General Information

McNeese State University was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1939, with the opening fall session beginning on September 11, 1939. The institution was first named the Lake Charles Junior College and was a division of Louisiana State University. The following fall, the school changed its name to John McNeese Junior College to honor John McNeese, a renowned Southwest Louisiana educator and the first superintendent of schools in Imperial Calcasieu Parish. In 1950, McNeese became a four-year college in its own right and came under the authority of the Louisiana Board of Education. Finally, in 1970, McNeese State University became the official name of the school.

McNeese achieved Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation in 1954 and maintains its institutional accreditation status as a Level V institution authorized to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees and post-baccalaureate, graduate, and post-master’s certificates. The University also provides opportunities for continuing education in support of its mission to value lifelong learning. As a member of the University of Louisiana System and a selective admissions institution, McNeese offers programs through the William J. Doré, Sr. School of Graduate Studies and six academic colleges:  Agricultural Sciences; Business; Education; Liberal Arts; Nursing and Health Professions; and Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. McNeese’s student body is comprised of students from throughout Louisiana, the United States, and numerous countries. McNeese’s athletic programs are NCAA-certified for competition at the Division I and Football Championship level.

McNeese State University consists of 79 buildings over approximately 1,560 acres. The 121-acre main campus, dotted with live oak trees and azaleas, features 51 buildings including the three original structures - Kaufman Hall, Ralph O. Ward Memorial Gym (the Arena), and Francis G. Bulber Auditorium. Bulber Auditorium, a striking example of Art Deco architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center, which houses the Southwest Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, is an example of the many vital partnerships McNeese has established with the region’s businesses and industry. In addition, McNeese has three working farms and the Center for Advancement of Meat Processing and Production (CAMPP) to serve its agricultural sciences program.

The University motto of “Excellence with a Personal Touch” extends beyond the classroom. During World War II, the campus was the headquarters of the Louisiana Maneuvers, an extensive military exercise to prepare American soldiers for battle. In 1957, the McNeese community gave aid and comfort to the victims of Hurricane Audrey and served as the National Guard’s base of rescue operations. McNeese provided shelter for New Orleans residents and university students fleeing from Hurricane Katrina and then faced one of its greatest challenges when Hurricane Rita struck in the fall of 2005. The storm caused devastating damage to campus facilities and infrastructure. The recovery effort after Hurricane Rita demonstrated the resilience and commitment of the McNeese faculty, staff, and students to higher education.

Mission and Foundational Statements

Our Mission

McNeese State University is a student-centric university whose mission is to change the lives of students through quality education and to provide services to the employers and communities in its region. McNeese uses a traditional admissions process based on courses completed, grade point average (GPA), and standardized test scores.

Audiences

McNeese is responsible for serving:

1. Residents of southwest Louisiana who have completed high school and are seeking either a college degree or continuing professional education;
2. Two-year college transfer students, particularly those from SOWELA Technical Community College;
3. Employers in the region, both public and private, school districts, healthcare providers, local governments, and private businesses;
4. Economic development interests and regional entrepreneurs; and
5. The area community, by providing a broad range of academic and cultural activities and public events.

Array of Programs and Services

1. An array of liberal arts programs at the baccalaureate level - arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences - appropriate to a teaching institution with a predominately undergraduate student body.
2. Baccalaureate programs in education, engineering, business, nursing, selected allied health fields, mass communication, and criminal justice.
3. Master’s programs primarily related to education, engineering, arts, sciences, nursing, and business.
4. Doctoral programs in professional fields.
5. Support for area K-12 schools seeking college general education courses for advanced students and assistance in ensuring that their graduates are college- and career-ready.
6. Services specifically designed to meet the needs of regional economic development, such as small business development, support for entrepreneurs, and problem solving.

Special Programs/Features

1. Programs in entrepreneurship and small business development supported by the Southwest Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center.
2. Agricultural and related sciences with opportunities for experiential learning at three working farms and the Center for Advancement of Meat Processing and Production (CAMPP).
3. Custom academic programs and professional certifications integrated with area business and industry.
4. Applied undergraduate research partnerships in engineering, sciences, and allied health.
5. Cultural events designed to connect McNeese with the regional arts community and K-12 education.

