ULL priorities presented

• By RICHARD BURGESS
• Advocate Acadiana bureau
• Published: Jul 24, 2008 - Page: 1BA - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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LAFAYETTE — University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Joseph Savoie heard recommendations Wednesday that included the need for a plan to guide university growth and the more mundane desire for good air conditioning.

Savoie, who officially took over in June from retiring ULL President Ray Authement, tapped a group of faculty, students and community members in April to identify priorities.

“It really is going to lay out a road map for the future of the university,” Savoie said.

Advisory teams focusing on academics, athletics, economic development, facilities, student issues and university advancement have been meeting over the summer to discuss needed changes.

“Some are immediate, and some are a beginning,” said Jerry Luke LeBlanc, the former state commissioner of administration who is helping organize Savoie’s transition.

Among the recommendations of the advisory groups:

• Develop a merit pay plan for faculty and streamline teacher hiring to quickly fill vacancies.
• Put more and better technology in classrooms.
• Develop a detailed plan for the growth of the university and the university’s research park.
• Create more student housing on campus through a combination of renovation and new construction.
• Work harder to push the university into the public eye and develop a master plan for raising money from private donors and government sources.
• Have the university work closely with local economic development groups to create more higher-paying jobs in Acadiana.

One consensus that emerged in the process is the need for a clear plan for the university’s future.

“A lot of stakeholders in the community are ready to roll up their sleeves and help the university if we provide a clear vision,” LeBlanc said.

Many of the recommendations focused on infrastructure, such as the need to build more student housing, upgrade athletic facilities, address critical building repairs, and build a new student union.

A new union has long been in the planning stages, and LeBlanc said, “The overwhelming recommendation is to get started.”

He said a new union would be central to rejuvenating student life on campus.

“It goes to the vitality of the university,” LeBlanc said.

The advisory team that researched facilities and property issues identified a critical need for more land to allow the university to expand.

There is little open space available near the university’s main campus.