Louisiana schools facing more budget problems

[slycat]

This looks to hurts a few SLC schools pretty bad.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl041609cbcolleges.e03938f5.html

In tough times, the budget axe swings freely at Louisiana State colleges and universities.

With the state now facing a more than a $2 billion shortfall, higher education could see up to a 40 percent cut in state funding over the next two years.

"We are bracing for the doomsday," said Louisiana Higher Education Commissioner Sally Clausen. "It is the worst case scenario. We are being cut, right now, by almost $440 million dollars."

Deep cuts are looming and university heads are making sure lawmakers know exactly what their losing.

Thursday morning, the eight college University of Louisiana system, which includes Nicholls State and Southeastern in the New Orleans area, released its latest economic impact study.

[TexasTerror]

The economic impact study by the Univ of Louisiana system was everything a dummy knows about the impact of higher education and what having colleges do for anywhere (i.e jobs, federal $$$, etc). I don't think that will make much a difference in what's going on...

Education is a failure in this state. From K to college. Gov. Bobby Jindal should know a bit about it since he has had some involvement. Unfortunately, the state planned for too much revenue from gas money that did not come. Now, everyone is cutting and since education has never been important to the state, may as well cut it some more.

Look for some schools to cut sports (if they can "afford to" without breaking NCAA and conference rules).

[slycat]

I was talking to people who went to school in LA and its just a mess. I really don't see how the state can get back on track.

Gambling isn't paying off nearly as much as they expected.

I agree that sports will be the first to go but they've got to get a hold on education at every level.

[TexasTerror]

The students are going to have to foot the bill if they want to keep athletics. That's how it will come about. If they are willing to pay, the schools will play.

A school like Nicholls is already so far behind the eight-ball, all these cuts are doing them no good at all.

[slycat]

The students are going to have to foot the bill if they want to keep athletics. That's how it will come about. If they are willing to pay, the schools will play.

A school like Nicholls is already so far behind the eight-ball, all these cuts are doing them no good at all.

So how could this affect the SLC in the long run. A worst case scenario for the conference:

Nicholls St drops sports, Texas State, UTSA, Lamar, and SHSU leave for FBS.

This leaves the conference with 4 football teams. Are there enough teams to fill the spots from the Lone Star Conference or does the conference collapse and teams move to other conferences? Or the conference losses its auto bid.

[BEAR]

So how could this affect the SLC in the long run. A worst case scenario for the conference:

Nicholls St drops sports, Texas State, UTSA, Lamar, UCA, and SHSU leave for FBS.

This leaves the conference with 4 football teams. Are there enough teams to fill the spots from the Lone Star Conference or does the conference collapse and teams move to other conferences? Or the conference losses its auto bid.

Fixed it for ya! Just because times are financially tough for many, doesn't mean they will be that way forever! I noticed the other day that the Gulf South was once composed of members of the Southland who went onto the SunBelt. A familiar path that I believe UCA will take once the financial times are sorted out. If not the SunBelt, the one in the region for sure! Where would the other schools go? SHSU? Lamar etc..?

[slycat]

Fixed it for ya! Just because times are financially tough for many, doesn't mean they will be that way forever! I noticed the other day that the Gulf South was once composed of members of the Southland who went onto the SunBelt. A familiar path that I believe UCA will take once the financial times are sorted out. If not the SunBelt, the one in the region for sure! Where would the other schools go? SHSU? Lamar etc..?

UTSA will get first shot at a conference so CUSA
Texas St, SHSU, Lamar get shots at Sunbelt

Unless of course Big East or CUSA split causing a major realignment.

But I see teams moving in this order

Texas St
UTSA (maybe at same time as Texas State)
Lamar
SHSU
UCA

[TexasTerror]

So how could this affect the SLC in the long run. A worst case scenario for the conference: Nicholls St drops sports, Texas State, UTSA, Lamar, and SHSU leave for FBS.

I have a hard time believing Nicholls drops their athletics program. The rumor on their forums is that they could cut sports. I'd have to review the by-laws, but I believe the SLC mandates you maintain several sports.


This leaves the conference with 4 football teams. Are there enough teams to fill the spots from the Lone Star Conference or does the conference collapse and teams move to other conferences? Or the conference losses its auto bid.

The moratorium is of the issue. There may be enough schools from the LSC and surrounding Div II leagues to move up. Tarleton State. Delta State. Central Oklahoma. Throw in HBU for all-sports and if desperate, Centenary or UT-Pan American.

The SLC break-aways to FBS could add HBUand/or DBU if they get their facilities together - and in the case of DBU, make a full move to Division I.

I do not see why the Sun Belt would take the SLC schools. If there's one thing we've learned is that the same group of schools that makes up a large portion of the SBC's "western side" rejected most of the SLC schools mentioned above (sans UCA and UTSA) on one, if not two occasions from joining them.

They would only take the SLC schools if they were desperate to get schools in their league in wake of their league being raided.

[JohnStOnge]

It is, as so many articles are, a "Chicken Little" article. Notice that near the end there's a mention of lawmakers tapping into a "megafund" to minimize the impact.

Having said that, Louisiana does have a Constitutional problem in that cuts can only come in a few areas including higher education. They really do need to get rid of that. NOTHING should be Constitutionally protected from cuts.

[JohnStOnge]

Education is a failure in this state. From K to college. .

Whenever I see a statement like that I have to mention that, when you adjust for demographics, Louisiana is more a "middle of the pack" state nationally than a "bottom of the barrell" state. I'm talking about in terms of standardized test scores. You have to realize that Louisiana is a State that is about 32 percent Black and has about 19 percent of it's people below the poverty level. I've looked at it before and, if you were to adjust national NAEP test scores to reflect the Demographics of Louisiana, you'd get an average right in line with what Louisiana students achieve. The educational system, per se, does not do a bad job given the population it has to deal with.

[Retro]

The economic impact study by the Univ of Louisiana system was everything a dummy knows about the impact of higher education and what having colleges do for anywhere (i.e jobs, federal $$$, etc). I don't think that will make much a difference in what's going on...

Education is a failure in this state. From K to college. Gov. Bobby Jindal should know a bit about it since he has had some involvement. Unfortunately, the state planned for too much revenue from gas money that did not come. Now, everyone is cutting and since education has never been important to the state, may as well cut it some more.

Look for some schools to cut sports (if they can "afford to" without breaking NCAA and conference rules).

The state did not PLAN for more revenue from gas! They base their budget projections as does any other state on averages and a lot is oil and gas taxes to be exact... In addition, no one expected the Stock Market to collapse the past 6 months as it did driving Oil below the magic number where they make money thus driving them to cut back on new projects, which in turns drops state revenue.

These cuts will affect additional hirings, academic building projects and things of that nature more than anything.. Athletics will be fine because schools like Mcneese have great booster and fan support...

[Retro]

I was talking to people who went to school in LA and its just a mess. I really don't see how the state can get back on track.

Gambling isn't paying off nearly as much as they expected.

I agree that sports will be the first to go but they've got to get a hold on education at every level.

Again, sports won't be the first to go, because so little is funding by the state to begin with... Excessive hiring, raises, professorships, academic building projects will be delayed or cut back...

Gambling revenue is just as good and better in many areas than it was a year ago, so that money is still there and is being used as it has in the past, usually for one time funding projects, not salaries and such..

[BEAR]

Again, sports won't be the first to go, because so little is funding by the state to begin with... Excessive hiring, raises, professorships, academic building projects will be delayed or cut back...

Gambling revenue is just as good and better in many areas than it was a year ago, so that money is still there and is being used as it has in the past, usually for one time funding projects, not salaries and such..

Arkansas is finally getting gambling...a lottery that is...and I believe the company to run it is based out of Texas. xeekxxlolx

[slycat]

I can say my gambling money has gone into the LA system

[buckp]

I can say my gambling money has gone into the LA system


Thanks....come back again! xthumbsupx

[TexasTerror]

These cuts will affect additional hirings, academic building projects and things of that nature more than anything.. Athletics will be fine because schools like Mcneese have great booster and fan support...

Southern has already said they will likely cut sports...

UNO needs a student referendum to pass in order to keep athletics...

Nicholls has reportedly eliminated scholarships to women's golf and may be cutting sports...

[Retro]

Southern like many swac schools rely heavly on those big city classics just to break even, so i'm not surprised with them.. Nicholls of course has always done more with less than anyone else in conference, so they will have the toughest decisions to make.. The rest: NWST and SELA will probably be ok because they are run better.. Grambling will probably have some problems..

[chrisattsu]

So how could this affect the SLC in the long run. A worst case scenario for the conference:

Nicholls St drops sports, Texas State, UTSA, Lamar, and SHSU leave for FBS.

This leaves the conference with 4 football teams. Are there enough teams to fill the spots from the Lone Star Conference or does the conference collapse and teams move to other conferences? Or the conference losses its auto bid.

Talking to people in the LSC world, some are reluctant to make a jump. Teams that have had a winning history (Texas A&I, Tarleton State, and West Texas A&M) all are finding their stride in D2.

Division 2 is really spinning itself right now as the fiscally responsible alternative to college sports. You can play nearby teams (reducing travel costs), maintain fewer scholarships, and still have rivalries and a chance for a national championship in every sport.

A team coming from the Lone Star will never receive the national notoriety that a D1 Cinderella does come playoffs, but they will go deep in D2 every time.

LSC Teams to SLC-
Tarleton - I used think it was good chance, but two things happened this year that have made me question it. First, the students nixed the first round of a potential athletic fee increase. It eventually passed with some controlled growth, but the students were very unhappy about it. Second, we have a new president. Time will tell if FCS is something he was to pursue.

West Texas A&M - Best football record in LSC since 2005 (and they have finished with top avg attendance 21,000+ during that time), dominate in VB, WBB, and they consistently make the tourney in MBB. They have D1 history (MVC), but they have found a place in the LSC. They have regional rivalries between Abilene Christian and Eastern NM. No FCS conference is going to provide 'close' opponents.

Texas A&I- (or A&M-Kingsville) has a proud athletic tradition. If they wanted to move up, they would have done it when rivals SHSU, SWT, and SFA did during the 80s. While the Southland would be a better geographic fit, their student growth has tapered and alumni donations have tapered off. Maybe they would bolt if some LSC teams joined.

Abilene Christian- Holds the NCAA record of 52 National Championships. Former member of the Southland. Maybe they would jump, but they just had some bad recruiting violations come down for shady practices.

Central Oklahoma- Extends the SLC brand to a new state. They are coming off some shady practices as well.

Incarnate Word- Joins the LSC next year. Benson has given a blank check and they were rumored to be flirting with FCS if the LSC did not accept them. Who knows, maybe the SLC will invite them after their two SA-market teams (TXST, UTSA) leave.

I do not see Texas A&M-Commerce, Angelo State, Eastern New Mexico, the other 4 Oklahoma Schools, and Midwestern State being interested in a move either.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

I can say my gambling money has gone into the LA system

Mine too! I was just there Easter weekend. :D

[Panther88]

Whenever I see a statement like that I have to mention that, when you adjust for demographics, Louisiana is more a "middle of the pack" state nationally than a "bottom of the barrell" state. I'm talking about in terms of standardized test scores. You have to realize that Louisiana is a State that is about 32 percent Black and has about 19 percent of it's people below the poverty level. I've looked at it before and, if you were to adjust national NAEP test scores to reflect the Demographics of Louisiana, you'd get an average right in line with what Louisiana students achieve. The educational system, per se, does not do a bad job given the population it has to deal with.

Stop making excuses JSO. TT was on point w/ his statement and it's not the 1st or the last time we've heard that type commentary from people who are not "native" to your home state. Your commentary alludes to a higher "disproportionate" (your inference) percentile of Blacks in the state swaying the current level of test scores, which by your inference, is low.

If you're bottom of the barrel you're bottom of the barrel. Be happy w/ that claim, & stay on that side of the Sabine Riv w/ that type stupidity & excuse making for the other 60+% of the inbreds. xthumbsupx

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Southern like many swac schools rely heavly on those big city classics just to break even, so i'm not surprised with them.. Nicholls of course has always done more with less than anyone else in conference, so they will have the toughest decisions to make.. The rest: NWST and SELA will probably be ok because they are run better.. Grambling will probably have some problems..

No SU doesnt. Stop speaking on things you have no idea about. When was the last time SU played in a Big City Classic. And the Bayou Classic isnt a big city classic. SU and Gram control everthing about the Bayou Classic. Over the years SU has a much higher average attendence than McNeese and has the highest ticket prices in FCS. SU's attendence and enrollment has been down over the last couple of years. SU's problem is to many folks in the athletic deparment, non coaches, making to much money, ie 2 associate ad's making $95,000 plus.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Southern has already said they will likely cut sports...

...
SU said they were studing. No decision has been made either way.

[JohnStOnge]

Stop making excuses JSO. TT was on point w/ his statement and it's not the 1st or the last time we've heard that type commentary from people who are not "native" to your home state. Your commentary alludes to a higher "disproportionate" (your inference) percentile of Blacks in the state swaying the current level of test scores, which by your inference, is low.

If you're bottom of the barrel you're bottom of the barrel. Be happy w/ that claim, & stay on that side of the Sabine Riv w/ that type stupidity & excuse making for the other 60+% of the inbreds. xthumbsupx

Panther, I guess we're getting into politics. But the point is that, when you look at educational systems, you need to look at the Demographics of the populations.

I've done it before but to update I went and looked at the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 8th grade math test. I like to use the NAEP tests because NAEP conducts a scientific (probability) sampling of students. And I like to look at 8th grade Math because 1) it has a large enough sample size to do certain breakdowns and 2) I consider math to be relatively uninfluenced by cultural bias.

Anyway, the national public school average for the 2007 8th grade math test is 287 and the Louisiana public school average is 280. The difference of 8 is statistically significant (95 percent confidence level). The NAEP site allows you to "control" for variables and see what happens. When I just "controled" for students' race and whether or not they are eligible for the school lunch program (i.e., whether or not they are low income), the difference changes by 9 to +1 in Louisiana's favor and is not statistically significant. In other words, once we make a reasonable effort to "account" for race and socioeconomic status, there is not sufficient evidence to say that Louisiana students, on average, would score lower on that math test than students would nationally. They are right in line with the average rather than below it .

Why did that happen? Well, there is an obvious association between race and socioeconomic status and how well students score. Nationally, Black students scored 21 points below the overall average. Students eligible for the school lunch program scored 15 points below the overall average. Black students eligible for the school lunch program scored 25 points below the overall average. And Louisiana has 1) a higher proportion of Black students than the overall nation does, 2) a higher proportion of lower socioeconomic status students than the overall nation does and 3) a higher proportion of Black lower socioeconomic students than the overall nation does.

The Country is 12.4% Black and has 13.3% of its people below the poverty level (Census estimates). Louisiana is 31.9% Black and has 19.3% of its people below the poverty level. Assessing the Louisiana education system's performance without taking that into account is absurd; yet it's done all the time.

Plus there are other variables, such as educational attainment level of parents, that are known to be associated with variation in test scores. Louisiana's educators are at a disadvantage with respect to those other variables as well.

I have a deaf son. Being deaf is a tremendous disadvantage. He went to Louisiana public schools all his life and consistently scored in the national 97th to 99th percentile range on standardized tests. If the Louisiana public school system is such a limiting factor per se, how did that happen?

[JohnStOnge]

TT was on point w/ his statement and it's not the 1st or the last time we've heard that type commentary from people who are not "native" to your home state.

I have to tell you a personal story. Education systems vary within states but it's still, I think, interesting. When I first moved to Ascension Parish, Louisiana, my wife's sister got a divorce and moved from San Angelo, TX, to live with us for a while. Her kids had problems in school because, by their account, the local schools were more advanced and difficult than what they'd experienced in San Angelo.

Having said that, I'll say that if you go back to the NAEP test stuff Texas is a cream of the crop state. Even before you you adjust for race and socioeconomic status, Texas students scored 6 points higher on average than the overall nation on the 8th grad NAEP math test; a statistically significant difference. When you adjust for race and socioeconomic status, the difference goes to 9 points in Texas' favor.

[JohnStOnge]

What the heck. While I'm complimenting Texas I might as well do this:

The number 1 ranked state on average NAEP 2007 8th grade Math test is Massachusetts. The average score for Massachusetts is 298, 12 points higher than Texas' 286. But if you adjust for race and socioeconomic status the difference is reduced to 1 and the difference is not "statistically significant." In other words, once you make some effort to consider the demographics of the population being served, there is not sufficient evidence, at least in terms of those standardized test scores, to say that Massachusetts' system is doing any better a job than Texas' is. It'd be interesting to be able to adjust for parental education level as well. I can't because, when I try that, the site indicates that there's not enough data to break it down that finely.

Anyway, the "take home" message is that this thing of looking at raw standardized test scores and deciding that certain state systems are "great" while others are "bad" is completely fallacious. For example: You can't just compare the overall average standardized test scores of Minnesota, which is 4.3%Black and has 9.6% of its people below the poverty level to Mississippi, which is 37.1% Black and has 21.1 % of its people below the poverty level and say Minnesota's educators do a better job because the Minnesota average standardized test score is higher.

And that's not "blaming" Blacks and poor people. It's just reality. The reasons for why Blacks and poor people score lower can be debated ad infinitum. But there's no doubt about the fact that they do and we shouldn't be blaming educators and education systems who are serving high proportion disadvantaged minority/poor populations for lower standardized test scores than those produced by economically advantaged communities that have low proportions of disadvantaged racial groups.

[McNeese75]

No SU doesnt. Stop speaking on things you have no idea about. When was the last time SU played in a Big City Classic. And the Bayou Classic isnt a big city classic. SU and Gram control everthing about the Bayou Classic. Over the years SU has a much higher average attendence than McNeese and has the highest ticket prices in FCS. SU's attendence and enrollment has been down over the last couple of years. SU's problem is to many folks in the athletic deparment, non coaches, making to much money, ie 2 associate ad's making $95,000 plus.

You also pay your head football coach more than he is worth xnodx

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

You also pay your head football coach more than he is worth xnodx

No, Pete earned his salary. Pete's lost all of his assistants during the 90's, and has hired yes men to replace them, especially defensivly. SU had a really really good defensive staff during our run in the 90's. Its time for Pete to retire though. The administration wanted him to get a chance to use the new facility and he has earned that right over the years. Wait till you see what SU's next coach is going to make lol.

[GAD]

Southern like many swac schools rely heavly on those big city classics just to break even, so i'm not surprised with them.. Nicholls of course has always done more with less than anyone else in conference, so they will have the toughest decisions to make.. The rest: NWST and SELA will probably be ok because they are run better.. Grambling will probably have some problems..
Big City Classics play the same role as a FBS game, explain the differance if i get a check for $350K from a Classic or an FBS schools its still $350K you just play on a level field in a Classic

[Panther88]

What the heck. While I'm complimenting Texas I might as well do this:

The number 1 ranked state on average NAEP 2007 8th grade Math test is Massachusetts. The average score for Massachusetts is 298, 12 points higher than Texas' 286. But if you adjust for race and socioeconomic status the difference is reduced to 1 and the difference is not "statistically significant." In other words, once you make some effort to consider the demographics of the population being served, there is not sufficient evidence, at least in terms of those standardized test scores, to say that Massachusetts' system is doing any better a job than Texas' is. It'd be interesting to be able to adjust for parental education level as well. I can't because, when I try that, the site indicates that there's not enough data to break it down that finely.

Anyway, the "take home" message is that this thing of looking at raw standardized test scores and deciding that certain state systems are "great" while others are "bad" is completely fallacious. For example: You can't just compare the overall average standardized test scores of Minnesota, which is 4.3%Black and has 9.6% of its people below the poverty level to Mississippi, which is 37.1% Black and has 21.1 % of its people below the poverty level and say Minnesota's educators do a better job because the Minnesota average standardized test score is higher.

