By Prince Omoruyi

The Poke Press

Several McNeese State University offices remain temporarily located in Parra Ballroom as repairs continue in Chozen Hall following water damage to the building.

The offices were relocated after a water line connected to Chozen Hall’s air conditioning system caused damage to the building Aug. 25. Monica Orsot, executive director of Enrollment Management, said the move back to Chozen Hall could happen near the end of the semester, depending on how quickly contractors are able to complete the necessary repairs.

Orsot said the transition to the temporary location has gone well despite the sudden move.

“We had a really quick turnaround,” Orsot said. University IT staff helped employees get their equipment and systems working quickly so they could continue serving students with little interruption.

Partitions were also added inside the Parra Ballroom to create more individual work areas and give employees a setup that feels more like an office rather than one large open space.

Orsot said one of the biggest challenges has been adjusting to having several departments working together in the same area. Staff members no longer have their usual private offices, and conversations from nearby departments can sometimes be over heard.

However, she said the shared setup has also had some benefits.

“It’s helped us to kind of see what other areas are doing to kind of help when we can,” Orsot said.

Having several enrollment-related departments in the same location has made it easier for employees to assist students, Orsot said. For example, if a student has a financial aid question while speaking with Student Central, a financial aid employee may be able to step in and provide additional help.

Orsot said the relocation has not caused major problems for students, though there has been some confusion about where the offices are now located. Some students have continued going to Chozen Hall looking for services, so the university has shared information about the relocation through campus communications and placed signs outside Chozen Hall directing students to the Parra Ballroom.

McNeese also extended several enrollment and payment deadlines following the incident. Orsot said the extensions gave students more time to complete FAFSA requirements, arrange financial aid or make payment plans.

“It was actually for the benefit of the students,” Orsot said.  

For now, students who need help with admissions, financial aid, registration or other enrollment services can visit the Parra Ballroom or contact Student Central by phone or email.  

“We’re here to help,” Orsot said.