govern relationships to other associated foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and its programs.  The LSU Board of Supervisors must approve the actions of these foundations.  Examples of such actions include  approval in the April 2001 Board minutes of the agreement between the TAF and LSU for necessary renovations for the new Academic Center for Athletes and approval in the March 2003 Board minutes of endowed professorships funded through the LSU Foundation.

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15. The institution's policies are clear concerning ownership of materials, compensation, copyright issues, and the use of revenue derived form the creation and production of all intellectual property. This applies to students, faculty, and staff.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

In compliance with the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors (see Chapter VII: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, p. 35), Permanent Memorandum 64:  Intellectual Property - Distribution of Royalties and Other Matters and Policy Statement 68: University Intellectual Property Rights in Sponsored Projects clearly establish the university’s policies regarding intellectual property.  Prior to employment, all LSU employees acknowledge their understanding of and their willingness to abide by these guidelines.  LSU has also developed policies that govern the use of its computing resources.  Information is available for faculty in the LSU Faculty Handbook.  Faculty and students are made aware of the guidelines through the LSU website, the LSU General Catalog, the LSU Student Handbook, and the LSU Hebert Law Center Catalog.

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Institutional Effectiveness

16. The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

A central component of assessment and evaluation at LSU is internal Program Review.  All academic programs are reviewed every 10-years.  Programs designated as Foundations of Excellence are reviewed every 5-years.  The purpose of internal program review is to improve programs through a systematic, cyclical review process.  The value of Program Review rests on the outcomes and their usefulness. Because the process and outcomes are developed for purposes of improving educational opportunities, curriculum quality, and program relevance, the university strives to make appropriate use of the results.  A summary of activities and accomplishments of the Program Review Process are noted on the Council’s website.  Accomplishments and educational initiatives are also noted on the Chancellor’s website, the Foundations of Excellence website, and within individual unit plans.  Non-academic units follow their own internal review guidelines.

All areas of the university, including departments, colleges, units, etc., report annually on their planning and assessment activities.  During the 1998 – 2003 Planning Cycle, the annual updates were posted as Unit Plans in a central database on the LSU website.  (SACSCOC Off-Site Reviewers:  After accessing the Unit Plans page for the desired year from the 1998 – 2003 Planning Cycle menu bar, please click on ‘Log-In’ on the far right of the menu bar at the top of the page to have full access to all information.)  Under the 2003-2010 Planning Cycle, website posting of departmental and unit planning and assessment activities is decentralized with plans posted on the departmental or unit websites.  College or division plans are posted on the respective college or division websites.  Summary planning and assessment information for primary academic support services is also found in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.

 All academic departments are expected to develop student learning outcomes for each curriculum, access the outcomes, and utilize the results to improve the programs as part of the on-going planning and review process.  The Center for Assessment and Evaluation, part of the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching, provides assistance to departmental assessment coordinators in satisfying these expectations.  The university Academic Programs Assessment Matrix presents this information for each degree program.  The Matrix information is updated annually by each department.

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Educational Programs

Educational Programs (All)

1.   The institution demonstrates that each educational program for which academic credit is awarded is (a) approved by the faculty and the administration, and (b) establishes and evaluates program and learning outcomes.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

a.   LSU Policy Statement 45: Courses & Curricula prescribes the process for the review of courses, curricula, and changes to existing courses.  All educational programs are approved by faculty in the department, the college courses and curricula committee, the Dean, the Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee (click on Committee List in the left menu bar for more information about the Committee, actions taken, members, etc.), the Provost, and the Chancellor.  In addition, all new programs must be approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, as well as the Louisiana Board of Regents.  A proposal for a new program must address the following: the need for the program, the ability of the faculty to deliver the program, an analysis of similar programs in the state, and a one year budget.

b.   All educational programs offered for academic credit undergo internal Program Review at LSU every 10-years.  Academic programs designated as Foundations of Excellence are reviewed every 5-years.  The purpose of internal Program Review is to improve programs through a systematic, cyclical review process.  Results of the review process are used to improve educational opportunities, curriculum quality, and program relevance.

Many degree-granting programs at LSU are accredited by external agencies or reviews as shown in the Planning & Assessment Chart.  Each accrediting agency has specific, unique criteria by which programs are evaluated.

All academic departments are expected to develop student learning outcomes for each curriculum, assess the outcomes, and utilize the results to improve the programs as part of the on-going planning and review process.  The Center for Assessment and Evaluation, part of the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching, provides assistance to departmental assessment coordinators in satisfying these expectations.  The LSU Academic Programs Assessment Matrix presents this information for each degree program.  The Matrix information is updated annually by each department.

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2.   The institution's continuing education, outreach, and service programs are consistent with the institution's mission.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU maintains a broad selection of continuing education, outreach, and service programs that help to satisfy the university's mission of "…the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and cultivation of the arts…"  Current programs and outreach activities offered by the Division of Continuing Education include a wide array of courses for college or high school credit; non-credit seminars and courses; programs for Federal, state, and local governments including the Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education; and other programs ranging from computer rehabilitation training to the Science and Engineering Fair.  As shown in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services, the LSU Libraries system provides extensive continuing education, outreach, and service programs.  Many LSU faculty and staff are considered experts in a plethora of disciplines, and these individuals make themselves available as speakers, lecturers, and advisors for the public's utilization through LSU's Experts Guide & Speakers Bureau. In addition, every college, the LSU Hebert Law Center, the LSU Agricultural Center, and many non-academic units provide continuing education, outreach, and service programs and activities as noted on their individual websites.  A summary of selected offerings is provided in the Overview of Continuing Education, Outreach, and Service Programs.

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3.   The institution publishes admissions policies consistent with its mission.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Criteria for undergraduate admission are published in the LSU General Catalog in the Undergraduate Admission Chapter and on the LSU Undergraduate Admissions website on the Admission Requirements page.  Criteria for admission to the Graduate School are also found in the LSU General Catalog in the Graduate School Information Chapter.  University admission criteria are in keeping with the institution's flagship designation as Louisiana’s comprehensive, research-extensive institution.

Criteria for admission to the LSU Hebert Law Center are published in the LSU Law Center Catalog in the “Admission to the Law Center” section and on the Admissions page of the Law Center website.

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4.   The institution has a defined and published policy for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit for transfer, experiential learning, advanced placement, and professional certificates that is consistent with its mission and ensures that course work and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to the institution's own degree programs. The institution assumes responsibility for the academic quality of any course work or credit recorded on the institution's transcript.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU publishes information including the established guidelines for the award of transfer credit, advanced placement, and professional certification in the following:

§         LSU Undergraduate Admissions website on the Admission Requirements page,

§         LSU General Catalog in the Chapter on Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Regulations,

§         LSU General Catalog in the Chapter on Undergraduate Admission, and

§         within various recruitment/admissions print documents [e.g., Experience LSU (from orientation and spring testing); Common Questions of New Students: How Am I Placed into English, into Math]. 

The “Guidelines for Transfer Admission” found in the Catalog Chapter on Undergraduate Admission and on the Admission Requirements page outline the transfer process and how courses are evaluated (from the student's perspective). Each academic department evaluates prospective transfer courses of students and determines the acceptance of the courses for credit equivalent to LSU course offerings.

A limited number of transfer students may be considered for admission to the LSU Hebert Law Center each year.  Requirements are published in the LSU Law Center Catalog in the “Admission to the Law Center” section and on the Admissions page of the Law Center website.