And that's not "blaming" Blacks and poor people. It's just reality. The reasons for why Blacks and poor people score lower can be debated ad infinitum. But there's no doubt about the fact that they do and we shouldn't be blaming educators and education systems who are serving high proportion disadvantaged minority/poor populations for lower standardized test scores than those produced by economically advantaged communities that have low proportions of disadvantaged racial groups.

You make some very compelling statements supported by some percentages that I'm somewhat familiar w/ JSO but something deep inside tells me you're attributing your root-cause to something that's socio-economic and/or race related and I don't think that's 100% of the case. xconfusedx

Could it quite possibly be, just maybe... the educational systems of certain states, as administered by their state educational agencies, are just better than some? Prime example, I had the opportunity to investigate (compare, actually) just a few samples of HSs and specific course offerings @ certain levels around the greater Baltimore area (not the inner city itself) and I was in shock @ quite a bit of what was avail to 14/15/16/17 yr olds there as compared to what I'd even noted about several upon several Tx suburban school distrs near Houston/Dallas/Ft Worth. It was a severe difference and I guess the proof was in the pudding w/ the overall #s of graduate scores on standardized tests (ACT/SAT) coupled w/ the total # attending/being accepted into post HS education, etc. Ironically, the "majority" upper-tier'd grads out of Maryland would be considered the racial "minority" in a state like Texas. xreadx Just something to ponder. And no, it wasn't some type of charter school, etc. It was actually 2 all female HSs that were created (pilot schools).

I'll digress because this isn't the place for talks of this magnitude. If you want to continue dialogue, start the post over there==========>

[Retro]

No SU doesnt. Stop speaking on things you have no idea about. When was the last time SU played in a Big City Classic. And the Bayou Classic isnt a big city classic. SU and Gram control everthing about the Bayou Classic. Over the years SU has a much higher average attendence than McNeese and has the highest ticket prices in FCS. SU's attendence and enrollment has been down over the last couple of years. SU's problem is to many folks in the athletic deparment, non coaches, making to much money, ie 2 associate ad's making $95,000 plus.

SUJag, I have seen it quoted in the past by both Grambling and Southern officials that without the Bayou Classic each year, they would financially struggle to stay out of the red... Now,my memory could be wrong in that it affects grambling more than southern, because like you said your attendance has been solid unlike grambling's home attendance.. It doesn't matter who controls it, it's still considered a big city classic, because you don't play a home and home..

[Retro]

Big City Classics play the same role as a FBS game, explain the differance if i get a check for $350K from a Classic or an FBS schools its still $350K you just play on a level field in a Classic

I think you mean neutral field?

Is it is the same pretty much, but i would say the difference is most FCS schools don't rely on FBS games to break even as much as they do to make a profit for that year. In addition some FCS schools don't play an FBS team every year or the same level of an FBS team each year, so they have to rely on 5 or 6 home games to make it work.. Take away the classics for a year or two and stick with traditional home and home series and see what happens ...

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Some harsh facts - and how it's going to affect FCS Louisiana football. :(

http://www.thederisoreport.com/2009/04/22/budget-cuts-to-have-staggering-impact-on-grambling-athletics/

J
ust how deeply Grambling athletics will be impacted by proposed budget cuts for University of Louisiana System schools has come into focus.

ULS officials testified today in Baton Rouge before the House Appropriations Committee, detailing a plan that would include, among other things, slashing $1,413,071 from GSU’s sports funding.

This is a staggering sum for a department that had just $2,952,040 in operating sports revenue for the 2006-07 fiscal year, the most recent figures available.

...

In all, Grambling has been asked to cut 16 percent of its total budget (or nearly $5 million) as part of a state plan to trim higher education funding by $219 million.

Grambling, a university that’s always struggled with underfunding, is actually being asked for the second deepest cut across the whole system, with Southeastern Louisiana trimming a sliver more at 16.1 percent total.

Here’s how Grambling’s total budget cut compares with the other ULS schools — McNeese State: 15.5 percent; Nicholls State: 15.4 percent; Northwestern State: 15.3 percent; Louisiana-Monroe: 15 percent; Louisiana-Lafayette: 14.2 percent; Louisiana Tech: 13.7 percent.

FCS schools are getting the major Ramada here. I mean, these are jaw-dropping numbers from Grambling.

[GeauxLions94]

Some harsh facts - and how it's going to affect FCS Louisiana football. :(

http://www.thederisoreport.com/2009/04/22/budget-cuts-to-have-staggering-impact-on-grambling-athletics/

J

FCS schools are getting the major Ramada here. I mean, these are jaw-dropping numbers from Grambling.

Yes, it definitely doesn't look good right now, but hoping that figures come in much lower than anticipated.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

SUJag, I have seen it quoted in the past by both Grambling and Southern officials that without the Bayou Classic each year, they would financially struggle to stay out of the red... Now,my memory could be wrong in that it affects grambling more than southern, because like you said your attendance has been solid unlike grambling's home attendance.. It doesn't matter who controls it, it's still considered a big city classic, because you don't play a home and home..
SU and Gram out grew a home and home. SO are you telling me if McNeese and SLU could make 3.5 million each playing in New Orleans every year you wouldnt do it xcoolx. Wether you admit it or not HBCU's have been underfunded for years, so alot of the money SU makes off athletics, the school puts it into other places.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Some harsh facts - and how it's going to affect FCS Louisiana football. :(

http://www.thederisoreport.com/2009/04/22/budget-cuts-to-have-staggering-impact-on-grambling-athletics/

J

FCS schools are getting the major Ramada here. I mean, these are jaw-dropping numbers from Grambling.

SU isnt listed on this list because SU has its own system, but SU is facing the highest percatage of cuts in the state. I saw on the news every school in the state president besides LSU's, was asked have they considered dropping down a level in sports. The folks in power in this state only care about LSU.

[GeauxLions94]

SU isnt listed on this list because SU has its own system, but SU is facing the highest percatage of cuts in the state. I saw on the news every school in the state president besides LSU's, was asked have they considered dropping down a level in sports. The folks in power in this state only care about LSU.

The powers-that-be in Louisiana would just love to shut down every school not named LSU, so that all the $$$'s could go to Baton Rouge.

Here's the latest on the budget as the heads of the University systems had their say before the Appropriations Committee. The Legislature convenes for the first time on Monday

Louisiana Colleges and Budget (http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20090422/NEWS01/904220336/1002)

[Retro]

SU isnt listed on this list because SU has its own system, but SU is facing the highest percatage of cuts in the state. I saw on the news every school in the state president besides LSU's, was asked have they considered dropping down a level in sports. The folks in power in this state only care about LSU.

I believe LSU now funds all of it's own athletics thru the TAF, so they don't need to drop down unlike ULL and ULM.. LSU will take a big cut on the academic side though just like everyone else..

[Retro]

SU and Gram out grew a home and home. SO are you telling me if McNeese and SLU could make 3.5 million each playing in New Orleans every year you wouldnt do it xcoolx. Wether you admit it or not HBCU's have been underfunded for years, so alot of the money SU makes off athletics, the school puts it into other places.

You don't make 3.5 million each playing there. You probably get anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million after all total after expenses.. Where did you get that number?

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DXK/is_22_16/ai_58614848/


The Bayou Classic also has some astronomical expenses. Slaughter said, noting that the rental of the Superdome with security-related expenses totaled nearly $350,000 this year.

But even after the cost of lodging and meals for the two football teams, each school figures to receive a net about $600,000 apiece from ticket sales alone. Teams that partipate in the Sugar Bowl will receive a total payout of $11-$13 million from all activities surrounding the game, Blackwell says.


http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_1_62/ai_n16807725/


After the game, Grambling coach Melvin Spears, with quarterback Bruce Eugene looking on, is presented the State Farm Bayou Classic trophy by Wallace Lewis, State Farm vice president of agency of Illinois. During check presentations (below, I. to r.), State Farm agent James Banks presents Grambling president Dr. Horace A. Judson a $202,500 check, and Southern chancellor Dr. Edward R. Jackson receives an equal amount from State Farm agent Freddie Gant. At bottom, Jackson and Judson receive checks from (I.) Chuck Morrison, executive vice president/general manager of Uniworld Group, Detroit, and Marc Perry (r.), Ford's multicultural marketing manager.

http://meacswacsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/southern-u-slaughter-defends-his-role.html



“We bought the four hours (of TV time) at a price of $1 million guaranteed to NBC,” Slaughter said.

“That is why we still have television. The presidents of Southern and Grambling thought I was crazy. I asked them to trust me.”

Some board members questioned whether the appropriate amount of Bayou Classic revenue was going straight to Southern’s athletics department.

Since state schools cannot legally make such guarantees, the finances were shifted though the universities’ private, nonprofit foundations. Today, those are the Southern University System Foundation and the Grambling Black and Gold Foundation.

The funds go through the private foundations. Their detailed budgets are not public record. Slaughter said he was hesitant to discuss the finances at the retreat Friday with The Advocate present.

Board Chairman Johnny Anderson of Baton Rouge, who was one of the leaders pushing for campus control in June, said he is OK with taking a wait-and-see approach and evaluating the situation after this year’s Bayou Classic.

“The will of the board is the will of the board,” Anderson said after Slaughter’s presentation.

The event brings in about $1 million annually to the Baton Rouge campus, Slaughter said.

“That’s more than all the home (football) games combined,” he said.

“The key is marketing and relationships,” Slaughter said regarding the success, remaining vague about any details.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

The event brings in about $1 million annually to the Baton Rouge campus, Slaughter said.

Assuming that Grambling takes in a similar amount from the Bayou Classic - what the Louisiana legislature is asking is for Grambling's athletics department to REDUCE spending by MORE than the schools TOTAL income from the Bayou Classic. Again, this is staggering.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

You don't make 3.5 million each playing there. You probably get anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million after all total after expenses.. Where did you get that number?
They make damn near that at the battle of bands, the night before the game. xlolx You have no idea. You do math, the tickets for the battle of bands/greek show are $25. Its always 50,000 folks there. Thats $1,250,000 just for the battle of bands. xlolx Now add in the game where the tickets go up to $65, and other events, plus the TV revenue that tops everything, and the sponser fees.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

You don't make 3.5 million each playing there. You probably get anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million after all total after expenses.. Where did you get that number?

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DXK/is_22_16/ai_58614848/



http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_1_62/ai_n16807725/



http://meacswacsports.blogspot.com/2007/08/southern-u-slaughter-defends-his-role.html

xlolxxlolxxlolx You have no idea. Go pull up the article with Greg Lefluer from the Times Picayune from the Bayou Classic a couple of seasons ago.

[Retro]

The proof is on you pal! I just showed you some articles referencing the amount you actually get.. There is no TV revenue.. You pay NBC per the article in previous post and your forgetting all the cost associated with using the dome.. State farm doesn't pay all that... You whole athletic budget is under 7 million.. The proof is in the pudding!xcoffeex

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

The proof is on you pal! I just showed you some articles referencing the amount you actually get.. There is no TV revenue.. You pay NBC per the article in previous post and your forgetting all the cost associated with using the dome.. State farm doesn't pay all that... You whole athletic budget is under 7 million.. The proof is in the pudding!xcoffeex

So you think you know more about SU than me, a alumnist and a member of several SUpport groups. xlolxxlolxxlolxxlolx cut it out. xlolxxlolxxlolx

You do know SU and Gram pays for the TV time , and gets the revenue from the commercials.

[McNeese75]

No, Pete earned his salary. Pete's lost all of his assistants during the 90's, and has hired yes men to replace them, especially defensivly. SU had a really really good defensive staff during our run in the 90's. Its time for Pete to retire though. The administration wanted him to get a chance to use the new facility and he has earned that right over the years. Wait till you see what SU's next coach is going to make lol.

xlolx Well good luck to the next one but paying someone that kind of salary for the results that have been achieved lately is just silly. But easy come easy go I guess :D

[TexasTerror]

Geaux Colonels!


BATON ROUGE — About 200 Nicholls State University students rallied on the state Capitol steps Monday, protesting planned budget cuts to higher education.

The students, dressed in their school color red and displaying signs and an oversize papier-mache shark, chanted “Don’t Eat Education” and other slogans as the Legislature opened its two-month session. They later filed into the Senate balcony and repeated their chant just as senators adjourned to walk over to the House to listen to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s opening-day speech.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl042809tpnicholls.11dc79782.html

[NSUDemon98]

Panther, I guess we're getting into politics. But the point is that, when you look at educational systems, you need to look at the Demographics of the populations.

I've done it before but to update I went and looked at the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 8th grade math test. I like to use the NAEP tests because NAEP conducts a scientific (probability) sampling of students. And I like to look at 8th grade Math because 1) it has a large enough sample size to do certain breakdowns and 2) I consider math to be relatively uninfluenced by cultural bias.

Anyway, the national public school average for the 2007 8th grade math test is 287 and the Louisiana public school average is 280. The difference of 8 is statistically significant (95 percent confidence level). The NAEP site allows you to "control" for variables and see what happens. When I just "controled" for students' race and whether or not they are eligible for the school lunch program (i.e., whether or not they are low income), the difference changes by 9 to +1 in Louisiana's favor and is not statistically significant. In other words, once we make a reasonable effort to "account" for race and socioeconomic status, there is not sufficient evidence to say that Louisiana students, on average, would score lower on that math test than students would nationally. They are right in line with the average rather than below it .

Why did that happen? Well, there is an obvious association between race and socioeconomic status and how well students score. Nationally, Black students scored 21 points below the overall average. Students eligible for the school lunch program scored 15 points below the overall average. Black students eligible for the school lunch program scored 25 points below the overall average. And Louisiana has 1) a higher proportion of Black students than the overall nation does, 2) a higher proportion of lower socioeconomic status students than the overall nation does and 3) a higher proportion of Black lower socioeconomic students than the overall nation does.

The Country is 12.4% Black and has 13.3% of its people below the poverty level (Census estimates). Louisiana is 31.9% Black and has 19.3% of its people below the poverty level. Assessing the Louisiana education system's performance without taking that into account is absurd; yet it's done all the time.

Plus there are other variables, such as educational attainment level of parents, that are known to be associated with variation in test scores. Louisiana's educators are at a disadvantage with respect to those other variables as well.

I have a deaf son. Being deaf is a tremendous disadvantage. He went to Louisiana public schools all his life and consistently scored in the national 97th to 99th percentile range on standardized tests. If the Louisiana public school system is such a limiting factor per se, how did that happen?

You've got my ear. I am an educator in Texas and I can tell you I know the type of statistics you are talking about and the disadvantages that students face.

[NSUDemon98]

And that's not "blaming" Blacks and poor people. It's just reality. The reasons for why Blacks and poor people score lower can be debated ad infinitum. But there's no doubt about the fact that they do and we shouldn't be blaming educators and education systems who are serving high proportion disadvantaged minority/poor populations for lower standardized test scores than those produced by economically advantaged communities that have low proportions of disadvantaged racial groups.

Very true. Even though katfans.com and bobcatfans.com like to blame the STATE and it's educators, k-college, all the time.

[NSUDemon98]

Geaux Colonels!



http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl042809tpnicholls.11dc79782.html

They should have gotten in contact with SGA presidents at other ULS institutions to try coordinate and get more bodies on the steps of the capital. It would have been real easier for several hundred more from SLU, McNeese and ULL to get to Baton Rouge.

Unfortunately, IMO, nothing is going to change. The legislatures won't change their ways...b/c a large % of them are LSU graduates and though LSU is getting cut, they are gonna be JUST FINE and will keep on trucking. xsmhx

[TexasTerror]

The Louisiana House made their decision and now this budget issue goes before the Louisiana Senate. They reinstated less than half of the money proposed to be cut to higher education. I think the money is closer to $90M than $100M, but it does not matter. It's all the same and it all negatively impacts higher education (and ultimately athletics).


Lawmakers reversed $100 million of the $220 million in cuts Jindal proposed for public colleges, though part of that was linked to a tuition increase legislators agreed to levy on students. Higher education leaders say the remaining cuts still would force layoffs, boost class sizes and damage services to students.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090515/NEWS01/905140336&s=d&page=3

[GeauxLions94]

The latest on Grambling's battle with the budget cuts

Grambling Copes With Budget Cuts (http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090519/SPORTS02/905190336/1026)

[TexasTerror]

Article about La Tech's efforts...

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090518/SPORTS02/905180328/1026

And how LSU is "recession proof"...

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090517/SPORTS0202/905170331/1026

[TexasTerror]

Another article...covering the cuts that run deep in Louisiana collegiate athletics.

http://www.neworleans.com/sports/local-sports-news/louisiana-sports-news/135747-cuts-run-deep-for-college-sports-in-louisiana-and-beyond.html

[GeauxLions94]

A good story from Carl Dubois (former Baton Rouge Morning Advocate and Lake Charles American Press writer) on egos (mainly Louisiana Tech and their insistence of playing in the WAC when they could play in the Sun Belt) and economics in terms of athletics in Louisiana.

Egos and Economics (http://www.businessreport.com/news/2009/may/18/egos-and-economics-gnit1/)


Conference USA, of which Tulane is a member, stretches from Orlando, Fla., to Huntington, W.Va., to El Paso, Texas. The Sun Belt Conference triangle maxes out from Miami to Bowling Green, Ky., to Denver. Louisiana Tech is closer to Notre Dame and Ohio State than to its nearest WAC rival.

“The reason these conferences are the way they are, is egos have gotten in the way,” says Jay Walker, who is the radio voice for UL-Lafayette. “It’s been about, ‘I don’t want to be associated with those people; I do want to be associated with these people.’

“If this downturn stays a downturn long enough, what may happen is you may see people realizing they have to put egos aside.”

Realigning conferences is not yet on the radar, state athletic directors say.

Louisiana Tech, for example, has consistently put literal and competitive distance between itself and Interstate 20 corridor neighbor, Louisiana-Monroe. The Bulldogs are at an impasse scheduling games against other state schools in other sports because of their wanderlust in football.

“They’re exploding one bridge after another,” Walker says, noting Sun Belt teams have turned their backs on Louisiana Tech in retaliation for the Bulldogs’ refusal to schedule them in football.

Bruce Van De Velde, CEO and deputy director for Louisiana Tech athletics and right-hand man for football coach and athletic director Derek Dooley, was unwilling to discuss the implications of state cuts upon its teams. Of the Bulldogs’ $11.4 million athletic budget, almost $4 million comes from their state share.

“Why don’t you talk to LSU instead of picking on Louisiana Tech?” Van De Velde says, adding he would pass along the request to Dooley. “If he wants to talk about it with you, he’ll get in touch with you.”

Dooley didn’t call, and a subsequent effort to contact him was unsuccessful. LSU, meanwhile, is the only state university that does not receive money from the operating budget for its athletic program.

[TexasTerror]

A good story from Carl Dubois (former Baton Rouge Morning Advocate and Lake Charles American Press writer) on egos (mainly Louisiana Tech and their insistence of playing in the WAC when they could play in the Sun Belt) and economics in terms of athletics in Louisiana.

GL94 - check out FCS News Feeds! ;)

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59640

Was posted yesterday...who do you think has the biggest ego of all the schools in the state? ;)

[GeauxLions94]

GL94 - check out FCS News Feeds! ;)

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=59640

Was posted yesterday...who do you think has the biggest ego of all the schools in the state? ;)

Sorry, didn't see it there. Taking out LSU, which can back it up, I will have to say it's a tie between Tech and ULL with the Cajuns coming out ahead based on their lack of success.

