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

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LIZ TRAHAN, a senior mass communication major, gets hands-on ex- perience in the ‘‘real world’’ through an in- ternship in communica- tions, held at the Prien Lake Mall. SHELTON GLENN, staff analyst at Texaco, Inc., discovers the talents and abilities of McNeese graduates through inter- views like the one he is conducting with Ronald Fruge, a senior business administration major. The interviews are a ser- vice offered by the Place- ment Center. MADONNA RABALAIS, a visual arts major, is employed as a student assistant in the art department as part of the work-study pro- gram. STUDENT WORKER Dwain Ardoin sorts mail in the McNeese post office as part of his on- campus employment. RANDAL LANDRY, a student guard, checks the identification of student Ina Butler as part of his standard safety procedures.

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When you need a little “‘tender loving care’’... ne place on campus where everyone can go for a little “tender loving care’ is McNeese’s Special Projects Office. This is where handicapped students, stu- dents with academic difficulties and ex- ceptional high school students may find people moved to serving their needs. The Special Projects Office serves a wide range of both high school and col- lege students. This office administers three programs: Student Support Serv- ices, 504-PLUS Program, and Upward Bound: Project TEAM Program. The Student Support Services is a federally funded program which pro- vides free academic tutoring to eligible college students. Sena Theall, coordi- nator, says: ‘‘Our program gives indi- vidual attention to specific nee ds. The student sets up his own time frame ac- cording to the need, so that they are not tied down to an inflexible schedule. The tutors are students as well, so that they are empathetic and knowledgeable.”’ A student may be eligible to receive these services if the family income does not exceed specified limits, if neither parent has a four year college degree, or if the student is physically handicapped. In addition to these requirements, the students must show a need for the serv- ices and have the potential for success in his college curriculum. The tutoring services are designed to offer academic support to beginning freshmen and other students in Basic Studies who are experiencing difficul- ties. Tutoring is available in math, chemistry, and English and is done by upperclassmen who have excelled in their field of study. The present level of funding provides these services to ap- proximately 200 students each year. The 504-PLUS Program provides a wide range of assistance to the phys- ically handicapped students. In addition to the tutoring services, the disabled students’ needs are addressed through coordination of services with individual instructors. The Upward Bound: TEAM Program works with 50 high school students. The goals of the program are high school retention and college placement. These goals are met through weekly tutoring sessions and a six weeks summer pro- gram held on campus. The Special Projects office is indeed a most unique offering of the university. It represents the compassionate aspect of McNeese, the human aspect. And, as most students agree, it is an indis- posable aid to be used throughout the rest of their lives. CHERYL LEWIS, student, re- ceives educational assistance from Jan Matti, graduate, and Anita Walther, tutor. TUTOR STEPHANIE LEHR re- lieves tension for Terri Nunez in her academic strifes. ®) 37 Special Projects

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iti EEE Gripping the job market inding a good job to help support a college educa- tion and landing the per- fect job upon graduation are tasks which sometimes seem impossi- ble to accomplish. McNeese offers three different, but related, serv- ices to its students in job prep- aration and in finding jobs which will help fund their education. The Placement Center on the McNeese campus serves alumni, graduates and undergraduates as well as the Lake Charles commu- nity. Through the Placement Cent- er office, alumni, graduates and seniors preparing for graduation are able to establish a placement folder and secure interviews with prominent businesses in the area. The center can help students pre- pare for interviews by offering tips and advice for interviewing and job hunting. Businesses from the local area and from surrounding states con- duct interviews each semester through the Placement Center of- fice. Kathy Bond, coordinator of the Placement Center, said the service ‘‘has been complimented many times’”’ and McNeese can be proud of the office and its work. She is also quick to add that the center provides a way for under- graduates to secure part-time and full-time employment to help pay the expenses of a college educa- tion. Local businesses often con- tact the Placement Center with job offerings for college students; stu- dents may utilize the office to set up interviews with such business- es. The rising cost of a college ed- ucation can be somewhat dimin- ished by on-campus employment. Students are able to work in a variety of positions from profes- sor’s assistant, to Bookstore clerk, Post Office employee, food ser- vice worker, resident assistant or dormitory desk worker. Students receive abundant ben- efits through internships in a va- riety of colleges. They receive not only financial aid but also college credit; students work in their field of study and secure much-needed experience, a prerequisite for seeking jobs after graduation. In- ternships are offered from many fields, including mass communi- cation, education and nursing. Some internships are graduation requirements while others afford the students job experience and income. Internships also help stu- dents decide whether or not they are truly happy with their chosen field of study. Gail Prats, a junior nursing major, says that she learned basic skills and procedures in lab; she is now actually applying what she has learned “‘in the real world.’’ She adds, “‘You know by the end of clinicals if you want to do it.” Through its many services, the Placement Center ‘‘develops good working relationships and reper- toire with local business,’’ Bond said. The service benefits both business and students, and it is offered at no cost to the student. ®) Employment 39