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5.   The institution publishes academic policies that adhere to principles of good educational practice. These are disseminated to students, faculty, and other interested parties through publications that accurately represent the programs and services of the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative: 

University academic policies are found in the LSU General Catalog, beginning on the opening page with the statement of the student’s responsibility.  Most general university academic policy information is included in the Chapter on Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Regulations, in the Chapter on Graduate Education, and also on the LSU Undergraduate Admissions website on the Admission Requirements page.  Policies of individual colleges and schools are published in the beginning of their respective chapters in the LSU Catalog.  In addition to the LSU General Catalog and university website, academic policies are also published in various print media distributed by the university such as LSU recruitment brochures (senior in-state, junior in-state, out-of-state, Fast Facts, Undergraduate Admissions Application) and in LSU Counselor Newsletter, 2003-04, issue 1 (admission requirements).

University policy statements (PS) are published on-line and are updated regularly.  Several policy statements of particular relevance to educational programs include the following:

• PS-30:  Student Privacy Rights
•  PS-36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
• PS-37:  Minimum Class Size
• PS-38:  Off-Campus Course Credit
• PS-42:  Course Fee Policies
• PS-44:  Grades
• PS-45:  Courses & Curricula
• PS-48:  Student Appeal Procedures

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6.   The institution employs sound and acceptable practices for determining the amount and level of credit awarded for courses, regardless of format or mode of delivery.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU Policy Statement 45:  Courses and Curricula provides the criteria for the level of credit awarded. The university adheres to the following guidelines regarding class meetings per semester:

§         3-credit hour classes that meet three times a week (i.e., MWF) will meet 42 class periods. Each period will consist of 50 minutes of instruction.

§         3-credit hour classes that meet two times per week (i.e., TTh) will meet 27 class periods. Each class period will consist of 80 minutes of instruction.

§         The same formula is used for classes offered for fewer or a greater number of credit hours.
§         The standard equivalent for allocation of course credit is to grant one hour of credit for one hour of lecture. In studio and laboratory courses, 2-hours of laboratory (sometimes 3) are considered equivalent to 1-hour of lecture.

The Louisiana Board of Regents has issued Academic Affairs Policy 2.12:  Delivery of Degree Programs Through Distance Learning Technology which outlines policies and procedures for offering academic programs in distance learning settings.  The Board also issued "Per Semester Seat Time Recommendation" which was approved by the Statewide Council of Chief Academic Officers on January 4, 2001, and addresses the required number of contact hours for college-level courses.

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7.   The institution ensures the quality of educational programs/courses offered through the consortia relationships or contractual agreements, ensures ongoing compliance with the comprehensive requirements, and evaluates the agreement against the purpose of the institution.

·        In Compliance

      Narrative:

The Office of Student Aid and Scholarships participates in consortium agreements, on a limited basis, as follows:

¨      If an LSU student attends another university for one semester only (e.g., the summer term), the student is not eligible for aid at that school since he/she is only there for one semester, but he/she is also not eligible for aid through LSU since he/she is not enrolled here.  Therefore, LSU would initiate a consortium agreement with the other institution.  The agreement begins by stating that, if all other parts are approved, LSU agrees to provide financial aid to the student. The LSU University Registrar or the student’s senior college must approve the agreement, stating that the courses to be taken at the other institution by the student have been approved for transfer credit to LSU.  The agreement is then sent to the host institution, where the financial aid office must agree NOT to process aid, and the Registrar of the host institution must agree to monitor enrollment and inform LSU of any changes.  These agreements are made infrequently and only after rigorous review by LSU.

¨      For students who are not LSU students, but who attend LSU for one semester only, the situation above is reversed. These agreements are primarily done for law students who attend Southern University for the summer or possibly hold work internships out-of-town during the summer and want to attend classes at the same time.  Very rarely is this arrangement made for non-LSU undergraduate students.

¨      If a student enrolled in the LSU Hebert Law Center attends another university for one semester (e.g., the summer term), the student is not eligible for aid at that school since he/she is only there for one semester, but he/she is also not eligible for aid through the LSU Law Center since he/she is not enrolled here.  Therefore, the Law Center would initiate a consortium agreement with the other institution.  The agreement begins by stating that, if all other parts are approved, the Law Center agrees to provide financial aid to the student. The LSU Law Center Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs or Registrar must approve the agreement, stating that the courses to be taken at the other institution by the student have been approved for transfer credit to the Law Center.  The agreement is then sent to the host institution, where the financial aid office must agree NOT to process aid, and the Registrar of the host institution must agree to monitor enrollment and inform the Law Center of any changes.  These agreements are made infrequently and only after rigorous review by the Law Center.

The Centers for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) supports the Southeast Archives Education Collaborative (SAEC), a Master of Library Science program in Archives Management.  The SAEC is a consortia of five institutions funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Contractual compliance issues are reviewed and monitored by the LSU Office of Sponsored Programs.  The CELT provides assistance with program planning and training to help ensure that the quality of technology support, instructional strategies, and faculty development are consistent with  the purpose of the institution. [NOTE:  This is a project that is in its very early developmental stage at this time and will not be fully implemented until Fall 2004.]

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8.   The institution awards academic credit for course work taken on a noncredit basis only when there is documentation that the noncredit course work is equivalent to a designated credit experience.

·        In Compliance

Narrative: 

As noted on pp. 66-67 of the Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Regulations Chapter in the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog, students may receive academic credit through credit examinations (including proficiency exams, subject exams, and credit by examination).  Students may also receive academic credit through the Undergraduate Admissions Advanced Standing Programs beginning on p. 42 in the Undergraduate Admission Chapter of the LSU General Catalog.

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9.   The institution provides appropriate academic support services.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU provides extensive support programs, services, and activities for students, faculty, and staff facilitated by strong, campus-wide Information Technology (IT).  As shown on the IT website and in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services, these closely interrelated services are coordinated, primarily, within the domains of the Division of Student Life & Academic Services (click on ‘Accreditation’ in the left menu bar of the Division’s website for an overview of services offered), LSU Libraries, Office of Computing Services, and the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching.  Summary information and hyperlinks to supported services are found on the IT website, and detailed information is available on the individual websites of each entity. 

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10. The institution defines and publishes general education and major program requirements for all its programs. These requirements conform to commonly accepted standards and practices for undergraduate programs as well as graduate and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The baccalaureate degree programs at LSU average 128 hours, and range from 120-162 hours.  Academic programs as well as their curricular requirements may be found in the LSU General Catalog. The LSU Graduate Bulletin provides the minimum semester hour requirements for Master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. In most cases, Master’s degrees include 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis.  A limited number of Master’s degree programs with a non-thesis option and requiring 36 hours of course work are also offered.

The requirements for all degree programs offered at the LSU Hebert Law Center may be found in the Law Center Catalog.  The total number of semester hours required for the JD/BCL is 97 hours.  A minimum of 24 hours of credit is required for the graduate law degrees.

All undergraduate students at LSU must satisfy the General Education requirements in order to graduate.  Students must complete 38-39 hours of course work in six major areas: English composition, analytical reasoning, arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. Each student must demonstrate computer literacy in ways deemed appropriate by the faculty of the senior college in which the student is enrolled.  The LSU General Catalog provides a chapter on General Education delineating the role of the university’s General Education requirements.  The university’s General Education requirement represents a conviction on the part of the faculty that all students need to reason logically, communicate effectively, and relate to the world around them. While courses completed in a field of study help students to develop specific knowledge and skills in a chosen profession, general education courses not only enhance awareness of the world and the people in it, but also foster an appreciation of the arts and humanities and provide a basic understanding of mathematic and scientific principles.  Oversight of the General Education requirement is provided by the Committee on General Education of the Faculty Senate. 