[TexasTerror]

Sorry, didn't see it there. Taking out LSU, which can back it up, I will have to say it's a tie between Tech and ULL with the Cajuns coming out ahead based on their lack of success.

That's what I was thinking - Tech had that whole ULM situation and ULL looks down on McNeese - despite the facts the Pokes would probably beat them 9 of 10 times.

[GeauxLions94]

That's what I was thinking - Tech had that whole ULM situation and ULL looks down on McNeese - despite the facts the Pokes would probably beat them 9 of 10 times.

Right on 9 of 10 ... ULL Cajun Softball is a little bit better ;)

[TexasTerror]

Right on 9 of 10 ... ULL Cajun Softball is a little bit better ;)

A point I bring up any time I talk to anyone from ULL...9 of 10. xnodx

[AppMan]

I thought the politics of North Carolina collegiate athletics was bad, but the folks in Louisiana take the cake.

[TexasTerror]

We have a legislator that could restore all the cuts with $118M more on top of the $90-100M already restored in the proposed House legislation.

The problem - Jindal is against it because he claims it's new taxes. No, they are just holding off a tax break! They are not new taxes!

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl052309tphighered.d79d207.html

[TexasTerror]

Article on NWST and athletic budgeting...

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090520/SPORTS02/905200342/1026/SPORTS02

[TexasTerror]

Bobby Jindal going back on something else...possible use of rainy-day fund at hand?

Everyone in Louisiana on this message board - contact your legislators! Tell them to take care of higher education! All calls help...

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/05/gov_jindal_says_rainyday_fund.html

[Seat16Demon]

I can say my gambling money has gone into the LA system

Ha! Yeah right. Your gambling money is no longer in Louisiana. That money went through the conduit and out the pipeline to Nevada. There is little to no money that stays in the state. As an example, we have just in the last year or so started to see monies taken off of gambling winnings for things like child support, etc. The state has to 'pull teeth' to get any of the revenue off of the "gaming" industry. We are funding education and organized crime in Nevada and New Jersey.

[TexasTerror]

Got to make progress...

"We took some great steps forward in changing the way the state's budgeting process works in the last week - steps that will allow us greater budget flexibility in the future and the ability to spare higher education and health care from drastic cuts" - Governor Bobby Jindal

http://bobbyjindal.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Providing-for-Future-Budget-Flexibility-and-Improving-our-Schools.html&Itemid=50#providing

[GeauxLions94]

TT,

Yes we do need to make some progress.

Louisiana's Higher Ed Future Lean (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46157772.html?showAll=y&c=y)


State Rep. Jim Fannin, D-Jonesboro and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the proposal to delay the tax break lacks traction in the House.

He said the House found as much money as possible for higher education, but the state’s public colleges and universities were not satisfied.

“I don’t understand why they’re not willing to sacrifice and figure out solutions,” Fannin said.

[TexasTerror]

$50M...? That will get us to $150M of the proposed $219M in the cuts. That's a step, but we still have about $70M that needs to be found somewhere.

Rep. Fannin, the state's universities have already sacrificed and figured out a great deal. As you continue to watch yourself and your fellow legislators in inadequately funding our universities, they will cease to exist. Have you not realized that you are losing much of Louisiana's finest to institutions outside of our state?

I'm calling him today...you going to put in a call as well, GL94?

[GeauxLions94]

The Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and Blueprint Louisiana are calling for no cuts in higher ed. SB335 would generate about $120 million that would go to higher ed in the state, but Jindal and about 55 members in the House are against it.

Groups Ask To Kill Cuts To Colleges (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46426797.html?showAll=y&c=y)

[TexasTerror]

The Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and Blueprint Louisiana are calling for no cuts in higher ed. SB335 would generate about $120 million that would go to higher ed in the state, but Jindal and about 55 members in the House are against it.

Groups Ask To Kill Cuts To Colleges (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/46426797.html?showAll=y&c=y)

Jindal is a flip-flopper.

Just got to bring plenty of negative attention to it and call everyone up the wazoo! I think if there's increased outrage, that perhaps they'll change their mind. Afterall, Jindal is on a pace that if he did run for President in 2012 - he'd lose his own state! xwhistlex

[TexasTerror]

Article in NY Times today...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/sports/30colleges.html?_r=2&ref=sports

[TexasTerror]

GL94 - why did you not share your mayor's letter to the editor in yesterday's Baton Rouge Advocate here like you did the Lion's Den...? Great job, Mr. Mayor!


As I was going to City Hall one morning, I noticed how few cars were on our streets at 7:30 a.m. Oh, yes, Southeastern (Louisiana University) is not in session. That is why it is so quiet.

And then I started thinking, “What if we didn’t have Southeastern?” This thought absolutely gave me cold chills to even think about this disaster because I know that as goes Southeastern, so goes Hammond.

And then I started thinking about the state budget cuts that our university and all universities across the state are facing. The $15.6 million in cuts to Southeastern will mean the loss of 32 faculty positions, 49 staff positions, and a number of part-time faculty personnel. The university has announced that the loss of faculty will result in a reduction of 225 sections, and at an average of 30 students per section (yes, Southeastern believes in small class sizes), this will impact 6,750 students!

The City of Hammond is not alone in its fear of cuts to our universities. Every city where there is a university or technical college faces the same dilemma. While we do understand that the members of the Legislature are “darned if they do and darned if they don’t,” we hope that each member does understand the significance of not only the economic impact to the areas where they are situated AND to the state, but also to the young men and women who are moving forward to becoming great leaders in our society.

While I personally believe that a tax cut is a wonderful thing, I firmly believe that our universities and our students are more important. I ask the Legislature to please consider all funding sources and minimize these challenges to our universities.

Mayson Foster
Mayor
Hammond

[GeauxLions94]

GL94 - why did you not share your mayor's letter to the editor in yesterday's Baton Rouge Advocate here like you did the Lion's Den...? Great job, Mr. Mayor!

Technically, he's not my mayor since I live in Slidell (45 miles east of Hammond).

AGS Community, you may proceed ... xsmhx

http://tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:Oe3fbYLzhpTj5M:http://bp1.blogger.com/_5gSrzfd-3RY/Rzyf_uUtHzI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/arEAdhb0SvA/s400/fiftylashes_badge_v1_196.png

[TexasTerror]

I figure if you do a lot of business or work in a city or have plenty of ties to a city - like you do - their mayor is of great importance to you and is your mayor too!

It's part of the reason I still follow the Texas Legislature and Huntsville politics, even from the Crescent City...

[GeauxLions94]

Not that state of Louisiana has much to do with this but check out what Tulane is doing.


Among the most significant:

-- A salary and hiring freeze on most non-coaching positions. This is in accordance with a university-wide policy.

-- Delaying until 2011-12 the attainment of the Division I-A minimum of 16 sports.

-- More regional basketball, volleyball and baseball games.

-- No flights of less than 400 miles to away games.

The regional scheduling mostly will affect basketball and volleyball, although the baseball team's annual trip to California will be substituted with non-conference series at two regional powers.

The no-fly zone will include Conference USA game trips to Memphis, Southern Methodist, Rice, Houston and Alabama-Birmingham, some of which have been flights or a combination of flying and busing in the past.


Link (http://blog.nola.com/tulanebeat/2009/06/tulane_green_wave_implements_m.html)

[TexasTerror]

That was great what Tulane was doing...not sure if any or all Louisiana universities sans LSU are doing this. It just makes so much sense.

There's so many schools within 400 miles of the greater New Orleans area. For schools like SLU, Nicholls and UNO - we should all be playing schools in the Houston, Dallas and Birmingham areas all the time. These are places where there are several schools and plenty of potential student-athletes that we want to recruit, am I right?

Figure this will lead to some home-and-homes between the Green Wave and the SLC in hoops, where I believe the conference can get some Ws.

[Dane96]

Albany is doing the same.

Go figure-- teams are being FORCED to renew regional rivalries.

[TexasTerror]

Albany is doing the same.

Go figure-- teams are being FORCED to renew regional rivalries.

The good thing about those teams from the northeast is that there are SO many more schools in the immediate vicinity. I was talking to my wife about how far X, Y and Z were from Washington DC and it's just crazy, how many schools and conferences are within 3 hours of DC (though I am sure traffic stinks!).

[Dane96]

Very good pt...very good! It is true...I mean a "long trip" for the Danes is still only a 12 hour bus ride (in conference).

Heck, you can get from Boston to Richmond in under 10 hours by car.

[GeauxLions94]

That was great what Tulane was doing...not sure if any or all Louisiana universities sans LSU are doing this. It just makes so much sense.

There's so many schools within 400 miles of the greater New Orleans area. For schools like SLU, Nicholls and UNO - we should all be playing schools in the Houston, Dallas and Birmingham areas all the time. These are places where there are several schools and plenty of potential student-athletes that we want to recruit, am I right?

Figure this will lead to some home-and-homes between the Green Wave and the SLC in hoops, where I believe the conference can get some Ws.

We've been trying to get a certain school (cough, cough Samford) on the football schedule for the past couple of years, but the Bulldogs won't bite (pardon the pun).

[Appfan_in_CAAland]

We've been trying to get a certain school (cough, cough Samford) on the football schedule for the past couple of years, but the Bulldogs won't bite (pardon the pun).

And I'd rather not have them on our schedule.

[TexasTerror]

I had heard this - was not sure if this was dead or not, but apparently it's not...

Centenary mulls move to Division III
http://www.neworleans.com/sports/local-sports-news/centenary-news/140309-centenary-mulls-move-to-division-iii.html

[Seat16Demon]

That was great what Tulane was doing...not sure if any or all Louisiana universities sans LSU are doing this. It just makes so much sense.

There's so many schools within 400 miles of the greater New Orleans area. For schools like SLU, Nicholls and UNO - we should all be playing schools in the Houston, Dallas and Birmingham areas all the time. These are places where there are several schools and plenty of potential student-athletes that we want to recruit, am I right?

Figure this will lead to some home-and-homes between the Green Wave and the SLC in hoops, where I believe the conference can get some Ws.


There is no way LSU will cut back. They are the 'flagship' and will never suffer along with the University of Louisiana system schools.

[NSUDemon98]

I had heard this - was not sure if this was dead or not, but apparently it's not...

Centenary mulls move to Division III
http://www.neworleans.com/sports/local-sports-news/centenary-news/140309-centenary-mulls-move-to-division-iii.html

Saw that article this morning...I was a bit shocked since I never knew they were considering DIII in the first place.

[TexasTerror]

Saw that article this morning...I was a bit shocked since I never knew they were considering DIII in the first place.

Heard it a few weeks ago.

They do have a tough time, being in Shreveport and having to commute around the Summit League. It's not that easy for them and Shreveport is not the easiest place in the world to get into. The travel costs are hefty - compared to if they were in the Southland, where they could bus everywhere.

I believe the SLC was the one who asked them the last time around to apply. I do not see how they would've had a shot then, but they have been in the application mix (along with UT-Pan American), the last few times the SLC has pondered expansion.

[Seat16Demon]

They would be a fun addition to the conference for basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, etc. But that would put us at an odd number, unless Texas State-San Marcos or UTSA leaves. But then we would want to find a football member. If UTSA were to coordinate with Centenary, we could pull it off. Kind of like when a manager pulls a double-switch in baseball. HMMM....could be something there. At any rate, I was somewhat shocked by the prospect of Centenary dropping to DIII. Having grown up a Demon fan in Shreveport, I used to go to the Gold dome yearly for our games against the Gents & Ladies. What a great rivalry! I still can see Roman Banks driving up the court and stopping at the key to shoot it from downtown....Ah, the memories!

[TexasTerror]

They would be a fun addition to the conference for basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, etc. But that would put us at an odd number, unless Texas State-San Marcos or UTSA leaves. But then we would want to find a football member. If UTSA were to coordinate with Centenary, we could pull it off. Kind of like when a manager pulls a double-switch in baseball. HMMM....could be something there. At any rate, I was somewhat shocked by the prospect of Centenary dropping to DIII. Having grown up a Demon fan in Shreveport, I used to go to the Gold dome yearly for our games against the Gents & Ladies. What a great rivalry! I still can see Roman Banks driving up the court and stopping at the key to shoot it from downtown....Ah, the memories!

I really question why people think Centenary is a great addition...

Outside of a rivalry with Northwestern State and a better foot in the door into Shreveport/Bossier City, we're talking about a program that's budget would be the lowest in the conference ($2.4M), one that would have to shut down/add different sports to really be a full member of the conference, etc.

Nicholls State has done some amazing things with the little money they have. A lot of bang for their buck - but I'd figure that this school would struggle much more than the Colonels, who are at the bottom of the barrel as far as Commissioners Cup goes on a yearly basis.

While I know people at Centenary - the SLC would need to see a better commitment from their school towards athletics. The only sports they fully fund are the basketballs. They'd need to show the SLC they would do the same for baseball, softball and volleyball at the very least. UT-Pan American has the same problem and Houston Baptist has got to get their facilities in line before they are even looked at.

Tarleton State and Delta State are the favorites, if either wants to transition from Division II. Football is there and they have similar, if not better facilities. And more certainly, they have the commitment to funding their teams.

[TexasTerror]

From SLU President, much of what he says once you get through the first few paragraphs of SLU-related stuff applies to all schools (public) in Louisana...



Dear Southeastern Alumnus:

I am certain you have heard and read much about higher education
funding and the deliberations of the Louisiana Legislature. I feel it
is important that you are informed about how these proceedings will
potentially affect Southeastern.

Governor Jindal's executive budget for next fiscal year proposed a
$219 million reduction in funding for higher education. This
translates to a $15.6 million reduction in Southeastern's operating
funds, representing a 20% reduction in our appropriation from the
State and more than a 12% reduction in our operating budget (our
operating budget includes both state appropriations and student
tuition and fees).

This proposed budget was deliberated in the House of Representatives
where a number of amendments were made that would provide partial
relief from these budget cuts. While we are grateful for this
assistance, the $100 million in budget cut relief frequently
mentioned in the press may not ultimately materialize. Specifically,
the House amendments, and our associated concerns, are as follows:

* $10 million for the LSU and SU Ag Centers. This provides relief for
these two centers, not Southeastern.

* $33 million from tuition increases. Southeastern's part of this
approved 5% tuition increase is about $2 million. These funds match
almost exactly the amount of mandated cost increases associated with
healthcare, risk management, and retirement fund contributions that
are NOT reflected in estimated expenditures for next year's budget.
As a result, the tuition increase provides virtually no net relief
from the proposed budget cuts.

* $50 million from a tax amnesty program. While these funds would
provide relief, the nature of the legislation and timing of the
potential revenue collections make it highly uncertain that these
funds will be available to support operating budgets in higher ed.
Even if our concern about the uncertainty of these funds turns out to
be unfounded, this is a little less than one quarter of the proposed
$219 million total cut to higher ed.

* $7.3 million for dual enrollment. Southeastern participates in the
Early Start dual enrollment program and likely would qualify for some
of these funds, perhaps a few hundred thousand dollars; however,
these funds are targeted to that program and do not provide relief
from the $15.6 million proposed cut to Southeastern's operating budget.

* $6.2 million for library acquisitions. Southeastern likely would
receive a few hundred thousand dollars of these funds. While limited
in amount and targeted to this specific use, these funds would be
used to offset some of the reductions we would make in library
support to accomplish the proposed $15.6 million budget cut.

So as you can see, there remain some significant concerns about next
year's budget and the potential relief provided by the House of
Representatives, which is why the Louisiana State Senate adopted
Senate Bill 335 to provide additional relief.

As I have visited with members of the Legislature and people in the
community, I find that there are common misunderstandings regarding
SB 335 and higher education funding, so I hope you will allow me to
use this opportunity to clarify some of these issues.

* SB 335 does NOT postpone the repeal of the Stelly plan. The Stelly
Act eliminated all itemized deductions for state income taxes, and
its repeal restored a limited percentage of these deductions. A
change in the law last year set in motion a process to further
increase the allowable amount of these deductions in phases over
several years until 100% is reached. SB 335 temporarily freezes the
level of deductions at the current 65% level.

* SB 335 is not a tax increase. No one will pay more taxes next year
than they paid this year as a result of SB 335. The percentage of
allowed deductions will remain the same.

* SB 335 will result in a change in estimated revenue that the State
uses to determine next year's budget. The additional estimated
revenue would be dedicated to restore a portion of the proposed cuts
to higher education.

I also want to briefly address issues about the higher ed budget you
might have recently heard or read about.

There is an assertion being made that the higher ed budget cuts,
after the relief proposed by the House of Representatives, amount to
less than four percent.

These calculations appear to be based on what is known as the "total
means of financing" for higher education rather than the more
meaningful "state support" for higher ed. The "total means of
financing" includes funds not available to support general operations
of our State's colleges and universities. Including these dedicated
funds in the computation of our budget cuts artificially inflates the
amount of resources we have to operate and makes the proposed budget
cuts appear smaller than they actually are.

There also has been information circulated recently about the growth
in Louisiana's higher education budget over the last decade. The
implication is that higher education in Louisiana has arrived at some
lofty over-funded status and should accept the proposed budget cuts
without question.

The fact is that higher education was funded at such a low level for
so long in Louisiana that a significant infusion of funds was
required over the last decade just to arrive at the average in state
support for the southern region of the country. The additional
investment in higher education over the last decade resulted in the
creation of a community college system, creation of new programs to
support workforce development, and improvements in student retention
and graduation rates.

As a state we cannot afford to take a drastic step backwards in
supporting higher education. As we know from our own history, when we
have drastically cut funding for higher education, it has taken us
decades to recover. Higher education also represents the most basic
form of economic development. Without an educated workforce, our
state will continue to lag behind.

Our institutions of higher education also have a tremendous economic
impact of their own. Southeastern has an annual economic impact of
$564 million. The proposed cuts could reduce this impact by $125
million - a huge impact on our community.

Louisiana must continue to invest in education. Nothing less than the
future of our state is at stake.

John L. Crain, President
Southeastern Louisiana University

[chrisattsu]

I really question why people think Centenary is a great addition...

Outside of a rivalry with Northwestern State and a better foot in the door into Shreveport/Bossier City, we're talking about a program that's budget would be the lowest in the conference ($2.4M), one that would have to shut down/add different sports to really be a full member of the conference, etc.

Nicholls State has done some amazing things with the little money they have. A lot of bang for their buck - but I'd figure that this school would struggle much more than the Colonels, who are at the bottom of the barrel as far as Commissioners Cup goes on a yearly basis.

While I know people at Centenary - the SLC would need to see a better commitment from their school towards athletics. The only sports they fully fund are the basketballs. They'd need to show the SLC they would do the same for baseball, softball and volleyball at the very least. UT-Pan American has the same problem and Houston Baptist has got to get their facilities in line before they are even looked at.

Tarleton State and Delta State are the favorites, if either wants to transition from Division II. Football is there and they have similar, if not better facilities. And more certainly, they have the commitment to funding their teams.

I wonder if they would consider a drop to D2. There are no D2 schools in Louisiana, but they are just outside of the footprints of several conferences. The Lonestar, Heartland, and Gulf South.

I would not be in favor of them joining the LSC. As it stands, I think our conference is too large as it is. The additional travel from New Mexico to Shreveport, Kingsville to NE Oklahoma defeats the purpose of D2 regional play anyhow.

The Heartland could have a hole opening up as Incarnate Word comes into the LSC for football, and I presume all other sports (eventually).

Gulf South? Maybe one of our UCA friends could talk about that. It looks like their conference is pretty large as well.