Our Vision: FIRST CHOICE!

McNeese will be the first choice for Southwest Louisiana:

• The first choice for students seeking a university degree.
• The first choice for employers seeking university graduates.
• The first choice for donors wanting to support the community.
• The first choice for organizations seeking professional advice.
• The first choice for faculty and staff seeking a collegial and productive work environment.

Our Statement of Purpose

We change lives through excellence with a personal touch!

• We change the lives of students through a mix of research, instruction, and student life activities, with a focus on student learning and mentorship. We provide a personal touch!
• We change lives in SWLA by improving the level of education and the overall economic development in our region. We provide excellence! 
• We improve the quality of life in SWLA through a range of academic and cultural activities and public events. We change lives!

Our Pillars of Service

We support our state and our region through Three Pillars of Service:

• Stewardship: We will be good stewards of state resources and provide cost-effective education to our community.
• Engagement: We will engage with our community by providing employable graduates as well as by serving as a center for learning and artistic creativity.
• Excellence: We will strive for excellence in all we do.

Our Core Values

Trust

• Trust we will act with honesty and integrity.
• Trust we will respect one another and the cultural differences among us.
• Trust we will have the courage to do the right thing.
• Trust we will do what is best for our students, our university, and our state.

Mentorship

• Mentor our peers and inspire them to maintain excellence.
• Mentor our students and inspire them to achieve excellence.

Accreditation

McNeese State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of McNeese State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

A comprehensive list of other agencies included in the Board of Regents General Policy on Program Accreditation that have accredited or approved McNeese academic programs is as follows:

• AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, 7777 S Harbor Island Blvd Ste 750, Tampa, FL 33602-5730, P- (813) 769-6500, www.aacsb.edu.
• ABAI - Association for Behavior Analysis International, 550 W Centre Ave Ste 1, Portage, MI 49024-5364, P- (269) 492-9310, baab.abainternational.org.
• ACS - American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036-4839, P- (800) 227-5558, www.acs.org.
• ACEND - Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 S Riverside Plz Ste 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, P- (312) 899-0040 (ext. 5400), https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
• CAC/ABET Inc. - Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., 415 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201-4405,  P- (410) 347.7700, www.abet.org.
• CACREP - Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, 1001 N Fairfax St Ste 510, Alexandria, VA 22314-1587, P- (703) 535-5990, www.cacrep.org.
• CAEP - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, 1140 19th St NW Ste 400, Washington, DC 20036-6610, P- (202) 466-7496, www.caepnet.org.
• CCNE - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 655 K St NW Ste 750, Washington, DC 20001-2399, P- (202) 887-6791, www.ccneaccreditation.org.
• EAC/ABET Inc. - Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., 415 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201-4405, P- (410) 347-7700, www.abet.org.
• JRCERT - Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N Wacker Dr Ste 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, P- (312) 704-5300, www.jrcert.org.
• NAACLS - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N River Rd Ste 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5156, P- (773) 714-8880, www.naacls.org.
• NASAD - National Association of Schools of Art and Design, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr Ste 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248, P- (703) 437-0700, nasad.arts-accredit.org.
• NASM - National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr Ste 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248, P- (703) 437-0700, nasm.arts-accredit.org.

  Other agencies that have approved or certified programs include:

• ACEI - Association for Childhood Education International
• ISTE - International Society for Technology Education
• BESE - Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
• ELCC - Educational Leaders Constituency Consortium
• LBEDN - Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition
• LSBN - Louisiana State Board of Nursing
• NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children
• NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association
• NCSS - National Council for Social Studies
• NCTE - National Council of Teachers of English
• NCTM - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
• NSTA - National Science Teachers Association

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

In accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99, McNeese State University complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Questions regarding FERPA may be directed to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions.

