McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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i Photo lab assistant Treva Maricle takes ID pictures in the cafeteria as part of the regis- tration process. This was one part of regis- tration that did not change with the transfer to the computer system. (Photo by R. Ro- zas) Pam Louviere, registration assistant, vali- dates fee vouchers as part of the new com- puter registration system. Under the new system, all the registration processes were shortened. (Photo by G. Edwards) Buddy Brents, a McNeese junior, waits to get his fees assessed on the computer ter- minal. With the addition of the computer terminals, all assessments were totaled at one stop. (Photo by G. Edwards)

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The registration process was modernized by newly installed computers which helped tn Updating the System The new computer system used for spring registration has cut down on previous time requirements and paperwork errors of the past. Sun- darum Swetharanyam, manager of the University Computing Services, calls the system ‘‘supurb’’. The centrally-based system elimi- nates the problem of having infor- mation at different locations. ‘‘With different sources,’’ Swetharanyam said, ‘keeping records in duplica- tion could always present a prob- lem, but with this new system it is eliminated.” Students now present a trial schedule to a computer terminal op- erator and receive a printout of classes, fees and charges for delin- quent parking tickets. In previous semesters students were required to obtain class cards, report back to their advisor in the event of a closed class, and spend hours waiting in line. With the new system, the stu- dent makes one stop at a terminal and is informed immediately of his or her schedule. This eliminates the chance of record inconsistency. The computer network, called the Educational Information System 42 Student Life (EIS), was first implemented on a tri- al basis during the summer. Pur- chased from IBM in 1982 for approxi- mately $35,000, the EIS is founded on four components: the data base, registration system, student records and grading system. While other schools may have similar systems, Swetharanyam did not know of any other computer reg- istration systems in the state which relay information to the students im- mediately, as McNeese’s does. ‘Other schools may have faster sys- tems, but unlike ours, they are de- lay-oriented,”’ he said. Linda Finley, registrar, agreed that the system is unique. ‘‘We are the only ones who actually register on the terminal,’ she said. Although she felt the system may have a few problems, she considered it a sig- nificant improvement in the registra- tion process. McNeese students also seem to feel that the new computer system is beneficial. According to Delisa Washington, ‘‘It’s an efficient, sim- ple process,’’ and according to Da- vid Nunez: ‘You don't have to stand in long lines.” HERE ;

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Krewe of Krewe parades and dancing in the streets make Mardi Gras A Sight Mardi Gras is a French tradition in Southwest Louisiana. It is a day of fun and feasting before the solemni- ty and fasting of Lent. When classes let out, the parties begin. Bands of all kinds, from Cajun French to Rock and Roll entertain crowds of people in dance halls and on the streets. One of the great attractions of the Lake Charles Mardi Gras is the pa- rades. The parades wind their way from McNeese through the city to the Civic Center, with a truck parade first and the Krewe of Krewes pa- rade following. Floats and dazzling costumes make the parades a sight As the first of the Lake Charles parades, the truck parade featured entries that were of a different style. The Frosty Factory’s entry, a comedic looking armadillo, was one of the most unusual entries in the afternoon parade. (Photo by T. Maricle) 44 Student Life to See to see; but the beads, trinkets, and doubloons distinguish the Mardi Gras parades from any other. Food and drink are also major parts of the Mardi Gras celebration. Gumbo, boudin, and beer make up the meal of the day. There's no cooking like Cajun cooking, and no party like Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras celebrations actually begin weeks before with balls and banquets fit for a king. Young and old alike join in the celebration, pro- ducing a time full of fun and excite- ment for everyone. TAL DSMOBILE’ tL SON |