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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WACH/AP) -- A state lawmaker is planning a public hearing to talk about issues at South Carolina State University.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports that Sen. Robert Ford wants to hold a hearing April 12 at the school. The Charleston Democrat says the hearing is part of a process to draft a bill to fix the university's problems.

Ford says the university's board needs a fresh start. Another lawmaker has already introduced a bill that would end the terms of all trustees on June 30, while other legislation would eliminate particular seats.

Last month the university president George Cooper stepped down and the university fired eight administrators earlier this year; citing a failure to follow university procedures. Trustee members apologized to students, faculty, and alumni. Board of Trustee Secretary Robert Nance said they plan to straighten things out.

"We as a board pledge to continue aggressively reviewing all of the universities operations; from the Board of Trustees to the Foundations to the administration to the individual academic departments," Nance said.

University Attorney Reggie Lloyd said authorities are investigating the criminal, ethical, and mismanagement issues. He said more personnel changes are possible. Cooper will receive a $268,000 severance package from the school.

Cooper faced harsh criticism in the past. The school's board chose not to renew his contract in June 2010, only to re-hire him a week later.

The board has already begun looking for both interim and permanent presidents.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)