2.1 Louisiana Board of Regents
The Louisiana Board of Regents (BOR), created under Article VIII, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, holds the authority to plan and coordinate for all public postsecondary education in the state. The BOR consists of 15 members, including two representatives from each congressional district and three at-large members, all appointed by the Governor to staggered six-year terms. Additionally, one student member, elected annually from among the student body presidents of the systems, serves a one-year term.
The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the BOR include the following:
- To revise or eliminate an existing degree program, department of instruction, division, or similar subdivision.
- To approve, disapprove, or modify a proposed degree program, department of instruction, division, or similar subdivision.
- To study the need for and feasibility of creating a new institution of postsecondary education, which includes establishing a branch of such an institution.
- To formulate and make timely revisions of a master plan for postsecondary education. As a minimum, the plan shall include a formula for equitable distribution of funds to the institutions of postsecondary education.
- To require that every postsecondary education board submit to it, at a time it specifies, an annual budget proposal for the operational needs and the capital needs of each institution under the control of each board. The BOR shall submit its budget recommendations for all institutions of postsecondary education in the state. It shall recommend priorities for capital construction and improvements.
Powers of management over public institutions of postsecondary education not specifically vested by the Louisiana Constitution in the BOR are reserved to the LSU Board of Supervisors and the other postsecondary education management boards.
Bylaws for the internal operation and the transaction of business for the Board of Regents for the State of Louisiana can be found at the following URL: https://regents.la.gov/bylaws/
In addition, the Academic Affairs Policies and Procedures of the Board of Regents can be found at the following URL: https://www.laregents.edu/academicaffairs-policiesandprocedures/
Policies and procedures of special interest to the faculty include the following:
- Academic Affairs Policy 2.04: Academic Planning and Degree Program Proposals
- Academic Affairs Policy 2.05: Academic Research Units: Proposals for New Academic Programs/Units
- Academic Affairs Policy 2.06: Board of Regents Review of Existing Academic Programs/Units
For additional information, go to https://www.laregents.edu/
2.2 Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
The LSU Board of Supervisors (BOS), created under Article VIII, Section 7 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, is the governing body responsible for supervising and managing the institutions, statewide agricultural programs, and other programs administered through its system. The BOS consists of 15 members, including two representatives from each congressional district and the remaining members serving at large. All members are appointed by the Governor with Senate approval and serve staggered six-year terms, following initial terms established by law. Additionally, one student member, elected annually from among the student government presidents within the LSU system, serves a one-year term with all the privileges and rights of other board members.
Louisiana state law designates the BOS as the legal body with specific authority over all member institutions and gives the board both policy-making and fiduciary responsibilities. La. R.S. 17:3351 establishes the general powers, duties, and functions of the BOS, granting it authority to supervise and manage the day-to-day operations of institutions of postsecondary education under its control, including but not limited to the following:
- Sue and be sued
- Actively seek and accept donations for educational purposes
- Receive and expend or allocate for expenditure all monies appropriated for the purpose of the board or the institution under its jurisdiction
- Borrow money and issue notes
- Determine student fees
- Purchase land and purchase or construct buildings
- Purchase equipment and properly maintain and make improvements to facilities necessary for the use of the university system
- Lease land or other property belonging to it or to any university within its system
- Sell, transfer, or exchange land or other property not needed for university purposes
- Employ or approve the employment, fix or approve the salaries, and fix or approve the duties and functions of personnel for the board and the university system
- Review and approve curricula, programs of study, departments of instruction, divisions, or similar subdivisions established by the faculties of the university system and forward to the Louisiana Board of Regents for final approval
- Adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations necessary or proper for the business of the board and for the government of the universities comprising its system
- Adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations for the government and discipline of students
- Affiliate with any institution giving any special course of instruction
- Award certificates, confer degrees, and issue diplomas
- Enter into contracts and agreements with other public agencies with respect to cooperative enterprises and undertakings relating to or associated with university purposes and programs
- Adopt academic calendars
- Perform such other functions as are necessary or incidental to the supervision and management of the university system it supervises and manages
To effectively fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the BOS adheres to the Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. These governing documents are available at the following URLs:
For additional information, go to https://www.lsu.edu/bos/
2.3 LSU President
The LSU President, as outlined in Article IX, Section 2 of the LSU Board of Supervisors Bylaws, serves as the chief executive officer of all LSU institutions, including LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S), and holds broad executive authority, subject to the direction and control of the LSU Board of Supervisors. The President is responsible for overseeing the University’s operations, ensuring Board decisions are implemented, and advancing the University’s overall welfare and development. This includes defining each campus’s mission in collaboration with the Chancellor, establishing administrative and educational policies, coordinating activities across campuses, and managing the budget to reflect the needs of each institution while respecting the autonomy of campus Chancellors.