The degree programs at LSU help to fulfill the institution’s mission in the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and the cultivation of the arts.  The TABLE OF Degree Programs in the Academic Programs chapter of the LSU General Catalog summarizes curricular requirements for each field of study.  The Courses and Curricula Committee of the LSU Faculty Senate is an interdisciplinary committee representing a cross section of the faculty. The Committee reviews all program changes to ensure the rigor and relevance of each program.  For more information, see the following: 

¨      Academic Affairs:  Courses & Curricula

¨      University Policy Statement 45: Courses and Curricula

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11. The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student academic records and maintains special security measures to protect and back-up data.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for maintaining undergraduate and graduate student academic records.  The procedures used for care of the records are consistent with standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and LSU policy.  In addition, the office retains student records in accordance with the Office of the Enrollment Management Records Retention Schedule.  The Office of Computing Services assists in maintaining the security and integrity of student data as described in the detailed Summary of Security Measures found in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.

¨      Non-Electronic Records

Non-electronic records include those maintained in hard copy, on microfilm, and on optical disk.  The confidentiality of these records is maintained by having the predominance of records handled and stored in non-public areas. 

§         The Registrar’s Office maintains all academic records from the 1870's through 1985 on microfilm.  Copies of the microfilm are stored at the Louisiana State Archives Building.  The original hard copy academic records (student academic ledgers) are kept on site.

§         The university activated the Student Records and Registration (SRR) database with the 1982 fall semester.  From the 1982 fall semester through the 1985 summer term, the office maintained hard copy academic ledgers for enrolled students, and maintained their records in the SRR database.

§         The office has also imaged the ledgers of students enrolled 1972-1982 on optical disk.  Until 1997, the office microfilmed all enrolled students’ admissions papers and academic source documents (e.g., grade sheets, grade correction forms, etc.).  Since 1997 the office has imaged these documents on optical disk.  All microfilm and optical disks are stored at the Louisiana State Archives Building.

§         The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is responsible for maintaining files on applicants.  The office maintains the files of applicants who do not enroll for one year.  If the applicant does not enroll after one year, the office destroys these records. The office transfers the custody of the records of applicants who enroll to the Office of the University Registrar.  The Office of Undergraduate Admissions retains student records in accordance with the Enrollment Management Records Retention Schedule. 

§         The Office of Student Aid and Scholarships is responsible for maintaining the records of students who apply for financial aid.  The office maintains these hard copy records for five years in accordance with Federal regulations and the Enrollment Management Records Retention Schedule.

§         The Orientation Office is responsible for maintaining the records of admitted students who attend orientation.  The office maintains these records in accordance with the Enrollment Management Records Retention Schedule.

¨      Electronic Records

The Offices of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Aid and Scholarships, and Orientation are responsible for the records maintained in the Student Records and Registration (SRR), Admissions (ADM), Financial Aid (FAD), and Advanced Standing (ADV) databases, respectively.  A sophisticated security system that restricts the maintenance and update of data to authorized users ensures the integrity of records.  The system also provides detailed audit logs of critical changes made to records.  The records are protected by a comprehensive, password-driven security system and access to the records is granted on a need-to-know/need-to-update basis.  Departmental chairs and supervisors must approve their employees’ requests for access to the databases.

¨      LSU Hebert Law Center Records

The Registrar of the LSU Hebert Law Center is responsible for maintaining student academic records for the Law Center.  The procedures used for care of the records are consistent with the standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and Law Center policy.  The LSU Office of Computing Services assists in maintaining the security and integrity of student data as described in the detailed Summary of Security Measures found in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.

The confidentiality of Law Center records is maintained by having the predominance of records handled and stored in non-public areas. 

§         The Law Center Office of Admissions and Student Records maintains all academic records. Application papers of each applicant who enrolls as well as academic ledgers are kept on site.

§         The Law Center activated the Student Records and Registration (SRR) database with the 1982 Fall semester.  From the Fall 1982 through Summer 1987 terms, the office maintained hard-copy academic ledgers for enrolled students and also maintained their records in the SRR database.

§         The admission section of the Office of Admissions and Student Records is responsible for maintaining files on applicants.  The office maintains the files of applicants who do not enroll for one year.  If the applicant does not enroll after one year, the office destroys these records. The admission staff transfers the custody of the records of applicants who enroll to the Registrar and staff.

§         The LSU Office of Student Aid and Scholarships is responsible for maintaining the records of students who apply for financial aid.  The office maintains these hard copy records for five years in accordance with Federal regulations.

The Law Center Office of Admissions and Student Records and the LSU Office of Student Aid and Scholarships are responsible for the records maintained in the Student Records and Registration (SRR), Admissions (ADM) and Financial Aid (FAD) databases, respectively.  A sophisticated security system that restricts the maintenance and updating of data to authorized users ensures the integrity of records.  The system also provides detailed audit logs of critical changes made to records.  The records are protected by a comprehensive, password-driven security system and access to the records is granted on a need-to-know/need-to-update basis.  The Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and the Registrar must approve requests for access to the databases.

¨      Confidentiality of Student Records 

LSU Policy Statement 30-Privacy Rights of Students is based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, As Amended (FERPA).  PS-30 governs the rights to privacy of all LSU students (including law) as well as the confidentiality of academic records.  The policy statement outlines students’ rights to review their academic records, the limitations of their rights, a process for challenging information in their records, and the release of information to third parties.  Users of the SRR database are reminded about their responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of student records.  The first time they access the database each day, they view a security overlay screen.  In addition, users see a special overlay screen when they access the records of students who request that the university not release their directory information.  The Office of the LSU University Registrar provides the university community with regular presentations on PS-30.  In addition, the Office of the LSU University Registrar also maintains a FERPA Tutorial on its Web page.

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12. The institution places primary responsibility for the content, quality, and effectiveness of curriculum with its faculty.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

      Chapter 1, Section 1-2.3 b. of the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors delineates the responsibilities of the faculty for the curricula. LSU Policy Statement 45: Courses and Curricula further defines the role of the faculty with respect to the curricula in the GENERAL POLICY section, “The faculty is responsible for recommendations concerning addition of new courses, changes in existing courses, and dropping courses, as well as corresponding actions with respect to curricula.”  LSU Policy Statement 50:  Responsibilities and Concerns of University Personnel also defines the faculty’s responsibilities for educational policies, degree requirements, courses and curricula, and other related matters.  All educational programs at LSU are approved by faculty in the department, the college courses and curricula committee made up of faculty representatives, the Dean, the Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee (click on Committee List in the left menu bar for more information about the Committee, actions taken, members, etc.), the Provost, and the Chancellor.  Information and required forms are available on the Academic Affairs website:  Courses & Curricula.  In addition, all new programs must be approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, as well as the Louisiana Board of Regents. 

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13. For each major in a degree program, the institution assigns responsibility for program coordination, as well as for curriculum development and review, to persons academically qualified in the field. In those degree programs for which the institution does not identify a major, this requirement applies to a curricular area of concentration.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The department chair in each academic unit is ultimately responsible for program coordination and curriculum development and review as noted in LSU Policy Statement 50: Responsibilities and Concerns of University Personnel, Section D, #8.  Chairs of academic departments generally hold the terminal degree for the academic discipline. The chair or director of interdisciplinary programs is required to hold a terminal degree in one of the curricular areas.  Credentials of department chairs can be found in the on-line Credentials Roster.

