The cohort of new faculty at the 2024 New Faculty Summit, held in Tiger Stadium, with Executive Vice President & Provost Roy Haggerty on August 20, 2024.

Dear Colleagues,

As we transition into the fall semester, our focus sharpens on one of the core pillars that make Louisiana State University truly great: the preservation of knowledge. I believe that all great research universities excel in generating, disseminating, applying, and preserving knowledge for future generations, and putting the knowledge economy to work for everyone we serve. This month, we highlight the ongoing efforts that underscore our commitment to this mission, particularly in relation to the preservation of the LSU Campus Mounds—an ancient and sacred site right at the heart of our campus.

The LSU Campus Mounds, constructed by Native Americans between 6,000 to 11,000 years ago, stand as a testament to the deep historical roots of our region. These mounds are not only a significant archaeological and cultural landmark but also a symbol of the knowledge and traditions that have been passed down through generations. They represent a continuity of human experience, knowledge, and reverence for the land that we, as an academic institution, are privileged to protect.

Thanks to a $220,871 grant from the National Park Service, matched by LSU, we are undertaking a comprehensive project to preserve these mounds for future generations. This preservation effort is more than just a restoration of a historic site; it is an affirmation of our responsibility to safeguard the knowledge and cultural heritage that these mounds embody. The project will address ongoing erosion, repair damage, and plant drought-resistant grasses to stabilize the mounds. Moreover, we are planning to enhance the site’s educational potential, envisioning it as a place for learning, reflection, and connection to our shared history.  

Before moving to related topics, I want to thank our partners in the Choctaw, Coushatta and other tribes and the many LSU faculty and staff, including the Committee to Preserve the LSU Campus Mounds chaired by Dr. Sibel Bargu Ates, who have contributed to the preservation and planning for the LSU Campus Mounds, work that has been ongoing for several years.  Your work has been effective at protecting and celebrating one of the most important Native American sites in Louisiana.  At LSU, we build teams that win!

Our commitment to preserving knowledge is not limited to ancient artifacts. It extends to ensuring that our current and future students can continue their academic journey without interruption, even in the face of unexpected challenges. The Remote Learning Plan we’ve developed is a testament to this dedication, providing clear guidelines to maintain instructional continuity during unforeseen campus closures.

This focus on preservation, whether it be of our historical sites or the integrity of our academic processes, reflects the broader mission of LSU to apply the knowledge we generate to solve relevant problems and serve the people of Louisiana and beyond. As we move forward, we remain committed to preserving the wealth of knowledge that has been entrusted to us, ensuring that it continues to benefit future generations.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to LSU’s mission. Together, we are not only preserving the past but also building a future where knowledge continues to thrive.

Geaux Tigers!

Roy Haggerty
Executive Vice President & Provost

Remote Learning Plan & Syllabus Statement

In the event of an unexpected campus closure, LSU has developed a Remote Learning Plan that provides guidelines and resources to ensure instructional activities may continue without interruption as long as internet access is widely available. Faculty may use the sample syllabus statement below:

"In the event of a campus-wide closure, this course may transition to an alternative form of instruction. I will notify you by [e-mail, Moodle announcement] as soon as possible of the format our course will take. For example, the class may be held via Zoom and recorded for those unable to attend, or I will provide a lesson online that you can do asynchronously, or we may cover content at a different pace or schedule. If the emergency closure impacts scheduled tests, I will make alternative arrangements as soon as possible. If alternative formats are not available due to widespread loss of power and/or internet or other extenuating circumstances, the University may schedule makeup days per Policy Statement 117."

National Parks Service Awards Grant to Help LSU Preserve Campus Mounds

LSU has been awarded $220,871 from the National Parks Service to help preserve the LSU Campus Mounds. Funds from this grant will stop ongoing erosion, repair existing damage, and add denser drought-resistant grass to stabilize the mounds’ surface. LSU will provide $220,871 of matching funds to support this project. Learn more about the LSU Campus Mounds.

Workday Student Update  

On August 5th, LSU Eunice went live on Workday Student, giving them the ability to recruit, accept applications and admit incoming Fall 2025 and beyond prospects in Workday. In September, LSU A&M will integrate (via Slate) applicants for the purpose of verifying and packaging student financial aid and preliminary transfer credit for Summer 2025 and beyond. Students will begin using Workday in early Spring 2025. Training resources for the general campus community for Spring 2025 will be located on the LSU Workday Student website. For questions or suggestions, you can email the team at [email protected].

External Awards & Recognition Website Launched

New Event Details: Provost's Distinguished Lecture Featuring Dr. Janina Jeff

Please note that the date, time and location have been updated for this event.

Elevating Education: The Power of Liberal Arts

sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness invites you to ELEVATE, a two-day professional enrichment event open to all faculty, on September 25 and 26 featuring keynote speaker Dr. Kate McConnell, Vice President for Curricular & Pedagogical Innovation and Executive Director of VALUE at the American Association of Colleges & Universities. Dr. McConnell will provide transformative insights on liberal arts education, integrative learning, and high-impact practices. The sessions are designed to be independent, allowing attendees to benefit even if they can only participate in select portions. Faculty may register for one, some, or all of the sessions. Learn more and register for ELEVATE.

Special Meals Update

Effective July 1, 2024, special meals should not be served at brief meetings, particularly meetings that could be scheduled at times other than mealtimes. This change is reflected in PM-13 University Travel Regulations, in alignment with the Louisiana Division of Administration’s State Travel Policy, PPM-49. Questions related to special meals can be directed to Jennifer Driggers at 225-578-1538 or [email protected], or Patrice Gremillion at 225-578-3366 or [email protected].

Act 125: Open and Affordable Educational Resources

A reminder that LSU must comply with Act 125 regarding Open Educational Resources (OER)/Affordable Educational Resources (AER). If applicable, please make sure your course is designated as OER or AER. Learn more about OER/AER.

LSU Discover

Looking for new undergraduate researchers? Take advantage of one or more of these recruitment tools offered by the LSU Discover Undergraduate Research Program:

1. Add your name to the Mentor Database and let students find you. 
2. Promote your research opportunity on LSU Discover’s monthly e-newsletter (~8,000 subscribers) and/or social media (~2,000 subscribers). Sign up for our e-newsletter here.
3. Want advice or need special assistance? Reach out to us by emailing [email protected] 

Online & Continuing Education Training Series Fall 2024

As you prepare for the Fall 2024 semester, take advantage of the In-Residence support offered by LSU Online & Continuing Education’s Design & Development team and Faculty Technology Center. For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit the Faculty In-Residence Support webpage. Additionally, to view a list of upcoming workshops and to register, please visit the LSU Training & Event Registration site.