Financial Base and Stability

During the period 1995-1996 through 2003-2004, the total educational and general expenditures [1] at LSUA increased by $9,051,026, or 95.3%. Unrestricted educational and general expenditures [2] , which are a reflection of the day-to-day operations, increased by $5,550,130, or 75% during this same period. The two primary sources of revenues to fund the day-to-day operations of LSU at Alexandria, unrestricted tuition and fees and unrestricted state appropriations [3] , increased over this eight-year period. Unrestricted tuition and fee revenues increased dramatically from 1995-1996 through 2003-2004, with a total increase of $3,429,851, or almost 151%. State appropriations over this period of time increased $2,280,237, or 46.6%.

LSUA’s financial base and stability is demonstrated by comparing LSU at Alexandria to other successful four-year institutions in Louisiana. The FY 2004-2005 Budget Request for Louisiana Public Postsecondary Formula Institutions [4] , indicates that LSU at Alexandria receives state support at a level comparable with the University of New Orleans, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern State University and several other four-year universities in Louisiana.

LSUA’s finances and financial stability are discussed thoroughly under Comprehensive Standard 3.10.1.

Physical Resources

Louisiana State University at Alexandria operates approximately 322,417 gross square feet of facilities [5] on 205 acres [6] with 224,519 net assignable square feet (NASF) [7] . According to the Louisiana Board of Regents Facilities Utilization Study 2004, in all instructional room use categories, LSUA has more assignable square feet per FTE student than the average for four-year institutions in the state. However, LSUA's assignable square footage per FTE student for office facilities is much lower than the state average. [8] Further, classroom space during morning hours is used to capacity. These shortages will be resolved by the addition of a new MultiPurpose Academic Center. The new building will contain nearly 81,000 gross square feet of classroom and office space. [9] This space has an estimated cost of $14.6 million and an estimated completion date of June 2008. [10]

LSUA’s physical resources are discussed more thoroughly under Comprehensive Standard 3.10.7.

Financial Statements

a) LSUA is normally audited as part of the LSU System audit conducted by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor [11] . [12] If any institution in the LSU System incurs a significant audit finding, the finding is included in the LSU System audit report. LSUA has had no significant audit findings for at least the past five years. At the request of the LSU System, the Legislative Auditor provided a Standard Review Report for LSUA for fiscal year 2002-2003 [13] .

b) Every campus in the LSU System produces an annual budget [14] . LSUA’s budgeting process begins with departmental budget submissions [15] . Budget requests must be tied to LSUA’s Institutional Goals, as developed during LSUA’s Strategic Planning process. Departmental budget requests are reviewed by LSUA’s Planning Council [16] [17] and LSUA administration as the Operating Budget is developed. LSUA’s Operating Budget is approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors [18] .

c) LSUA has provided a Standard Review Report for fiscal year 2002-2003 because LSUA does not have a separate institutional audit. A Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets (SRECNA) [19] was prepared June 30, 2004 and included in the LSU System audit report for 2003-2004. The SRECNA provides the details of all operating and non-operating activity and the resulting changes in (total) net assets.

LSUA’s provision of financial statements is discussed in detail under Comprehensive Standard 3.10.2.