DIVISION OF SPECIAL SERVICES AND EQUITY
Rosemary Gray, Vice President
The Division of Special Services and Equity ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of University life. McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or sex in admission to or employment in its educational programs or activities.
The Division provides supervision and oversight to the Counseling Center, Human Resources, Student Employment, Services for Students with Disabilities, and Upward Bound. The Vice President of Special Services and Equity is the University’s Title IX Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer and investigates complaints of discrimination, including all forms of sex discrimination.
The Division prepares the Affirmative Action Plan for Employment and manages affirmative actions for the recruitment and retention of minorities and women, the hiring process, diversity training programs, the applicant tracking system, and assists the University administration on matters relating to institutional compliance. The Division implements and manages compliance with and promotes programs and activities to support the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The Division is committed to diversity, interculturalism, and equity by providing information, services, programs and activities, and training and development opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. Individually and in collaboration with other divisions and departments and community partners, this Division develops and implements programs and activities to promote a welcoming, nurturing and equally beneficial campus environment to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The Division supports the University’s commitment to student success, academic excellence, university/community alliances, cultural growth, and the cultivation of student skills for critical thinking, effective expression, and understanding of the global community.
Non-Discrimination and Diversity Awareness Policy
McNeese State University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, age, or sex in admission to or employment in its education programs or activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations or equal opportunity may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer: Vice President of Special Services and Equity, Box 93248, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA 70609.
Telephone: voice (337) 475-5428; hearing impaired TDD (337) 475-5722. The University has adopted the Diversity Awareness Policy to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of discrimination complaints. The Policy describes the grievance procedure for individuals who have experienced discrimination. The Policy further defines discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation and age, and sexual harassment/discrimination and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The grievance procedures for individuals with disabilities confirm the University’s commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to a reasonable accommodation. Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the Vice President of Special Services and Equity. Students may also consult the Counseling Center, the Dean of Student Services, or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Only acts of discrimination committed by University employees in connection with their University employment or students may be reviewed through these policies and procedures. The term “employee” refers to any faculty, staff, or student employee. A “student” is any student enrolled in the University.
Copies of the complete policy statements, including procedures for resolving complaints, are available on the MSU Website and in the Office of the Dean of Student Services, the Counseling Center, the Office of Special Services and Equity, and the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Counseling Center
Betty Jeanne Cayton, LPC, Director
The Counseling Center assists students with personal development and mental health needs. College life presents new and difficult challenges to all students and meeting these challenges can affect self-concept far into the future. Services are available at no charge to students, faculty, and staff. Students are encouraged to make appointments, but walk-ins are available as time permits. The center offers marital counseling if one partner is enrolled. Psychological and aptitude assessments are available by appointment.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Center records are kept separate from other university records. No content information will be released to a student’s family or other University departments without the student’s knowledge and written consent. The only exception is in the event of an emergency, a life threatening event, or a court requirement. Students faced with decisions that require careful consideration in the area of personal concerns or academic matters are invited to use the Center.
Services for Students With Disabilities
Tim Delaney, Director
Services for Students with Disabilities provides post-secondary services to emotionally, physically, and learning impaired students. Its goals are to facilitate the transition from high school to college; to assist students in developing the necessary skills to succeed in college; to provide counseling, including career counseling; and to assist in the successful transition from college to employment. Services for Students with Disabilities operates under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities serves all students with disabilities. Students with a disability should present the appropriate documentation stating his or her disability to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Student Employment
Kim Dronett, Administrator
The Office of Student Employment provides qualified students part-time job opportunities to enhance job-seeking skills, gain work experience, and defray college expenses. Student employment gives students opportunities to interact in a global community and prepare for the job market.
Upward Bound
Stella Miller, Director
Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and students from families in which neither parent has a bachelor’s degree. Its goal is to provide opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and higher education pursuits, which will ultimately increase rates of post-secondary enrollment and graduation. Services include an academic year component, a summer residential program, and a summer bridge program.
During the academic year students attend weekly after-school study sessions at the school site and monthly Saturday sessions at the University. The summer residential program allows students to experience different aspects of college life. Students receive academic, financial aid, and personal counseling; exposure to cultural events; information on post-secondary opportunities; and career planning. The summer bridge program assists with the transition from high school to college. Following high school graduation, eligible participants may take up to six hours of college credit and receive free tuition, fees, books and supplies. |
