Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to adopt a flexible and holistic admissions policy for summer and fall 2020 semesters due to COVID-19.
Impact
Should the resolution be adopted, it will modify admission standards across Louisiana's postsecondary educational institutions. By encouraging boards to embrace flexibility, the resolution aims to alleviate the admission hurdles for new and transfer students who may encounter difficulties meeting traditional criteria due to changes in their educational environment. This move is intended to ensure that the admissions process remains accessible and fair during a time when many students' academic experiences were disrupted.
Summary
Senate Resolution 21 (SR21) requests the Louisiana Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to implement flexible and holistic admission policies for the summer and fall semesters of 2020, in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution highlights the unique challenges faced by students during this period, including the transition to online learning and the potential impact on test scores and grades. It emphasizes the need for admissions processes that adapt to these unprecedented circumstances to provide all students with equitable opportunities for enrollment.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SR21 appears to be one of support for the educational community and student welfare. Educators and lawmakers recognize the hardships posed by the pandemic and generally favor a compassionate approach to admissions that addresses these challenges. This resolution aligns with broader national trends where institutions are revising admission policies to accommodate the difficulties presented by COVID-19. However, the level of acceptance and implementation of these suggestions may vary among different educational institutions.
Contention
Although the resolution emphasizes flexibility, there may be some contention regarding how broadly these holistic admissions policies should be interpreted and enforced. Some stakeholders might argue about the standards that should be applied and whether they could compromise the quality of the applicant pool or the integrity of the admissions process. Nonetheless, the primary goal remains to adapt to the current educational landscape in a manner that is both fair and responsive to students' needs during an extraordinary time.
Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to adopt a flexible and holistic admissions policy for summer and fall 2020 semesters due to COVID-19.
Requests the Board of Regents and the postsecondary education management boards to conduct a comprehensive study of student articulation and transfer in the state.
Requests that the Board of Regents, in consultation with the public postsecondary education management boards, study issues and compile data relative to faculty at public postsecondary education institutions
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created Louisiana Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to management of public postsecondary education, abolishes the Board of Regents and the management boards and transfers their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requests that the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, and public postsecondary education institutions take certain actions to improve postsecondary education outcomes in Louisiana
Requests that the Board of Regents and public postsecondary education management boards scrutinize the practice of hiring faculty from certain foreign adversaries
Requests that the Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges and Board of Regents study and report relative to changes needed for community and technical colleges in response to COVID-19