Campus and Student Life

The focus of campus and student life resources is to create a positive environment that promotes student success, engages students in campus life, educates students about their rights and responsibilities as members of a diverse learning community, and links students with key campus and community stakeholders.

Through the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, the University complies with Title IV requirements, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and subsequent regulations including the Drug-Free Workplace Act. The policy in its entirety can be viewed at www.mcneese.edu/policy/alcohol_and_other_drug_policy.

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, require that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

McNeese has a genuine concern and interest in providing a drug-free environment for its students, visitors and employees. Alcohol and drug abuse can inhibit the goals of the University. It can cause impairment of the education and learning process; affect productivity and quality of work; cause financial hardship, family problems, and socially deviant behavior. Serious health problems such as psychological and physiological dependency, depression, and psychotic behavior can also be directly related to alcohol and drug use.

The 1990 Legislature passed a bill which designates all state universities as drug-free school zones. This bill increases the criminal and civil penalties to deter the distribution, manufacture, sales, and/or trafficking of illegal substances on or within a geographic perimeter around the University property. The drug-free zone includes all McNeese property:  main campus, athletic complex, Burton Coliseum, farm, and intramural fields.

McNeese prohibits unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of any narcotics, barbiturates, amphetamines, marijuana, or any other controlled substance as defined in Schedule l through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812), and as further defined by regulation at 21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15.

The University prohibits the unlawful use or sale of any alcoholic beverages and the possession or consumption in any form on the University campus except in those areas where the President or his designee has authorized in writing the serving or sale of legal beverages in accordance with the provisions of state and local law and ordinances and prescribed University regulations.

The University expects employees, students, and guests to adhere to City of Lake Charles Code of Ordinances and the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana regarding animals on campus. Animals running at large are prohibited; all animals must be leashed and under control of the owner. Service animals as authorized under ADAAA are allowed; however, the owner must register the animal with University Police. McNeese reserves the right to determine which animals may be permitted or prohibited on campus grounds, at University events, or in campus facilities. Additional information regarding service and emotional support animals can be obtained at www.mcneese.edu/policy/animals.

The city buses of Lake Charles provide excellent service to and from the University by maintaining a schedule of regular buses every hour during the day. Buses stop on Ryan Street in front of Kaufman Hall. Visit the City of Lake Charles website at www.cityoflakecharles.com for information on bus schedules and routes.

The University partners with Chartwells, a subsidiary of Compass Group USA, to provide residential and retail dining services on the campus. Current dining offerings include:

• Holbrook Student Union:
  • Rowdy’s Cafeteria - All you can eat campus dining
  • Starbucks - Fresh coffees, pastries, soft drinks, and snack items
• Student Union Annex:
  • Build - Personalized artisan-style pizza and calzones
  • Burger 337 - Made-to-order burgers, chicken tenders, and sides
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels - Fresh-baked bagels, pastries, sandwiches, salads, gourmet coffees, and other food and drink items
  • Outtakes Convenience Store - Quick service cuisine and snack foods

Students residing in residence halls, suites, and garden apartments are required to purchase a meal plan each academic term in which they reside on campus (fall, spring, and/or summer). Meal plans are required regardless of whether or not the resident student is enrolled in classes and without respect to the number of credit hours in which the resident student is enrolled. Commuter students may purchase meal plans or declining balance dollars known as Cowboy Cash as currency for making purchases in residential and retail dining areas. Additional information regarding resident and commuter student dining options can be obtained online at http://www.dineoncampus.com/mcneese/ or from the Office of Student Affairs.

The advantages of living on campus include economic feasibility, security, close proximity to University facilities and dining services, and opportunities for participation in campus events and activities, recreational sports, and student organizations. Campus residence halls are managed by Rise, a private property management firm with whom residents are required to enter into formal, binding lease agreements. Floor plans and amenities can be viewed online at http://www.mcneesereslife.com/. Applications for residence hall living can be made online or with the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life, located at the corner of Beauregard Drive and Jeff Davis Drive.

Alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, and pets are prohibited at all times in all University housing facilities. Students residing in residence halls, suites, and garden apartments are required to purchase a meal plan each academic term in which they reside on campus (fall, spring, and/or summer). Meal plans are required regardless of whether or not the resident student is enrolled in classes and without respect to the number of credit hours in which the resident student is enrolled.

Residence hall space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited. Prospective new residents of campus housing are urged to contact the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life immediately upon deciding to reside on campus in order to tour residence halls, discuss housing and dining rates and terms, and complete appropriate documents needed in order to apply for housing. Residence hall and apartment lease renewals are not automatic; residents who intend to continue residing on campus following fulfillment of their current lease agreement must notify the Office of Student Housing and Residence Life of their intent to renew and then sign a written lease renewal in order to confirm a room is reserved for them. New residents who fail to apply for housing early and returning residents who fail to renew their leases early may be placed on waiting lists for future openings in campus housing. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required in order to complete the process of applying to reside on campus. The cost for the background check is included in application, reservation, and security deposit fees collected at the point of application.