Each academic unit also has a designated assessment coordinator who may be the chair or may be a faculty member within the unit who is responsible for maintaining assessment of student learning outcomes for each degree offered as reported in the university Academic Programs Assessment Matrix.

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14. The institution's use of technology enhances student learning, is appropriate for meeting the objectives of its programs, and ensures that students have access to and training in the use of technology.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Information Technology (IT) permeates all aspects of the institution and is guided by Policy Statement 107:  Use of Computing Resources which states “The University provides Computing Resources for authorized Users to support the educational and academic purposes of the University.”  A full overview of LSU’s information resources is clearly presented on the IT at LSU website.  Technology directly supports hundreds of courses each semester via use of Blackboard or Semester Book course management systems by faculty and students. For example,

To see a listing of Blackboard courses:
1) Go to http://blackboard.lsu.edu
2) Click 'Login'
3) Click the 'Preview' button
4) Click the 'Courses' tab
5) Click the 'Browse Course Catalog' link

View listing of Semester Book courses.

Students are active participants in supporting technology on the campus as evidenced by the monies collected each semester through the Student Technology Fee which are used to fund various initiatives each year through a competitive grants process.  Training and support services in using technology are readily available throughout the year for students, faculty, and staff. 

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Educational Programs (Undergraduate)

15. The institution identifies competencies within the general education core and provides evidence that graduates have attained those college-level competencies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The faculty at LSU has determined six General Education competencies as follows: English composition, analytical reasoning, arts, humanities, as well as natural and social sciences.   To fulfill these requirements, students must complete 38-39 hours of course work.  Each student must demonstrate computer literacy in ways deemed appropriate by the faculty of the senior college in which the student is enrolled. 

Oversight of the General Education core is provided by the Committee on General Education of the LSU Faculty Senate.  General Education course proposals are reviewed by the Committee and must include both objectives that are consistent with general education goals and the means of assessing student learning outcomes.  In addition, LSU partners with other institutions throughout the state to:

1)      identify courses that conform to the Board of Regents Academic Affairs Policy 2.16:  Statewide General Education Requirements;

2)      agree upon student learning outcomes for each of these courses; and

3)      monitor and continually update the Board of Regents Statewide Student Transfer Guide and General Education Articulation Matrix that allows students to transfer general education courses to other institutions without losing credit.

The ad hoc Committee on General Education Learning Outcomes Assessment with support from the Center for Assessment and Evaluation conducted a longitudinal study (1996-2000) assessing General Education learning outcomes at LSU.  Their Report, released in January 2001, presents their findings.  The Response of the Faculty Senate Committee on General Education to the recommendations made in the Report was issued in Fall 2002.  The Center for Assessment and Evaluation provides continuing support for the assessment of courses in the General Education core.

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16. The institution awards degrees only to those students who have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction offered by the university.  

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

As noted on pp. 64 of the Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Regulations Chapter in the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog under the Academic Requirements for Obtaining a Degree sub-heading, students must “…earn at least 25.0 percent of the total number of hours required for the degree at this University…”  To ensure that all students are in compliance with this requirement, each semester the Office of the University Registrar reviews a sampling of the records of current semester degree candidates from several senior colleges.  The Registrar reviews the degree audit reports of the degree candidates to ensure that all degree requirements are met.  During the course of an academic year, a sample of degree candidates’ records from every senior college is audited.

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¨      Educational Programs (Graduate)

17. The institution's post-baccalaureate professional degree programs, and its master's and doctoral degree programs are progressively more advanced in academic content than undergraduate programs.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The graduate faculty determines the academic content of graduate degree programs.  Academic content and rigor are assured through the university’s standards for graduate faculty which include the requirements for graduate faculty status, the qualifications for appointment to the graduate faculty, and the privileges and responsibilities of graduate faculty for graduate education. Regular monitoring and on-going review of these appointments ensures the qualifications of faculty and their commitment to advanced instruction in graduate courses. This information is also presented in the Faculty Chapter of the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog beginning on p. 333.

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18. The institution ensures that its graduate instruction and resources foster independent learning, enabling the graduate to contribute to a profession or field of study.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Institutional requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy and other advanced degrees are specified beginning on p. 201 of the Graduate School/Professional Programs Chapter of the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog.  These requirements ensure that the Ph.D. is conferred only on students whose work demonstrates individual scholarly achievement and ability through course work, advising, examinations, research or creative activities, and dissertations.  Concomitant requirements apply to the Master’s degree.

Two Distinguished Dissertation Awards are given annually to doctoral students whose research epitomizes superior scholarship. As noted beginning on p. 194 of the Graduate School/Professional Programs Chapter of the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog, monetary awards are given to support the research and creative activities of exceptional doctoral students. 

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19. The majority of credits toward a graduate or a post-baccalaureate professional degree is earned through the institution awarding the degree. In the case of graduate and post-baccalaureate professional degree programs offered through joint, cooperative, or consortia arrangements, the student earns a majority of credits from the participating institutions.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Graduate School regulations cover requirements for course credits and are found in the 2003-04 LSU Catalog beginning on p. 198.  As noted in the section on Transfer of Credit, a majority of the total semester hours required for a program of study (including thesis or dissertation hours), must be earned at LSU.  Guidelines to fulfilling doctoral degree requirements are found on p. 204 in the Fulfilling Doctoral Degree Requirements chart.

Students in joint degree programs or cooperative graduate programs with other institutions must earn the majority of their credits at LSU, Southern University, or a designated cooperative institution.  These requirements are found beginning on p. 200 of the Graduate School regulations under Interinstitutional Cooperation in the 2003-04 LSU Catalog.

 Professional staff members in the Office of Graduate Records perform a degree audit/check-out on the records of each graduate student leading to the final verification of degree requirements.  Careful monitoring of hours earned, grade point averages (GPAs), examination results and committee approvals is included in this process.  Confirmation of degree verification is communicated to the Office of the University Registrar for the conferral of degrees at commencement.

The LSU Hebert Law Center Registrar performs a degree audit/checkout on the records of each law student leading to the final verification of degree requirements.  Careful monitoring of hours earned, grade point averages (GPAs), thesis requirements and committee approvals is included in this process.

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¨     Faculty

20. The institution employs competent faculty members qualified to accomplish the mission and goals of the institution. When determining acceptable qualifications of its faculty, an institution gives primary consideration to the highest earned degree in the discipline in accord with the guidelines listed. The institution also considers competence, effectiveness, and capacity including, as appropriate, undergraduate and graduate degrees, related work experiences in the field, professional licensure and certifications, honors and awards, continuous documented excellence in teaching, or other demonstrated competencies and achievements that contribute to effective teaching and student learning outcomes. For all cases, the institution is responsible for justifying and documenting the qualifications of all its faculty. (See "Credential Guidelines" on Principles for Accreditation.)

