Student Government President J Hudson underscored the need for the University to live up to its flagship status by offering a multitude of programs at his “State of the University” address Thursday night in the Journalism Building’s Holliday Forum.
“We are a flagship institution, and if you’re going to have a major, it needs to be at this one,” Hudson said.
Hudson emphasized the need for students to join with him and SG to fight budget cuts and promote the University at the Capitol.
“Student Government has no power if it doesn’t have students behind it,” Hudson said. “Your [local] legislator cares more about you than he does about me.”
SG Vice President Dani Borel said SG’s strength in fighting the cuts is its availability to administrators and its ability to represent different students and different perspectives. SG has “a lot of power,” according to Borel.
Along with joining students together, Hudson stressed the importance of bridging the community gaps with other universities to support higher education amid the current budget crisis in the state.
“It’s simple — we use our words,” he said. “A simple phone call can help legislators start thinking about higher education. We must gather together as a community of colleges and universities.”
Hudson said he was frustrated with what he called the “number games” administrators play with the figures they use to represent cuts to LSU’s budget. Estimates have fluctuated from 23 percent to 35 percent, then to 32 percent and are now projected to be about 10 percent. Hudson and Borel said SG has worked to ensure transparency between administrators and students.
“Our dedication to decreasing budget cuts is unwavering,” Borel said.
Borel listed ways SG has worked to mitigate the budget cuts, referencing SG’s movement to create a committee to evaluate student recommended fees and assess the fee bill.
Hudson and Borel expressed their views in favor of raising tuition as a way to supplement the budget cuts. Hudson said he’s in favor of the tuition increases if they will go toward making the University more nationally competitive, but if they are used to fill “budget holes,” SG won’t advocate their efficacy.
Hudson compared the University’s tuition to that of peer institutions in Texas, noting tuition here is lower than Texas institutions’ in-state price.
“We’re significantly below the average,” he said.
Hudson said he gives his full support to the Flagship Coalition, a group of LSU alumni fighting to propel the University to the top of the Legislature’s concern in the upcoming session. He said the plan “tackles inefficiencies created by bureaucracy.”
“This plan is, in my opinion, hands down the best plan for this University,” he said.
To the audience assembled Thursday, which was comprised mostly of SG and Student Media representatives, Borel expressed her joy at seeing students concerned about the future of their campus.
“Seeing students so interested in the well being of the University is truly inspiring,” she said.
Hudson and Borel were effusive about their pride for what the University has accomplished this year and in past years, like remaining in the top tier despite budget issues. Both officials praised their administration’s accomplishments.
“We have stayed focused on the students,” Borel said. “LSU is in a challenging time, financially.”
Amid fighting the budget cuts, Hudson reiterated his commitment to fulfilling initiatives on his pushcard. Borel said two initiatives that will soon be visible are covered bus stops and Greek wireless.
 
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Contact Andrea Gallo at [email protected]