University Authority and Governance

Louisiana Public Postsecondary Education Governance Structure

Board of Regents

Article VIII, Section 5, of the 1974 Constitution of the State of Louisiana, Act 313 (1975), and Louisiana R.S. 17:3121 et seq. state that the Board shall plan, coordinate, and have budgetary responsibilities relative to public institutions of higher education as provided by law. The Academic Affairs Policies and Procedures of the Board of Regents contain additional information on the responsibilities of the Board of Regents and the systems it oversees.

As the policymaking and coordinating board for postsecondary education, Board of Regents responsibilities include:

• Representing the postsecondary education system to the Governor and Legislature
• Formulating the Master Plan for Public Postsecondary Education in Louisiana
• Establishing the role, scope, and mission of systems and institutions
• Developing and adopting a formula for the equitable distribution of funds
• Approving degree programs, departments of instruction, etc.
• Formulating operating and capital budget recommendations

University of Louisiana System, Board of Supervisors

McNeese State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System. Powers of management over McNeese State University not specifically vested by the Constitution in the Board of Regents are reserved to the University of Louisiana System. The duties, powers, and functions of this System are stated in the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Bylaws and Rules, Part One – Bylaws, Section V. Duties, Powers, and Functions.

Management boards’ responsibilities include:

• Supervising and managing systems
• Reviewing and approving institutions’ mission, vision, and strategic plans
• Awarding certificates, conferring degrees, and issuing diplomas
• Receiving and spending appropriated funds according to the Master Plan for Public Postsecondary Education in Louisiana
• Determining student fees
• Purchasing land and acquiring buildings, subject to approval of the Board of Regents
• Approving employment, salaries, duties, and functions of personnel
• Overseeing financial operations of schools

Board of Supervisors policies specifically affecting McNeese State University are delegated to the University president who, along with his administrative staff and faculty, retains ultimate responsibility for the administration and implementation of policies and daily operation of the institution. See University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Bylaws and Rules, Part Two – Rules, Chapter III, Section IV. Role, Contractual Arrangements, Benefits, Expenses, and Evaluations of Presidents.