Hammond, LA
March 3, 2020
S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
University gives update on Tinsley Hall renovations SYMIAH DORSEY Staff Reporter
Renovations to Tinsley Hall are still underway, and the university administration is seeking to complete the finishing touches by the end of the Spring 2020 semester. Previously a classroom space for subjects such as mathematics, Tinsley Hall will transform into a student activity space and an extension of the Center for Student Excellence. Kenneth Howe, director of facility planning, explained the expected completion date and described the upgrades being made to the hall. “The target date is May/ June 2020,” shared Howe. “Tinsley is being transformed into a student center that will house the SGA-funded lounge and meeting room, transformed tutoring spaces for both individual and group experiences, renovated bathrooms, plus a reestablished computer lab.” Lorett Swank, director of the Center for Student Excellence, described what the staff visualizes for the new center. “Our vision for the space
For the past year, Tinsley Hall has been undergoing reconstruction to transform the space into a student resource center. The hall is expected to be finished in Spring 2020. in Tinsley is for us to be able to expand services and to have space that is flexible and student-friendly,” explained Swank. The CSE is hoping to offer Supplemental Instruction for additional courses, workshops and tutoring for more courses in the new facility. Swank emphasized the
benefits of utilizing future tutoring services at Tinsley Hall. “First, students that attend five or more tutoring sessions tend to earn an A, B or C at a higher rate than those who don’t take advantage of tutoring,” stated Swank. “Not to mention, the more confidence you have in your ability to do well can be
a game-changer when it comes to test time. Tutors can help with that too.” Swank also shared that the new resources of Tinsley Hall are designed to evolve and accommodate the needs of students. “In addition to small group tutoring rooms, we will have multi-use spaces that we can
adapt depending on student needs, utilizing student input to create an environment that is both welcoming and conductive for learning,” said Swank. With renovations going according to plan, Howe revealed that a grand opening might be in store. “The plans have remained consistent,” mentioned Howe.
Gerard Borne/The Lion’s Roar
“I am sure there will be a grand opening scheduled, but a date has not been established.” Howe shared what the administration anticipates for the new space. “We are looking forward to what this upgraded facility is going to provide for the student experience,” expressed Howe.
Faculty member to retire after over 20 years of service BRIYANA ANDERSON Staff Reporter
A university faculty member, after over 20 years of service, is preparing to retire. Joan Faust, an English professor and undergraduate coordinator, will be retiring after the Spring 2020 semester. Faust commented on how she began teaching and gave an overview of her time at the university. “Like several people, I begun as a part-time instructor,” recalled Faust. “It was at a time, 1993 when the university was really growing, and it didn’t have enough space for everyone. Our offices were in trailers behind D Vickers.” Despite having offices in trailers and having to share with other instructors, Faust shared that everyone enjoyed each other’s company in the small space until getting moved into D Vickers Hall. “It was wonderful, everybody got along great,” said Faust. “It was interesting to then grow into the space so that we can actually get into the D Vickers building and have a real office.” Faust took on the job as an instructor of English when the university needed more professors. She taught Freshman Composition and then moved on to her specialty, English Literature. She then became an assistant professor, associate professor and then a full professor. Faust attended Nicholls State University for her undergraduate degree and Louisiana State University
for her master’s and Ph.D. She discussed how Anna Nardo mentored and influenced her work. “I got really good background in Renaissance Literature, and major professor was Anna Nardo, and she’s very well known in John Milton and John Donne’s studies,” mentioned Faust. “So, I think I got really good mentoring from her, and she really influenced me a lot.” Faust mentioned that the biggest change she has seen at the university has been how much campus has expanded. “The growth,” said Faust. “Not so much that we have more students, that we do, but the buildings – the new science and technology, the new nursing building, I mean, a lot of people may remember when it was in Mims Hall, and of course the new student union.” Faust also praised university President John L. Crain and the aesthetic changes on campus, including the Katrina and Rita Memorial Fountain. She described some challenges she had during her time at the university. “Composition classes, especially,” shared Faust. “Instructors teach five classes, so if the composition classes are 25 to 30 people each, you know, that’s 160 students. Their essays are five pages long each, and I have seen instructors be so overwhelmed with it.” Faust explained what she enjoyed most while being an instructor. “The interactions with students,” said Faust. “You get some students who are so enthusiastic, and you
Dr. Joan Faust smiles and poses in her Shakespeare corner, including her Shakespeare-themed doll and rubber duck. Briyana Anderson/The Lion’s Roar
know they are going on and continuing to maybe even English, commented on Faust’s role in the department become teachers and do what you’re doing. I think as an undergraduate coordinator and professor. it’s the students that has had the biggest impression “As undergraduate coordinator, Dr. Faust has led on me.” David Hanson, professor and department head of see DR. FAUST, pg. 6
Keeping up with the tradition of giving back MAGGIE TREGRE Staff Reporter
Every year, students and faculty come together to donate their time and service to the communities of Hammond and Ponchatoula in the BIG Event. The 10th Annual BIG Event will be held on Mar. 28 at 8 a.m., and the rain date is scheduled for Apr. 4 at the same time. All participants will receive a free T-shirt, and breakfast and lunch will be served. Karley Bordelon, president of the Student Government Association, explained how groups can sign up to be a part of the BIG Event. “They can visit southeastern. edu/sga and click the tab on the
have a team to join, they can join the team labeled ‘Lion 1’ and meet some new Lions.” Bordelon mentioned that for this year’s BIG Event, she hopes to see an increase in participants compared to previous years. “It is our 10th Annual BIG Event, so we have definitely upped our goal for participation this year,” shared Bordelon. “It is such an impactful event, so we want to make sure every student possible has the opportunity to get involved and serve our community. We are aiming for The Big Event allows students to help out in the surrounding communities 1200 students to register and through a day of service. SGA hopes to help out at over 50 job sites this year. File 50 job sites throughout the Photo/The Lion’s Roar community.” In addition to volunteering as left labeled ‘BIG Event,’” said required to join a ‘Team’ and fill a part of the BIG Event, students Bordelon. “All students will be out a waiver. If a student does not can help in other ways, including
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helping the committee with setting up. “We have a BIG Event Committee that is under our Director of Traditions, Jacob Deliberto,” stated Bordelon. “He has assigned a BIG Event Coordinator, Margaret Romano, and many other amazing students to help organize this event successfully. We are always in need of helping hands to set up the day before and the day of the BIG Event, so feel free to email jacob.deliberto@southeastern. edu to sign up to help.” Bordelon explained that the BIG Event helps to strengthen the bond between the student body and the community that surrounds the university. “The BIG Event is so
important because it brings together a diverse group of students to serve together, as one school,” commented Bordelon. “It is a chance to make new friends, serve those in need and get inspired to continue to help out around the community. Every year, non-profits that we serve are so grateful that they have so many helping hands to get tasks done in one day that might typically take a week. It is powerful to see so many students giving their time and energy to come together to make a difference.” Anyone looking to participate in the BIG Event as a volunteer or to register a job site can sign up through the form at southeastern. edu/sga.
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