A.1. What is the institution's historical context?

In September 1931, the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) opened for its first session as Ouachita Parish Junior College, which was operated as part of the Ouachita Parish School System. In 1934, Louisiana State University received authority from the State Legislature to operate the facilities as Northeast Center of Louisiana State University. The name of the institution was changed to Northeast Junior College of Louisiana State University in 1939. The following year, the State Legislature authorized the transfer of all lands connected with Northeast Junior College to Louisiana State University. The 1950 Legislature approved the expansion of Northeast Junior College to a senior college granting academic degrees. The name of the institution was changed to Northeast Louisiana State College, and its control was transferred from the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors to the State Board of Education.

The academic year 1969-70 was a milestone for ULM; in addition to awarding the first doctoral degrees, the name was changed to Northeast Louisiana University by the 1970 Legislature. The Graduate School was established in 1961 to offer master's degrees. In the Fall of 1967 the Education Specialist degree was first offered and in 1983 the Specialist in School Psychology degree was added. In 1994, Northeast Louisiana University, in cooperation with Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University, formed the Louisiana Education Consortium, a uniquely and timely effort to offer the Doctor of Education degree at each campus. In the Fall of 1996, the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy admitted the first class of students. On August 27, 1999, the University officially changed its name to The University of Louisiana Monroe. On June 26, 2006, ULM officially unveiled its new mascot - the Warhawks. (Exhibit A1.1 ULM History Book)

A.2. What is the institution's mission?

The University of Louisiana Monroe emboldens the human spirit through student-centered learning, explores the truth through meaningful research, and enriches the human experience through useful service to those in the Mid-South and the world beyond. A comprehensive senior institution of higher learning, ULM offers a complete educational experience emphasizing a learning environment where excellence is the hallmark. The University dedicates itself to student learning and advancing knowledge through pure and applied research. With its human, academic, and physical resources, ULM enhances the quality of life of the surrounding communities.

ULM is located in Region VIII. The university is categorized as SREB Four-Year 3 institution and as a Carnegie Master’s College and University. ULM will offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs and be committed to graduate education through the master’s degree, offering graduate programs to meet regional/state needs. ULM will enroll students in need of no more than one developmental education course, will limit associate degree offerings to 2+2 programs, will conduct research appropriate to academic programs offered and necessary for program accreditation, and will implement Selective III admissions criteria. (Exhibit A2.1 ULM Vision & Mission Statement)

A.3. What are the institution's characteristics [e.g., control (e.g., public or private) and type of institution such as private, land grant, or HBI; location (e.g., urban, rural, or suburban area)]?

The University of Louisiana at Monroe, a member of the University of Louisiana System, is a selective admissions, state-funded institution of higher education that offers an exceptional undergraduate and graduate academic curriculum to meet the academic, cultural, career, social, and personal needs of our students. ULM’s main campus covers 238 acres consisting of 58 buildings that serve academic, student, administrative and athletics' needs. Off-campus facilities include a working farm and the College of Pharmacy, located less than 5 minutes away. Beautiful Bayou DeSiard flows through the campus, providing a tranquil and cordial setting.

ULM is located in northeast Louisiana, a region with a population of approximately 250,000. Our annual enrollment of 7,919 undergraduate and 848 graduate students is comprised of diverse students from all across Louisiana, 43 states, and 49 foreign countries, although most of our students grew up in the region. Low rates of literacy and income characterize 13 of the 14 surrounding rural parishes, more than 80% of our students work while attending school, and many commute.

ULM has more than 57,000 alumni. ULM has 96 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and 98% of eligible programs are accredited. (Exhibit A3.1 ULM Fact Book).

A.4. (Optional Upload for Online IR) Tables, figures, and a list of links to key exhibits related to the institutional context may be attached here. [Because BOE members should be able to access many exhibits electronically, a limited number of attachments (0-3) should be uploaded.]