2022-026 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ethics Board Docket No. 2022-026 Page 5 of 14 development services delivered substantial and measurable value to the institution and were consistent with the duties Mr. Schroth had been performing and receiving supplemental compensation for since 2016. (d) Dr. Hollier reasonably and in good faith relied upon the advice and guidance of Louis Colletta, who served as Chief of Staff to the LSU System and held a senior administrative position with system-wide responsibilities. Mr. Colletta specifically advised him, Mr. Schroth, and Human Resources personnel that no new presidential approval was required for the continuation of Mr. Schroth's supplemental compensation following the promotion to Vice Chancellor. (e) Mr. Colletta's interpretation of LSU Permanent Memorandum 3 (PM-3) was that the policy operated prospectively rather than retrospectively, meaning that previously approved compensation arrangements could continue without new presidential approval. This interpretation was subsequently documented in the 2021 LSU Internal Audit of LSUHSC-NO, which quoted Mr. Colletta's advice: "Colletta instructed the Chancellor's Administrative Officer to move forward with the request and provided an opinion to Higginson that the policy was prospective, not retrospective; therefore, President approval was unnecessary." (� Given that Mr. Colletta occupied a senior administrative role within the LSU System with authority to interpret system-wide policies, and given that he communicated this policy interpretation to multiple stakeholders including himself, Mr. Schroth, and Human Resources personnel, his reliance on this guidance was reasonable, made in good faith, and consistent with his understanding of proper institutional procedures and the chain of authority within the LSU System.