Student Affairs

The focus of student affairs 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, farm, intramural fields, and Center for Advancement of Meat Production and Processing (CAMPP).

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 care to 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 Services.

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 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 to tour residence halls, discuss housing and dining rates and terms, and complete appropriate documents needed 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 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 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 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 that 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.

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.