The Intramural Office is located in the Recreation Complex with office hours from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Intramural sports programs provide outlets for the physical and recreational talents of the student body. Intramural contests are held in flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, free throw, table tennis, swimming, golf, horseshoes, pool, racquetball, and water polo. Awards and recognition are given to student winners. Students enter competition representing fraternities, sororities, dorms, school clubs, organizations, religious student centers, and independents.

McNeese State University is not responsible for any injury which a student receives in any intramural activity. Students engage in these activities at their own risk.

Recreational facilities include: a 50-meter swimming pool, steam/sauna room, shower/ locker rooms, four racquetball courts, three full-length basketball courts, 8,000 square foot wellness center, 200-meter indoor track (four lane), equipment rental options, 12-acre intramural playing fields, and outdoor tennis courts.

Hours of operation are posted, but are typically noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A valid McNeese ID is required for admission.

Registration at the University is understood to mean the enrolling student understands and agrees to abide by and observe the rules and regulations of the University and applicable civil law. Regulations pertaining to student conduct are under the administration of the Office of Student Affairs. Student disciplinary matters are frequently handled by designated administrators who are authorized by the University President to enforce the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. Serious disciplinary matters may be referred to the Discipline and Academic Integrity Committee for hearing and sanctions.

Students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that strengthen and enhance quality of life at the University. Respect for the rights, welfare, and safety of others is paramount for maintaining civility and promoting academic excellence on the campus and within the local community. Students whose misconduct compromises the quality and integrity of life within the University community may be sanctioned according to the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. The Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity is published by the Office of Student Affairs and is made available to students through appropriate University communication channels each year. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and other important University policies online or by contacting the Office of Student Affairs.

The University publishes and distributes information about student rights and responsibilities through new student orientation and residence hall orientation programs. Visit the Office of Student Affairs or the Student Rights and Responsibilities  page for additional information about policies pertaining to student conduct, academic integrity, and student rights and responsibilities.

Student Assurances Services has been contracted to offer voluntary student and dependent health insurance coverage for international and domestic students attending McNeese. Additional information, including enrollment form, rates, payment options, and dependent health insurance options, is available at www.mcneese.edu/universityservices/student-dependent_health_insurance or from the Office of Student Affairs.

McNeese State University is a state-designated agency for the State of Louisiana, Office of Voter Registration. Voter registration information is distributed to students during election cycles through the University email digest system and civic engagement awareness coordinated by the Student Government Association. Additional opportunities and information about voter registration are available from the Office of Student Affairs.

The Holbrook Student Union complex serves as the central clearinghouse for diverse student life programs and activities designed to engage students in University and community life, recognize student academic and success, and promote linkages with key community stakeholders. Encompassing over 75,000 square feet, these facilities are headquarters for multiple student-funded and student-led initiatives that add value to the collegiate experience by nurturing leadership development, promoting philanthropy and service to others, creating awareness about local, regional, and global cultural issues, providing social and entertainment events, and fostering advocacy for an array of student and campus concerns. Holbrook Student Union houses several venues utilized for campus programs and events, a game room for students, the University’s largest general computer lab, and several offices for student entities.

Getting involved and engaged on McNeese’s campus is an excellent way to enjoy a fulfilling collegiate experience. While academics are the most important aspect of college life, McNeese offers multiple ways that students can connect to the university beyond the classroom. There are numberous benefits associated with campus involvement. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Students who are involved have several opportunities for scholarships and salaries that help supplement the cost of their college education.
• Involved students can hold leadership positions within student organizations, which become notable experiences as they pursue a profession after college.
• Involved students are less likely to have disciplinary issues due to having more responsibility and accountability.
• Students who are involved maintain GPAs that are higher than the average student.
• Involved students report more satisfaction with their McNeese experience.
• Students who are involved have higher graduation rates and progress through their curricula at a faster pace.
• Involved students have more opportunities to broaden their social skills.
• Involved students have the opportunity for direct interactions with faculty and staff.

The administering department for student engagement is the Student Union and Activities Office.

Cowboy Camp is an exciting and motivating two-day developmental program hosted annually for incoming students. The program provides a great jump start to the McNeese experience. During the program, incoming students have the opportunity to meet other individuals in their incoming class who are motivated to be engaged on campus. The process is fostered through connecting Cowboy Camp students to current student leaders and having them participate in activities that are customary for engaged students. Students learn McNeese traditions and processes while developing skills necessary for a successful collegiate experience. A huge bonus for on-campus residents attending Cowboy Camp is that they are among the first students to move into residence halls! The motto for Cowboy Camp is “Get Connected, Become a Leader, Begin to Build Your Résumé.” Cowboy Camp participants are more than ready for their first day of class once they have completed the program. For more information about Cowboy Camp or to register, visit www.mcneese.edu/studentlife/cowboycamp.