[BEAR]

The Gulf South is basically the old AIC with the exception of Valdosta, West Georgia and North Alabama-All schools that have been there way too long. If those two schools, UNA and Valdosta make the move to the FCS, then basically that leaves UWG and the Ark. Schools to play with the Gentlemen. Kind of an odd mix for UWG and Centenary...looks like th possibility of an Arkansas Conference again if that happens. xcoffeex Talk about coming full circle. xlolx

(Yes, I know delta state is there too, but I was looking at far reaching schools too far for Cent. budget maybe and two of which might be moving up.)

[TexasTerror]

Centenary's budget as it stands now is comparable to most Division II schools.

How much of a travel savings would it be for the Gents and Ladies to play in the Div III conference that they are eying compared to the Summit League? Lots of very long bus trips in that league.

[TexasTerror]

Let the layoffs begin...if they have not already. xnonono2x


BATON ROUGE – State colleges and universities along with health care and research facilities were advised to finish preparations for deep budget cuts, which are expected to be effective July 1.

LSU System President Dr. John Lombardi directed the institutions Friday to finalize their plans for steep cuts as the state looks to slash its budget amid a $1.7 billion shortfall.

“We must move now to specifically address job cuts and program eliminations in a transparent, orderly and responsible way,” Lombardi told system chancellors, administrators, and chief financial officers in a conference call.

http://www.wwltv.com/topstories/stories/wwl061209mlbudget.744c3b8b.html

[TexasTerror]

Article in today's TP...covers all state schools from Nicholls and Northwestern to Grambling and Southern.


As college sports programs go, women's golf at Nicholls State wasn't much.

The Colonels never finished in the upper half of a Southland Conference Tournament and were in last place by 22 strokes this year.

So when Athletic Director Rob Bernardi realized that he could account for about $100,000 of an anticipated $500,000 in budget cuts he was facing by axing the program, it seemed like a relatively painless thing to do.

http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-43/1246253424178870.xml&coll=1

[TexasTerror]

Another article...


While higher education was spared $219 million in proposed state budget cuts, colleges are now left with the task of slicing more than $100 million from their books and laying off hundreds of employees.

“The Legislature has allowed us to avoid the ‘worst case scenario’ and for this we are grateful,” LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said Monday in a campus e-mail. “Still, we will be required to make significant adjustments in the way we meet the mission and conduct the business of LSU.”

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/49472842.html?showAll=y&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Information on the Commission to fix up higher ed in the state...


Louisiana’s colleges are having more than $100 million axed from their collective budgets because of declining state revenue. This is in addition to $55 million already cut from higher education in January.

College leaders made woe-is-me arguments and some politicians told them to cut the fat.

This has been decided. It could’ve been worse. Compromises were made. It’s done. So it’s time to move on and discuss what’s next. First will come some layoffs and restructuring of colleges as they implement the cuts and prepare for even harder fiscal times through 2012.

The other focus is on the so-called “Tucker Commission,” the new Postsecondary Education Review Commission, that is being unofficially named after House Speaker Jim Tucker, who proposed the idea.

The commission — made up of higher education experts and political designees — is charged with studying higher education in Louisiana and making recommendations on restructuring, downsizing, tuition policies and possibly even eliminating some colleges

http://www.2theadvocate.com/opinion/50092952.html?showAll=y&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Another article on the subject. Focuses on Nicholls, SLU, ULL, ULM, UNO and Southern getting some major cuts from state funding. Some incorrect information from a certain somebody, but what else is new...?

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/50591942.html?showAll=y&c=y

[TexasTerror]

LSU and Southern systems are represented in the higher ed commission. Jindal, after pressure, may include UL system and community college representatives...as non-voting members. What an idiot!

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/politics/51271877.html

[TexasTerror]

Schools in the University of Louisiana system (ULL, La Tech and ULM) holding up the rear - 3 of 4 spots - at the bottom of FBS revenue chart.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/07/how-much-revenue-did-your-favorite-fbs-school-take-in-in-200708-this-chart-will-tell-you.html

[TexasTerror]

And so it begins...fears of at least one NWST poster that they will not be able to have an athletic program in a few years because of the forthcoming cuts...


BATON ROUGE -- The state's new higher-education streamlining commission began its first meeting today with charges from the governor and legislative leaders to recommend bold and wholesale changes to the state's college systems.

The nine-member Postsecondary Education Review Commission was created through legislation this spring to analyze Louisiana's higher education programs and by Feb. 12 to suggest ways to align them better with the needs of the employment market and to reduce inefficiencies.

The panel, which includes four education specialists from other states, is driven partly by a mandate to overhaul Louisiana's college programs as well as the need to meet future financial constraints resulting from lower state revenue that is forecast in the next few years.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/08/panel_looks_to_streamline_stat.html

[NSUDemon98]

And so it begins...fears of at least one NWST poster that they will not be able to have an athletic program in a few years because of the forthcoming cuts...



http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/08/panel_looks_to_streamline_stat.html

I fail to see how appointing James Davison, the biggest LaTech donor and homer, will erase any biased opinions that will arise. He will guarantee that LaTech comes out of this smelling like a rose.

[BEAR]

Is the Louisiana school system getting any of that stimulus money? The Arkansas schools are getting some and UCA specifically is getting $3 million for renovations..which now a days equals a quarter of a residence hall. xlolx But my question is how does it work for the Louisiana schools?xeyebrowx or will it? do they get any? xconfusedx

[TexasTerror]

Is the Louisiana school system getting any of that stimulus money? The Arkansas schools are getting some and UCA specifically is getting $3 million for renovations..which now a days equals a quarter of a residence hall. xlolx But my question is how does it work for the Louisiana schools?xeyebrowx or will it? do they get any? xconfusedx

The Louisiana schools are not getting anything!

Amazing how in Texas all the schools are getting several million dollars from the state and in Louisiana - far from it. All these cuts, that are making skeleton staffs work with even fewer people.

[Redbirdz]

There are others in line for any Sun Belt openings as well including Jacksonville State, Georgia Southern and maybe Georgia State.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

The Louisiana schools are not getting anything!

Amazing how in Texas all the schools are getting several million dollars from the state and in Louisiana - far from it. All these cuts, that are making skeleton staffs work with even fewer people.

Because our Governer turned down the majority of the stimulas money. xsmhx

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

The Louisiana schools are not getting anything!

Amazing how in Texas all the schools are getting several million dollars from the state and in Louisiana - far from it. All these cuts, that are making skeleton staffs work with even fewer people.

Because our Governer turned down the majority of the stimulas money. xsmhx They are making all of these cuts, so everything will have to be outsourced, and they can pass out contracts to their buddies.

[TexasTerror]

Because our Governer turned down the majority of the stimulas money. xsmhx They are making all of these cuts, so everything will have to be outsourced, and they can pass out contracts to their buddies.

Even if they suspended that tax break that the Governor put into place, it would have covered the funding that was cut from higher education. Several legislators sought that and did not get it...

Now, more people are out of jobs, higher education is in more dire straits and there are more cuts on the way...

[lionsrking2]

Even if they suspended that tax break that the Governor put into place, it would have covered the funding that was cut from higher education. Several legislators sought that and did not get it...

Now, more people are out of jobs, higher education is in more dire straits and there are more cuts on the way...

We have a butt-kissing idiot for a governor, who's more interested in toeing his party line than doing what's in the best interests of the state as a whole. Higher education will be gutted and dismantled over the next couple of years under his watch.

[DFW HOYA]

Louisisna is the 25th largest state by population but is home to 10 Div. I football programs, nine state-funded (LSU, LA Tech, UL-Lafayette, UL-Monroe, Grambling, Southern, McNeese, Northwestern, Nicholls). Compare that to a similar sized state by population to Oregon (3 schools, all state supported) or Oklahoma (3 schools, 2 state supported).

Education is a big cost in legislative circles.

[BEAR]

No money for Louisiana schools? That sucks! xmadx Most of the money UCA will get will go toward small projects like waterproofing etc...but that will at least put a few construction people to work. I can't believe what is happening to the Louisiana system. xeekxxnonono2x

[TexasTerror]

Southern's Chancellor is trying to get people worked up and put the threat of SU dropping down a division out there....


SHREVEPORT — Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey warned board members Friday that the school’s athletic budget problems are endangering its division status.

The Southern Board of Supervisors on Friday approved a nearly $6.9 million athletics budget for Southern’s main Baton Rouge campus. But the budget comes with a projected $769,000 deficit attached.

Lomotey expressed concern that he has not received a commitment from the private, nonprofit Southern University System Foundation to fill the budget hole with additional Bayou Classic football game revenue as has sometimes been done in the past.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/55995957.html

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Southern's Chancellor is trying to get people worked up and put the threat of SU dropping down a division out there....



http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/55995957.html

As with every other college athletics department in the state except LSU, Southern operates at an initial deficit, with state funds used to fill in the gaps. But, unlike other schools, Southern has the Bayou Classic to help offset state support.


http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/55995957.html


Just politics. SU's foundation, Board of SUpervisers, and the Baton Rouge campus are fighting over Bayou Classic money.

[TexasTerror]

Does Southern athletics get to keep money from all those guarantee games in hoops? And the FBS pay days in football?

Perhaps Southern shouldn't have let Cador get a salary increase (plus more $$$ for baseball) out of them if the financial situation was not clear. I read that the academic side of campus was ticked the school was doing this at that time. You knew he was not getting the UNO job. The school wouldn't have hired him because they needed someone close to the program, someone popular with the staff in place, IMO. Cador was not going anywhere...

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Does Southern athletics get to keep money from all those guarantee games in hoops? And the FBS pay days in football?

Perhaps Southern shouldn't have let Cador get a salary increase (plus more $$$ for baseball) out of them if the financial situation was not clear. I read that the academic side of campus was ticked the school was doing this at that time. You knew he was not getting the UNO job. The school wouldn't have hired him because they needed someone close to the program, someone popular with the staff in place, IMO. Cador was not going anywhere...
Cador deserves his raise. You say UNO wouldnt have hired him, but he was by far the best canidate for that job. Dont be fooled by the poor mouthing. SU makes more off football than every school in Louisiana except LSU. We just have an idiot for a AD, which is the problem.

[TexasTerror]

Cador deserves his raise. You say UNO wouldnt have hired him, but he was by far the best canidate for that job. Dont be fooled by the poor mouthing. SU makes more off football than every school in Louisiana except LSU. We just have an idiot for a AD, which is the problem.

Yep - guess having a baseball coach that wins in the postseason, had already been offered a head coaching job by a BCS conference in the last few years and has reached a College World Series, albeit at Div II - is not as qualified as a coach that continues to produce in the worst (or second to worst) conference in America - though not always on a consistent basis.

Cador's misinformed statements are costing his baseball team...in ways that perhaps you guys will find out in 2010, if not 2011.

[TexasTerror]

Consolidation discussion not going over so well...


A government cost-cutting commission on Tuesday turned away an attempt by one of its members to consolidate Louisiana's public colleges and universities under a single governing board.

Sen. Jack Donahue, R-Covington, who is chairman of the Commission on Streamlining Government, said the proposal by state Treasurer John Kennedy cannot be considered because restructuring higher education is not part of the panel's mission.

Kennedy has proposed abolishing the boards that oversee the Louisiana State University, Southern University and University of Louisiana systems in favor of a revamped Board of Regents overseeing all public four-year colleges and universities. The current system leads to unnecessary duplication of programs as the various systems compete for scarce taxpayer support, Kennedy has said.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/10/public_college_consolidation_b.html

[TexasTerror]

Found this on the Northwestern State message board...

Productivity (Total Funding per Degree)
Grade: A
1. McNeese ($45,486)
2. Louisiana Tech ($46,854)
3. LSU-Shreveport ($47,236)
4. Northwestern ($48,684)
Grade: B
5. Southeastern ($53,003)
6. UL-Lafayette ($53,388)
7. Nicholls ($54,274)
Grade: C
8. SU-New Orleans ($58,477)
9. UL-Monroe ($58,712)
10. New Orleans ($60,436)
Grade: D
11. LSU-Alexandria ($69,064)
12. Southern ($70,952)
Grade: F
13. Grambling ($83,125)

Full Formula Funding Appropriations 07-08
82% - LSU-Alexandria
85% - Southeastern
92% - Louisiana Tech
92% - UL-Lafayette
94% - McNeese
95% - LSU-Baton Rouge
95% - Northwestern
97% - Nicholls
102% - LSU-Shreveport
106% - UL-Monroe
108% - New Orleans
109% - Southern
111% - Grambling
140% - SU-New Orleans

Annual Economic Impact
UL-Lafayette ($755 million)
Southeastern ($564 million)
Louisiana Tech ($462 million)
Northwestern ($353 million)
UL-Monroe ($350 million)
McNeese ($335 million)
Nicholls ($274 million)
Grambling ($264 million)

10-Year Economic Contribution by Graduates
UL-Lafayette ($1.3 billion)
Southeastern ($1.1 billion)
Louisiana Tech ($973 million)
UL-Monroe ($784 million)
Northwestern ($717 million)
McNeese ($640 million)
Nicholls ($526 million)
Grambling ($453 million)

*Only ULS schools were included in this study.

Freshman Enrollment in Remedial Classes
1. LSU-Baton Rouge (0%)
2. Louisiana Tech (11%)
3. UL-Lafayette (14%)
4. LSU-Shreveport (21%)
4. New Orleans (21%)
6. UL-Monroe (22%)
7. Nicholls (23%)
7. Southern (23%)
9. Southeastern (24%)
10. McNeese (25%)
10. Northwestern (25%)
12. Grambling (40%)
12. LSU-Alexandria (40%)
SU-New Orleans (77%)

Years to Complete Graduation
1. Louisiana State (4.8)
2. Louisiana Tech (4.9)
3. Grambling (5.5)
4. Northwestern (5.7)
5. UL-Lafayette (5.8)
6. Southeastern (5.9)
7. McNeese (6.0)
7. Nicholls (6.0)
9. Southern (6.1)
9. UL-Monroe (6.1)
11. New Orleans (6.3)
12. LSU-Shreveport (6.4)
13. LSU-Alexandria (7.6)
SU-New Orleans (8.9)

Freshman Retention Rate
1. Louisiana State (84%)
2. UL-Lafayette (73%)
3. Louisiana Tech (72%)
4. New Orleans (69%)
5. McNeese (67%)
5. Northwestern (67%)
5. Southern (67%)
8. UL-Monroe (66%)
9. Nicholls (65%)
9. Southeastern (65%)
11. LSU-Shreveport (60%)
12. Grambling (58%)
13. LSU-Alexandria (50%)
SU-New Orleans (41%)

Graduation Rates
1. Louisiana State (61%)
2. Louisiana Tech (48%)
3. UL-Lafayette (40%)
4. Grambling (35%)
4. McNeese (35%)
4. Northwestern (35%)
7. UL-Monroe (30%)
8. Nicholls (29%)
8. Southeastern (29%)
10. Southern (28%)
11. New Orleans (22%)
12. LSU-Shreveport (21%)
13. SU-New Orleans (8%)
LSU-Alexandria (4%)

2007 Freshmen with TOPS
1. Louisiana State (79.1%)
2. Louisiana Tech (65.38%)
3. UL-Lafayette (65.36%)
4. LSU-Shreveport (61.4%)
5. Nicholls (55.6%)
6. UL-Monroe (54.8%)
7. Southeastern (53.2%)
8. New Orleans (51.4%)
9. McNeese (51.0%)
10. Northwestern (47.8%)
11. LSU-Alexandria (38.6%)
12. Southern (15.8%)
13. Grambling (4.6%)
SU-New Orleans (0.7%)

On a scale of 1-5, how did graduating seniors rate their college?

1. Louisiana State (4.14)
2. Louisiana Tech (4.04)
3. Southeastern (4.01)
4. LSU-Shreveport (3.92)
5. UL-Monroe (3.88)
6. UL-Lafayette (3.87)
7. McNeese (3.82)
8. Nicholls (3.82)
9. Northwestern (3.78)
10. LSU-Alexandria (3.77)
11. New Orleans (3.67)
12. SU-New Orleans (3.65)
13. Southern (3.60)
14. Grambling (3.41)

[TexasTerror]

More pain for Louisiana higher education...


BATON ROUGE, La. -- Health care services and public colleges are bearing the brunt of cuts to close a $248 million midyear state deficit, under spending reductions made Tuesday by Gov. Bobby Jindal to rebalance the budget.

The Department of Health and Hospitals will lose $108 million and higher education will take an $84 million cut, to cover more than three-quarters of the gap in the $29 billion budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30.

"We've got to limit government spending so we can live within our means," Jindal said.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Health-care-higher-education-among-248-million-in-cuts-to-budgets-79939122.html

[TexasTerror]

Article from Alexandria covering some cuts, actions around the state - particularly college athletics. While UNO may be the first domino to fall - if they do - other schools in the state could be changing direction soon, especially after what's coming this summer...


The current Louisiana budget crunch, which has resulted in the state mandating midyear cutbacks, could have a big impact on college athletics throughout the state.

The only state school largely immune from its impact is LSU, which is one of only 19 NCAA Division I football-playing colleges to turn a profit on its athletic programs.

It will be business as usual -- at least for the most part -- at LSU. For everyone else, it will be a scramble to find the money necessary to fund athletics programs.

"We can't hide from it," Northwestern State athletics director Greg Burke said. "It's a hurdle we have to overcome. In athletics, we are still expected to win. I think that's a bigger challenge now than it ever has been."

http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100110/SPORTS/1100314/Benson-Budget-crunch-will-present-big-challenge-for-college-athletics

[TexasTerror]

Southern gets a mid-year cut in athletics...numerous classes cut...


Southern University is eliminating about 100 classes per semester, chopping athletics by $75,000, laying off no more than seven employees, increasing employee furloughs for some and cutting its summer school offerings in half.

Southern Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton said the repeated cuts — three rounds of cuts in 13 months —are becoming unbearable for struggling colleges.

“I don’t know how we’re going to sustain them,” Clayton said. “They just keep coming down the pipeline.”

Clayton said Southern may have to increase its admissions standards and shrink in size in order to survive long term.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/81055377.html

[MplsBison]

It comes down to this: does LA really need 9 public DI colleges?

Instead of spreading all 9 thin...why not close one or two and send the resources to the strongest schools?

[lionsrking2]

It comes down to this: does LA really need 9 public DI colleges?

Instead of spreading all 9 thin...why not close one or two and send the resources to the strongest schools?

We wouldn't be "spread thin" if our governor hadn't rolled back the Stelly Tax Plan which costs us about 300 million per year, beginning last year. That's pretty much the gap right there.

As for athletics classification, I don't see where that makes much of a difference...if you closed down LSU-Shreveport and LSU-Alexandria, that's two non D-I schools (NAIA) right there that compete with Northwestern State for students and NW is nearly 100 years older than both.

Personally, I think we just need to properly fund what we have, which means prioritizing differently in terms of how we craft our budgets. Still wouldn't resolve the entire budget issue, but we shouldn't be in the position we're in regardless of how bad things are right now.

[TexasTerror]

We wouldn't be "spread thin" if our governor hadn't rolled back the Stelly Tax Plan which costs us about 300 million per year, beginning last year. That's pretty much the gap right there.

That was a band-aid. The governor would have to increase tuition so Louisiana kids are not paying nickels and dimes for their higher education.

This state is an absolute joke in how much it charges to people to attend school here and if the money was more in line with even those in the region, it would not be a problem. Why else would the post-secondary education committee be talking about increasing tuition so much over the next eight years?

[Sly Fox]

I guess lowering income taxes are a bad thing, huh?

The price of crude is rising and with it will come the tax revenue that had the state flying so high just a few years ago.

In the meantime, consolidation does make some sense.

[TexasTerror]

La. colleges may be spared!


