Student Services Area Receives Significant Upgrade
 |  The recently-upgraded computer lab in the Student Services office has enabled more student-athletes to use the area. |
May 14, 2002
Supporters of the Tulane Athletics Fund know that their donations support Tulane student-athletes in all 16 sports programs - providing funds for necessities from scholarships to equipment, travel to facilities. However, a recent donation from the Libby Dufour Foundation has directly benefited the "student" side of the equation by providing for significant upgrades to the Student Services Area in the James W. Wilson Center.
The upgrade was spearheaded by new Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services Cynthia Reynolds and began last fall in the "back" of the student services area - the "study table" room. The room, which had been set up with studying carols separated by dividers, was opened up, providing an atmosphere more conducive to study. The dividers were removed, desks were rearranged and ceiling fans were installed to circulate the air. New, high-back, comfortable chairs accommodate the largest football player and the lightest cross country runner.
"The study-table was the first step," Reynolds said. "We needed a more open area that could accommodate more student-athletes. This provides a more studious atmosphere and can also be used as a classroom set-up if we have a need for anything such as study groups or reviews."
Students would soon find that the rebuilt study table was just the beginning.
Since its inception, the heart of the Student Services Area has been the computer lab. It's where student-athletes come to write papers, research articles, review lessons and notes, and even drop the occasional e-mail to mom and dad or a friend back home.
While the computer lab was "state-of-the-art" when built, by 2001 the equipment - both hardware and software - had become out-of-date. The computers were missing basic amenities like a CD-Rom drive; the latest software could not be installed due to memory limitations and just printing out a paper could be a battle of wills. As the equipment grew more and more outdated, and help was more difficult to find, student-athletes stopped using the facility.
All that changed this semester with the purchase of 13 new computers and the updating of five older models to increase memory and install the latest software. The new computers are equipped with a CD-Rom drive, which is critical as many professors now use CDs in lieu of books or to supplement textbooks, and the latest version of the Windows operating software. Most importantly, all of the computers are now networked to a brand new high-quality laser printer, which makes working in the computer lab a pleasant experience rather than a trial.
"The area has been completely upgraded and it has made a huge difference," said Tulane quarterback J.P. Losman. "There's more availability on the computers, and the people that work there are extremely helpful if you do run into a problem. It's an enjoyable atmosphere. When you study you want to feel comfortable and productive, and that you have the tools to work quickly and efficiently. We have that now."
It's not all work and no play in the computer lab. Several computers are left open for e-mail and Internet access, while the remainder are dedicated for academic work only. During the 70 hours a week that the computer lab is open, student services personnel ensure that the entire area promotes an atmosphere of quiet productivity.
As in the study table room, new, high-back chairs were purchased and ceiling fans were installed.
"The number of students who are using the computer lab has definitely increased since the renovations were made and the new computers were added," Reynolds said. "It really has made a night and day difference in the students' attitude toward the area and in their ability to get their work done here."
The final step in the Student Services upgrade occurred last month when the reception area received a new coat of paint and new carpeting while the built-in counter was removed, providing a more professional entrance-way. Not only does this provide current student-athletes with a comfortable place to wait for their next advisor appointment, but counselors are able to greet visiting recruits and their parents in a friendly atmosphere.
While a few finishing touches remain to be made, there's no question the differences in the Student Services Area, seldom seen by fans or most T.A.F. donors, have certainly been appreciated by the Green Wave student-athletes.
"My staff, the students and I are very pleased with the outcome and especially thankful for the support from the Libby Dufour Foundation," Reynolds said. "This new area reflects the commitment of Rick Dickson and of T.A.F. donors to student-athletes and to our academic support system."
