Terry P. Braud

The Academic Council meeting included salutes to Ashley Munson for contributions to the Louisiana Center for the Study of Dyslexia. A new policy on academic classroom rental fees for outside groups was presented to generate more revenue, with Auxiliary Services handling rentals and exceptions requiring presidential approval. The Council discussed endowments, noting a positive return on investment and plans to add more to the funding list. Summer office hours and online classes were addressed, with plans to adhere to the existing policy until changes are proposed. Nicholls Online Student Evaluations for 2013 were reviewed, and a free class on program assessment plans was presented. The definition of a 10-month faculty member and a new structure for governance were also discussed.

This document, presented during the Fall 2021 Convocation, outlines Nicholls State University's strategic direction through its Academic Master Plan and other initiatives. Key focus areas include enhancing existing and developing new academic programs, increasing the university's academic brand visibility, fostering a scholarly environment, providing comprehensive faculty support, creating exceptional teaching and learning environments, and promoting a campus-wide culture of efficiency, transparency, and service. The plan also addresses challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment, and budget, while highlighting ongoing physical campus improvements and future program developments in engineering, cybersecurity, and agriculture. Intended outcomes include providing quality education, ensuring student success, and maintaining a safe and supportive campus community.