Among the deepest cuts are expected in health care services, the largest spending area in the budget. A Senate fiscal analyst told lawmakers that public colleges may be spared from further cuts after taking several hits in recent rounds of budget reductions.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Health-care-likely-to-get-big-cut-colleges-may-be-spared-in-next-state-budget-84144887.html

[McNeeserocket]

According to the Lake Charles American Press of Lake Charles, LA, Universities have been spared the lastest round of budget cuts.

http://www.americanpress.com/lc/blogs/wpnewssum/?p=7937://

[TexasTerror]

This is all good to read about, but we know that Jindal is not always going to hold on to what he says. I'm glad to see it though...

We'll know a little more in June if this holds to be true. Hopefully, the Louisiana Legislature makes some pro-higher education moves over the next few months and make this a very successful legislative session for La. institutions!

[TexasTerror]

Here's some info...it is a PDF, I must warn you.

These are the "Approved Recommendations by the Postsecondary Education Review Commission

http://www.laperc.org/assets/docs/PERCAPPROVEDREC.pdf

[TexasTerror]

Not sure how many saw this, but Centenary is cutting their academic programs down BIG TIME!


SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) – Centenary College President David Rowe announced Monday that he will recommend to the College's Board of Trustees the phasing out of several academic programs once students currently enrolled in those programs complete their studies.

The proposals were informed by the findings of a nine-member task force, chaired by Interim Provost Dan Keck and consisting of chairs of key faculty standing committees and members of the faculty elected by colleagues specifically to serve on this presidential advisory body.

Once the phasing is completed the restructuring will focus the College's undergraduate academic program on a field of 22 majors. Currently the small residential liberal arts college offers 44 majors. Among the majors affected by the announcement are German, Latin, Health and Exercise Science, Elementary and Secondary Education, Instrumental Music, Music Performance, and Accounting.

"All of our academic programs have been consistent with the College's mission and represent rigorous adherence to the highest traditions of the academy;" said Rowe, "so refining the overall program to concentrate on areas of current and future strength required tough choices among several distinctive programs."

http://www.centenary.edu/news/2010/0000020

[TSUalum05]

As a stated a few weeks ago -- Texas is shrinking their budget by 5% across all sectors. Including education:

The state's public universities focused on both the small stuff — skimping on office supplies and shutting down computers at the end of the work day — and more sweeping changes to cope with a proposed 5 percent state budget cut.

Many schools say they will drop planned salary increases and freeze hiring. Some will impose unpaid furloughs for faculty and staff. Some people will lose their jobs.

“Some of these plans would be painful,” Carl Carlucci, executive vice president for administration and finance at the University of Houston, acknowledged in a campuswide e-mail message sent out to explain the proposed cuts there.

Like other state agencies, public colleges and universities were ordered to make plans to cut 5 percent of state funding for the current fiscal year and 2011, but don't yet know if the cuts will be imposed.

• • Sam Houston State University: $5.1 million. As many as 10 faculty positions won't be filled, leading to more part-time faculty and larger class sizes. Students will be charged a fee if they pay university bills with a credit card. Mileage reimbursement for university-related travel will drop from 50 cents per mile to 40 cents per mile. Two state-funded institutes — Law Enforcement Management of Texas and Correctional Management Institutes of Texas — will reduce program offerings.

• • Texas Southern University: $4.9 million. Proposed cuts include $700,000 through a hiring freeze; $450,000 through reduced business travel; $1.1 million through cuts in office supplies, utility costs and other operations; $1.6 million through a cut of 28 staff positions; $1 million through cutting six faculty positions. Those may be done through attrition or retirements.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6874321.html

[TexasTerror]

I do not see many of these things as 'painful'...

A lot of the changes we are seeing are things that need to happen. A lot of schools could save plenty of cash by cutting their per diem rates slightly (some places, it is ridiculous), not hiring positions that are truly not needed and as SHSU is doing, reducing their financial involvement in state-funded programs/institutions.

[MplsBison]

Even though I'm obviously a fan of government spending on the necessities (like education), I do like to see how creative government institutions can get when forced to trim the budget.

I suppose such 'trimming sessions' are healthy from time to time to get rid of waste.

[msusig]

I do not see many of these things as 'painful'...

A lot of the changes we are seeing are things that need to happen. A lot of schools could save plenty of cash by cutting their per diem rates slightly (some places, it is ridiculous), not hiring positions that are truly not needed and as SHSU is doing, reducing their financial involvement in state-funded programs/institutions.

That's how it first started in LA. They cut supplies, don't fill positions, etc.

[TexasTerror]

An so it begins...again!

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/04/louisianas_colleges_universiti.html

[DFW HOYA]

Not sure how many saw this, but Centenary is cutting their academic programs down BIG TIME!

http://www.centenary.edu/news/2010/0000020

44 majors for a total school population of 807 is unnecessary.

[MplsBison]

An so it begins...again!

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/04/louisianas_colleges_universiti.html


That leaves the question of just how far lawmakers and Gov. Bobby Jindal are willing to go in the name of buzzwords like "accountability" and "streamlining" and "efficiency.

House Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, has established the far flank on the range of possibilities. He wants to eliminate the Louisiana Board of Regents and the governing boards of the Louisiana State University System, the Southern University System and the University of Louisiana System, and replace them with a 15-member board of trustees for one statewide system of four-year schools.

Sounds correct. Why should there be 4 government bodies for the state's schools?

[NSUDemon98]

Sounds correct. Why should there be 4 government bodies for the state's schools?

Because the ULS schools don't trust the LSU System, LSU doesn't want to be in the same system as the ULS schools unless it can manipulate them as they see fit, Southern doesn't trust the predominantly white school systems to look out for their best interests. Just taking a guess...

[MplsBison]

Because the ULS schools don't trust the LSU System, LSU doesn't want to be in the same system as the ULS schools unless it can manipulate them as they see fit, Southern doesn't trust the predominantly white school systems to look out for their best interests. Just taking a guess...

Grambling is in the ULS. Are they not "black enough" because they're in a white system?

The systems themselves obviously will spout anti-merger rhetoric as a natural self-preservation instinct.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

And how does merging these universities under one governing body save money? The regents are a non-paid position so how does this save money/substantial money? xconfusedx

[TexasTerror]

And how does merging these universities under one governing body save money? The regents are a non-paid position so how does this save money/substantial money? xconfusedx

The system offices have paid employees and there's $$$ that goes into facilitating the needs of the governing bodies, which all have their own offices, travel issues, etc...

If you scale back the amount of paid employees, facilities that need to be run to support the offices, etc - that's money right there...

[3rd Coast Tiger]

The system offices have paid employees and there's $$$ that goes into facilitating the needs of the governing bodies, which all have their own offices, travel issues, etc...

If you scale back the amount of paid employees, facilities that need to be run to support the offices, etc - that's money right there...

What you're talking about doesn't even come up to $5 Million a year so again I ask, how is that saving money? xconfusedx

[MplsBison]

What you're talking about doesn't even come up to $5 Million a year so again I ask, how is that saving money? xconfusedx

So they should just leave it alone and lose $5 million a year? Just so the upper management of duplicated administration systems can have a fat government jobs?

[3rd Coast Tiger]

In essence what I'm saying is if you have a $100 million dollar annual deficiency how do you solve it by eliminating $4.5 million?

[TexasTerror]

In essence what I'm saying is if you have a $100 million dollar annual deficiency how do you solve it by eliminating $4.5 million?

Every little bit helps...

The state of Louisiana has to be lean and mean. Got to cut the fat anyway you can and $4.5M each year is a start and does not impact the classroom...

Best thing they can do is raise tuition over five years to the average for southern states, then you'd probably adequately cover the deficit...

Merge a school or two and you'll really be set...

[CollegeSportsInfo]

It's sad to see what's happening in LA as well as many other states. It's hard when you see many of the sports outright cut. But it's just as bad when others are hurt by budget cuts. It can take once top programs and really push them down. And what happened at UNO and Centenary is the worst...having to downgrade out of D1.

The only positives are that the remaining schools that make it through with little change, get the opportunity to regroup and have even more opportunities for themselves. It just sucks that it's at the other state schools expense.


TT, you have your finger on the Texas pulse as always. It sucks for fans of other school that have FCS football, but UTSA is quite an appealing option for the top destination, CUSA, than schools that already have had success in football.

[Bogus Megapardus]

I thought Centenary was a private school. How would it be affected by state budget cuts?

[TexasTerror]

I thought Centenary was a private school. How would it be affected by state budget cuts?

Centenary is a private school, but they are lumped in, because they were the first school to announce a move to Division III. They have been a long-time member of Division I, so it's viewed as a sign of things to come.

New Orleans announced their intentions to go Division III, but where they are in the process is not clear. Just ask the Centenary AD, who interviewed for their AD job.

Nicholls is possible for a D3 move down the road. They are funded like a D2, just don't know they do it and with more cuts coming down the pipeline, they may join New Orleans in D3 or both could end up in D2? Probably would be cheaper for them to go D2 or not much more expensive based on the travel ramifications of the ASC, which may not take them anyway, making them go independent.

The GSC would love the both of them.


It's sad to see what's happening in LA as well as many other states. It's hard when you see many of the sports outright cut. But it's just as bad when others are hurt by budget cuts. It can take once top programs and really push them down. And what happened at UNO and Centenary is the worst...having to downgrade out of D1.

Remember, neither school is downgrading until approved. I think Centenary is a shoo-in, especially since the American Southwest has extended a membership invite.

Not sure what to make of the other situation.

[TexasTerror]

Been trying to point people in the right direction as it relates to this news tidbit that came out recently on numerous boards and forgot to post it on the thread that has been following the Louisiana budget crisis the most...


State higher education officials presented doom-and-gloom budget scenarios Tuesday to a state Senate committee showing what could happen when the federal stimulus money runs dry next summer.

One such possibility included the closure of eight of the state’s 14 public universities as a means to reduce state funding of college costs by 30 percent, or about $300 million.

That scenario would involve shuttering Nicholls State University, McNeese State University, Southern University at New Orleans, LSU at Alexandria, LSU at Shreveport, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Grambling State University and Northwestern State University.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/93595549.html

[DFW HOYA]

UNO submitted the paperwork to join D-III last week. If approved, they would spend three years as a Division I independent to exhaust its schoalrships.

One potential problem--UNO does not have enough sports to join D-III. In a note of irony, the Privateers plan to add football to meet the D-III threshold.

http://www.nola.com/uno/index.ssf/2010/05/uno_submits_division_iii_appli.html

If anything happens in school closings, and unlikely in an election year, the state might consider (in increasing order of political pain):

1. Closing the satellite colleges (LSU-S, LSU-A, SUNO)
2. Downsizing Nicholls and LSU-M and pushing enrollment to McNeese and LaTech
3. Closing Northwestern; or
4. Closing or merging Grambling (too much of a political firestorm if they did it)

[UAalum72]

One potential problem--UNO does not have enough sports to join D-III. In a note of irony, the Privateers plan to add football to meet the D-III threshold.

http://www.nola.com/uno/index.ssf/2010/05/uno_submits_division_iii_appli.html


Since the NCAA Division I minimum number of sports is Fourteen, how was UNO D-I to start with?

[DFW HOYA]

Since the NCAA Division I minimum number of sports is Fourteen, how was UNO D-I to start with?

UNO and Tulane got a waiver after the hurricane to go under 14 sports. UNO has only nine, D-III requires 12.

[TexasTerror]

UNO and Tulane got a waiver after the hurricane to go under 14 sports. UNO has only nine, D-III requires 12.

And would likely need a waiver to be submitted with their application for Div III to get it prolonged. Figure if a plan exists to add the additional sports (football, womens soccer, womens golf) - they'll be fine in getting the waiver.

The inability to add sports at the Div I level - they could have just added T&F's six components - is one reason for the move. Comes down to the finances, which some would argue is not in line with the D3 mission.

[MplsBison]

I wonder if...in 15-20 years from now, UNO will be a DIII football power house because of this move and will be looking at a triumphant return to DI?

They can dream I suppose...

[NSUDemon98]

NSU lays off 34 more people. I know one of them...extremely nice, caring lady who did her job well and loved doing it.

Jindal and the Legislature just don't understand...I bet they wish they still had the Stelly Tax now!!!xbangx

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100529/NEWS01/5290342/1060

[TexasTerror]

Article on APR in the state of Louisiana and the disparity relating to money that also impacts it...

http://www.neworleans.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416443&Itemid=578

[TexasTerror]

SHSU's athletic director shares his thoughts on the Louisiana budget situation and the impact it has on the SLC...


Some of the Southland’s Louisiana universities are battling budget issues. Did you take into consideration that these schools might close down, leaving the SLC with only five football programs if UTSA and Texas State move on, during the study?

BW: It hasn’t been an issue the way you just described it. There has been a widening gap in funding between the Louisiana schools and the Texas schools because of what has been happening in Louisiana economically. They have been hit harder than we have.

That has been part of conversations, but not the issue that they might be dropped. Some of that might be Louisiana political posturing, but every indication from athletic directors and administrators is that isn’t going to happen. If it does, we will have to respond, but that hasn’t been driving what we have been doing.

We aren’t concerned about the Southland because as a whole, the Southland is stable right now. It is probably the most stable it has been. Even with us doing a feasibility study and Texas State and San Antonio doing what they are doing, it is pretty stable.

http://itemonline.com/sports/x1617552783/SHSU-exploring-FBS-opportunities

[Sonic98]

I was talking to people who went to school in LA and its just a mess. I really don't see how the state can get back on track.

Gambling isn't paying off nearly as much as they expected.

I agree that sports will be the first to go but they've got to get a hold on education at every level.

I went to Jackson State with someone from N.O. who majored in Education. He originally thought of going back to LA to work because he said the system was so poor there in a lot of schools that most students could barely read

[TexasTerror]

More trouble forthcoming. A 23 percent cut expected next year...

Wonder if some universities will no longer give general fund support to their athletic programs. That is what happened for the one public institution in the state that is attempting to reclassify from Div I to Div III.


The five-page letter, released Thursday, from LSU System President John Lombardi came after a spring legislative session in which House and Senate leaders repeatedly pressed for details on how campuses plan to cope in the 2011-12 fiscal year, when Louisiana is expected to lose $290 million in federal financing that is being used to prop up higher education in the budget cycle that starts July 1.

With state revenue in a freefall, legislators have told college leaders not to expect the stimulus money to be replaced with state tax dollars. The result could be the loss of tenured faculty, program closures, elimination of athletic programs and reduction in research activities.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/06/lsu_campuses_told_to_plan_for_b.html

[TexasTerror]

A letter from SLU's President...


From today's (June 15) Baton Rouge Morning Advocate ...

Southeastern Louisiana University has diligently served southeast Louisiana for nearly 85 years, providing access for the residents of this region to high-quality and affordable postsecondary education.

Southeastern has grown and evolved to be one of the largest universities in Louisiana, with an enrollment of more than 15,000 and an alumni base that includes more than 56,000 graduates.

This past academic year we conferred a record 2,354 degrees. Our graduation rate, an often touted performance measure, has increased significantly in recent years. Our mission remains focused on serving southeast Louisiana.

In addition to offering accredited academic programs that prepare the nurses, teachers, accountants, technologists and many other critical employees needed in the region, we also have endeavored to support the economic and cultural growth and development of southeast Louisiana.

Despite all of these progressive developments, Southeastern and Louisiana’s other institutions of higher education are sliding inexorably toward a financial disaster that will leave our state without a viable and competitive system of postsecondary education.

Over the past 18 months, our state’s economic challenges have resulted in significant budget reductions for higher education.

Southeastern’s reductions since the beginning of the 2007-08 fiscal year amount to nearly $16 million — a full one-fifth of our total state operating support. We have managed these budget reductions by drastically reducing operating resources and aggressively seeking efficiencies.

We eliminated more than 145 positions and have increased academic admission standards in order to focus our limited resources on serving students who have a higher probability of academic success.

Because federal funds that helped moderate the impact of the loss of state resources will no longer be available beginning in 2011-12, Southeastern faces the potential of an additional future budget shortfall of more than $16 million. The magnitude of budget challenges dictates that we reduce and, in some cases, eliminate community outreach programs as well as core academic programs.

We anticipate making announcements about initial program decisions in the near future. The extent of further program reductions, along with related layoffs and organizational changes, will directly reflect the magnitude of future budget reductions.

We are keenly aware that for every activity or program there are ardent supporters as well as people who frequently depend on our services. I truly regret the prospect of reducing these valuable programs; however, the reality of diminished financial resources leaves us no choice.

There are very real limits to what Southeastern and our other institutions of higher education can accomplish without appropriate resources. The state, which ultimately benefits from an educated populace, and students, who directly benefit from the education they receive, must provide these resources.

The time has come for Louisiana and her residents to make higher education a priority.

John Crain, president
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond

[NDB]

that sucks.

[darell1976]

I wonder if more states who are in debt like California and Minnesota will look at cutting sports as a way to save money. Thank goodness North Dakota is in a surplus!!

[TexasTerror]

I wonder if more states who are in debt like California and Minnesota will look at cutting sports as a way to save money. Thank goodness North Dakota is in a surplus!!

The question varies by school, but primarily it focuses around how much does a school get annually from student fees, self-generated revenues, conference payouts of any sort, etc?

[darell1976]

The question varies by school, but primarily it focuses around how much does a school get annually from student fees, self-generated revenues, conference payouts of any sort, etc?

If a team does poorly and money is not coming in from attendance, concessions, merchandise, and ticket sales..you can only raise tuition and student fees so much before people call for an outcry and admistrators look elsewhere to raise money.

[GeauxLions94]

The question varies by school, but primarily it focuses around how much does a school get annually from student fees, self-generated revenues, conference payouts of any sort, etc?


If a team does poorly and money is not coming in from attendance, concessions, merchandise, and ticket sales..you can only raise tuition and student fees so much before people call for an outcry and admistrators look elsewhere to raise money.

In Louisiana, it's about LSU ..... and those other drains on the state budget.

[darell1976]

In Louisiana, it's about LSU ..... and those other drains on the state budget.

I am sure the Minnesota Gophers have priority over the D2 schools, and in California the FBS schools have first reign.

[TexasTerror]

Updates...

Editorial: Uncertainty adds up for higher ed


Northwestern State President Randall Webb said the academic reorganization is necessary because of $9.7 million in cuts over the past 18 months and projections of additional reductions. That Natchitoches-based university has eliminated 160 positions through layoffs and abolishing vacant positions since fiscal year 2007-08 and will cut 21 more positions by July 1.

Similar scenarios are taking place on campuses statewide. And while the belt-tightening continues, colleges and universities face new performance measures. Campuses, with the approval of their governing boards, will be able raise tuition and have some other budget flexibility if they meet increased graduation rate goals.

The Catch-22 is that the schools will have fewer resources to work with, have more non-traditional and part-time students in response to the sluggish economy and will lose many students when they eliminate majors.

UL System cuts language programs


The University of Louisiana System moved forward Thursday with cutting French programs and other academic degrees at Southeastern Louisiana University and Northwestern State University.

The program cuts come despite outcries from the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana that colleges are killing the state’s culture and history by eliminating French and foreign language programs.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/97131574.html

UL System to Lose 37% of Funding
Chart includes SLC schools + Grambling
http://ultoday.com/node/1200

[TexasTerror]

FYI - a post I made regarding schools that may have to drop down due to the continuing cuts in higher education in the state of Louisiana - http://anygivensaturday.com/showthread.php?t=69944

An editorial that eludes to more mid-year cuts in the Louisiana budget (http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2010/06/post_91.html) due to our lawmakers not fixing the problems long term.

Southern's Baton Rouge campus is proposing eliminating some of its specialized education programs, including early childhood education (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/97210979.html). Also on the chopping block are the education degrees in agriculture, art, computer science and general science.

