Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 10/31/97
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson   136

NEW DIVISION AT SLU HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED IN COLLEGE
     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University 's Office of Student Support Services
is changing its name. The new Division of Student Support Services will have a grand opening
celebration on Thursday November 20 11am-1pm in front of Tinsley Hall. The new division
includes the Office of Student Support Services and the Academic Support Lab.
     According department head, LaVanner Brown, the new division expands the services of
Student Support Services. Student Support Services, a federally funded program, was limited to
providing services for about 250 low-income, first generation college students. With the creation
of the new division, these services can now be offered to the entire campus. 
      Our goal is to increase retention rates and the graduation rates of all of our students, 
said Brown. "We offer scheduled and drop-in tutoring services in most subjects, personal
counseling and workshops on a variety of subjects from how to use a graphic calculator to self
esteem. 
     Brown said the division collaborates with other university departments and faculty to
provide a holistic service.  We can t do it without other departments. The developmental studies
department, math department, the library and others have been very supportive. It s an
integrative process. We assess the students  needs and assist them before they get into academic
trouble."                                In addition to academic support, the new program offers students
assistance in
other areas to help them adjust to college life. "Students need to be socially integrated as well as
academically integrated in school,  said Brown. "It's not always academics that keep students
from succeeding. The Division of Student Support Services is here to help students succeed in all
aspects of their college career." 
     For more information on the Division of Student Support Services  call 549-2122.
                                  -SLU-
        This press release is available on the World Wide Web at
         www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newssp97.htm