Rachel Alexander

The University of New Orleans is seeking approval to demolish Milneburg Hall due to high renovation, operation, and maintenance costs compared to the building's value. The facility no longer serves a useful purpose, and demolition would consolidate the university's footprint, reduce insurance premiums, and result in annual cost savings for operations and maintenance. Capital cost avoidance includes expenses for roof replacement and replacing air handling units.

The meeting of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System included discussions and approvals on various key items. These included the promotion of faculty and recommendations for tenure, academic planning documents for 2025-28, and contracts for the Head Baseball Coach and Head Coach for Men's and Women's Tennis at the University of New Orleans. The board also approved the annual internal audit plans for fiscal year 2025-26, the capital outlay budget request for 2026-27, and a memorandum of understanding between the University of New Orleans and The 18th Ward for youth sports programming. Additionally, the board approved the fiscal year 2025-26 operating budgets, including organizational charts, mandatory attendance fees, and scholarships.

The board approved a contract with Mr. Clayton O'Callaghan as Head Coach for Men's and Women's Cross Country/Track and Field at the University of New Orleans, including his salary and performance incentives. Additionally, the board approved the appointment of Ms. Arlean Wehle as Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration at the University of New Orleans, with an annual salary of $210,000, effective August 20, 2025.

The university system is seeking approval for Campus Housing and Meal Plan Rates, Auxiliary Rates, Energy Surcharge, and Non-Governmental Charges for the academic year 2025-26. Each of the nine universities has submitted its proposed adjustments to service rates, considering factors such as contractual obligations, operational costs, and market limitations. The rates vary by campus based on their respective service offerings.

The University of New Orleans' strategic plan, Impact UNO, focuses on connecting people to opportunities and sparking ideas into action through scholarship, research, discovery, creativity, service, and community engagement. The plan aims to establish the university as a preeminent urban research institution recognized for teaching excellence, student success, innovative programs, and its role in social, economic, intellectual, and cultural development in the New Orleans region and beyond. Core values include excellence, diversity, equity, inclusion, student success, and innovation.