[TexasTerror]

Grambling may cut some sports as early as next week...


Tough call: Dawson said he expects the athletic department will announce a decision regarding budget cuts -- and the possible elimination of some varsity sports -- early next week.

"What I can comment on is that based on economic downturns and where the state will be in the next couple of years, there is a trickling down effect that will impact athletics," he said. "We need to evaluate our programs, particularly in light of gender equity obligations. The time is never right to take opportunity away from student-athletes."

Dawson said the Tigers have already made about 19 cost-cutting moves, such as sending men's and women's teams on the same bus for games, particularly conference games.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100628/SPORTS/6280312/1006/Grambling-should-get-news-on-quarterback-Dillon-soon

[mikebigg]

Considering the impact of budget cuts, the SWAC's decision to pursue the Legacy Bowl and the potential "however many million dollars" payout is a no-brainer. Just another example of trying to generate funds rather than await State handouts... sad that we're being criticized for taking a proactive approach to generating revenue rather than lose money in other less suitable ventures.

[TexasTerror]

Considering the impact of budget cuts, the SWAC's decision to pursue the Legacy Bowl and the potential "however many million dollars" payout is a no-brainer. Just another example of trying to generate funds rather than await State handouts... sad that we're being criticized for taking a proactive approach to generating revenue rather than lose money in other less suitable ventures.

No one has ever questioned the SWAC's intentions for pursuing millions from the Legacy Bowl...just look at Valley's $3.2 or $3.3M budget, which has to the lowest at the Division I level. The schools in the SWAC are a bit more cash-strapped than any other league in America. It is why your schools play the basketball schedules you do and why it is imperative for you to increase revenue via as many streams as possible.

Several other Louisiana schools are in much jeopardy of losing sports or their entire programs than some are willing to admit, realize.

[TexasTerror]

Even Skip Bertman is concerned...


Like other state schools, LSU is facing budget cuts, layoffs and furloughs for its employees that threaten to cut programs and encourage younger talent to shop for better options, prospects that “sadden me,” he said.

“I’m not knocking anybody for cutting the budget,” Bertman said, “I’m just saying it’s a heck of a world to come so far and having to cut back some of the actual departments and some of the actual work.”

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/97365069.html

[TexasTerror]

I talked to a member or two of the Louisiana media yesterday. I'm still really surprised that there has not been more coverage on the fact that the schools not named LSU are really going to feel the possible catastrophic impacts of the 2011-12 budget cuts. It should be obvious now that the Louisiana Legislature "punted" on the subject this past year and have put the state in a position where they will have to take the hit - which could grow more than projections due to the lost tax revenue in light of the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Still no word on the sports Grambling has cut, but I am sure over the next 12-18 months, we'll be learning about much deeper cuts that could change the athletic landscape in the Pelican State.

[TexasTerror]

This is a bit off base, but this article from LSC Scoop (http://www.lscscoop.com/2010/06/state-of-texas-football.html) says the rumor is that three La. schools in the SLC could potentially drop to Div II and join the LSC...

[mikebigg]

Hopefully all 3 can make the playoffs to help makeup for the deficit.

[NSUDemon98]

Considering the impact of budget cuts, the SWAC's decision to pursue the Legacy Bowl and the potential "however many million dollars" payout is a no-brainer. Just another example of trying to generate funds rather than await State handouts... sad that we're being criticized for taking a proactive approach to generating revenue rather than lose money in other less suitable ventures.

Mike, do you realize how poorly run Grambling, as a university, has been run? Are you even aware of the audit reports? Failure to show money trails? In danger of losing accreditation of programs...and all of these issues before any of the economic problems and budget cuts...but you've been given free passes and been bailed out. But yet you're going to take a swipe at NSU for "taking state handouts"?

[TexasTerror]

Great post, NSUDemon!

Make no mistake about it, Grambling is in pretty bad financial shape. They are having to cut as many as four sports in the next week, according to the Monroe News Star. A lot of the SWAC posters on this board take great offense when you call their programs out, but the fact of the matter in this case, is they are going through the same financial difficulties as the other Louisiana schools in the state, if not worse.

The state of affairs in Louisiana collegiate athletics is not good. 2011-12 is going to do some serious damage to schools that receive state money to help fund their athletic departments.

The media has not reported it and when you talk to them about it, they just blame Jindal. Well, scare some people why don't you? Academic issues at some of these schools (and I am sure Grambling and Southern are on that list) are even worse off than the athletic situations. Everyone is cutting academic programs and if they aren't, they are definitely running the value of some degrees six feet under the ground.

The schools in this state just will not be able to handle those $250M+ in cuts, the Legislature will not properly address and at that point, Louisiana will have to make some tough decisions - which include the worst case scenario of closing down those schools on the list that your beloved Grambling appears on. This oil spill has been no help. That's tax revenue going down. Look for $280-300M in cuts for higher education in Louisiana in 2011-12.

[NSUDemon98]

It will be too late before people in Louisiana realize what is happening and even worse what is going to happen. Jindal and his cronies are too proud to admit that getting rid of the Stelly Tax was a huge mistake and certainly won't raise or instate any new taxes.

[TexasTerror]

It will be too late before people in Louisiana realize what is happening and even worse what is going to happen. Jindal and his cronies are too proud to admit that getting rid of the Stelly Tax was a huge mistake and certainly won't raise or instate any new taxes.

But Jindal and company will say that they put in Project GRAD (or whatever it is called) so schools can raise tuition to fund themselves, if they have success. The problem is that the infrastructure is not in place at any of the schools to achieve those high levels expected, especially the HBCUs who are even further behind in areas such as graduation rates.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

especially the HBCUs who are even further behind in areas such as graduation rates.Why man why.

[TexasTerror]

Why man why.

Open enrollment in the case of SUNO, but also because of the shortcomings with public education in the state and the setup of the private school system which prices people out in many cases.

But realistically, it is an issue that covers the whole state. There was an article out the other day - the numbers are not pretty of the whole picture, a generations old problem.


Louisiana's high-school dropout rate is 36 percent, 14 percentage points above the national average.

Graduation rates for black and white high school students in Louisiana are lower than the averages for the nation and for the 16 states that are members of the Southern Regional Education Board, a nonprofit coalition that advises state leaders on improving education.

The number of Hispanic students who finish high school in Louisiana is slightly above the national average but just below the regional figure.

Seventy percent of Louisiana's high-school graduates enter college, seven points above the national mark, but the report shows that only 20 percent of Louisiana's adults have a bachelor's degree, seven percentage points below the national figure.

http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2010/06/louisiana_students_scores_drop.html#incart_rh

http://media.nola.com/news_impact/photo/school-study-063010jpg-da6bf359261eda1e_small.jpg

[GeauxLions94]

Even former LSU baseball coach and AD Skip Bertman is concerned with potential cuts in Higher Education

Baton Rouge Morning Advocate (http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/97365069.html)


“When I started, the university was an open-enrollment school and you had to take anybody if they graduated from a Louisiana high school,” said Bertman, who will retire from LSU on July 1 after serving as athletic director emeritus for the past two years. “That was 1984, and that was how the rules were. In 1988, they became a selective enrollment school, and then I watched as the (average board score of admitted students) grew from 19 to … 23 and more. I was very proud of that.”

As his years as baseball coach, then A.D., went along, Bertman watched LSU improve to a tier one university.

[NSUDemon98]

Raising tuition will not cover the amount of money cut from school's budgets...unless kids want to pay private school tuition for a public school education.

And you're right, instead of giving universities time to evolve and meet the expected requirements and gradually cut funding it is a "baptism by fire", "if you are lucky enough to survive" type of scenario. I don't agree with how much they're cutting funding to higher ed. but if they're gonna do it they could at least do it right instead of ripping the band-aid off.

[TSUalum05]

Hopefully all 3 can make the playoffs to help makeup for the deficit.

I hope they do not drop down to D2...This should concern GSU and SU...

[TexasTerror]

I hope they do not drop down to D2...This should concern GSU and SU...

I'm interested to see what/if Grambling and Southern have anything to say about the forthcoming budget cuts. They know how it is impacting their school from an academic standpoint. Are they willing to say or have an opinion that it could come to bite them athletically?

[mikebigg]

What Swipe at NSU? I still don't understand why Grambling is being criticized for seeking to generate our own revenue streams as opposed to state handouts to fund athletics.

As for free passes, we've had no more than the rest of the state schools who have had unfavorable audit findings. For some reason ours get published more frequently, but they don't occur any more frequently than the other state schools.

As for the swipe at NSU...if you feel that's what it was so be it.

[mikebigg]

Raising tuition will not cover the amount of money cut from school's budgets...unless kids want to pay private school tuition for a public school education.

And you're right, instead of giving universities time to evolve and meet the expected requirements and gradually cut funding it is a "baptism by fire", "if you are lucky enough to survive" type of scenario. I don't agree with how much they're cutting funding to higher ed. but if they're gonna do it they could at least do it right instead of ripping the band-aid off.

I hate it, but at least I can take solace in knowing that I didn't vote for the "boy genius" Governor that most seem to hold in such high esteem. Jindal is a joke and those who support him are being laffed at. He's never done anything that impressed me...even going back to when he was over the ULS. A professional appointee who fooled people into thinking he would make a good governor. Not Hardly!

[TexasTerror]

I still don't understand why Grambling is being criticized for seeking to generate our own revenue streams as opposed to state handouts to fund athletics.

Do the self-generated revenues cover the entire cost of running the Grambling athletic department? Do you guys get some student fee money and what percentage of that covers the budget? How much of the state money equates to what percentage of the Grambling athletic budget?

Grambling needs to generate revenue as an athletic department to survive, just like many of the SWAC schools. The situation is only getting worse and based on an editorial I saw last night here in NOLA, the media just does not see it.

[mikebigg]

Great post, NSUDemon!

Make no mistake about it, Grambling is in pretty bad financial shape. They are having to cut as many as four sports in the next week, according to the Monroe News Star. A lot of the SWAC posters on this board take great offense when you call their programs out, but the fact of the matter in this case, is they are going through the same financial difficulties as the other Louisiana schools in the state, if not worse.
The state of affairs in Louisiana collegiate athletics is not good. 2011-12 is going to do some serious damage to schools that receive state money to help fund their athletic departments.

The media has not reported it and when you talk to them about it, they just blame Jindal. Well, scare some people why don't you? Academic issues at some of these schools (and I am sure Grambling and Southern are on that list) are even worse off than the athletic situations. Everyone is cutting academic programs and if they aren't, they are definitely running the value of some degrees six feet under the ground.

The schools in this state just will not be able to handle those $250M+ in cuts, the Legislature will not properly address and at that point, Louisiana will have to make some tough decisions - which include the worst case scenario of closing down those schools on the list that your beloved Grambling appears on. This oil spill has been no help. That's tax revenue going down. Look for $280-300M in cuts for higher education in Louisiana in 2011-12.

First of all, who the hell are you to call anyone out and no I don't take offense...it is you who is all sensitive because I made the point that Grambling and the SWAC is trying to be proactive in generating more and more of our own funds rather than wait on the state handout.

In light of the economic need to generate revenue, only an IDIOT would continue to criticize Grambling and Southern for not moving the date of the Bayou Classic (our biggest revenue generator) in hopes of being selected to the playoffs...something that MIGHT not happen and IF it did happen wouldn't generate any hard $$$... that "soft money" you talk about ain't gonna help us.

Also, you mention that it's my "beloved" Grambling. Why wouldn't it be beloved to me...that's my alma mater? Just so the Mods won't think I'm calling you Stupid, I will say it this way... "That's a Stupid comment and shows great stupidity for one to say it!"

[TexasTerror]

First of all, who the hell are you to call anyone out and no I don't take offense...it is you who is all sensitive because I made the point that Grambling and the SWAC is trying to be proactive in generating more and more of our own funds rather than wait on the state handout.

Yes - but does the revenue you produce provide enough to run an athletic department on? And I'm not talking about an athletic department like Valley, who has just $3.3m to utilize. If it does not, you will need to either grow those funds or hope your state funding does not get cut...you going to answer that question?


In light of the economic need to generate revenue, only an IDIOT would continue to criticize Grambling and Southern for not moving the date of the Bayou Classic (our biggest revenue generator) in hopes of being selected to the playoffs...something that MIGHT not happen and IF it did happen wouldn't generate any hard $$$... that "soft money" you talk about ain't gonna help us.

I wonder who you are calling an idiot? You guys need the Bayou Classic to keep your doors open! I'm not stopping in the way of that nor should anyone else. Without the Bayou Classic, Southern and Grambling lose out on at least a cool $1M a year. Outside of those FBS schools that pay out such a guarantee to other FBS schools, there is just simply no way to get that kind of $$$ up front.

[DG Cowboy]

I've lived in Louisiana all my life and I love the state. However, Louisiana politics is truly Banana Boat Republic at its best. Next year in the Legislative Session, I fully expect a move to shut down any college that doesn't have political clout. The three I think will be looked at are McNeese, Northwestern, and Nicholls. Northwestern has the Longs, Nicholls is situated pretty well among many legislators, leaving McNeese. Texas and the Gulf are on two sides. ULL territory starts in Acadia Parish 35 miles east, and Northwestern's legislators start around DeRidder 50 miles north. I think there is a good chance McNeese will get screwed some way. Many of the Lake Charles area legislators are so LSU its disgusting.

Hope to hell I am so wrong I will have to eat my words.

[mikebigg]

I've lived in Louisiana all my life and I love the state. However, Louisiana politics is truly Banana Boat Republic at its best. Next year in the Legislative Session, I fully expect a move to shut down any college that doesn't have political clout. The three I think will be looked at are McNeese, Northwestern, and Nicholls. Northwestern has the Longs, Nicholls is situated pretty well among many legislators, leaving McNeese. Texas and the Gulf are on two sides. ULL territory starts in Acadia Parish 35 miles east, and Northwestern's legislators start around DeRidder 50 miles north. I think there is a good chance McNeese will get screwed some way. Many of the Lake Charles area legislators are so LSU its disgusting.

Hope to hell I am so wrong I will have to eat my words.

I hope you're wrong too... McNeese is a fine school and La definitely needs our schools open and educating our students. Closing colleges sends a bad signal concerning priorities of our State.

As for LSU...to borrow from a Northwestern State slogan I once read. "Fork Em!"

[NSUDemon98]

What Swipe at NSU? I still don't understand why Grambling is being criticized for seeking to generate our own revenue streams as opposed to state handouts to fund athletics.

As for free passes, we've had no more than the rest of the state schools who have had unfavorable audit findings. For some reason ours get published more frequently, but they don't occur any more frequently than the other state schools.

As for the swipe at NSU...if you feel that's what it was so be it.

I am not on the criticizing Grambling kick, but when you made the comment "waiting on hand outs from the state" that was a swipe at NSU, though not directly mentioned.

[NSUDemon98]

NSU recently announced a set of several program cuts that seem to be more so than any other ULS school has made. I think this is being done in a proactive manner. NSU admin. know that there is no foreseeable end to cuts anytime soon so rather than being forced to cut a little bit now, then a little bit more next year, they are going to go ahead and rip the bandaid off.

I am very close to a Dept. Head who was on the committee to examine what programs to cut and he is of the opinion that NSU will come out of this stronger...not sure what he means, but that is what he feels. Maybe so that the University will be able to focus on what is our bread and butter, nursing, teaching and liberal arts.

The only positive side to the program cuts is that of the 8 programs cut, it only affected 275 students...which I would have expected it to be twice that number. But then again, those programs are low enrollment and low retention.

[TexasTerror]

NSU recently announced a set of several program cuts that seem to be more so than any other ULS school has made. I think this is being done in a proactive manner. NSU admin. know that there is no foreseeable end to cuts anytime soon so rather than being forced to cut a little bit now, then a little bit more next year, they are going to go ahead and rip the bandaid off.

I am very close to a Dept. Head who was on the committee to examine what programs to cut and he is of the opinion that NSU will come out of this stronger...not sure what he means, but that is what he feels. Maybe so that the University will be able to focus on what is our bread and butter, nursing, teaching and liberal arts.

The only positive side to the program cuts is that of the 8 programs cut, it only affected 275 students...which I would have expected it to be twice that number. But then again, those programs are low enrollment and low retention.

Northwestern State is being proactive - props to them.

I think the best thing these universities can do is eliminate academic departments that have low enrollment and are not producing consistent graduates. Unfortunately for those departments, it is wasteful spending and it allows the universities to focus on their "programs of distinction". Every university needs to offer your basic business and education degrees (since those are popular courses of study nationwide), but besides that - especially in that area where ULM, La Tech and Grambling all exist in a small radius, there is NO reason to have so many degrees overlapping!

There is no reason to consolidate schools, if they are all offering different programs. We do not need 10 Jazz Studies programs in the state, just like we do not need 10 sports administration or 10 nursing programs. The universities need to work together to figure out who needs to offer what to make this happen.

[TexasTerror]

FYI - a thread on Fork'em Demons about the subject matter of cutting sports, cutting programs and potential moves - http://forums.delphiforums.com/forkemdemons/messages/?msg=5108.1

[TexasTerror]

Slight cuts from the end of fiscal year allocations from the state...


Allocations were down about 0.3 percent for the LSU and University of Louisiana systems, and they were down nearly 2 percent for the Southern System, which has campuses in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Okay...but then it gets worse.


The cuts are expected to be substantially worse in the fiscal year starting a year from today because there will be no more federal stimulus money in the state's budget. The loss is expected to be about $290 million, or about 32 percent of this year's total allocation for higher education.

Each system's board will have to decide how much to allocate to each campus.

The president of the LSU System has sent letters to leaders of each campus, asking them to have preliminary plans ready by mid-July showing how they will implement a 23 percent cut in their state support.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/state_university_leaders_get_d.html

How will these schools be able to function with a 32 percent cut in one year?

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

I hope they do not drop down to D2...This should concern GSU and SU...

It doesnt concern SU.

[TexasTerror]

It doesnt concern SU.

Same Southern, who is part of a Southern System that had larger cuts from the final 2009-10 budget compared to the 2010-11 budget? Same Southern that cut sports ahead of the 2009-10 fiscal year? Same Southern that never gave Cador what he wanted? I do not think anyone is exempt and Southern surely won't be in 2011-12 when the cuts are deeper...

[NSUDemon98]

Northwestern State is being proactive - props to them.

I think the best thing these universities can do is eliminate academic departments that have low enrollment and are not producing consistent graduates. Unfortunately for those departments, it is wasteful spending and it allows the universities to focus on their "programs of distinction". Every university needs to offer your basic business and education degrees (since those are popular courses of study nationwide), but besides that - especially in that area where ULM, La Tech and Grambling all exist in a small radius, there is NO reason to have so many degrees overlapping!

There is no reason to consolidate schools, if they are all offering different programs. We do not need 10 Jazz Studies programs in the state, just like we do not need 10 sports administration or 10 nursing programs. The universities need to work together to figure out who needs to offer what to make this happen.

That is exactly what NSU did. We've had an aviation degree going back to the early 50's and was one of the few in the country at the time but ever since LaTech added theirs and are able to dump more money than we are able to and that basically killed NSU's program. It was cut, along with the masters and bachelors in heritage resources, along with a few science majors that will lesson the blow of the cuts by $2.5 million and only affect 275 students.

But you are correct, not every university needs to offer everything...ULM and McNeese recently lost their masters in music, the same needs to happen to LaTech. Nicholls, along with LaTech and ULM probably don't need music degrees period as they all have just as many faculty members than they have majors in the program. That doesn't equal out...

[NDB]

Unsolicited opinion from 1,400 miles north.

