Brian Lauziere

The Faculty Senate meeting included reports from the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs regarding various accreditations and the promotion and tenure process. The Board of Supervisors report detailed reorganization efforts within the LSU system, a new nationwide search for the Provost, and governance updates. Individual assembly reports covered facility renovation planning at the School of Dentistry, the approval of procedures for graduate student examinations, faculty awards and P&T updates in the School of Medicine, and program enrollment growth in the School of Nursing. Additionally, the Library provided updates on open access fee waivers and upcoming information sessions. New business included the endorsement of a resolution for transparency, calls for nominations for Senate leadership, and a discussion regarding upcoming ADA compliance regulations for electronic documents.

The meeting included an introduction to the new Senior Vice Chancellor for LSU Health New Orleans and discussions regarding a planned reorganization of LSU system campuses to enhance research and academic collaboration. Reports were provided on faculty handbook revisions, research administration software updates, and various departmental initiatives. The Senate passed a resolution acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing leadership and initiated a formal review process for a resolution concerning transparency and accountability in future leadership appointments.

The meeting focused on the proposed consolidation of research-intensive LSU system campuses under the LSU flagship in Baton Rouge, with discussions regarding accreditation updates from SACSCOC, upcoming campus restructuring, and administrative changes. Reports included updates on animal care leadership, academic policy approvals for online MPH programs, and ongoing construction projects. The senate also addressed faculty handbook language revisions, wellness initiatives such as food security programs, and planning for an upcoming networking social to recruit new senators.

The "Be Well: Student Success and Wellness" Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center -- New Orleans aims to enhance student success and wellness across the institution over a five-year period. It focuses on two main goals: fostering an environment of wellness to increase students' awareness of their mental, physical, and financial health, and providing support programs to enhance student experiences and academic health. Key areas addressed include mental, physical, financial, and academic health, with a phased implementation starting in Spring 2025.

The meeting began by suspending the standard order of business to discuss the Faculty Handbook. The Faculty Handbook Committee reported on proposed changes regarding contract types and the addition of the Instruction Track, ultimately tabling a specific item for the January meeting and requesting revised wording be sent out beforehand. The Special Guest, the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, provided updates on SACSCOC changes, including the reduction of substantive change categories and removal of the QEP requirement. Other significant topics included planned leadership changes at the LSU System level, resignation of the Director of Animal Care, expansion of programs at the OCIS-BR campus, and recommendations from a higher education reform taskforce regarding accreditation agencies. The President's Report focused on proposed renovations to the MEB to include electronic poster boards and the formulation of a new policy for posting printed materials. Reports from Assemblies covered bylaws revisions in Allied Health, a student panel on the dental curriculum, faculty parking issues in Dentistry, a successful Graduate Research Day, anticipation of MEB renovations completion in Medicine, updates on grants and onboarding in Nursing, revisions to promotion guidelines in Public Health, and library updates regarding Point of Care Tools and Ische Library construction.