The Division of Student Affairs supports the University’s core values by adapting to students’ needs and overall well-being. The division is intentional in its programs and services that foster a safe and productive learning environment, with a sense of belonging, support, growth, and success for all students. The Office of Student Services, which is the main department in the Division of Student Affairs, enhances the educational mission of the University by engaging students in co-curricular programs and activities that promote development. The focus of student services 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. Several departments and functional areas join Student Services within the division of student affairs. These areas include Accessibility Services, Campus Dining, Campus Housing, Counseling Services, Recreation and Wellness Programs, Residence Life, Spirit: Cowgirl Kickers, Student Engagement and Leadership, Student Union Facility and Programs, Student Health Services, Upward Bound, and Veteran’s Support Services. The objectives of the Division of Student Affairs are:
- To enhance the University’s academic mission through student engagement and experiences;
- To inspire a community of aspiring professionals with student engagement and connections;
- To enhance healthy lifestyles and well-being in a safe and welcoming environment;
- To build communities that nurture diverse needs;
- To promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion; and
- To foster responsibility and trust both locally and globally.
Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
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; and 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.
Animals on Campus
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 is expected to register with the Office of Accessibility Services and McNeese Police. McNeese reserves the right to determine which animals may be permitted or prohibited on campus grounds, at University events, or in campus facilities. Emotional support animals are not allowed in campus facilities without registration with the Office of Accessibility Services and approval per the guidelines in the Animals on Campus Policy. Additional information regarding service and emotional support animals can be obtained at www.mcneese.edu/policy/animals-on-campus-policy/, and questions regarding the policy should be directed to the Office of Accessibility Services or Office of Student Services.
Bus Service
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.
Dining Services
The University partners with Sodexo to provide residential and retail dining services on campus. Current dining offerings include:
- Holbrook Student Union:
- The Eatery at Rowdy’s - All you care to eat campus dining
- Student Union Annex:
- Einstein Bros. Bagels - Fresh-baked bagels, pastries, sandwiches, salads, gourmet coffees, and other food and drink items
- Grilled Fry Factory - High-quality cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches, French fries, and onion rings
- The Market at New Ranch - Quick service cuisine, snack foods, toiletries, and daily supplies
- Slices - Fresh-baked dough smothered with Slices’s own special tomato sauce, topped with a double layer of mozzarella cheese
- Frazar Memorial Library:
- Starbucks - Starbucks coffee, snacks, beverages, and pastries
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 without respect to the number of credit hours in which the resident student is enrolled. Commuter students not meeting designated exceptions (e.g., students in online programs, students aged 23 and older at the beginning of the term, etc.) have the $150 refundable commuter dining charge applied to their fee bill. Dining declining balance dollars can be used for concession purchases at Legacy Center events. Additional information regarding resident and commuter student dining options can be obtained online at mcneesedining.sodexomyway.com or from the Office of Student Affairs.
Housing Office and Residence Life
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 third-party property managers with whom residents are required to enter into formal, binding housing 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 Housing Office, located at the corner of Joe Dumars Drive and Colonel Tony Polk Drive.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, weapons, and pets are always prohibited 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 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 Housing Office 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 housing agreement must notify the Housing Office of their intent to renew and then sign a written housing agreement 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 housing agreements early may be placed on waiting lists for future openings in campus housing. Successful completion of a criminal background check may be 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.
Residence Life is a Student Services functional area that works closely with the Housing Office to contribute to the daily experiences of campus residents. The director of residence life works with student resident assistants who supervise campus housing facilities, ensure rules and regulations are followed, and provide aid to campus residents when needed. Additionally, Residence Life oversees the Residence Hall Association and hosts several programs and activities for students who live in campus housing.
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
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 Services. Student disciplinary matters are frequently handled by designated administrators who are authorized by the University president to enforce the Code of Student Conduct. Serious disciplinary matters may be referred to the University Conduct and Academic Integrity Committee for hearings 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 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. The Code of Student Conduct, as well as other University policies, are available on the University Policies webpage.
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 Services or the Student Rights and Responsibilities page for additional information about policies pertaining to student conduct, academic integrity, and student rights and responsibilities.
Voter Registration
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 and other advocacy-inspired student organizations. Additional opportunities and information about voter registration are available from the Office of Student Services.
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