1. Louisiana should have 1 higher education system. More than one leads to losses in efficiency. Some of this is due to administrative duplication, but it is primarily due to political dumba##ery.

2. There are many majors that don't have high enrollments that are important and necessary. At the same time there are those like "heritage resources"? Seriously? What happened to history and anthropology?

[NSUDemon98]

One university system was suggested but no one in Louisiana trusts anyone...especially when LSU is involved. A pure Banana Republic...every university would have to suffer in leu of the "flagship agenda" and progressing along.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Same Southern, who is part of a Southern System that had larger cuts from the final 2009-10 budget compared to the 2010-11 budget? Same Southern that cut sports ahead of the 2009-10 fiscal year? Same Southern that never gave Cador what he wanted? I do not think anyone is exempt and Southern surely won't be in 2011-12 when the cuts are deeper...

Same Southern that generates more revenue off sports than every school in the state besides LSU. There was a article in the advocate last year that said so.

[TexasTerror]

Same Southern that generates more revenue off sports than every school in the state besides LSU. There was a article in the advocate last year that said so.

I'd be interested in seeing that article. I have a hard time believing that La Tech does not generate more than Southern.

According to the Government, Southern generated 3.6M in revenue during 08-09. The same government source (http://www.ope.ed.gov/) stipulates that La Tech generated just shy of $14M in revenue. Can you really prove to me that Southern generated the same amount?

If Southern did generate over $10M in athletic revenue and was second to LSU, why is their athletic budget where it is? And why was Southern forced to eliminate sports ahead of the 2009-10 year? And why did Cador not get his positions?

I await your answers...

[msusig]

Unsolicited opinion from 1,400 miles north.

1. Louisiana should have 1 higher education system. More than one leads to losses in efficiency. Some of this is due to administrative duplication, but it is primarily due to political dumba##ery.

2. There are many majors that don't have high enrollments that are important and necessary. At the same time there are those like "heritage resources"? Seriously? What happened to history and anthropology?

1. Louisiana is corrupt & it's all about politics.

2. I agree....what can you really do with a heritage resources degree? Seems like a waste of time.

[McNeese75]

I'd be interested in seeing that article. I have a hard time believing that La Tech does not generate more than Southern.

According to the Government, Southern generated 3.6M in revenue during 08-09. The same government source (http://www.ope.ed.gov/) stipulates that La Tech generated just shy of $14M in revenue. Can you really prove to me that Southern generated the same amount?

If Southern did generate over $10M in athletic revenue and was second to LSU, why is their athletic budget where it is? And why was Southern forced to eliminate sports ahead of the 2009-10 year? And why did Cador not get his positions?

I await your answers...

xpopcornx

[TexasTerror]

It doesnt concern SU.

Here's another article indicating Southern could get impacted more so than most of the state under the new "formula" that will determine how higher education is funded...again, I await your response on how "it doesnt concern SU."


The "performance-based funding" formula bases 25 percent of funding on specific performance measures, like research and science programs and student access and graduation rates, and 75 percent on the cost of providing education services.

LSU, the University of New Orleans, Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, the state's research institutions, have the biggest chances of benefitting from the formula but other schools can get new money by demonstrating improvement.

But the process could limit funding to the state's historically black colleges, Grambling and Southern University, and regional schools like Northwestern and Southeastern, depending on whether they show notable growth and increase retention and graduation rates.

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20100702/NEWS01/7020314/1002/NEWS01

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

I'd be interested in seeing that article. I have a hard time believing that La Tech does not generate more than Southern.

According to the Government, Southern generated 3.6M in revenue during 08-09. The same government source (http://www.ope.ed.gov/) stipulates that La Tech generated just shy of $14M in revenue. Can you really prove to me that Southern generated the same amount?

If Southern did generate over $10M in athletic revenue and was second to LSU, why is their athletic budget where it is? And why was Southern forced to eliminate sports ahead of the 2009-10 year? And why did Cador not get his positions?

I await your answers...

SU planned for the future thats why they dropped sports. That Tech number includes state support. Look for the article in the advocate about state SUpport and athletics. SU and LSU were the only school in the state that didnt need SUpport. It was in the advocate last year. xnodx

[TexasTerror]

SU planned for the future thats why they dropped sports. That Tech number includes state support. Look for the article in the advocate about state SUpport and athletics. SU and LSU were the only school in the state that didnt need SUpport. It was in the advocate last year. xnodx
I searched the Advocate, since you continue to follow suit with some of your other friends on this board and DO NOT POST links to your sources and all I have to say is "really...???"

You guys are already "bare bones" according to your athletic director. Can not imagine the cuts being favorable.

Credit: http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/50591942.html?showAll=y&c=y


"Nineteen public colleges in Louisiana have athletics programs. LSU is the only one in the state and one of just a handful nationwide that do not use state funds or student fees for athletics."


"Southern Athletic Director Greg LaFleur said the budget-cutting is devastating. Predictions that the cuts could worsen through 2012, because of declining state revenues and the eventual loss of federal stimulus dollars, are “scary,” he said.

“It’s extremely difficult to manage now because we were already bare bones, and we’re cutting beneath the surface,” LaFleur said. “It will take a commitment from the school to maintain the level we’re at.”

Is there another article that I am missing? Good luck Southern, does not sound like you are off the hook yet...despite erroneous claims by some of your alums. If academics are feeling the pinch at the school, no doubt athletics will.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

Hey mikebigg, I totally agree with you.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

I agree with you mikebigg.

[TexasTerror]

This whole discussion - basically all of it comes from talking about state support and how that will be limited with possible catastrophic impacts on the whole infrastructure of higher education - academics and athletics both included!

One of the two downgrading schools in the state - N.O - now joins LSU as the only Louisiana public schools that operate free of any money from the state. LSU is one of the top five revenue producers in collegiate athletics.

Interestingly enough, you now have a school - N.O - that flipped from near the bottom of the Div I financial pyramid (I think Mississippi Valley with their $3.3M budget is the lowest for a football school and perhaps, overall) to the top of the Div III pyramid (if that is where their final resting place is - since all things NCAA are a process).

Can we have a Mount Union (OH) or Wisconsin-Whitewater in the making? With the low cost of higher education in the state and the quality of athletes as well, there's no reason there can't be.

Despite the erroneous claims that Southern joins the two aformentioned as being free from state money, that is false information based on the Baton Rouge Advocate article.

Other schools in the state are going to have to look at pulling their state subsidy and all indications are that academic programs and sports, if not entire athletic departments will be cut. You can only patch a wound so many times the wrong way before it really busts open.

It would not surprise me in the least bit if other schools downgrade their athletic programs. With a 32 percent cut to higher education next year, how can they not? Some of these schools are already at the bare minimum allowed for sport sponsorship and as Southern's AD said (and he's not the only AD who can say the same), they are already bare bones!

[TexasTerror]

Some info on Southern from the Advocate...

* Southern's tuition is going up 10%. Per the Advocate, "The cost increases will raise Southern’s undergraduate tuition and fees from an estimated $4,125 to about $4,540. In-state Southern University Law Center students would go from paying $7,985 a year to about $8,784."

* More than 90 percent of Southern students are on financial aid. "Lomotey said such need-based financial aid packages would mostly cover the cost increases. Also, the values of federal Pell grants have risen to help low-income students."

* The university is discussing a voluntary attrition plan before having to implement layoffs.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/97546564.html?index=14&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Some wiggle room for universities like Southeastern, Southern...really seems the regional universities take the brunt of things compared to the research institutions in the state. Articles indicate that they have lower tuition, lower academic admission standards and less a focus on research - gets them in that new project GRAD.


Under the formula, Southern’s main Baton Rouge campus, which suffers because of enrollment losses, stands to lose $2.66 million, a nearly 6 percent decrease in state funds. But, as a community college, Southern University at Shreveport would gain an extra $1.76 million, a 25 percent jump in state funds.

So incoming Southern University System President Ronald Mason Jr. hypothetically could seek to shift some of those dollars between campuses.

Likewise, Southeastern would have $1.73 million taken away, a 2.6 percent dip, because of the formula. But the University of Louisiana System may be able to give the Hammond-based school a break by taking some of the gains away from Louisiana Tech University or the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for instance.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/97452624.html

Grambling makes a hire to help audit the school...


GRAMBLING — Grambling State University's new president has hired the former president of Virginia's largest historically black university to review "every dime" of GSU's budget.

Frank Pogue said Marie McDemmond and two members of her staff also will check the qualifications of Grambling's accounting staff.

On Monday, a state audit found that during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the university bought stock with money supposed to be used for buildings and grounds, and lost $1 million on the deal.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100702/NEWS04/100702011/1063

[TexasTerror]

A list of the majors & minors eliminated at Northwestern State...



Degree programs that would be eliminated under NSU’s proposed reorganization are the master’s degree in heritage resources and bachelor’s degrees in physics, physics education, chemistry, chemistry education, heritage resources, journalism, sociology and political science.

Existing minors to be eliminated include aviation science, geology, physics, chemistry, journalism, sociology, German, French, historic preservation, philosophy, political science and food and nutrition. Concentrations in aviation science, recreation administration, fashion merchandising and housing and interiors, economics and German would also be eliminated.

https://news.nsula.edu/home/article/344

[TexasTerror]

Some more links...

Grambling's new President on athletics...


He said he has told faculty and staff "not everyone is going to be here in a couple of years and not every academic program" will survive budget cuts. "We're even going to reduce athletics."

http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20100627/NEWS01/6270313

Q&A...


Finally, we continue to hear about the financial struggles of HBCUs. Are we seeing the effects of that on football and other sports anymore than we have in past years?

JC: Absolutely. Teams are traveling more cost efficiently, being more particular about who they schedule for out-of-conference games, and they are limiting internal costs for sports marketing (game programs, printed media guides, flyers, etc). Tight economic times call for a heightened commitment from fans to attend games, support the programs, buy concessions, and pay for parking. Most HBCU athletic programs struggle to break even, and every game day expense and donation goes a long way in increasing their ability to recruit, market and heighten awareness.

http://www.theloop21.com/news/hbcu-sports-blog-previews-college-football-season

On Northwestern State...


In addition to reducing the number of faculty and staff positions to offset dramatic budget cuts, the university has curtailed funding for adjunct instruction, athletics, student employment, graduate assistantships and departmental budgets for travel, supplies and operating services.

http://northwesternalumni.com/s/859/index.aspx?sid=859&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=1441&ecid=1441&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=791

NWST's AD on financial issues...


Greg Burke: I think what all of us deal with, that is the most difficult to deal with, are what I call unmandated expenses to our budget. To throw out a couple of examples from our budget, the cost of our scholarships next year will increase by $180,000. Also, the state of Louisiana has increased the cost of insurance and retirement benefits and such. So in our department alone, without giving anybody a raise — we have not had a raise here in three years — just the cost of the benefits for the same salary we’re all making, next year will cost our budget 70,000 more dollars. So there’s a quarter of a million dollars of unmandated expenses that we immediately have to deal with. And we’re a university that has been cut $10 million in the last year and we are now 160 people less employed at the university than a year and a half ago. So when you’re in the athletic department and cuts are being made campuswide, I think it’s natural for people to want to know what is happening to athletics. Are they suffering along with everybody else? … So right out of the gate, we’re just trying to make sure we can offer the same amount of scholarships, maintain personnel, although we’re down a few positions that the university hasn’t allowed us to fill, and then continue to generate revenue.


GREG Burke: Some of the old-fashioned stuff, like maybe — and you hate to do this to your football and basketball programs — but looking to play another money game. But as far as generating revenue from external constituencies, we’ve never charged for parking here for football games. … We’re going to impose, especially on the lots immediately surrounding the stadium, a parking fee. People can buy a season pass or pay for it on a game-by-game basis. One of the actions we’re trying to take is find ways to generate new revenue streams to pay for things that right now we’re paying for. We’re paying for people to watch certain donor lots and to watch certain areas, and that’s essentially been an out-of-pocket expense. If we can charge for other lots right now and at least cover that cost, then we’ve actually saved ourselves that money. Sometimes there are special opportunities. We had a baseball contract to play LSU at home, at our place. … We had a call and opportunity from the minor league baseball team, Shreveport, they’re called the Shreveport Bossier Captains. They called us and offered us a guarantee to move the game to Shreveport. And the guarantee we calculated was probably 100 percent if not more than what we could make by playing the game here. Now, granted, there was a little angst in the community. Our local community, we’re only about 20,000 people, so everybody knows everybody. They have pretty good access to you at the grocery store and at church and everywhere else. There was a little bit of consternation about moving the game, but we could not turn down that opportunity. … We’re also playing at LSU in football in 2011. They’re giving us a block of tickets to buy for that game for our fans. We’re tying priority to buy those tickets to our season tickets for this year and next year.

http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/66096

[NSUDemon98]

Some wiggle room for universities like Southeastern, Southern...really seems the regional universities take the brunt of things compared to the research institutions in the state. Articles indicate that they have lower tuition, lower academic admission standards and less a focus on research - gets them in that new project GRAD.



http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/97452624.html

Grambling makes a hire to help audit the school...



http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100702/NEWS04/100702011/1063

Exactly...basically what is going to happen is that the La. Legislature and Board of Regents has decided that certain degrees, like teaching, nursing, etc...really do not matter and are not important.

[TexasTerror]

Should know more shortly on the status of four Grambling sports...with 18 sports, if they cut four sports, the would be at the Division I minimum...joining a few other schools who have moved to the minimum in wake of the Louisiana budget cuts...


Months after a program-defining moment, Grambling golf is on the chopping block.

Continuing efforts to balance a teetering budget could, in fact, result in GSU dropping as many as four sports — men's and women's golf, as well as the school's tennis teams.

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100703/SPORTS/7030311/1006/Grambling-reportedly-set-to-cut-golf--tennis-

[TexasTerror]

Here's a comparison of revenues for all the public schools within the state that played football at the Division I level besides Southern, who was not available. A link to credit is at the bottom.

A quick synopsis shows that Grambling and Southeastern Louisiana rely more on direct institutional support (state backing) more than any other school(s) in the state to support their budget. Of those listed - these two schools would lose the most conceivably in the wake of budget cuts to the state's institutions of higher education based on the information available..

None of the schools truly benefit from student fees while it is clear how the conference distribution falls (SEC > WAC > SBC > SLC > SWAC) which is of no surprise. The same order exists for overall expenses.

The top two in each of the below categories in terms of percentage or in the case of overall budget is bolded

2008-09 DIRECT INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT (or money from the state government)
Grambling - $4M - 64.53% of revenue
Louisiana-Lafayette - $6.2M - 51.32% of revenue
LSU - $0 - 0% of revenue
Louisiana Tech - $6.5M - 40.25% of revenue
McNesee - $3.68M - 46.81% of revenue
Nicholls - $3.83M - 58.3% of revenue
Northwestern St - $5.1M - 52.77% of revenue
Southeastern La - $6.86M - 68.64% of revenue
ULM - $4.2M - 40.96% of revene

2008-09 STUDENT FEES (not impacted by state budget cuts)
Grambling - $0 - 0% of revenues
Louisiana-Lafayette - $0 - 0% of revenues
LSU - $0 - 0% of revenues
Louisiana Tech - $0 - 0% of revenues
McNeese - $178k - 2.26% of revenues
Nicholls - $493k - 7.5% of revenues
Northwestern State - $767k - 7.83% of revenue
Southeastern La. - $0 - 0% of revenues
ULM - $351k - 3.44% of revenue

2008-09 CONFERENCE & NCAA DISTRIBUTION (not impacted by state budget cuts)
Grambling - $278k - 4.49% of revenue
Louisiana-Lafayette - $596k - 4.92% of revenue
LSU - $13.5M - 13.38% of revenue
Louisiana Tech - $1.4M - 9.13% of revenue
McNeese State - $445.5k - 5.66% of revenue
Nicholls - $289k - 4.39% of revenue
Northwestern St - $405k - 4.14% of revenue
Southeastern La. - $663.5k - 6.64% of revenue
ULM - $719k - 7.04% of revenue

2008-09 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
Grambling - $6.4M
Louisiana-Lafayette - $11.9M
LSU - $94.4M
Louisiana Tech - $16M
McNeese State - $7.8M
Nicholls - $6.5M
Northwestern State - $9.79M
Southeastern La. - $9.26M
ULM - $10.1M

Credit: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/ncaa-finances.htm

[NSUDemon98]

Here is Dr. Lisa Abney, Provost of NSU speaking of the cuts and setting some things and rumors straight...such as the amount of faculty let go vs. positions unfilled and Journalism not being eliminated but falling under a different program (which makes sense in 2010).

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq5cmaUVV6g&feature=related

part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXFF9oOElQc&feature=related

[TexasTerror]

This article is a bit dated, but would leave one to believe per the Baton Rouge Advocate (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/55995957.html) that the state budget cuts are impacting Southern (regardless of what has been said by a Southern fan on this board).

Article says state cuts led to the termination of two programs and that the President of Southern said that they may have classify down to Div II...

You know - as documented in this post - the state budget situation is only getting worse in 2011-12 and if the athletic department is as "bare bones" as Greg LaFleur stated and backed by the then-President, the athletic department may need to consider other options besides Div I...


Because of state budget cuts, Southern already has eliminated its men’s tennis and women’s golf teams, leaving Southern with 16 athletics teams. The state projects additional budget cuts through 2012.

In a letter to the Southern Board, Lomotey wrote, “We cannot (further) reduce the number of sports, because of NCAA regulations. We cannot reduce the number of employees as we are at a minimum now. … Unless we make the decision to move to Division II, we are saddled with the current budget.”

[Lehigh Football Nation]

2008-09 DIRECT INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT (or money from the state government)
Grambling - $4M - 64.53% of revenue
Louisiana-Lafayette - $6.2M - 51.32% of revenue
LSU - $0 - 0% of revenue
Louisiana Tech - $6.5M - 40.25% of revenue
McNesee - $3.68M - 46.81% of revenue
Nicholls - $3.83M - 58.3% of revenue
Northwestern St - $5.1M - 52.77% of revenue
Southeastern La - $6.86M - 68.64% of revenue
ULM - $4.2M - 40.96% of revenue

What's the yearly salary of these presidents?

[lilrj1919]

Dr. Pogue cutting 4 sports is thinking ahead for next year and i can't blame him. HBCU's have always worked with pennies. I think we can get through this trying time. He's already doing things to generate money for the University and athletics. There is already in the works for a student wide vote in the Spring to push more money into athletics etc.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

This article is a bit dated, but would leave one to believe per the Baton Rouge Advocate (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/55995957.html) that the state budget cuts are impacting Southern (regardless of what has been said by a Southern fan on this board).

Article says state cuts led to the termination of two programs and that the President of Southern said that they may have classify down to Div II...

You know - as documented in this post - the state budget situation is only getting worse in 2011-12 and if the athletic department is as "bare bones" as Greg LaFleur stated and backed by the then-President, the athletic department may need to consider other options besides Div I...
You would post a old article from Aug 29, 2009 xlolx .

[lilrj1919]

You would post a old article from Aug 29, 2009 xlolx .

You know he loves the negativity.xlolx

[TexasTerror]

You would post a old article from Aug 29, 2009 xlolx .

Weren't you the one telling me to go find an old article from a year ago that you have yet to produce on any message board? We are still awaiting feedback from you to explain how much Southern gets from the state, since that information is not readily available.


Dr. Pogue cutting 4 sports is thinking ahead for next year and i can't blame him. HBCU's have always worked with pennies. I think we can get through this trying time. He's already doing things to generate money for the University and athletics. There is already in the works for a student wide vote in the Spring to push more money into athletics etc.

You can look ahead to next year, but what if the cuts are only worse? You bring up that a student fee is up for a vote. Any information on how much it will charge per student? What are the chances of it passing, especially in light of tuition increases across the state of 10%?

