William “Bill” Jenkins, University interim system president and chancellor, will host a Town Hall-style discussion about the reorganization of the University System at 3:30 p.m. today in the Bo Campbell Auditorium of the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes.
In an email sent last Monday, Jenkins invited students and professors to attend and voice their opinions.
A topic under discussion could be the merger of the positions of chancellor and system president. Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope voiced strong opinions against the merger, due to a surprise vote conducted at the end of an Oct. 26 meeting.
Cope said he felt the surprising nature left no room for University faculty and staff to weigh in and believed the vote was predetermined.
Leaders of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools emailed and sent a letter to University officials asking about the consolidation, according to The Associated Press.
“The news reports point out that you are not only the CEO of LSU A&M College but also CEO of LSU System, which raises questions about compliance,” wrote Barry Goldstein, vice president of SACS Commission on Colleges, in an Oct. 19 letter obtained by The Associated Press.
The idea behind the reorganization is to create a single entity across Louisiana’s various University-controlled branches, such as LSU-Eunice, the LSU Law School and the LSU Health Care Services Division.
Classes would have common numbers, accreditation would come either for the entire system or none and faculty research between schools would be encouraged, according to the LSU Media Relations website.
The University is currently undergoing reaccreditation and failed to inform SACS of the changes to the LSU System, as well as the departure of former Chancellor Michael Martin, according to The Associated Press.
Lack of accreditation could make University degree-holders less valuable in the eyes of employers. Other unaccredited universities include long-distance learning and religious schools across the nation.
