LSU System considers greater autonomy of its campus

The LSU Board of Supervisors is expected to consider a resolution next week to give LSU System President John Lombardi the authority to grant an initial “base level” of autonomy to LSU campuses to increase efficiency and cost savings in exchange for better academic performance. The move would give campuses, among other things, the ability to retain unspent funds at the end of a fiscal year; permission to execute individual contracts up to $49,999 in a 12-month period without further review by the state’s Office of Contractual Review; and the authority to dispose of obsolete equipment without first getting the approval of another state agency. The autonomies were part of GRAD Act 2.0, approved in the spring legislative session and signed into law in July. LSU A&M officials claim the added operational freedoms will save more than $52 million over five years on the main campus alone, allowing more money to be directed into the classroom. The board meeting is scheduled to get under way at 1 p.m. Friday with committee sessions, followed immediately by the board’s regular meeting. The board meets in the Board Meeting Room of the LSU System Building at 3810 West Lakeshore Dr. Detailed background information on agenda items is available here.