For additional information, go to https://www.lsu.edu/president/
2.4 LSUHSC-S Administration
Responsibilities and reporting lines for the administrative structure of LSU Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) are described in the following subsections.
2.4.1 Chancellor
The Chancellor exercises complete executive authority over the institution, subject to the direction and control of the President of the LSU System and the Board of Supervisors. Within the framework established by the Board and President, the Chancellor is responsible for implementing educational and administrative policies, preparing an organizational chart, designating duties, and overseeing the campus budget, including its preparation, review, and execution as approved by the President and Board.
[Article IX, Section 4 of the LSU Board of Supervisors Bylaws (10/10/24)]
The Chancellor may delegate authority to vice chancellors, deans, and other senior leaders, working closely with them to ensure the effective execution of the institution’s educational, administrative, and fiscal programs in alignment with its mission.
2.4.2 Vice Chancellors
Vice chancellors support the Chancellor by overseeing the administration of key institutional areas. They provide strategic leadership, implement mission-aligned policies, and ensure the effective delivery of educational, clinical, research, administrative, and fiscal programs. Additionally, they advise the Chancellor on priorities, resource allocation, and policy development, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
2.4.3 Deans
The dean of each school serves as the school’s chief administrative officer and is responsible for providing leadership and administrative oversight, including managing faculty and staff, advancing curriculum development, supporting student affairs, promoting research, driving excellence in patient care, ensuring financial stability, fostering community engagement, and overseeing resource allocation to achieve institutional goals and enhance program effectiveness.
The schools at LSUHSC-S include:
- School of Medicine
- School of Graduate Studies
- School of Allied Health Professions.
2.5 General Faculty
The General Faculty is responsible for formulating and recommending policies that guide educational practices. Comprising faculty from the Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Allied Health Professions, the General Faculty has the authority to set educational policies, establish curricula, oversee student admissions, and delegate related responsibilities to standing committees. It also recommends degree conferrals and advises the Chancellor and deans on policies impacting teaching, research, and service.
2.6 Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate consists of elected members from the General Faculty, representing the institution’s three schools and their respective disciplines in clinical science, basic science, and allied health professions. The Senate advises the Chancellor on matters pertaining to academic freedom, faculty policies, working conditions, promotion, tenure, student affairs, and the overall operation and welfare of LSUHSC-S. It investigates academic issues, recommends actions, and ensures faculty concerns are addressed. The Senate provides regular reports to the General Faculty and oversees faculty elections. It may also establish ad hoc committees and solicit faculty support for its initiatives.
Additional information about the Faculty Senate can be found at the following URL: https://www.lsuhs.edu/our-schools/faculty/senate
2.7 Administrative Council
The Administrative Council advises the Chancellor and deans on issues related to LSUHSC-S’s mission and vision, recommending policies to improve operations, coordination, and institutional quality. Composed of key administrative officers, elected faculty, and other appointees, the Council oversees the implementation of policies, addresses matters referred by faculty governance bodies, and undertakes tasks assigned by leadership. It may also serve as a decision-making body at the Chancellor’s discretion.
2.8 Standing Committees
Standing committees, established by governing bodies such as the Chancellor, deans, senior administration, or general faculty based on institutional needs and goals, are responsible for specific functions that ensure effective governance and operation across academic, administrative, and support areas. These committees play a key role in decision-making by advising senior leadership, implementing policies, and overseeing institutional management. The composition of each committee is designed to reflect the expertise required for its responsibilities and may include faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external stakeholders. These committees operate within the authority granted by the governing body, which may include advisory or decision-making roles.
