Legislative intent; goals

A. It is the intent of the legislature that a comprehensive, integrated regional delivery system be provided for the delivery of public postsecondary education services in the New Orleans region which system will: (1) Provide a world class educational environment that will meet the academic needs and interests of every student, while providing each student with the support, assistance, and guidance necessary to attain his or her educational goals and aspirations. (2) Ensure that students who are academically unprepared are provided the educational resources they need to have a reasonable chance for success in their academic pursuits. (3) Raise the educational attainment of the population, improve the quality of life, and contribute to the economic well being of the New Orleans region. (4) Make optimal use of facilities, faculties, and other academic and fiscal resources associated with the public postsecondary institutions in the region. B. The legislature finds that these goals will best be accomplished through the following actions: (1) The Board of Regents shall adopt by not later than February 1, 2012, a written plan of action including timelines, deadlines, requirements, and procedures for achieving the goals specified in Subsection A of this Section as such goals relate to the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the board provided by Article VIII, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and other applicable law. The board shall submit copies of the adopted action plan to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education. (2) The Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College's plan pursuant to R.S. 17:3230.1(C)(2) shall set a bold vision for the success of the University of New Orleans and robust implementation of the plan to ensure world-class educational offerings for the Greater New Orleans region. The plan shall address, at a minimum, strong alignment to the workforce needs of the region and the state, a focus on both excellence and efficiency in the integrated delivery of higher education in the region, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement to ensure community support.