Students’ Rights under FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records.  (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution.)  These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day McNeese State University receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the school to amend a record should write the school official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested, the school will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing re­garding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent. The school discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by McNeese in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law en­forcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance com­mittee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa­tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for McNeese. Upon request, McNeese may also disclose education records without consent to offi­cials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by McNeese State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Directory Information

Under FERPA, only directory information may be released without a student’s written consent, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent. Directory information is defined as: a student’s name, address, telephone number, and email address; date and place of birth; major field of study and classification; enrollment status (full-time or part-time; undergraduate or graduate); photograph; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance, degrees, awards, and honors received; and previous educational institution most recently attended.

To prevent the release of directory information without written consent, a student may complete a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form with Student Central. Requests to withhold information are in effect until the student provides written notification to Student Central to rescind the request.

Disclosures without Student Consent

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, §99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student:

• To other school officials, including teachers, within McNeese whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met.(§99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34.(§99.31(a)(2)) 
• To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or state and local educational authorities, such as a state postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s state-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of federal- or state-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.(§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid.(§99.31(a)(4))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to:(a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction.(§99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions.  ((§99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes.(§99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.(§99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36.(§99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37.(§99.31(a)(11))
• To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of §99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding.(§99.31(a)(13))
• To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of §99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her.  (§99.31(a)(14))
• To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21.(§99.31(a)(15))

Inclusive Excellence

McNeese State University strives to provide our campus community with the tools to embrace a changing and challenging demographic market. The University will be inclusive of all regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation in admission to or employment or participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The University has adopted the Equity and Inclusion Policy to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of all discrimination complaints. The policy describes the grievance procedure for individuals who may have experienced discrimination.

McNeese State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended employer committed to excellence through diversity. The University is committed to providing students, employees, and visitors with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the University’s academic programs and other activities through its Accessible Participation Policy and Inclusion Policy for Employees with Disabilities by providing academic adjustments, reasonable accommodations, and accommodations to ensure access to University programs, services, and activities. 

The Office of Inclusive Excellence ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have an inclusive experience that allows participation in all aspects of University life. The Chief Diversity Officer and the Title IX Officer in the Office of Student Services work in tandem to coordinate ADA, Title IX grievance procedures, and equal opportunity initiatives. The Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Officer investigate complaints of discrimination (including sexual harassment), administer grievance procedures for individuals with disabilities, and affirm the University’s commitment to providing accessibility to its programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and entitled to an accommodation. Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination, but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal written complaint, may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the Chief Diversity Officer or the Title IX Officer.

Institutional Disclosure and Reporting Requirements

Federal law requires all public universities to provide students with consumer information including, but not limited to, graduation rates, security policies and crime statistics, and athletic program participation rates and financial data. Consumer information disclosures are located at https://www.mcneese.edu/consumer-disclosures/.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

McNeese State University offers several programs leading to professional licensure within the state of Louisiana. McNeese State University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide online programs and coursework to residents of states other than Louisiana. However, NC-SARA membership does not grant reciprocity or exempt us from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Louisiana may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.

McNeese State University’s programs and coursework are designed to meet the licensure requirements of licensing entities within Louisiana. We highly recommend that students contact the applicable licensure board(s) in their state of residence or in the state where they intend to obtain a license before beginning an academic program that results in licensure. Many licensure boards require more than successful degree completion to obtain a license.

Please be advised that state laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. It is the responsibility of the student completing the licensure program to check with the licensing board(s) in their state of residence or in the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements.

For more information about professional licensure at McNeese State University, please see https://www.mcneese.edu/ire/professional-licensure/.

Student Complaint Policy

McNeese State University recognizes the value of information provided by students, employees, and others in assessing the institution’s performance. The purpose of the Student Complaint Policy is to address significant violations of the institution’s standards, policies, and procedures, and it is not a forum for addressing grievances. The University has established grievance procedures for students and employees and expects individuals to attempt to resolve grievance issues through procedures established according to the situation.

Complaints must be submitted in writing by the complainant and addressed directly to the appropriate vice president at McNeese State University. The University will address complaints that are in writing and signed. The University will not act on complaints submitted on behalf of another individual, anonymously submitted, or complaints which are forwarded to the University. Contact the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness for a detailed list of procedures for filing a complaint or view the policy at https://www.mcneese.edu/policy/student-complaint-policy/.