Since their inception in 1952, McNeese Greeks have been the cornerstone of student involvement, leadership development, and campus traditions. This continues today. Currently, there are 17 charters for Greek-letter social organizations comprised of nine groups in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, five groups in the Interfraternity Council, and three groups in the National Panhellenic Conference. McNeese Greek students represent over 500 members of the student community, totaling just over eight percent of undergraduate enrollment. Greeks hold all levels of campus leadership positions, serve on numerous campus committees, and represent McNeese at local, state, and national conventions. Greek Life is considered an elevated level of campus involvement. The following Greek organizations have charters at McNeese:

SORORITIES (7)

• Alpha Delta Pi
• Alpha Kappa Alpha
• Chi Omega
• Delta Sigma Theta
• Phi Mu
• Sigma Gamma Rho
• Zeta Phi Beta

FRATERNITIES (10)

• Alpha Phi Alpha
• Iota Phi Theta
• Kappa Alpha Order
• Kappa Alpha Psi
• Kappa Sigma
• Omega Psi Phi
• Phi Beta Sigma
• Pi Kappa Alpha
• Pi Kappa Phi

McNeese offers several opportunities for multicultural engagement. There are several programs to contribute to the cultural development and cultural awareness of McNeese students. Numerous student organizations represent different cultures of students or a commitment to cultural diversity. The multicultural engagement coordinator of the Student Union and Activities Office collaborates with campus personnel to provide various multicultural experiences for the McNeese community.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the student body’s official voice for representation and advocacy for student concerns within the campus community. SGA is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. SGA is governed internally by a constitution crafted by its Senate and adopted by the student body through referendum. SGA is governed externally by applicable state law pertaining to matters including, but not limited to, purchasing, procurement, and travel; University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors policies, by-laws and rules; and University policies related to student employment, scholarships, payroll, facilities use, student organization regulations, and other operational issues. The Senate is the sole, legally-constituted body recognized by the University to authorize requests for expenditure of Student Government Association fee and Organization fee funds. Weekly meetings of the Student Government Association Senate are held each Wednesday at 4 p.m. Contact the SGA office, located in the Holbrook Student Union, for information about meeting location and issues of current interest.

The Student Life Coalition contributes to the social, recreational, cultural, and educational development of students, faculty, and alumni through an array of programs and services. The entity conducts activities reflecting the three student-funded areas of engagement:  Student Union Board, Leadership Programs, and Multicultural Programs. Student Life Coalition is staffed with student program coordinators that plan, implement, and assess events and activities. Events are open to the campus community and any student who has paid fees that accompany tuition. Most events sponsored by Student Life Coalition require no admission fee, but a valid McNeese student identification card is required for entry at all events. The Student Life Coalition Office is located on the second floor of the Holbrook Student Union Annex.

Student organizations are a great way to become involved on campus. Annually, over 115 student organizations register with the University. These organizations offer students opportunities to exercise and practice the professional skills they learn inside the classroom. Potential employers look to hire those who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, and excellence in all facets of a campus environment. Student organizations represent different areas of interests, beliefs, and professional ambitions. The categories of organizations at McNeese are as follows:  academic, campus ministries, chartered, Greek, honor societies, multicultural, political, professional, service, special interest, spirit, and sports/recreation. If none of the current organizations meet a student’s interest, there is a very simple process to start a student organization. To see the full list of student organizations, visit www.mcneese.edu/studentlife/organizations.

Three student publications are officially recognized by the University:  The Log, The Contraband, and Arena.

The Log is the official yearbook of the University. A student editor and production staff are selected each year and tasked with the responsibility of capturing the academic year in an attractive and meaningful publication. Fees collected from students support the yearbook’s production and provide for a copy for students who wish to receive it. The Log office is located in the Holbrook Student Union.

The Contraband is the official student newspaper of the University. A student editor, production and advertising sales staff are selected each year and are charged with producing multiple weekly editions of the newspaper each fall and spring term. Fees collected from students support the newspaper’s production, which is supplemented by the sale of advertising to interested businesses and individuals. The University’s director of public information and communications serves as advisor to the yearbook and newspaper. The Contraband office is located in the Holbrook Student Union.

The Arena is an artistic and literary student journal published in the spring term each academic year. McNeese students may offer submissions including photographs, photographs of pottery and paintings, poems, essays, and short stories for consideration. An editor is chosen from among the members of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society. A faculty member from the College of Liberal Arts serves as advisor.