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors and the university Permanent Memoranda and Policy Statements prescribe the appointment and employment of faculty.  Specific guidelines for faculty appointment are found in the following documents:

• Bylaws & Regulations, Chapter 2. APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND TENURE, Section 2   (beginning on p.17)
• Permanent Memorandum 23: Ranks, Provisions & Policies Governing Appointments and Promotion of Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
• Policy Statement 104:  Dismissal for Cause for Faculty
• Policy Statement 109: Annual Departmental Reviews for Faculty and PM-35 Implementation Procedure
• The LSU Hebert Law Center Statement of Procedures and Standards: Initial Appointment, Renewal, Tenure and Promotion

Graduate students who hold teaching assistantships and serve as instructors-of-record for undergraduate courses must have completed a minimum of 18 hours of graduate credit in their teaching discipline prior to their appointment as noted in LSU Policy Statement 21:  Graduate Assistantships, Instruction-Section 8 and Policy Statement 85:  Preparation of Teaching Assistants.  International students holding graduate teaching assistants whose native language is not English must also demonstrate English proficiency before they are allowed to teach.  As noted in PS-21, teaching assistants receive direct supervision by a faculty member experienced in the teaching discipline, participate in regular in-service training, and planned and periodic evaluations.

LSU faculty members have appropriate credentials to teach their assigned courses as shown in the on-line Faculty Credentials Roster.  A listing of all instructional faculty who were primary instructors-of-record, their assigned courses, and their qualifications to teach their courses are presented for Fall 2002 and Spring 2003 by department.  Information for Fall 2003 will be added as soon as data are complete.  In addition, as directed in a series of memos from the Executive Vice-Chancellor & Provost’s Office, hard-copy documentation of credentials is maintained for all LSU faculty members.

Faculty who teach graduate and post-baccalaureate courses must meet additional requirements and must also remain current and active in their research disciplines according to the university’s standards for graduate faculty.  Regular monitoring and on-going review of these appointments ensures the qualifications of faculty and their commitment to advanced instruction in graduate courses. This information is also presented in the Faculty Chapter of the 2003-04 LSU General Catalog beginning on p. 333.  Faculty who do not have ordinary, standing terms as graduate faculty members may petition for permission to teach graduate level and post-baccalaureate courses and/or to serve on graduate student advisory committees as noted on the Codification of Graduate Council Policies under Administrative Approval to Teach Graduate Courses.  These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of the Graduate School.  The basis for approval is noted for each case and recorded in the Graduate Faculty database; vitae and justifications are kept on file in the Graduate School.

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21. The institution regularly evaluates the effectiveness of each faculty member in accord with published criteria, regardless of contractual or tenured status.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Faculty members are evaluated on a regular basis guided by the following policies and procedures:

• Bylaws & Regulations, Chapter 2. APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND TENURE, Section 2   (beginning on p.17)
• Permanent Memorandum 23: Ranks, Provisions & Policies Governing Appointments and Promotion of Academic Staff
• Permanent Memorandum 35:  Review of Faculty Ranks
• Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
• Policy Statement 104:  Dismissal for Cause for Faculty
• Policy Statement 109: Annual Departmental Reviews for Faculty and PM-35 Implementation Procedure
• The LSU Hebert Law Center Statement of Procedures and Standards: Initial Appointment, Renewal, Tenure and Promotion

Faculty evaluation records are maintained by the faculty member’s departmental office.

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22. The institution provides evidence of ongoing professional development of faculty as teachers, scholars, and practitioners.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU faculty members actively participate in numerous local, state, regional, national, and international professional organizations each year that offer enrichment for their research and teaching endeavors.  This participation is documented in the regular faculty evaluation process as defined by Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/ Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures.  Faculty members are also eligible for sabbaticals as defined in Policy Statement 12: Leave Guidelines.  Faculty members have participated in a wide variety of enrichment activities while on sabbatical leave as shown in the summary Sabbatical Leave Report.  Each year competitive stipends are awarded under the LSU Summer Stipend Program coordinated through the Office of Research and Graduate Studies for faculty development.  A summary of selected completed projects as well as a link to the listing of the Summer 2003 recipients is provided on the Summer Stipend Program website.

The LSU Centers for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) annually host multiple workshops and presentations to assist the faculty in a wide-range of development areas.  The Center for Faculty Development’s Teaching Enhancement Fund provides travel funds to faculty to attend conferences related to teaching; and faculty in turn conduct workshops for other faculty to share what they learned.  The CFD also provides seed money for teaching innovations such as Learning Communities.  Links with other units, such as the Service Learning office, allow the CFD to multiply its resources.  CELT provides coordination and support for annual orientation programs for new faculty and graduate teaching assistants, as well as the Faculty Teaching Awards program sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs.  The Center for Electronic Learning provides professional development activities and training in the use of technology through workshops and consultations. Each semester over 50 training events are conducted with the specific goal of developing or improving faculty use of new tools and strategies to aid in the use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process.

The Law Center allocates monies each year to faculty for research-related expenses and travel.  Details of these allocations and other policies on summer teaching and research grants are outlined in Policies on Faculty Travel/Research Budgets, University-Funded

Professional Memberships, and University-Funded Research Assistants.

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23. The institution ensures adequate procedures for the safeguard and protection of academic freedom.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Academic freedom is protected by the Bylaws & Regulations of the LSU Board of Supervisors as noted in Article 8: Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of the Academic Staff, Section 1: Academic Freedom (see p. 10) as well as through the following university policies and practices:

      The university’s position on academic freedom is noted in the Faculty Handbook.

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24. The institution publishes policies on the responsibility and authority of faculty in academic and governance matters.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The LSU Faculty Handbook details the authority and responsibilities of faculty.  Additional policy information may be found in the following sources:

The LSU Faculty Senate is an elected body representing the faculty in the colleges and schools of LSU and is a major institutional component of shared governance at LSU. This body represents the interests of the faculty on academic matters such as educational policy, faculty policies, standards of instruction, and curricula and degree requirements.

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¨     library and other learning resources

25. The institution provides facilities, services, and other learning/informational resources that are appropriate to support its teaching, research, and services mission.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU provides access to extensive library and learning/information collections and resources for students, faculty, and staff made possible through strong, campus-wide Information Technology (IT).  As shown in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services and on the IT website, these closely interrelated collections and resources are coordinated, primarily, within the domains of LSU Libraries, Office of Computing Services, and the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching.  Summary information and hyperlinks to collections and resources are found on the IT website, and detailed information is available on the individual websites of each entity.

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26. The institution ensures that users have access to regular and timely instruction in the use of the library and other learning and information resources.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Users of the LSU Libraries and other learning and information resources offered by the university are provided with readily available training and support services, integrated by Information Technology (IT), throughout the year.

Specifically, within the LSU Libraries services include:

¨      Library faculty and staff provide assistance at service points and offer instruction options.     Every semester, hundreds of students take the for-credit course, LIS 1001; and hundreds more receive library instruction in on-demand instruction sessions requested by faculty.   Electronic classrooms are available in the Main Library or instructors can go to the regular classroom of the faculty member. The Library faculty ensures that users have access to regular and timely instruction in the use of the Library and other learning/information resources for faculty and research associates, for staff , and for graduate students.  LSU Libraries offers tutorials on  basic library skills such as using the catalog, searching exercises, searching techniques, specific databases.  E-struction is a seven-week email orientation to electronic library resources.

¨      The Chemistry Librarian provides instruction on information retrieval in the sciences for BIOL 2390.  While a biochemistry professor is the instructor of record, much of the information retrieval instruction is provided by the Chemistry Librarian, William Armstrong.  The course is targeted toward biochemistry majors – about 70 majors per year.  Evaluations by students are done at the end of each course.  The program relates to the university mission by teaching students the skills necessary to locate information.  To learn more, log-on to Blackboard and then select BIOL 2390.

