To assist students with progressing toward achieving their academic goals, the University provides many academic and student support services for students.
Accessibility Services
The Office of Accessibility Services, located in the Burton Business Center, Room 205A, provides academic support services and academic adjustments for emotionally, physically, and learning-impaired students enrolled at the University. For students with disabilities who qualify for academic adjustments, services provided may include monitored testing, interpreters, and note-taking. The Office of Accessibility Services operates under the guidelines of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended. Students seeking academic adjustments or assistance with barrier removal should contact the Office of Accessibility Services, which will then review the request, obtain necessary documentation, and determine the appropriate academic adjustment. More information may be obtained online at www.mcneese.edu/oas or by calling (337) 475-5916.
Career and Professional Development Services
The Office of Career and Professional Development Services is located in the Center for Learning and Student Success, on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library.
The Office of Career and Professional Development Services provides services for students and alumni related to career goals and employment marketability. Services are designed to assist with developing professional skills and to provide information about employment and internship opportunities, while leveraging students’ career readiness to help make them the “first choice” candidates for employers and graduate schools. The Office of Career and Professional Development Services provides a variety of career-related services, including:
- Career and major exploration;
- Career guidance and advisement;
- Assistance with professional documents (e.g., résumé, cover letter, etc.);
- Interview preparation and techniques;
- Job search strategies;
- Graduate and professional school planning;
- Leadership development; and
- Career-related programming.
The Office of Career and Professional Development Services is committed to serving students, alumni, and employers to meet employment needs. Through the biannual offerings of the Career Expo and Internship Soiree, students are provided with direct career and networking opportunities with employers. The Office of Career and Professional Development Services also coordinates informational sessions and on-campus recruitment, as well as job, internship, and career announcements. The Office of Career and Professional Development Services maintains the Handshake job board, which advertises thousands of both local and national jobs.
Career Testing
The Office of Career and Professional Development Services also provides students with information intended to lead to greater self-understanding and informed decisions about education and career goals. This information can be used to assist students in the process of selecting a major, minor, and/or career path.
The Office of Career and Professional Development Services offers a free online assessment to enrolled students. Once the self-assessment is completed, the student schedules a follow-up career advising appointment to discuss results and how to effectively use them in the process of choosing a major and exploring career paths.
Additional information may be obtained online at www.mcneese.edu/career or by calling (337) 475-5181.
Computer Labs
Open-access computer labs, provided by the University and the Technology Advancement Student Committee (TASC), are available for student use. TASC, funded through a student self-assessed fee dedicated to the purchase, upkeep, and management of technology for student and academic support. The Help Desk, located in the Recreation West Annex (between the Burton Business Center and the Recreational Complex), can be contacted at (337) 475-5995 or helpdesk@mcneese.edu.
The Library Computing Center, housed on the first floor of the library, is an open-access computer lab provided by TASC. The lab consists of over 40 computers (two of which are accessible) as well as two black and white laser printers and a color printer. The lab’s hours of operation are the same as those of the library and can be found on the library’s website. The library also maintains computer workstations throughout the building that are available for all library users.
The Academic Computing and Learning Center (ACLC), in Kirkman Hall Room 117E, is an open-access computer lab provided by the University. The computing center contains the resources and hardware necessary to use current operating systems as well as the latest Microsoft Office Suite. The center houses many computers, printers, and scanners for student use. Technicians in the ACLC, in Kirkman Hall Room 117A, also provide technical support for students with computer problems. Additional information, including hours of operation, can be obtained at www.mcneese.edu/aclc.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center, located in the McNeese Student Health Center and Ochsner Primary Care facility located on the corner of Ryan St. and W. Sale Rd., provides comprehensive mental health counseling services to all enrolled students. Counseling helps students to effectively manage daily stressors, experience personal growth and development, and successfully progress toward degree completion. The Center is staffed by licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and provisional licensed professional counselors (PLPCs). The Counseling Center contracts a licensed medical psychologist who assists with increased mental health care and medication treatment.
Counseling services are funded through a student health fee. No additional payment is required at the time counseling services are rendered. The Center also offers marital/family/couples counseling if at least one person participating is an enrolled student. Select assessments for learning disabilities are available by appointment.
Confidentiality is strictly maintained in accordance with state counseling ethical guidelines and applicable law. Records are kept separate from other University/academic records. All enrolled students are invited to use the Counseling Center at any time during their academic enrollment. Students are encouraged to make appointments by calling (337) 475-5136, but walk-ins are available in the event of emergencies and crisis situations. Additional information may be obtained online at www.mcneese.edu/counseling.
