The LSU Student Senate unanimously passed legislation during its meeting last week, requesting LSU to amend the credit hours requirement for the Chancellor’s and Dean’s Lists.
Currently, the Dean’s List includes students who earn a 3.5-3.9 GPA in 15 credit hours in a semester. The Chancellor’s Honor Roll has a 4.0 GPA requirement, as well as the 15 credit hours.
Student Government Resolution No. 12 written by senators Matthew Ledet, Hannah Mulvehill and Molly Ryan would urge LSU to change the required number of hours to 12 for both awards.
“I think we should reward the students for working as hard as they are,” Mulvehill said during the meeting.
According to the legislation, 10 of the other 13 SEC schools require 12 hours for similar honors. Like LSU, Texas A&M University, the University of Florida and the University of Georgia require more than 12 hours.
The resolution also says seven of eight of LSU’s peer universities — not included in the SEC — also have a 12 hour requirement. According to the Flagship 2020 agenda, some of LSU’s peer universities include the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Iowa State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Senator Gabby Triche presented the list of universities with a 12 hour requirement in LSU’s peer group and the SEC during debate about the legislation. Triche also said she spoke to LSU President F. King Alexander about the requirement the morning of the Senate meeting.
Triche said Alexander told her there is not a reason for the 15 hour requirement. She said it was likely set that way when the honors were created and has not been changed since.
“This is something that I’m really passionate about,” Triche said. “I’m taking six classes, but it’s only 14 hours. The fact that I’m putting in that much effort and won’t be able to make an honor roll this year sucks.”
Triche also said Ledet, who represents the LSU Graduate School, will likely speak with LSU Provost Richard Koubek and Senior Vice Provost Jane Cassidy about extending the new standard for graduate students, though the resolution is primarily meant for undergraduate students.
Triche said Alexander told her during their meeting the change should not be a difficult one. Triche said she isn’t completely sure of how the change would work, but the authors should update the Senate after meeting with Koubek and Cassidy.
“I’m not sure how fast they can get it done,” Triche said. “I’m not sure what goes into actual policy making, if that’s something he can wave his wand and fix or if there’s something more bureaucratic behind it.”