The LSU Centers for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) annually host multiple workshops and presentations to assist students and the faculty in a wide-range of development areas.  Each semester over 50 training events are conducted with the specific goal of developing or improving participants’ use of new tools and strategies to aid in the use of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process.  The Center for Faculty Development’s Teaching Enhancement Fund, provides travel funds to faculty to attend conferences related to teaching; and faculty in turn conduct workshops for other faculty to share what they learned.  CELT provides coordination and support for annual orientation programs for new faculty and graduate teaching assistants.  The Center for Electronic Learning provides professional development activities and training in the use of technology through workshops and consultations.

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27. The institution provides a sufficient number of qualified staff – with appropriate education or experience both in library or other learning/information resources – to accomplish the mission of the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

As shown in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services and presented in the on-line Credentials Roster, the institution has qualified staff in the Library and other learning/information resources areas.  Specific information on employment for faculty and staff at LSU is found in the following documents:

• Bylaws, Chapter 2. APPOINTMENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND TENURE, Section 2   (beginning on p.17)
• Permanent Memorandum 23: Ranks, Provisions & Policies Governing Appointments and Promotion of Academic Staff
• Policy Statement 36: Criteria for Evaluating Academic Performance, and Policy & Procedures on Faculty Appointment, Performance Evaluation, Reappointment/Non-reappointment, Promotion and Tenure, Appeal Procedures
• Policy Statement 35: Performance Evaluation of Administrative, Professional, and Other Academic Staff

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¨     STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES

28. The institution publishes a clear and appropriate statement of student rights and         responsibilities and disseminates the statement to the campus community.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Louisiana State University publishes a comprehensive set of policies that clearly articulate students’ rights and responsibilities.  These policies have been organized to facilitate easy access in a section of the University’s on-line Student Handbook entitled Rights and Responsibilities.  The Student Handbook can be accessed from the Office of the Dean of Students’ webpage.  University policies relating to students’ rights and responsibilities are routinely reviewed and revised as needed.  The larger philosophical framework of student responsibilities is stated in the Commitment to Community.

All students enrolled in the LSU Hebert Law Center are expected to be familiar with the contents of the Law Center Catalog and the “Code of Student Professional Responsibility” published in the Catalog.

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29. The institution protects the security, confidentiality, and integrity of its student records.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Office of the University Registrar is responsible for maintaining undergraduate and graduate student academic records.  The procedures used for care of the records are consistent with standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and LSU policy.  In addition, the office retains student records in accordance with the Office of the Enrollment Management Records Retention Schedule.  The Office of Computing Services assists in maintaining the security and integrity of student data as described in the detailed Summary of Security Measures found in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.

¨      Non-Electronic Records

Non-electronic records include those maintained in hard copy, on microfilm, and on optical disk.  The confidentiality of these records is maintained by having the predominance of records handled and stored in non-public areas. 

¨      Electronic Records

The Offices of the University Registrar, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Aid and Scholarships, and Orientation are responsible for the records maintained in the Student Records and Registration (SRR), Admissions (ADM), Financial Aid (FAD), and Advanced Standing (ADV) databases, respectively.  A sophisticated security system that restricts the maintenance and update of data to authorized users ensures the integrity of records.  The system also provides detailed audit logs of critical changes made to records.  The records are protected by a comprehensive, password-driven security system and access to the records is granted on a need-to-know/need-to-update basis.  Departmental chairs and supervisors must approve their employees’ requests for access to the databases.

¨      LSU Hebert Law Center Records

The Registrar of the LSU Hebert Law Center is responsible for maintaining student academic records for the Law Center.  The procedures used for care of the records are consistent with the standards established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and Law Center policy.  The LSU Office of Computing Services assists in maintaining the security and integrity of student data as described in the detailed Summary of Security Measures found in the Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.

The confidentiality of Law Center records is maintained by having the predominance of records handled and stored in non-public areas. 

§         The Law Center Office of Admissions and Student Records maintains all academic records. Application papers of each applicant who enrolls as well as academic ledgers are kept on site.
§         The Law Center activated the Student Records and Registration (SRR) database with the 1982 Fall semester.  From the Fall 1982 through Summer 1987 terms, the office maintained hard-copy academic ledgers for enrolled students and also maintained their records in the SRR database.
§         The admission section of the Office of Admissions and Student Records is responsible for maintaining files on applicants.  The office maintains the files of applicants who do not enroll for one year.  If the applicant does not enroll after one year, the office destroys these records. The admission staff transfers the custody of the records of applicants who enroll to the Registrar and staff.
§         The LSU Office of Student Aid and Scholarships is responsible for maintaining the records of students who apply for financial aid.  The office maintains these hard copy records for five years in accordance with Federal regulations.

The Law Center Office of Admissions and Student Records and the LSU Office of Student Aid and Scholarships are responsible for the records maintained in the Student Records and Registration (SRR), Admissions (ADM) and Financial Aid (FAD) databases, respectively.  A sophisticated security system that restricts the maintenance and updating of data to authorized users ensures the integrity of records.  The system also provides detailed audit logs of critical changes made to records.  The records are protected by a comprehensive, password-driven security system and access to the records is granted on a need-to-know/need-to-update basis.  The Director of Admissions and Student Affairs and the Registrar must approve requests for access to the databases.

¨      Confidentiality of Student Records 

LSU Policy Statement 30-Privacy Rights of Students is based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, As Amended (FERPA).  PS-30 governs the rights to privacy of all LSU students (including law) as well as the confidentiality of academic records.  The policy statement outlines students’ rights to review their academic records, the limitations of their rights, a process for challenging information in their records, and the release of information to third parties.  Users of the SRR database are reminded about their responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of student records.  The first time they access the database each day, they view a security overlay screen.  In addition, users see a special overlay screen when they access the records of students who request that the university not release their directory information.  The Office of the LSU University Registrar provides the university community with regular presentations on PS-30.  In addition, the Office of the LSU University Registrar also maintains a FERPA Tutorial on its Web page.

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30. The institution provides services supporting its mission with qualified personnel to ensure the quality and effectiveness of its student affairs programs.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The LSU Division of Student Life and Academic Services serves as the main link between the university and its students and continuously strives to enhance the quality of co-curricular life, to promote cultural diversity, and to foster a student-centered learning environment in which change can and is expected to occur.  The Division works in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff to create conditions and programs that support and enhance students’ intellectual and personal development.  Student Life and Academic Services personnel are part of a qualified and diverse workforce as presented in the on-line Credentials Roster and Overview of Selected Academic Support Services.  In addition, summaries of employee qualifications, professional development opportunities, etc. may be viewed on the Division’s website by clicking on ‘Accreditation’ in the left menu bar and selecting ‘Student Life Staff.

The LSU Hebert Law Center Director of Admissions and Student Affairs oversees student affairs, including implementation of school policies governing students, advising students on a broad range of issues, supporting the activities and programs of student organizations, serving as a student advocate to the administration.  In addition, the Director advises the Law Center Chancellor on issues involving students.

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¨     RESOURCES

Financial and Physical Resources

1 .   The institution’s recent financial history demonstrates financial stability.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU’s recent financial history demonstrates its financial stability.  During the period 1994-95 through 2001-02, the total educational and general expenditures have increased each year.  The annual average increase is 6.5% with a total increase over the 7-year period of 55%.  The unrestricted educational and general expenditures, which are a reflection of the day-to-day operations of the university, have increased every year during this same period at an annual average rate of 4.5% and a total increase of over 36%.