[lilrj1919]

One thing about Dr. Pogue, he is a very organized person and he is a go getter. I know how much the fee will be per student but that's not for the public at this time. Many students were ready to vote for it this past Spring but the move wasn't granted from the board in time to make it happen for Spring 2010 session. It has a great chance to pass the student body knows what's going on and Pogue has many school wide meetings to keep the students, community and alumni up on what's happening. In light of other things Dr. Pogue has hired someone to focus specifically on fund raising for the University. Grambling is not going to roll over. We have that never giving up blood from our ancestors. I do believe GSU and SU will come through this hard time.

[TexasTerror]

We have that never giving up blood from our ancestors. I do believe GSU and SU will come through this hard time.

Hope all Louisiana schools are able to rally through these difficult times. Did you see the information regarding Illinois? They are struggling too, though their $$$ from the state is much less than anything we see in Louisiana in terms of schools reliance on state fees.

The one issue Grambling faces with a student athletic fee is that with such a small student population, any money generated would probably amount to a small bit of the athletic budget, wouldn't it? Looking at the other schools in the state, it seems that when an athletic fee is assessed, it is relatively minimal in terms of effect on budget.

[lilrj1919]

That's why fun raisers are happening also.

[TexasTerror]

Southern's budget cut this year will be $400k. Of note, LaFleur does give a 'nod' to state cuts to higher education as being at fault. That's a 5.79% budget cut in a year that the numbers are holding steady as far as Louisiana higher education budgets (the end number in 2009-10 is about similar to the end number projected for 2010-11). Can only imagine what 2011-12 will bring.if Southern is significantly tied to state budget cuts..


LaFleur said that because of continuing state cuts to higher education, he’s been asked to slice out another $400,000 to $6.5 million this year (it must still be approved by the Board of Supervisors).

LaFleur explains why Southern's flagship baseball program does not play the maximum amount of games allowed and how the school is already at the minimums.


“They’ve gone up about 25-30 percent since I got here,” LaFleur said. “If you notice, we don’t fly anywhere, and we play the minimum number of contests allowed by the NCAA. ... But you still have to travel, and when expenses go up, you have to cut somewhere else.”

Also notes that student enrollment has gone down 19% since 2005, cutting into the student athletic fee part of the budget.


Student enrollment has declined sharply at SU, from about 9,300 in 2005 to 7,600 last year. That’s important because a student athletics fee contributes to the budget.

Of note - article mentions Grambling considering cutting as many as four sports, Valley's $3.3M budget (20 percent less than last year).

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/97780914.html?showAll=y&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Well - did find some info...

According to this memo by the Louisiana Regents (http://regents.state.la.us/Finance/Forms2009/09-10_budgath.pdf), Southern could allot $4,425,238 towards collegiate athletics. Let's 'low ball' and say Southern used $4M of the allowed amount by the state. Of their $6.9M budget if that's the case, Southern takes in 57.9% of their revenues from state support.


In accordance with the policy revised on July 19, 2007, the authorized “state fund usage in athletic programs” amount of maximum state support for athletic programs for FY 2009-20 10 are reflected in the attached schedule.

Of note, Southern is allowed the second-most amongst the state's six FCS programs as far as state-funding. Though, still have not found official confirmation of how much Southern uses, so all hypothetical since the information is not readily available...

Did find this look from 2006 of the Southern budget (
http://app1.lla.state.la.us/PublicReports.nsf/CE02F12F94B4ED7E8625732900777989/$FILE/000013C9.pdf), but not sure how accurate of an assessment it is with the current budget. It shows minimal state support, but could be misleading since it does represent less than the university's most recent budget cut of $400k.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

LaFleur explains why Southern's flagship baseball program does not play the maximum amount of games allowed and how the school is already at the minimums.





http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/97780914.html?showAll=y&c=y
Still mad because Cador left yall @ the alter huh. xlolx

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Did find this look from 2006 of the Southern budget (
http://app1.lla.state.la.us/PublicReports.nsf/CE02F12F94B4ED7E8625732900777989/$FILE/000013C9.pdf), but not sure how accurate of an assessment it is with the current budget. It shows minimal state support, but could be misleading since it does represent less than the university's most recent budget cut of $400k.
So how can you question the accuracy of this data.

[TexasTerror]

Still mad because Cador left yall @ the alter huh. xlolx

The stooges helped Cador get his raise and have not been involved on the Lakefront since. Wonder why? They got Cador's wish granted because putting false information into the Baton Rouge community was the only way for Cador to get his raise without hesitation from a Southern community that thought he had a chance... xwhistlex


So how can you question the accuracy of this data.

You going to provide any information?

And I was not questioning the information, but stating that it was from 2006 and not current, so it could be misleading as it relates to present-day data.

[TexasTerror]

More comments from Southern. All goes back to finances...and the more I talk to people around the state, the more of a pinch I believe they are in. The salary structure at Southern - academically and otherwise - just seems to be out of control. Very confused on how their President brings in the kind of $$$ he does, when he is making nearly twice the amount of schools that are not only bigger than his, but have a larger endowment and more focused on research.

Congrats to Mitchell on the better football deal, which provides more balls and helps cut a few dollars from the budget. That should help, but there's a lot of work to be done to keep the program above water...


“We’ve got to cut expenses around here. Everything is in cost-cutting mode at Southern,” Mitchell said. “So I had an opportunity to let our quarterbacks throw the Wilson. They liked it, and we just made the switch.”


Money will probably prevent the team from getting back into Columbia blue this season, Mitchell said.


“Eventually we’re trying to get back to our original colors at Southern,” Mitchell said. “But we can’t really do that right now, with where we are financially.”

http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/97995314.html?index=1&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Found this on a swimming blog believe it or not...


Louisiana State University faces cuts that could "transform public higher education in the state," LSU System President John Lombardi warned Thursday.

Read Lombardi's letter to chancellors here (http://files.wafb.com/LSU%20President%20Letter%20on%20Budget%20Cuts.pdf)

The first level of the analysis might focus on those activities or units not directly related to the core priorities of the institution. For many of our institutions, teaching and research are the core priorities that define the university’s purpose. The first level of reductions here might include such things as museums, galleries, sports activities, community service, public relations, and similar valuable functions that nonetheless do not directly sustain teaching and research.

(Credit: TexasSwimming (http://texasswimming.blogspot.com/2010/06/louisiana-budget-cuts.html))

The letter goes on to talking about reducing/eliminating state funds in those areas. The third level is programs, faculty, staff, etc. related to the academic end, which as you can imagine is the option of last resort. "Last resort" - reminds me of hurricane season!

Anyhow, only LSU system schools that receive state funding as far as athletics nowadays are LSU-Shreveport, LSU-Eunice and LSU-Alexandria. The curious question is whether other systems - namely ULS (which has all the FCS schools in the state sans Southern - so Nicholls, NWST, Grambling, SLU and McNeese) and the Southern system (where Southern lies) will have something similar regarding the "budget cliff" and recommended cuts.

So, while the above information does really impact FCS - I'm waiting to see what the ULS and SU schools are told to do and if it is similar, what kind of budget cuts (if any) can we expect for the FCS schools.

[3rd Coast Tiger]

Found this on a swimming blog believe it or not...

Anyhow, only LSU system schools that receive state funding as far as athletics nowadays are LSU-Shreveport, LSU-Eunice and LSU-Alexandria. The curious question is whether other systems - namely ULS (which has all the FCS schools in the state sans Southern - so Nicholls, NWST, Grambling, SLU and McNeese) and the Southern system (where Southern lies) will have something similar regarding the "budget cliff" and recommended cuts.


What do you mean where Southern lies?

[TexasTerror]

What do you mean where Southern lies?

That's the system they are within. Probably bad word usage on my part, but was trying to explain that all the FCS schools with the exception of Southern are in the ULS while Southern is in their own system. Make sense?

[3rd Coast Tiger]

Gotcha (thought you may have been referring to something else).

[TexasTerror]

Probably will know a bit more in the next week...this article is mostly about the Medical School, but talks about the deep cuts...


NEW ORLEANS -- Chancellors and administrators who work in higher education in Louisiana have some tough decisions to make.

In one week, they have to come up with budgets that cut about a quarter of their spending and that could affect training local health care providers.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Next-fiscal-years-outlook-gloomy-for-local-health-care-providers-98074784.html

[TexasTerror]

We're still waiting on academic and athletic plans from all the schools in wake of the 2011-12 'budget cliff'...among them, still no confirmation on the sports cuts at Grambling...anyhow, here's two updates from GSU and Nicholls...

Grambling has not decided to increase tuition yet...nearby ULM, La Tech have. GSU students currently pay $1302 a semester with an increase to $1432 if they decide to go with it...


GSU President Frank Pogue said campus committees and councils have been meeting to weigh the impact of increasing tuition, and the university will host a strategic planning retreat Wednesday where university officials and community members will discuss the potential implications of the LA GRAD Act.

Pogue said one concern is that increasing tuition could impact GSU students more than students at other schools.

"We are challenged by performance measures that focus in a comparative way on graduation and retention rates," he said.

"A large proportion of our students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and for many of them, Grambling State University is their only chance of obtaining a quality education."

http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100711/NEWS01/7110321

Some changes at Nicholls in the higher admin...


Barrilleaux said that the environment in which Nicholls is operating — extensive budget cuts have been imposed on public colleges statewide — is the most turbulent she has witnessed in her career.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/98181774.html?index=1&c=y

[TexasTerror]

Article eludes to Louisiana Legislature unable to control its spending....and that mid-year cuts could be likely...


In a speech at the Press Club of Baton Rouge, Kennedy said the government can get a handle on spending through prioritizing its spending. This is the kind of suggestion that we would agree with, except that the government has shown itself incapable of doing so. Every restriction on this fund or that has a political reason. Each political hurdle wears down whatever limited enthusiasm there is, from the governor and lawmakers, to make significant changes.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/opinion/98175199.html?index=14&c=y

And in light of the aforementioned post about Grambling not committed just yet to implementing tuition increases - thus far FCS schools NWST, SLU and Southern have committed. Not sure on McNeese...??


Other college implementing the tuition increases are Northwestern State University, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana Tech, LSU, Southern University, Southeastern Louisiana University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Baton Rouge Community College.

http://www.ktbs.com/education/24211872/detail.html

[MplsBison]

This question might've already been asked an answered in another thread, but: how many of the enrolled students at the many, many...many 4-year public schools in Louisiana are actually from LA high schools?

Seems like the state could meet the higher education demands of LA's graduating high school classes with half as many 4-year schools?

LSU alone has to be able to fulfill a large percentage of that demand, I would think.

[TexasTerror]

This is cuts pertaining to the 2010-11 year. Still have not seen information about cuts on the state in the ULS and Southern systems related to the budget cliff faced in 2011-12...


Southeastern Louisiana University is eliminating an additional 67 positions in order sustain additional budget cuts, university officials announced Thursday.

The job cuts impact affects 26 faculty positions, including 14 tenured faculty members who agreed to retire early.

Among staff, 28 classified and 13 unclassified positions are being eliminated, resulting in 27 layoffs of people currently in office.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/98553809.html

And Nicholls' reorganization...

http://www.nicholls.edu/president/2010/07/14/proposed-reorganization-2010/#more-194

[GeauxLions94]

And Nicholls' reorganization...

http://www.nicholls.edu/president/2010/07/14/proposed-reorganization-2010/#more-194

Glad to see Athletics still on the umbrella

[TexasTerror]

From the head of the LSU System regarding the cuts in Louisiana and how these cuts are much different than those in other states...


“What we are trying to do right now is be very clear with ourselves and our constituents about the consequences of these reductions,” said Lombardi, who explained the difference between Louisiana’s higher education budget issues and those facing other states. Whereas other states have found different ways of moving revenue around with cuts in other programs, tax increases or moving more of the financial burden onto students, Louisiana’s state constitution is far more restrictive.

“Very few states are as constrained in revenue as we are,” he said.

Lombardi stressed that whereas budget reductions can occasionally be a force for creating efficiency, the state’s current condition will be far more destructive.

“There is nothing here that will leave us better off,” he said. “Nobody should be confused about this.”

Credit: http://www.abbevillenow.com/view/full_story/8792485/article-Shrinking-dollars-dominate-LSU-Board-meet--officials-blunt-about-impacts?instance=secondary_news_state_left_column

[SoCon48]

Panther, I guess we're getting into politics. But the point is that, when you look at educational systems, you need to look at the Demographics of the populations.

I've done it before but to update I went and looked at the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 8th grade math test. I like to use the NAEP tests because NAEP conducts a scientific (probability) sampling of students. And I like to look at 8th grade Math because 1) it has a large enough sample size to do certain breakdowns and 2) I consider math to be relatively uninfluenced by cultural bias.

Anyway, the national public school average for the 2007 8th grade math test is 287 and the Louisiana public school average is 280. The difference of 8 is statistically significant (95 percent confidence level). The NAEP site allows you to "control" for variables and see what happens. When I just "controled" for students' race and whether or not they are eligible for the school lunch program (i.e., whether or not they are low income), the difference changes by 9 to +1 in Louisiana's favor and is not statistically significant. In other words, once we make a reasonable effort to "account" for race and socioeconomic status, there is not sufficient evidence to say that Louisiana students, on average, would score lower on that math test than students would nationally. They are right in line with the average rather than below it .

Why did that happen? Well, there is an obvious association between race and socioeconomic status and how well students score. Nationally, Black students scored 21 points below the overall average. Students eligible for the school lunch program scored 15 points below the overall average. Black students eligible for the school lunch program scored 25 points below the overall average. And Louisiana has 1) a higher proportion of Black students than the overall nation does, 2) a higher proportion of lower socioeconomic status students than the overall nation does and 3) a higher proportion of Black lower socioeconomic students than the overall nation does.

The Country is 12.4% Black and has 13.3% of its people below the poverty level (Census estimates). Louisiana is 31.9% Black and has 19.3% of its people below the poverty level. Assessing the Louisiana education system's performance without taking that into account is absurd; yet it's done all the time.

Plus there are other variables, such as educational attainment level of parents, that are known to be associated with variation in test scores. Louisiana's educators are at a disadvantage with respect to those other variables as well.

I have a deaf son. Being deaf is a tremendous disadvantage. He went to Louisiana public schools all his life and consistently scored in the national 97th to 99th percentile range on standardized tests. If the Louisiana public school system is such a limiting factor per se, how did that happen?

You make some compelling points about demographics. Don't expect much support because some people had just rather pat themselves on the back rather than look at causes.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Education is a failure in this state. From K to college. Gov. Bobby Jindal should know a bit about it since he has had some involvement. Unfortunately, the state planned for too much revenue from gas money that did not come. Now, everyone is cutting and since education has never been important to the state, may as well cut it some more.


Panther, I guess we're getting into politics. But the point is that, when you look at educational systems, you need to look at the Demographics of the populations.

...

The Country is 12.4% Black and has 13.3% of its people below the poverty level (Census estimates). Louisiana is 31.9% Black and has 19.3% of its people below the poverty level. Assessing the Louisiana education system's performance without taking that into account is absurd; yet it's done all the time.

Plus there are other variables, such as educational attainment level of parents, that are known to be associated with variation in test scores. Louisiana's educators are at a disadvantage with respect to those other variables as well.

I have a deaf son. Being deaf is a tremendous disadvantage. He went to Louisiana public schools all his life and consistently scored in the national 97th to 99th percentile range on standardized tests. If the Louisiana public school system is such a limiting factor per se, how did that happen?

This stemmed from TT's "Education is a failure in this state." So JSO comes back and says in effect that "well, if you're in a rich parish, it's not a failure." The fact that Louisiana's people from low socioeconomic backgrounds still - last I checked - still apply to the term "in this state", the fact that you can twist the numbers to show that some (rich, white) parishes have good numbers is irrelevant. The truth is large numbers of black students and folks from low socioeconomic backgrounds are ill served by the system. That cannot be willed away through statistical tricks.

[TexasTerror]

Some answers on Southern, though nothing pertaining to athletics or mention of the $400k cut that the university is chopping off of athletics...has Grambling made a decision pertaining to their sports? Anything on McNeese?


Southern University is proposing shuttering its School of Architecture, laying off about 50 employees and closing or merging other smaller academic degree programs.

Southern Chancellor Kofi Lomotey discussed some of the proposals during and after a Press Club of Baton Rouge meeting Monday.

The Southern University Board of Supervisors is not scheduled to vote on the planned changes until Friday in New Orleans.

Lomotey is proposing closing or merging 16 of Southern’s 88 academic degree programs. Architecture would be the only program with a large enrollment of more than 80 students. The School of Architecture closure would take a year to go into effect because tenured faculty require 12-month layoff notifications.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/98786684.html

[TexasTerror]

Southern changes their mind. Originally they were going to close the School of Architecture - which only graduates NINE students per year! Not sure how you can justify keeping such a program open. Wouldn't you rather cut smaller programs and spreading yourself too thin while putting more resources into programs that have a lot of interest, etc?

Southern's system had their meeting today in NOLA - guess we'll see a full recap somewhere soon. Would be interested to see how they are dealing with the "budget cliff". With this year's minimal budget cuts, it still cost the Southern athletic budget $400k per recent articles (and despite SUjagTILiDIE's information about the state budget having minimal implication on athletic revenues). Can't imagine next year's being friendly...


However, Lomotey said Monday that the school only graduates about nine students per year, which he said does not justify its nearly $1 million cost during lean economic times.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/99079859.html

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Southern changes their mind. Originally they were going to close the School of Architecture - which only graduates NINE students per year!



http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/99079859.htmlSU is the leader in graduating black Architecture students in the state.

[TexasTerror]

SU is the leader in graduating black Architecture students in the state.

Must not be many if just nine graduate annually from Southern. Typically programs with numbers like that are cut in favor of other programs at the university which graduate at least more than 10!

Not going to lie - a very perplexing move. Some of Southern's financial decision-making has never made much sense to me, particularly the salaries of some of the people at the top of your food chain. Lots of nepotism or helping out close friends, based on articles and feedback at the bottom of those articles.

Southern has had a 20 percent cut in their state appropriations in the last 18 months. Over the next 12-18 months, they'll experience another 20-30% cut (just as every other institution in the state will). One would think that your executive - especially in light of the enrollment - would have a salary in line with other schools of similar enrollment. As one professor said in today's Advocate, "faculty members are regularly told that funds are unavailable to boost their pay". Adminstrators at Southern are boosting their pay regularly.

Happens in athletics too. Your boy misled the school, got his raise and now they can't pay squat to his promised assistants because he as an 'executive' took a nice increase that limits the amount to pay to the lower-end faculty (and staff). Southern is having major internal issues (based on the Faculty Senate President's remarks) and as the school decides how to deal with the budget cliff, tempers will fly at the school at much higher levels than anywhere across the state because of the conflict that exists between executive "branch" and the faculty.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/education/99156329.html?index=14&c=y

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

I heard earlier this week where Southern (amongst other Louisiana schools) were mentioned as potential downgrades.Southern University isnt one of the schools being mentioned to drop down. Nicholls, Northwestern, and McNeese are the schools that are being mentioned.

[TheBisonator]

I don't see what the fuss is about with only graduating 9 students per year in a program, TT. I was one of only eight graduates of NDSU's Visual Arts program this past school year, and there is nobody at all thinking about cutting that program at NDSU. In fact, millions have been poured into faciltiies and faculty positions for the NDSU vis. arts program the past few years, and we still only graduate maybe a maximum of 9-10 students per year. There was only 85-90 students in the whole program last year, and we're still proud of it.

Maybe SU's architecture program is the same way.