Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Minors
What is LASAL?
Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) is a program made up of two minors that you can choose to pursue as a student in the Ogden Honors College. If you care about problem-solving, justice, and the state you're studying in, LASAL may be a good fit for you.
LASAL Scholars are a cohort of Ogden Honors students who want to change Louisiana. Scholars use their honors education, both in and out of the classroom, to work on addressing the state's most pressing social, economic, and environmental problems, from coastal land loss to poverty.
There are two minors: the Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) minor, and the Louisiana Service and Leadership Research (LASALR) minor, which adds a capstone.
Note: Ogden Honors College students may receive credit for only one minor of the college.
Through LASAL, You Will:
- Learn how Louisiana's social, political, and economic systems work
- Network with community leaders, professors, and experts
- Gain real-world experience through internships
- Serve through volunteer work in Baton Rouge's schools and community
LASAL vs. LASAL Research
Both minors are hands-on. LASAL builds applied research into your coursework. LASAL Research adds the capstone sequence, where you research and propose solutions to a specific long-term Louisiana issue tied to your major.
| Minor | Total Hours | Research | Capstone |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASAL | 21 | Applied | No |
| LASAL Research (LASALR) | 30 | Applied + Research | Yes |
What You'll Take
In meeting requirements for the LASAL minor, Honors students who have enrolled in
the Honors College prior to Fall 2024 may substitute a number of Honors courses (HNRS and departmental) for non-Honors
courses required for their programs.
CLICK TO EXPLORE APPROVED SUBSTITUTIONS
Note: You'll need to stay in good standing with the college and keep a 3.0 GPA in the courses that count toward the minor.
Good Standing
All students pursuing academic programs of the College must be in good standing to continue that academic program, register for honors courses, and be eligible for priority registration.
Following the initial semester in the Honors College, students must meet the following to remain in good standing:
Students Entering LSU during the 2025-26 Catalog Year or later:
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Maintain enrollment in one of the academic programs (major or minor) or the Ogden Honors College
- Demonstrate progress toward completion of one of our honors academic programs
Students Entering LSU during the 2024-25 Catalog Year or earlier:
- Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Complete 2 Honors courses for 5-6 hours per academic year
How to Become a LASAL Scholar
Incoming students will be automatically enrolled in the Honors minor. However, those who wish to deepen their experience as it pertains to leadership roles in Louisiana in the fields of public service, social justice, and environmental sustainability may opt to apply for the LASAL minor or LASAL Research minor.
Admission is selective and runs through the college. Recruitment starts in the fall of your first year. To be considered, you'll attend an informational meeting, submit an application, and interview. Once you're admitted to the cohort, you choose which of the two minors to pursue.
Once you have been admitted, check This Week in Honors (our student newsletter) for opportunities to serve the community and network with your peers, community leaders, and local experts.
Questions?
For questions about LASAL, contact either one of its program directors:
Granger Babcock, Ph.D
Associate Dean | LASAL Co-Director
1213A West Laville
(225) 578-2479
fbabco1@lsu.edu
Cindy Seghers, MSW
Director of Career Development | LASAL Co-Director
320 French House
(225) 578-0269
cseghers@lsu.edu