Continuing Education

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Purpose
• Special Programs
• EASE (Emphasis on Adult Special Entry)
• Continuing Education Units
• Leisure Learning

Betty Anderson, Director

Continuing Education is dedicated to the continuous lifelong learning needs of the people of Southwest Louisiana. Continuing Education’s purpose is to assist in recruiting and retaining nontraditional students and to provide a variety of quality continuing education programs and delivery strategies designed to meet intellectual, cultural and ever-changing occupational needs of the citizenry. To achieve this purpose, the University makes available a diversified selection of daytime and evening courses, off-campus classes, accelerated classes, telecourses, satellite teleconferencing and interactive compressed video opportunities, Web-based instruction, workshops, short courses, and training programs. These academic and community services allow professional achievement or personal development at times and in locations convenient for students who must plan their study programs around their work or other activities. The programs are available to all ages for learning new skills and increasing knowledge.

Continuing Education collaborates with the community and within the University to develop concepts, strategies, and program delivery in response to the specific needs of business, industry, labor, the professions, and community organizations. Such courses are a mutual effort that frequently involves several academic areas of the University, and are dependent upon the availability of faculty and facilities. Continuing Education maintains a flexible approach in its offerings to meet the ever changing demands of society and the workplace.

In addition, Continuing Education sponsors a summer enrichment program for children and youth.

EASE is a simplified admission and registration procedure. The following are eligible to apply through EASE:

1. Adults age 60 or older;
2. Adult students aged 25 or older who have obtained a high school diploma or GED and have never attended a college or university, ;
3. Former McNeese students; AND
4. Students with a bachelor’s degree who (1) are non-degree-seeking or non-certification-seeking and (2) do not intend to enroll in graduate courses.

Persons seeking financial aid or receiving veterans education benefits or those who do not meet the criteria listed above must enroll through the regular admissions process rather than through EASE.

EASE students are restricted to undergraduate courses for which they have the appropriate prerequisites; courses may be taken for credit or noncredit.

Appropriate official high school, GED, and/or college transcripts, and immunization forms are required for admission. ACT/SAT test scores or successful completion of developmental math and English classes are required for placement in entry-level math and English classes.

Anyone wishing to enroll in the EASE program should contact Continuing Education in Kaufman Hall, Room 230, complete an EASE application, and pay a $20 application fee at the Cashier’s Office. Eligible adults can complete the entire process of admission, counseling and registration in the EASE office during regular and late registration. Tuition and application fee payments are payable at the Cashier’s Office. EASE Advisors are available during business hours Monday through Friday. Appointments may be scheduled between 4:15 and 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, by calling (337) 475-5127.

Academic regulations of the university apply to EASE students. Courses taken for credit through the EASE program may be transferred to a degree program, if desired. EASE students transferring to a degree program must fulfill degree requirements in effect at the time of transfer to the degree program, not those in effect at the time of entry into the EASE program. EASE students electing to enter a degree program will be required to apply for regular admission and submit all official records required at that time. The Admissions Appeals committee may review any EASE student who does not meet the admissions requirements.

Course fees for EASE students are the same as those for other students. Adults age 60 or older are eligible for reduced tuition fees for the first three academic credit hours each semester. Senior citizens do pay book fees and lab fees, if applicable. Refunds of fees follow the schedule as outlined in the university catalog.

Any student who has already registered through the EASE program and has provided the Registrar’s Office with the required records may continue under the same registration procedure. Eligible adults may visit Continuing Education any time during registration and complete the entire process of admission, counseling and enrollment in one office.

For students, the general public and professionals in various industries, professional continuing education hours, general education and career enhancement opportunities are available throughout the year. Approved courses which meet specific professional standards of instruction and content enable registered students to receive Continuing Education Units, or CEUs. Ten hours of instruction are required as the minimum for granting one CEU. Decimal units are given for less than ten hours. The CEU is not applicable toward any degree program at the University. However, the CEU is a nationally recognized method of uniformly measuring and recording a student’s participation in noncredit continuing education programs under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. CEU credits earned will be placed in a permanent, retrievable transcript available from Continuing Education.

Leisure Learning, a part of Continuing Education at McNeese State University, offers experiences for enrichment, enjoyment and self-improvement. Two major areas compose the Leisure Learning Program:

1. A wide variety of short-term noncredit courses are offered including stained glass, the annual fall alligator harvest, ACT Grammar, Reading and Math Reviews and a full range of Microsoft software courses. The classes are relaxed and enjoyable with no tests, grades, or term papers required.
2. Tours to historical locations, special attractions, festivals and fairs in Louisiana and neighboring states.

Each area offers different educational and cultural experiences for McNeese students and staff as well as the community at large. Each area fulfills a part of the University’s mission in providing intellectual growth in creative and cultural experiences.