Alumni Affairs

The McNeese State University Alumni Office is located in the 6,325-square-foot William Gray Stream Alumni Conference Center located at 600 E. McNeese Street. Adjacent to the Center in the Alumni Grove is the 4,500 -square-foot Robert Noland Alumni Pavilion. Founded in 1947 and incorporated in 1960, the Alumni Association maintains contact with over 45,000 McNeese graduates, providing innovative programs and services that strengthen alumni ties and encourage lifelong support of McNeese State University.

McNeese graduates receive the annual Roundup Magazine and monthly e-newsletters. Graduates contributing to the Annual Fund are entitled to vote, hold office, and receive invitations to alumni events.

Monies raised by the Association help to sponsor scholarships, student recruitment, alumni reunions and chapters, undergraduate research, faculty support, recognition of excellence, and the student alumni association. Donations also support various University programs for which other funding is not available.

To become an active member of the Alumni Association or receive more information, call (337) 475-5232 or visit www.mcneesealumni.com.

Athletics

The athletics program fields teams in the NCAA for both men and women. The University, a member of the Southland Conference, competes for championships in football, basketball, indoor track, cross country, outdoor track, and baseball for men and cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer for women.

The primary purpose of the athletics program is to provide opportunities for student-athletes to achieve personal growth and development through a combination of intercollegiate athletic competition and academics. The program offers student-athletes the opportunity to realize educational goals and to benefit from athletic competition on a national level.

The Division of Athletics holds the philosophy that the athlete’s most important tasks are pursuit of personal growth through academic work and team experiences and development of a sense of ethical responsibility. The division recognizes that its primary commitment is education of the student-athlete and, to this end, extends academic assistance. Under the auspices of the University, the division offers grants-in-aid to qualifying student-athletes, enabling them to pursue both academic and athletic goals.

The Division of Athletics provides the guidance necessary for an exemplary and competitive athletics program that is beneficial to students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and the community. All activities, operations, and decisions of the division are guided by principles of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination.

McNeese State University Foundation

The mission of the McNeese State University Foundation is to seek outside resources to support the successful education of students, and to provide operational assistance to serve faculty, staff, donors, employers, community members, and other constituents. To access the McNeese Foundation website, visit www.mcneesefoundation.org.

Endowed Scholarships

McNeese rewards student achievement through endowed scholarships. Scholarships foster student recruitment, retention, and completion by providing funds for tuition and fees, housing, books, and other educational expenses. To access the list of endowed academic scholarships, click the following link: Endowed Academic Scholarships. To access the list of endowed athletic scholarships, click the following link: Endowed Athletic Scholarships.

Endowed Professorships

McNeese rewards teaching excellence and scholarly and professional activities through endowed professorships. Professorships ensure that instructors remain intellectually vigorous, current, and enthusiastic about their coursework. Endowed professorships are supported by a $100,000 endowment that consists of a $80,000 private contribution and a $20,000 match awarded by the Louisiana Board of Regents. To access the list of endowed professorships, click the following link: Endowed Professorships.

H.C. Drew Endowment for Economic Development

Funded through a $6 million donation by the H.C. Drew Estate, the H.C. Drew Endowment for Economic Development was established to support new - or enhance existing - educational programs at McNeese. A pioneer in lumber, farming, and banking in Southwest Louisiana, Harrison C. Drew dedicated the trust named after him to education and economic development in the region. Consistent with his wishes, the proceeds of the endowment are dedicated to improving educational opportunities and experiences through the H.C. Drew Center for Associate Studies and the H.C. Drew Institute.

The H.C. Drew Institute reflects McNeese State University’s commitment to excellence in teaching. Its main purpose is to augment the University’s contributions to economic development by providing resources to enhance classroom instruction and educational services for students pursuing baccalaureate and/or master’s degrees. The efforts of the H.C. Drew Institute concentrate on learning, research, and service in educational programs directed toward entry into the job market or continuing professional education.

Operating through the College of Business, the institute’s objectives are (1) to support teaching excellence through innovative course or program development, (2) to enhance student recruitment and retention, (3) to support economic development by graduating students well prepared in general education and in their special fields of study, and (4) to strengthen McNeese State University by supporting accreditation of programs.