Section 2:
Core Requirements
2.1 2.2 2.3
2.4 2.5 2.6
2.7.1 2.7.2 2.7.3
2.7.4 2.8 2.9
2.10 2.11 2.12
Section 3:
Comprehensive Standards
3.1.1 3.2.1  
3.2.2.1 3.2.2.2 3.2.2.3
3.2.2.4 3.2.3 3.2.4
3.2.5 3.2.6 3.2.7
3.2.8 3.2.9 3.2.10
3.2.11 3.2.12 3.2.13
3.2.14 3.3.1 3.4.1
3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4
3.4.5 3.4.6 3.4.7
3.4.8 3.4.9 3.4.10
3.4.11 3.4.12 3.4.13
3.4.14 3.5.1 3.5.2
3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3
3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3
3.7.4 3.7.5 3.8.1
3.8.2 3.8.3 3.9.1
3.9.2 3.9.3 3.10.1
3.10.2 3.10.3 3.10.4
3.10.5 3.10.6 3.10.7
Section 4:
Federal Requirements
4.1 4.2 4.3
4.4 4.5 4.6
4.7 4.8

 

 

 
McNeese State University
Compliance Plan for Reaffirmation
 
 

Section 3.2.2.4: Governance and Administration

Judgment of Compliance

checked.png Compliance
unchecked.png Partial Compliance
unchecked.png Non-compliance

Requirement

related foundations (athletic, research, etc.) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.

Narrative

McNeese State University is in compliance with Comprehensive Standard 3.2.2.4.

The legal authority and operating control of the institution are clearly defined within the institution's governance structure relative to related foundations (athletic and research) and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs. The McNeese Foundation and the McNeese Athletic Foundation are addressed in detail in Comprehensive Standard 3.2.12.

The University utilizes affiliation agreements to govern institutional relationships with foundations and other corporate entities whose primary purpose is to support the institution and/or its programs.

The McNeese State University Foundation, incorporated in 1965 and subject to provisions of Louisiana Revised Statute RS 17:3390, serves to "establish scholarships for McNeese students, provide research grants for faculty, and to enhance education to ensure academic excellence" (Faculty/ Staff Handbook, Section 500; Finance and Business, 505, McNeese State University Foundation).

The Foundation is governed by an independent board of directors and exists to "receive, hold, invest, and administer property and to make expenditures to support programs and activities designed to advance, promote, or otherwise benefit the University" (MSU Foundation Affiliation Agreement, Section A). While its primary purpose is to support the University and its programs, the Foundation is a private, separate entity with no legal authority or control over any aspect of the University's operations and is subject to regular audit by an independent certified public accountant firm.

The Foundation's Board of Directors is a body of persons with demonstrated interest in and commitment to supporting and promoting the University and its programs. The Board maintains a regular quarterly meeting schedule and conducts an annual business meeting once each year. Additional special meetings are called and business is conducted as conditions warrant. Key University personnel meet with the Board during each quarterly meeting, and, along with Board committee heads, provide reports and information to the membership regarding fundraising activities, awards of funds, and related information regarding the manner in which funds are obtained and disbursed by the Foundation (see Board meeting minutes). Current assets and investments held in trust by the Foundation are valued in excess of $38,000,000, and annual awards exceed $1,000,000 for scholarships, faculty development awards, and academic enhancements (See 2004-2005 Audit).

The Foundation's activities include a broad range of fund-raising and community involvement initiates designed to increase financial support of the University's program and promote goodwill toward the University.

The Endowed Scholars Program helps encourage University professors to remain "vigorous, current and enthusiastic" regarding their teaching fields. Endowed Scholarships provide opportunities for constituents and friends of the University to make "personal investment in the development of the student, as well as ensuring the future of education at McNeese State University.” In addition to endowed programs, donors are eligible to participate in a variety of membership circles whose purpose is "to raise private funds to ensure that McNeese continues to be as strong and vital to the future as it has been for the past six decades.”

The Foundation serves as the University's mechanism for facilitating receipt of honor and memorial gifts including, but not limited to, cash, securities, real estate and other property from individuals and estates and is the umbrella organization by which additional fundraising activities are sponsored through the McNeese State University Athletic Foundation. The Foundation also offers opportunities for friends and supporters of the University to make commemorative gifts resulting in named endowments for distinguished writers, music concert series, faculty chairs, faculty development awards, library acquisitions, research fellowships, and scholarships.

Supporting Evidence

Louisiana Revised Statutes RS 17:3390

Foundation Affiliation Agreement

Foundation In/Out Procedures

Membership Circles Brochure

Living Memorials Brochure

MSU Athletic Foundation