E-Learning and Testing Services
The Office of E-Learning and Testing Services offers testing services for college entrance and placement examinations (e.g., ACCUPLACER), national credit examinations (e.g., CLEP), and college correspondence course exams. Appointments or registration are required for all exams. Additional information, including exams offered, testing dates, scheduling, and applicable fees, may be obtained at www.mcneese.edu/testing or by contacting the Office of E-Learning and Testing Services at (337) 475-5125. The Office of E-Learning and Testing Services is also responsible for receiving and entering all entrance, placement, and credit exam scores into a student’s official record.
The Office of E-Learning and Testing Services manages the learning management system (LMS) and integrated tools, ensuring a seamless digital learning environment for students and faculty. The Office of E-Learning and Testing Services supports instructors in developing course content within the LMS and assists students in accessing and engaging with their coursework. Beyond academics, the Office of E-Learning and Testing Services provides an online campus experience by offering a centralized space for campus organizations to share materials, updates, training, and resources, fostering a connected and dynamic university community.
Language Lounge
The Language Lounge, located in Kaufman Hall, Room 308, offers not only computers for student research, access to supplementary course materials and language learning software but also recording capabilities and a library of books and digital materials covering more languages than just those taught at McNeese. The Language Lounge provides ample space for individual study, small-group tutoring, student study groups, and student relaxation. Technology is also available to support document scanning and limited printing, as well as remote conferencing with outside speakers. Refreshments are often available, along with a microwave and refrigerator for use while in the Language Lounge.
Lether E. Frazar Memorial Library
The library is named for the first president of McNeese State University, Lether E. Frazar. The collections and services of the library are designed to complement the educational and research programs of the University.
The original building was erected in 1961. A four-story addition to the original structure was completed in 1974. A repair project and renovation were completed in 2017.
General Book Collection
The general book collection is housed in open stack areas and is arranged by Library of Congress Classification. The location of specific books may be determined by using the online catalog. Individuals borrowing books from the general collection must present an official University identification card, Friends of the Library card, or a LOUIS Reciprocal Borrowing Card issued by another Louisiana institution of higher learning to an authorized person in the Public Services Department. Electronic books (e-books) are accessible 24/7 through the library’s online catalog.
E-Textbooks
Each year, the library purchases or acquires through LOUIS funding electronic copies of select current course textbooks. The criteria for purchasing textbooks varies every few years with an emphasis on maximum potential return on investment, favoring high-capacity introductory courses. When possible, we purchase unlimited concurrent users to maximize cost savings for students. Public services librarians market these to the instructors as a low-cost alternative to purchasing print textbooks.
Reserve Materials
Books and articles designated by faculty for reading by members of a class may be obtained from the reserves section located at the Public Services desk on the first floor of the library. The length of time that students may use reserve material is determined by the instructor.
Public Services
Personnel are available in Public Services, Interlibrary Loan, Government Information, and Archives to provide assistance to library users. Service may range from providing simple directions to a more complex reference interview using multiple library databases and other resources.
The Public Services Department houses general and specialized materials including atlases, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. Study guides for standardized tests are also available for limited check-out periods. These are located on the first floor of the library near the Public Services desk. Individuals must present a university or Friends of the Library identification card to an authorized person in the Public Services Department to borrow these materials. Located behind the first floor Public Services desk are national bestsellers for light reading. There is also a large seating area amenable to group or individual study.
The library catalog, subscription databases, and other resources covering all the disciplines at McNeese are accessible from the library’s website. Library patrons needing assistance in using these resources are welcome to contact the public services librarians at the Public Services desk on the first floor, which is staffed during all library operating hours. Patrons may also call or email public services librarians for assistance. The public services librarians are also available by appointment for personalized research assistance.
Public services librarians also conduct library instruction classes at the request of faculty. They will also reach out to faculty teaching writing or research-focused courses to offer instruction on using library resources such as brief presentations, tailored videos, quizzes, scavenger hunts, and embedded librarians for in-person and web-based courses. These sessions are tailored to meet the expectations of the faculty and may cover topics such as using the library catalogs and databases, searching for information, evaluating resources, and using information appropriately. The librarians can conduct tours of the building. The length of time for library instruction varies to suit the faculty.
Interlibrary Loan Service
Through its interlibrary loan service, the library will borrow materials necessary for research if the material is not available on-site. Material borrowed through interlibrary loan is subject to the rules of the lending library. Requests can be submitted electronically. Services have been enhanced by an electronic delivery system for articles, a statewide union catalog, and a courier service.
Government Information Services
The Government Information collection is located on the fourth floor of the library. The library is a selective depository for both federal and Louisiana government information. It receives some international, local, and regional government publications. Some federal, state, and international information is accessible in electronic formats. Holdings are listed in the library’s online catalog and many items may be checked out.
Periodicals Collection
The library’s periodicals collection is housed on the second floor of the library and includes magazines, journals, and newspapers. These may be available as unbound individual issues, bound back volumes, or as microforms. Full-text e-journals are accessible by searching EBSCO Discovery Service on the library’s website. Readers and printers for microforms are also available in the Millet Room on the second floor.
