SU host workshop that outlines goals of state college student pool

The Louisiana Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers kicked off the Fall 2001 recruiting season with the Zone III Articulation Workshop hosted by the Office of Admissions at Southern University.
The workshop was held on Thursday, August 30 in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
College Recruiters from across the state including Grambling State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana State University interacted with guidance counselors from East Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes in many informative sessions.
“The Articulation Workshop is a great way for us (recruiters) to build relations with guidance counselors to make their students’ transition to college a smooth one,” stated Joe Cruse, a University of New Orleans recruiter.
Guidance counselors attended informational sessions on “What’s Hot at Louisiana Universities”, “Using the Internet in College Counseling”, and “TOPS: A Financial Aid Update”.
“We wanted guidance counselors to know that even though we are looking for the best, the brightest, and the most talented students, we have an open admissions policy that gives every student the opportunity of a quality education,” said Shirley Kidd, a GSU recruiter.
One of the highlights of the Articulation workshop was the ACT’s Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) presentation by Dr. Jimmy Clark of the Louisiana Board of Regents. Dr. Clark outlined the five-year career plan that starts when students are in the 8th grade.
The students would take an aptitude test to evaluate their strengths and weakness. The student’s score would help determine which career path he or she would be most successful pursuing.
“The goal of EPAS is the implementation of a larger pool of students entering a community college, four year university, or technical program and to curve the state’s high drop out rate,” stated Clark.
Benny LeBran, Assistant Director of Enrollment Services at Baton Rouge Community College agrees with the goals of the Louisiana Board of Regents.
“We give students who normally fall through the cracks the opportunity to be placed in a productive educational environment where they can earn a two year associate degree or the option to transfer to a four year institution,” stated LeBran.
The Articulation Workshop concluded with a College Information Exchange where guidance counselor visited with college recruiters from across the state. Each fall, LACRAO holds the Articulation Workshop in six zones across the state of Louisiana.