Whitney G. Harris, Vice President

The Division of Special Services and Equity ensures that all students, faculty, and staff have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of university life. To achieve this goal, this office, in collaboration with other units of the institution, seeks to create a campus environment that embraces pluralism and diversity. One of its major goals is to monitor the implementation of the Diversity Awareness Policy.
In addition, the office also provides supervision and oversight to the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, Upward Bound Project, Counseling Center and Personnel. The office also provides programs and activities that enable participants to develop those skills and attitudes that are conducive to the development of a positive educational environment.

DIVERSITY AWARENESS POLICY
The faculty, staff, and students at McNeese State University reflect the diversity of our nation and the world. The University welcomes the rich environment that such diversity provides. Members of the university community have an obligation to support the community by showing respect to all who are a part of it.
Members of the University community also have an obligation to comply with all federal and state laws relating to diversity matters. Neither the laws nor the University intend to dictate the thoughts or feelings of individuals. The University does require that actions and behaviors comply appropriately and respectively with both the law and University policy.
McNeese State University strictly prohibits the commission of any act that discriminates or is derogatory in relation to race, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability. It adheres to federal and state laws and policies that provide that no person in the United States shall on the ground of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disabilities, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.
The use of any term or the commission of any act that is sexually derogatory or discriminatory will not be tolerated. This includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and for other verbal or physical conduct.
No otherwise qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.
Should any member of the University community believe that an anti-discrimination rule, sexual harassment, or disability discrimination policy has been broken by any other member of the University community, he/she should prepare a written statement detailing the allegations. This statement may be delivered by hand or mailed to the Interim Diversity Officer, Division of Special Services and Equity at McNeese Box 93248 or the Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs at McNeese, Box 92455.
Through the Division of Special Services and Equity or http://www.mcneese.edu/depts/hrse/hiring.htm, this policy is available to all University personnel.

COUNSELING CENTER
Betty Jeanne Cayton, LPC, Director
The Counseling Center assists students with regards to their personal development and mental health needs. College presents new and difficult challenges to all students and meeting these challenges can affect one's self-concept far into the future.
Services are available at no charge to all students, faculty and staff in the University. The center makes available counseling to assist students with personal adjustment and offers marital counseling as long as one partner is enrolled. Psychological and aptitude assessment is available by appointment. Students are encouraged to telephone for appointments but walk-in appointments are available as time permits.
Confidentiality of counseling sessions is strictly maintained and records of the center are kept separate from other McNeese University student records. No content information will be released to a student's family or other University departments without the student's knowledge and written consent. The only exception to the above procedure is in the event of an emergency, a life threatening event, or through a requirement from a court.
Students faced with decisions that require careful consideration and additional information, whether in the area of personal concerns or academic matters, are invited to use to the services offered by the Counseling Center.

SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Tim Delaney, Coordinator
The mission of Services for Students with Disabilities is to provide extensive post-secondary services to emotionally, physically, and learning impaired students. Our goals are to facilitate the transition from high school to college; to assist students in developing the necessary skills to succeed in college; to provide counseling, including career counseling; and to assist in the successful transition from college to employment. Services for Students with Disabilities operates under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Services for Students with Disabilities serves any student who has presented appropriate documentation stating his or her disability.

UPWARD BOUND
Stella Miller, Director

The Upward Bound Program is a college preparatory program for high school students. The goal of Upward Bound is to assist the students in their efforts to successfully complete high school and obtain a college education. The services include an academic year component and a summer residential program. During the academic year students attend weekly after school study sessions at the school site and monthly Saturday sessions at McNeese State University. The summer program allows the students to experience different aspects of college life while still in high school.
Students receive academic, financial, and personal counseling, exposure to cultural events, information on post-secondary opportunities, and career planning.