The two primary sources of revenues to fund the day-to-day operations of the university, unrestricted tuition and fees and unrestricted State Appropriations, have increased over this 7-year period.  Unrestricted tuition and fee revenues have increased dramatically from 1994-95 through 2001-02 with a total percentage increase of almost 52% and an annual average increase of over 6%.  Even the State Appropriations over this period of time has increased every year.  The total percentage increase is 36.7% and the average annual increase is over 4.5%.

The LSU Hebert Law Center's recent financial history demonstrates financial stability. During the periods 1994-95 through 2001-2002, the total educational and general expenditures have increased each year. The total increase over the period was $5,351,923, or 59.9%.

The two primary sources of revenue to fund the day-to-day operations of the Law Center, unrestricted self-generated revenues, primarily tuition and fees, and unrestricted State Appropriations, have increased over this period. Unrestricted self-generated revenues have increased dramatically from 1994-95 through 2001-02 with a total increase of $2,322,043, or 51.7%. State Appropriations over this period of time increased $3,029,880, or 68.1%.

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2.   The institution provides financial statements and related documents, including multiple measures for determining financial health as requested by the Commission, which accurately and appropriately represent the total operation of the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:
The audited LSU financial statements and management letters as well as the measures for determining financial health requested by the Commission are provided as follows:

LSU financial statements:
To satisfy the requirements for reaffirmation under the new SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation, an institutional audit of fiscal year 2002-2003 for the LSU Campus, the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center Campus, and the LSU Agricultural Center Campus was requested of the Legislative Auditor by President Jenkins. Because the fiscal year for the LSU System ends on June 30, the Legislative Auditor's report cannot be ready before March 1, 2004. This information will be made available as soon as it is received.

The LSU, Law Center, and Agricultural Center Campus audits are regularly included in the LSU System-level audit conducted each year by the Legislative Auditor. LSU System Financial Statements from June 30, 1999, to June 30, 2002, and the Supplement to Financial Report which provide data for the three campuses for these years are provided on the hyperlinked website which is accessible to the public. Reports from the Auditor of the LSU System Financial Statements for the prior three years, including management's discussion and analysis, can be found at the hyperlinked website.

In conjunction with the audit of the LSU System at June 30, 2002, the Legislative Auditors issued a separate management letter for "LSU and Related Campuses" within the LSU System. Included within the scope of the management letter were the following institutions: LSU, the LSU Board of Supervisors, the LSU Agricultural Center, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, LSU at Alexandria, and LSU at Eunice. The auditors consider such institutions to be "related" because some of the business functions and most of the accounting functions are managed for them by the LSU Campus, using the same mainframe systems (i.e., budget, HRM, purchasing, general ledger, etc).

In conjunction with the planning process as described in Core Requirement 5, every LSU campus produces an annual published budget document in a format prescribed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the LSU System Office. The LSU 2002-2003 budget document (on-line in .pdf), is available in hard-copy in the LSU Middleton Library. The LSU Agricultural Center 2002-2003 budget (on-line in .pdf) and the LSU Hebert Law Center 2002-2003 budget (on-line in .pdf) are available in hard-copy upon request from the LSU Board of Supervisors. The annual Operating Budget for all three campuses is approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Board approvals are noted in the Board meeting minutes of August 18, 2000, for the fiscal year 2000-2001 operating budget; in the August 24, 2001, minutes for fiscal year 2001-2002; and in the August 22-23, 2002, minutes for fiscal year 2002-2003 operating budget.

For all three campuses, the 2002-2003 schedule of changes in unrestricted net assets, excluding plant and plant related debt (short and long-term debt attached to physical assets) will be available as soon as the institutional audits are complete on March 1, 2004, as noted above. Hard copies and a link to the electronic version of this information will be made available then. This schedule was not prepared at June 30, 2002, by LSU System institutions. However, a Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets (SRECNA) was prepared by LSU at June 30, 2002, and included in the consolidated audit report for fiscal 2001-02. The SRECNA, which is one of three core financial statements currently required by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) for all public institutions of higher education, provides the details of all operating and non-operating activity and the resulting changes in (total) net assets.

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3.   The institution audits financial aid programs as required by federal and state regulations.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The Department of Financial Analysis at Louisiana State University regularly performs audits on all aspects of financial aid to determine compliance with federal and state requirements and with university policies and procedures.  All internal audits are performed in accordance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.  According to the Internal Audit Charter approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, internal audits conform with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, as promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditing.  In compliance with those standards, internal audits conducted result in a written report, which include a statement of audit objectives and scopes, audit results, and, if necessary, audit recommendations. 

Since September 2000, 46 internal audits of individual programs have been conducted.  The overall purpose of these audits has been to determine whether or not the programs have been administered properly, with adequate internal controls in place.  The scope of these audits included:  (1) An evaluation of the procedures used in selecting award recipients, and maintaining adequate documentation supporting the selections; and, (2) Through sampling techniques, determining if award recipients met the applicable compliance criteria, and received the correct award amounts.  Testing has also been done to determine if the awards have been captured in the Financial Aid Database maintained in the Office of Student Aid and Scholarships, and whether or not an appropriate employee within the administering office signed a certification form attesting to the propriety of the award.

In addition to these internal audits, the Legislative Auditor performs annual audits in accordance with OMB Circular A-133.  These audits cover all major federally funded student aid programs, and an audit opinion is issued at the statewide level in the Louisiana Single Audit.  These annual audits include tests of compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations, and a review of internal controls used in administering the programs.

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4.   The institution exercises appropriate control over all its financial and physical resources.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The LSU Office of Facility Services is primarily responsible for all areas of operation, maintenance, and control of facilities. Additionally, University Policy Statements and operating instructions guide personnel in tasks ranging from planning for new facilities to operations and maintenance of existing University facilities and are accessible to staff, faculty, students, and the general public through publications obtainable on-line.  Policy Statements relevant to control of Physical Resources include the following:

Operating instructions give further guidance on proper procedures.  Some of particular relevance are listed below:

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5.   The institution maintains financial control over externally funded or sponsored research and programs.

Narrative:

Louisiana State University has written policies and procedures for both pre-award and post-award financial management of externally funded research and programs.  The Office of Sponsored Program (OSP) provides support to the university community through assistance in the preparation and submission of applications, proposals, and requests for external support for research and special projects, and acceptance of sponsored programs (OSP Guide, OSP Forms & Documents).  OSP is also responsible for ensuring compliance with special approvals from appropriate committees for sponsored programs (Compliance).

The Division of Sponsored Program Accounting (SPA) provides guidance to the university community through assistance in post-award administration of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, after an award is fully executed.  Assistance is provided for tentative account numbers, allowable costs, unallowable costs, direct costs, facilities and administrative costs, budget revisions, cost transfers, invoicing deadlines, subcontractor invoice approval, and the close-out of sponsored agreements (Post Award Administration Manual, SPA Forms).  Also, SPA administers Personnel Activity Reports (PARs) to support charges of salaries and wages to sponsored agreements.  Assistance is provided for certification of time and effort reporting, certification of departmental expense, and documentation of cost sharing on sponsored agreements (PAR Manual).  SPA provides training sessions during the fall and spring semesters to the university community on Post Award Administration and Personnel Activity Reports (PARs).

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6.   The institution takes reasonable steps to provide a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all members of the campus community.

