Key figures discuss the advantages and disadvantages to Southern and how offices are going to move forward to the new Southern.
Chancellor Llorens discussed the progress of the reorganization and retrenchment plan.
“This is the first semester and (interim provost) Dr. (Janet) Rami and I are working with the deans to collapse and consolidate schools and they will be aligned with the new organizational structure,” Llorens said.
Llorens is striving to protect the core mission of the university and deal with budgetary shortfalls.
“We plan to protect out core academic mission. The reality of the fiscal situation is we cannot continue as we are facing the challenges of a severely reduced budget,” Llorens said.
Llorens understood some of the decisions he will face during exigency.
“I realize I’m in a position where this is not going to be positive for everyone. If there were other options I’m all for it. We realize it’s all about creating a better SU,” Llorens said.
Southern University System President Ronald Mason hopes that The Southern Strategy Plan will help build academic excellence and prominence.
“Students should focus on the positive and the policies and possibilities,” Mason said.
Mason said politics and lack of monetary resources leave Southern disadvantaged.
“We reflect the people we serve. We don’t have access to wealth,” Mason said.
Although monetarily we have less wealth Mason mentioned we tend to do more with less.
“Southern University at Shreveport has the second highest graduation rate in Louisiana, Southern University at New Orleans graduates more students than it takes in,” Mason said.
Southern University Board of Supervisors Chairman Darren Mire felt the university was disadvantaged because of legislative decisions made by the state.
“We don’t get to draw from the same pool. The Governor has put a priority on 2 year colleges. Our mission was to allow every individual gain a 4 year degree. Our mission is not the same as LSU,” Mire said.
Mire saw having the only Historically Black College and University system as a advantage by itself.
”With the only HBCU system we have something to sell. Our alumni are everywhere. Because we are in the capitol we stay abreast of what’s going on politically.”
Mire discussed the progress we have made with financial exigency.
“We have taken a negative and turned it into a positive. Financial exigency has turned to restructuring, rehiring, and combining schools. It’s easy to fight when you believe in something,” Mire said.
Residential Life Director Shandon Neal proposed exposure and telling the Southern University story could push the positive.
“While everyone has downfalls if enough people tell the positive we can increase recruitment and retention,” Neal said.
As the reorganization and retrenchment plan is being implemented key figures are tracking and monitoring its progress and addressing its problems.
Categories:
New Chances for SU
February 7, 2012
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