All standing committees are given clearly stated charges in writing, and they are asked to make periodic reports to their constituent bodies. A listing of standing committees, along with their charters, is available in Article IV of the Faculty Bylaws.
2.9 Policies and Procedures
2.9.1 LSU System Permanent Memoranda
Permanent Memoranda (PM) represent policies of the Louisiana State University System and are binding on all institutions within the System. PMs address policy issues of a system-wide character and are established to support administrative governance of the System.
The LSU System ensures that PMs, when issued, comply with applicable controlling laws, rules, regulations, and policies. However, it is recognized that changes in such laws, rules, regulations, and policies may render all or part of a PM outdated until revised. In such cases, those portions of PMs that are contrary to or in conflict with any controlling law, rule, regulation, or policy are superseded. If the remainder of a PM is unaffected by a change in controlling laws, rules, regulations, or policies, the remaining portion of the PM will remain valid and in effect (unless the PM itself states otherwise). PMs do not form a part of any employee’s contract or appointment with the University or grant rights to any party. A complete listing of all PMs can be found at the following URL: https://www.lsu.edu/administration/policies/permanentmemoranda.php
The following is a sampling of PMs that may be pertinent to faculty members:
- PM-3: Additional Compensation and Compensation: Faculty (link) - Outlines requirements, conditions, and approval criteria for providing additional compensation and establishing compensation limits for faculty and full-time, non-classified employees, distinguishing the types and appropriate uses of such compensation.
- PM-12: Educational Privileges, Educational Leave, and Sabbatical Leave (link) - Outlines the provisions for educational privileges, educational leave, and sabbatical leave for full-time employees
- PM-13: University Travel Regulations (link) - Provides guidelines on permissible travel expenses and reimbursement procedures for university-related travel.
- PM-20: Employee Leave (link) - Defines various types of leave and outlines the procedures for requesting and managing each type.
- PM-30: Radiation Protection Program (link) - Establishes safety standards for faculty working with or near radioactive materials.
- PM-72: Obtaining Legal Services (link) - Provides procedures for faculty seeking legal advice or representation related to university matters.
- PM-79: Freedom of Speech and Expression (link) - Affirms LSU’s commitment to free speech and expression for all students, faculty, and staff, outlining the conditions and regulations regarding the time, place, and manner of expressive activities, while ensuring these activities do not disrupt the university’s operations or violate legal or safety standards.
- PM-80: Prohibition of Hazing (link) - Prohibits any intentional or reckless acts that endanger students’ safety or cause emotional distress and holds faculty and staff responsible for reporting violations.
2.9.2 LSUHSC-S Chancellor’s Memoranda
Chancellor’s Memoranda (CM) are official statements issued by the Chancellor setting forth institutional policies that have an institution-wide or inter-divisional impact. These memoranda focus on policy articulation rather than providing instructions or procedural details for implementation. The Office of the Chancellor holds exclusive authority over these policies. A complete listing of all Chancellor Memoranda can be found at the following URL: Chancellor’s Memoranda - LSU Employee Intranet (lsuhs.edu)
The following is a sampling of CMs that may be pertinent to faculty members:
- CM-12: Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Alcohol (link) - Provides guidance for faculty managing or participating in campus events involving alcohol.
- CM-14: Use of Electronic Mail (link) - Outlines acceptable use of the institution’s email system.
- CM-20: Employment of Impaired Healthcare Professionals (link) - Establishes procedures for addressing situations involving healthcare professionals whose impairment might affect performance or safety.
- CM-21: Student Rights and Responsibilities (link) - Explains students’ rights and responsibilities.
- CM-25: Affiliate Agreement for Human Subjects Research (link) - Establishes requirements for faculty conducting research involving human subjects in collaboration with affiliate organizations.
- CM-28: Use of Broadcast Email (link) - Outlines guidelines for the appropriate use of broadcast email at the institution.
- CM-37: Well-Being (link) - Outlines a comprehensive approach to wellness that encompasses emotional, physical, social, workplace, societal, and digital well-being.
