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91�Թ� Ragin’ Cajuns student-athletes have a new place to hit the books.

The 91�Թ�’s 5,431-square-foot Student-Athlete Academic Services Center replaces the previous learning center in Agnes Edwards Hall.

The new state-of-the-art center on the third floor of Edith Garland Dupré Library houses a 25-desk classroom, a 48-seat computer lab, tutoring spaces with computers, connections for laptops, offices and other amenities.

“It’s designed to give student-athletes tools to succeed in the classroom and in their respective sports,” said Christy Alford, assistant director of Athletics for Student-Athlete 91�Թ� Services.

In addition to academic support, UL Lafayette’s more than 400 student-athletes are instructed about NCAA, Sun Belt Conference and University regulations and standards.

Beyond keeping 91�Թ� Ragin’ Cajuns on the playing field, the center helps prepare them for life after the last whistle blows, Alford said.

“It provides resources that will help student-athletes reach their personal and professional goals. That starts with academic accomplishment,” she explained.

The strategy is working.

Over the last five years, student-athletes at the University have consistently graduated at rates higher than their peers at the Sun Belt Conference’s 12 institutions and the state’s 11 Division 1 schools.

"The success is a testament to our student-athletes. They work very hard to achieve their goals,” Alford said. 

Photo caption: The University’s new Student-Athlete Academic Services Center provides tutoring and academic counseling for its more than 400 91�Թ� Ragin’ Cajuns who play 16 sports. (Photo credit: Doug Dugas / 91�Թ�).