Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Cowboy Camp: New Student Orientation


Cowboy Camp: New Student Orientation is designed for first-time freshmen and provides them with essential information and tools necessary to be a successful McNeese student. The experience assists freshmen in adapting to the University environment and becoming a part of the campus community. Sessions are scheduled during the summer for students who will be first-time freshmen in the fall. Freshmen participate in several programmatic elements including general assemblies, engagement activities, and content-specific breakout sessions. Students also learn McNeese traditions, interact with Rowdy Rider Orientation Leaders, and meet fellow incoming students to establish a supportive network. Cowboy Camp is exciting, interactive, and motivational. Each student will leave orientation ready to be a Poke. Students must register in advance for their orientation session. Students who will be first-time freshmen in the spring attend an abbreviated orientation in January. Students who register for one of the Cowboy Camp: New Student Orientation sessions are assessed a non-refundable $250 orientation fee that covers expenses associated with the program and advisor support throughout the freshman year.

Transfer and non-traditional student orientation programs are scheduled at various times during the summer and in January for students transferring from another institution or first-time freshmen who have not recently graduated high school. If a first-time college student is 21 years old or older, they are considered to be a non-traditional student. Students who register for the non-traditional/transfer orientation will be assessed a non-refundable $150 orientation fee. Online-only students have a separate online orientation designed for the unique needs of the online learner. Online-only students will be assessed a $75 non-refundable orientation fee after completing the online orientation.

Questions regarding Cowboy Camp or any of the alternate orientation programs should be directed to the Office of Student Services by calling (337) 475-5609 or email studentservices@mcneese.edu.

Parent Orientation

Parent Orientation operates concurrently with summer freshman orientation sessions for traditional incoming students. The program introduces parents to campus operations, services for students, and university personnel to prepare them to be supportive guides to their students throughout their McNeese career. A small portion of parent orientations integrates parents with the student orientation experience. The remainder of the program is exclusive and designed specifically with the parent in mind. Parent Orientation is not required, but strongly encouraged for all parents - especially parents of first-generation college students. Questions regarding Parent Orientation should be directed to the Office of Freshman Advising at (337) 475-5139 or freshmanadvising@mcneese.edu.