In addition to more than 158 course cancellations, Southern University is listed among several Louisiana colleges and universities targeted as having underperforming programs, according a press release issued by the state’s Board of Regents.
According to the release, Commissioner of Higher Education Sally Clausen called for a review of what she termed ‘low-completer’ programs, as a first step to curb costs.
Southern’s Baton Rouge campus has eight under-performing programs. In comparison, Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) has 28 and Grambling State University, six.
“What we have to do over the course of the next few months is justify why they [low-completer programs] should not be closed down,” said Southern University Chancellor Kofi Lomotey.
“In some instances, new programs haven’t had a chance to develop yet. We may have to combine similar programs, or even close some programs.” Among the programs in danger of closing are the doctorate in special education, and “several other programs within the college of education,” Lomotey said.
Lomotey added that academic affairs, along with recently acquired provosts, are reviewing the programs to decide if they should close or be reorganized.