2.9.3 LSUHSC-S Administrative Directives
Administrative Directives are instructions or procedural guidance for the operation of LSUHSC-S in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. These directives are developed through a comprehensive review process within the institution, with final approval by the Chancellor, are organized into various categories based on operational and administrative functions. A complete listing of all Administrative Directives can be found at the following URL: Administrative Directives - LSU Employee Intranet (lsuhs.edu)
The following is a sampling of Administrative Directives that may be pertinent to faculty members:
- 1.1.1: University Travel Regulations (link)- Outlines procedures and requirements for obtaining approval and reimbursement for job-related travel.
- 2.1.4: Violence in the Workplace (link) - Provides procedures for reporting and responding to threats or incidents of violence, ensuring employee safety, and offering support through training, investigation, and assistance.
- 2.2.5: Crisis Leave (link) - Outlines the procedures and requirements for LSUHSC-S’s Crisis Leave Program, including eligibility, leave request and donation processes, leave limits, documentation needed, and compensation details, to support employees facing a catastrophic illness or injury with insufficient leave.
- 2.2.6: Annual, Sick, Holiday, Funeral, and Special Leave (link) - Defines the various forms of leave and provides procedural guidance for administering employee leave.
- 2.4.4: Employee Assistance Program (link) - Outlines procedures for LSUHSC-S employees and their families to access assistance for personal issues affecting job performance or well-being, including self-referrals
- 2.5.1: Separation for Classified and Unclassified Staff (link) - Outlines the procedures for employee separations at LSUHSC-S, including notice requirements, processing of notifications, employee clearance, and exit interviews.
- 2.6.6: Features of Offer for Faculty and Unclassified Applicants (link) - Outlines the procedures for preparing letters of offer to faculty and unclassified applicants at LSUHSC-S, including required content, approval processes, acceptance procedures, and documentation.
- 2.6.14: State Vehicle Registration (link) - Outlines procedural guidance for ensuring compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31, requiring unclassified employees and faculty earning $100,000 or more annually to provide proof of a valid Louisiana driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days of hire or salary increase.
- 2.6.15: Gratis Faculty Appointments (link) - Provides procedural guidance for the appointment of Gratis Faculty at LSUHSC-S, outlining eligibility, appointment process, oversight, and monitoring of such appointments for individuals who supervise, teach, or assess LSUHSC-S students.
- 2.6.18: Research Track (link) - Outlines the process for pursuing the Research Track at LSUHSC-S, focusing on diversifying career opportunities for PhD scientists and retaining research talent through specific criteria for faculty appointments, duties, funding mechanisms, and term limitations.
- 2.8.2: Emergency-Reduction of Operations and Staff/Inclement Weather (link) - Provides guidance for reducing operations and staffing at LSUHSC-S during emergencies or inclement weather while ensuring essential campus functions are maintained.
- 2.8.3: Identification Badges and Building Access (link) - Outlines the procedures for issuing and using photo identification badges for parking and building access at LSUHSC-S, requiring all employees to obtain and wear a badge to maintain access control and security within campus facilities.
- 2.8.5: Substance and Alcohol Abuse (link) - Prohibits the illegal us, abuse, or misuse of alcohol and drugs while on duty and mandates corrective actions or treatment for violations.
- 2.8.8: Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (link) - Outlines the eligibility, qualifying events, notice requirements, documentation, and procedures for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) at LSUHSC-S.
- 2.8.10: Campus Education Day (link) - Requires all LSUHSC-S employees to complete annual training on topics such as ethical standards, privacy, workplace safety, cultural competence, harassment prevention, research compliance, and other relevant regulations.
- 2.8.11: Employee Workplace Dress Code (link) - Establishes standards for professional attire aligned with safety, hygiene, and department-specific standards.
- 2.8.12: Unscheduled Absenteeism (link) - Outlines reporting requirements for notification of unscheduled absences from work.
- 4.2: Professional, Personal and Consulting Contracts (link) - Provides guidelines for procuring professional, personal, and consulting services contracts at LSUHSC-S, including contract execution, payment processing, and compliance reporting.
- 6.6: Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (link) - Prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals with disabilities and provides equal access and reasonable accommodations in all programs, services, and employment opportunities.
- 6.22: Electronic Signature (link) - Provides the procedure for using and accepting electronic signatures in official transactions to ensure proper authentication and authorization.
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