Abbey M. Bain

The meeting included a report from the Vice President detailing updates from the Chancellor's Cabinet, covering topics such as a sold-out Black History Month Luncheon, the upcoming launch of new Accelerated Bachelor's degrees (Bioinformatics and Work Ready IT), surpassing enrollment goals, planned community events, and updates on tuition increases (tentatively 5% plus some campus fees). A potential parking garage for the downtown Health campus was mentioned. The Committee on Committees (C&C) successfully moved to batch vote and approve the deletion of several History courses. Modifications to LTCA courses were returned to the department for revision to ensure course objectives are student-focused rather than faculty-focused. Modifications for RADT courses were approved. The Committee also approved the modification of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, but rejected modifications for CMIS 1150 and HCAM 4421. The Interdisciplinary Curriculum Committee (ICC) now has agreed-upon members who will elect officers. New business included adding a discussion about Faculty Senate funds and the role of the Senate regarding faculty terminations, with plans to finalize policies related to PM 35 and PS 202.

The meeting commenced after quorum was established. Guest updates from the Chancellor included reports on the successful start to the semester following an active shooter hoax, plans for an LSUA pride blitz, and forthcoming discussions regarding summer pay. The Provost reported on the hiring of thirteen new faculty members, the academic plan for 2025-2026 featuring new B.S. programs in Agricultural Science and Aviation, positive dual enrollment numbers, and initiatives to transition tenure and promotion to electronic portfolios. It was also noted that LSUA now has an official presence at Fort Polk. The President reported on achieving a new understanding regarding the summer pay scale, effective the following summer. The Senate also addressed committee reports, approving new appointments to the Public Relations, Budget & Review, and Improvement of Instruction sub-committees, and allowing one member to continue serving despite a change in role. New business included making Faculty Senate Grant applications available soon and raising inquiries for the next SLT meeting regarding updates to Self Service and options for spreading faculty pay over 12 months.

The meeting featured guest updates from the Chancellor regarding an upcoming LSU System President visit, graduation timing, and the Student Success Center ribbon cutting. The Provost provided updates on proposed summer pay increases, setting a target flat rate of $3210 for 3-hour courses, with adjunct and overload pay to be considered next. The Chancellor also mentioned the Task Force on Public Higher Education Reform report and potential impacts on accreditation. The LSUA Foundation representative discussed support mechanisms, including scholarships, academic program funding, and faculty development opportunities. Discussions within the Senate included follow-up on the repeat/delete policy, where the Senate requested the Admissions & Standards Committee complete its second charge item and clarify language concerning repeated coursework taken elsewhere. Old Business involved identifying members for the ICC, noting that several current members are no longer affiliated with LSUA.

The President's report covered several operational and planning matters, including efforts to streamline adjunct pay, spring enrollment figures showing year-over-year projection increases, new leadership appointments (Director of Advising), updates on LSUA's 2027 budgeting process, internal audits, facility improvements such as parking lot repaving and the Martin Building move and associated costs, a flat increase for summer pay, the status of the EMT continuing education course, student involvement in local events, campus digital display implementation, and the forthcoming campus visit by the new LSU president. A committee is being convened per Board of Regents (BoR) policy to develop an AI policy, which must incorporate mandated elements. Discussions also included the future structure of the Interdisciplinary Curricula Committee (ICC), with an agreement to establish it as a standing committee requiring a by-law change, with a proposal targeted for May. Faculty accomplishments were also noted for reporting purposes.

The meeting's agenda was amended to address old business next due to technical difficulties. Old business involved instructing the Admissions & Standards Committee to address a charge regarding course overlap in multiple minors, specifically the maximum number of times a single course can be counted. A motion was passed to send this new charge to the committee, including a specific case from the Registrar's Office. Additionally, new members for the Interdisciplinary Curriculum Committee were nominated and appointed, and a resolution to add the ICC as a standing committee will be drafted. New business included the approval of a draft statement of appreciation for Jennifer Innerarity, and arrangements were made for official Senate letterhead and a backup meeting location. Review of the C&C Committee minutes was delayed.