Weiss talks curriculum changes, budget cuts

If higher education is cut as substantially as it is being discussed, the impact would be detrimental to the flagship agenda of LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Chancellor Jack Weiss told members of the Baton Rouge Press Club today. If higher education is cut by $146 million, the law school is looking at a $4.1 million, or a 40%, cut, not counting federal stimulus money. Even with stimulus funds, there would be about $1.5 million in net cuts from last year. Facing cuts of that magnitude would damage programs already in place that conform to the institution’s flagship agenda, Weiss says. That agenda includes recruiting students and faculty from out of state and staying competitive with other law schools in the region and nation. Weiss also reviewed several changes to the school’s grading system and curriculum that will be presented to the LSU Board of Supervisors in December. While the changes are moving the institution closer to becoming a more competitive environment, they could be undermined by lack of funding next year, he says.—Emma James