Narrative:

University Policy Statements and Permanent Memoranda delineate the responsibilities of the institution concerning many aspects of the health, safety, and security of the campus environment as follows:

¨       Permanent Memoranda:

§         30:  Radiation Protection Program

§         33:  Drug-Free Workplace and Drug Testing Policy

The Louisiana State University Office of Public Safety and Risk Management provides for a full range of security, safety, law enforcement and emergency services.  The office is comprised of the University Police Department, consisting of 70 commissioned police officers; the Office of Occupational and Environmental Safety, consisting of 7 certified safety professionals; the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, comprised of 30  parking personnel and the Office of Risk Management, with 4 employees.

The Office of Public Safety is in full compliance with provisions of the Clery Act and is working diligently to meet compliance deadlines in the Patriot Act.  The Campus Safety and Health Resources website features a wide range of information on safety and related topics and is intended to be a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, and staff.  LSU Police and Safety operations conduct a host of security and safety programs including Crime Stoppers, Dorm Watch, safety inspections, lighting tours and provide a wide range of security/safety training programs for members of the University community and the community at large.  The University Police provide 24-hour patrol services utilizing foot patrols, vehicle patrols, bicycle patrols and motorcycles, all based on a community policing concept.

The University maintains an excellent working relationship with all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, state and local fire and emergency services organizations as well as state and local Emergency Preparedness offices.  Emergency operations plans are documented and activated as local or national emergencies require.

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7.   The institution operates and maintains physical facilities, both on and off campus, that are adequate to serve the needs of the institution’s educational programs, support services, and mission-related activities.

Narrative:

Louisiana State University (including LSU, Law, and Ag Center) operates, maintains, and plans for a wide range of facilities on campuses in Baton Rouge that have approximately 9.5 million gross square feet with 6.1 million net assignable square feet (NASF) of which more than 1 million NASF is dedicated to laboratories and libraries that are adequate to carry out its educational and research mission. Additionally, over 562,000 gross square feet of new research space is in development, at an estimated cost of $138 million.

LSU has broad and comprehensive strategies which focus on detailed operations and maintenance and planning for its facilities to support the overall university mission. The LSU Office of Facility Services is primarily responsible for all areas of operation and maintenance of facilities, including planning and design. Additionally, University Policy Statements and operating instructions in various forms guide personnel in tasks ranging from planning for new facilities to operations and maintenance of existing University facilities and are accessible to staff, faculty, students, and the general public through publications obtainable on-line.

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¨     FEDERAL MANDATES

1.   When evaluating success with respect to student achievement in relation to the institution's mission, the institution includes, as appropriate, consideration of course completion, state licensing examinations, and job placement rates.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

All academic departments are expected to develop student learning outcomes for each curriculum, assess the outcomes, and utilize the results to improve the programs as part of the on-going planning and review process.  The Center for Assessment and Evaluation, part of the Centers for Excellence in Learning & Teaching, provides assistance to departmental assessment coordinators in satisfying these expectations.  The university Academic Programs Assessment Matrix presents this information for each degree program.  The Matrix information is updated annually by each department.  Additional information (licensure, job placement, certification, etc.) from a selection of departments is shown in the Overview of Assessment of Student Achievement.

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2.   The institution maintains a curriculum that is directly related and appropriate to the purpose and goals of the institution.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The degree programs at LSU help to fulfill the institution’s mission in the generation, preservation, dissemination, and application of knowledge and the cultivation of the arts.  The TABLE OF Degree Programs in the Academic Programs chapter of the LSU General Catalog summarizes curricular requirements for each field of study.  The baccalaureate degree programs at LSU average 128 hours, and range from 120-162 hours.  All undergraduate students at LSU must satisfy the General Education requirements in order to graduate.  The LSU Graduate Bulletin provides the minimum semester hour requirements for Master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.  The Courses and Curricula Committee of the LSU Faculty Senate is an interdisciplinary committee representing a cross section of the faculty. The Committee reviews all program changes to ensure the rigor and relevance of each program.  For more information, see the following: 

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3.   The institution makes available to students and the public current academic calendars, grading policies, and refund policies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Current academic calendars, grading policies, and refund policies are published in the print and online LSU General Catalog (see left-side menu bar), and this information is also available on the websites of the University Registrar and Undergraduate Admissions.  Information about the requirements and regulations of the LSU Graduate School are also found in the LSU General Catalog in the Graduate School Information Chapter. 

The LSU Hebert Law Center publishes available current academic calendars, grading policies, and refund policies in the print and online versions of the Law Center Catalog and this information is also available on the LSU Law Center website on the Tuition, Fee & Expenses page.

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4.   The institution demonstrates that program length is appropriate for each of the degrees offered.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The baccalaureate degree programs at LSU average 128 hours, and range from 120-160 hours.  All undergraduate students at LSU must satisfy the General Education requirements in order to graduate.  The TABLE OF Degree Programs in the Academic Programs chapter of the LSU General Catalog summarizes curricular requirements for each field of study.   The LSU Graduate Bulletin provides the minimum semester hour requirements for Master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.  LSU Policy Statement 45: Courses & Curricula prescribes the process for the review of courses, curricula, and changes to existing courses.  All educational programs are approved by faculty in the department, the college courses and curricula committee, the Dean, the Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee (click on Committee List in the left menu bar for more information about the Committee, actions taken, members, etc.), the Provost, and the Chancellor.  In addition, all new programs must be approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, as well as the Louisiana Board of Regents. 

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5.   The institution has adequate procedures for addressing written student complaints and is responsible for demonstrating that it follows those procedures when resolving student complaints. (See Commission policy "The Review of Complaints Involving the Commission or its Accredited Institutions.")

·        In Compliance

Narrative: 

The 2003-04 LSU General Catalog has a section on grade appeals beginning on p. 70 in Undergraduate Degree Requirements and Regulations.  A multi-tiered process ensures adherence to standards; appeals may go all the way to the Chancellor if the student is not satisfied with the decisions made by the college and by Academic Affairs.

University Policy Statement 48: Student Appeal Procedures describes procedures that an individual student may use to question formally the application of any university regulation, rule, policy, requirement or procedure, not otherwise covered by an established procedure, as it applies to that individual student. A designated appeals officer is provided for each appeal. Random audit of Academic Affairs appeal files demonstrates due process is followed.

All students enrolled in the LSU Hebert Law Center are obliged to report any violations of the Code of Student Professional Responsibility to the Office of the Law Center Vice Chancellor or to a member of the Ethics Committee of the Student Bar Association

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6.   Recruitment materials and presentations accurately represent the institution's practices and policies.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

Recruitment materials are, by policy and standard practices, reviewed by University Relations and/or Academic Affairs for accuracy and the proper representation of LSU's practices and policies, in accordance with University Policy Statement 10: Internal and External Communications.

Within the LSU Hebert Law Center, recruitment materials are, by policy and standard practices, reviewed by the Law Center Director of Publications and/or the Chancellor for accuracy and the proper representation of the Law Center’s practices and policies.

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 7.  The institution publishes the name of its primary accreditor and its address and phone number.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

The opening page of the LSU General Catalog states that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the accrediting agency for LSU along with address and telephone number.

The opening page of the LSU Hebert Law Center Catalog states that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the accrediting agency for the Law Center.  Also listed is the Law Center’s accreditation by the American Bar Association and membership with the Association of American Law Schools.

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8.   The institution is in compliance with its program responsibilities under Title IV of the 1998 Higher Education Amendments.

·        In Compliance

Narrative:

LSU completed re-authorization by the Department of Education in 2001; the university is in good standing with the Program Participation Agreement until 2007.  Note the information provided to students (including Law students) by the Office of Student Aid and Scholarships, particularly on Federal Financial Aid Programs and Loan Counseling (click on links in left menu bar).

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