Archives and Special Collections
The Archives and Special Collections Department maintains materials which reflect the history of McNeese, Lake Charles, and Southwest Louisiana. Materials include published resources, such as the McNeese Review, the Contraband, the Log, student theses, rare books, and local history books. The department also collects archival resources, including personal papers, business records, correspondence, photographic materials, audiovisual materials, works of art, and maps. The department maintains an online digital library of images and other electronic resources beneficial to using and accessing our materials.
Online Systems
Through its membership in OCLC, the world’s largest online bibliographic utility, the library is capable of providing shared cataloging data and obtaining access to research collections nationally and internationally through interlibrary loan. As a charter member of LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, the library provides users with access to online resources at a lower cost than would be possible without statewide collaborative effort. Additional materials needed to support the University’s academic needs are purchased independently by the library and are available in both print and online formats. Electronic resources and services are available through the library’s website. Because of licensing agreements, off-campus access to most online resources is restricted to students, faculty, and other authorized users through remote authentication.
Computers
Over 40 computers provided by TASC are located on the first floor of the library. Personal computers and printing are available during all hours of library operation. Users have free access to word processing software, email, and Internet-based resources. Some full-text materials are accessible via the LOUIS system and the library’s website. The library also maintains computer workstations throughout the building that are available for all library users.
Photocopiers, scanners, large group meeting rooms, group study rooms, and individual study areas are available. A coffee shop is located in the lobby.
Special Services
Photocopiers, scanners, large group meeting rooms, group study rooms, and individual study areas are available. A coffee shop is located in the lobby.
Friends of the Library
Membership in the Friends of the Library group is open to persons who are not McNeese students for a nominal fee. Friends are entitled to all library privileges, such as borrowing materials and interlibrary loan. Funds generated by Friends of the Library memberships sponsor special library activities such as readings, lectures, exhibits, and workshops.
Literature Lab
The Literature Lab, located in the Write to Excellence Center (WTEC) in the Center for Learning and Student Success on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library, is a resource for students to discuss reading materials. Tutors help students learn how to annotate and create useful notes on readings; understand literary terms, techniques, and concepts; decipher poetic and/or archaic language; identify central themes and issues; and locate where problems of misinterpretation arise. Hours of operation are posted at www.mcneese.edu/writingcenter and at the WTEC. Appointments can be made at mcneese.mywconline.com. Students needing further assistance can call the WTEC at (337) 562-4205 or email the WTEC at wtecappointments@mcneese.edu. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Math and Science Tutoring Center
The ACLC’s Math and Science Tutoring Center, located in the Center for Learning and Student Success on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library, provides free tutoring for students enrolled in most math- and science-based courses including accounting, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, physics, and statistics courses. Tutoring is provided by experienced students and is available on a walk-in basis; and no appointments are necessary. For more information, visit www.mcneese.edu/aclc/tutoring-center/.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services, located in the McNeese Student Health Center and Ochsner Primary Care facility located on the corner of Ryan St. and W. Sale Rd., provides acute medical care for minor illnesses and injuries to currently enrolled students. Student Health Services partners with Ochsner to provide highly qualified medical professionals. Basic services provided are funded by a student health fee. Students can elect to be treated for elevated urgent care services as needed. Insurance co-payments or out-of-pocket costs may apply to elevated services.
Basic services include acute medical care such as cleaning and dressing of minor wounds, oral medication and prescriptions for fever and vomitting, skin infections and rashes, eye and ear flushing, and prescriptions for treatment. Student Health Services also offers STD and HIV testing as well as specialized women’s and men’s health services as elevated services. More information regarding services and appointments can be found by visiting www.mcneese.edu/healthservices. Any other questions can be directed to the staff by calling (337) 475-5748 or by emailing studenthealth@mcneese.edu.Students in need of extended care of chronic or serious health problems are offered the option to become established with the health care provider on staff as a pirmary care patient. Students needing emergency or specialty care are referred to local hospitals and ancillary service providers and should be prepared to present personal health insurance information and make appropriate payment arrangements for services received in these facilities.
Write to Excellence Center
The Write to Excellence Center (WTEC), located in the Center for Learning and Student Success on the first floor of Frazar Memorial Library, aids students in strengthening writing skills and in thinking critically about their own writing. Besides offering feedback on written work, tutors provide students with guidance and help on the development of all aspects of the writing process, including brainstorming, theses, content, and citations. Tutors also provide students with assistance in any discipline or form of professional development, including resumé development, reports in technical fields, and academic writing and/or publications. While tutors do not proofread written work, they do assist students in the development of personal proofreading skills. Hours of operation are posted at the WTEC and online at www.mcneese.edu/writingcenter. Appointments can be made at mcneese.mywconline.com. Students needing further assitance can call the WTEC at (337) 562-4205 or email the WTEC at wtecappointments@mcneese.edu. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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