As public servants for the State of Louisiana, members of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System are subject to the laws of the state that govern their conduct and responsibilities. The state's Code of Governmental Ethics addresses ethical standards for public servants, particularly as they relate to monetary influences, gifts, nepotism, and influencing actions from other governmental sources. Section 1101.B specifically addresses this issue [1]:

Code of Governmental Ethics, §1101. Declaration of Policy

B. It is essential to the proper operation of democratic government that elected officials and public employees be independent and impartial; that governmental decisions and policies be made in the proper channel in the governmental structure; that public office and employment not be used for private gain other than remediation provided by law; and that there is public confidence in the integrity of government. The attainment of one or more of these ends is impaired when a conflict exists between the private interest of an elected official or a public employee and his duties as such.

However, it is not only the statutory requirements for the accountability of public officials that limit the possibility of undue influence. Undue influence from external constituencies of all types is further limited by the mechanisms for appointment of the supervisors, the state's requirements for open meetings, and the Board's practice of publishing agendas for all meetings in advance as well as publishing minutes from those meetings [2].

In the Board's Bylaws, Section I [3] specifies that members are appointed with respect to geographic diversity including "two members from each congressional district and one member from the state at large." A student Board member is also appointed. The state's Senate must confirm the Governor's recommendations for appointment. Overlapping terms also serve to diminish the influence of any one Board member or faction. The members freely elect the Chair of the Board, as specified in Section II. No member of the Board may hold a Board office for any more than two consecutive one-year terms. Section VIII specifies that all Board members must undergo "orientation and continued professional development." Policy and Procedures Memorandum B.VIII.1 [4] further specifies that the orientation include a review of state ethics.

Meetings occur on a regular basis and in an open forum, as specified in Section III of the Board's Bylaws [5]. A quorum is required for any business by the Board, and an official vote is necessary for any action. Opportunity is provided for public comments at all Board meetings in accordance with Section III.