Section 2.10: Student Support Services

Judgment of Compliance

Requirement

The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that promote student learning and enhance the development of its students.

Narrative

Departmental Tutoring Services

Some academic departments offer tutoring services to students. For example, the Department of English and Foreign Languages offers free writing tutoring to students enrolled in English courses. With the inception of the University Quality Enhancement Plan, writing assistance will be extended to students who need assistance for other courses as well. Also offered through the Department of English and Foreign Language is tutoring and assistance for students enrolled in French or Spanish courses. State-of-the art tutoring assistance is also provided to all students enrolled in the Louisiana Academy for Innovative Teaching and Learning. These students are afforded tutoring services in both mathematics and English composition. The Department of Teacher Education provides tutorials for students preparing for the PRAXIS examinations. The Department of Math, Computer Science, and Statistics (DMCSS) provides tutors for students enrolled in Developmental Math courses. The DMCSS also provides study sessions prior to each exam during the semester which are open to all students enrolled in Math 113.

Other Support Programs and Services

Other campus departments and offices offer programs and services which promote the University's mission. The core values which engender a climate that enhances student learning, promotes retention, and presents students opportunities for leadership drive many of the student activities and programs. The Office of Administration and Student Affairs is the central division of the University whose primary purpose is to augment the academic experience by delivering programs, services, and activities. The mission of this office stated in the 2005 Master Plan clearly defines its goals:

The mission of the Division of Administration and Student Affairs is to create a campus culture that promotes the academic, emotional, physical, and social development of students within a safe and secure educational context. The departments of Burton Coliseum, Career Services, Financial Aid, Student Services, Student Union and Recreational Sports, University Bookstore, and University Police collaborate with all divisions of the University and with the broader Southwest Louisiana region to assist students in successfully navigating the collegiate environment and developing their full potential to become productive members of the community.

Student Activities Coordinator

As the result of an identified need on campus, the Office of Student Affairs has created a position which will promote and facilitate student activities. Recognizing the benefits of a rich student life component, the University determined that its core values would include a commitment to presenting students opportunities for leadership and to enhancing artistic, humanistic, and cultural opportunities in the area. These values can be promoted through student life activities on campus. In its efforts to energize student life activities on campus and provide the necessary supervision and guidance, the University determined that creating the position of Student Activities Coordinator would be appropriate. The duties below indicate a representative sample of duties assigned the Student Activities Coordinator beginning fall 2006:

• Serve as the advisor to the Student Union Board and assist in the coordination of daily activities, scheduling, and logistics for student groups using Student Union facilities.

• Provide guidance and assistance to University sanctioned student groups in planning, organizing, and delivering events and activities that enhance the student experience and strengthen the University’s recruitment and retention objectives.

• Coordinate organization recruiting, registration, orientation and communication efforts.

• Partner with community and institutional personnel for program development and delivery (Banners, international student events, social and cultural programs, entertainment).

• Develop, promote, and evaluate programs in social life, leadership training, risk management, law and policy compliance, and other relevant areas of campus life.

• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, including judicial policies and procedures, specifically geared toward student organizations.

• Embrace and enforce the University’s Diversity Awareness Policy, Hazing Policy, Student Organization Handbook, Academic Integrity Policy and Code of Student Conduct and other institutional policies impacting student life.

• Facilitate peer mediation training and conflict mediation services for student organizations.

• Serve as the University’s official Greek life advisor overseeing internal governing boards and monitoring compliance with University, state, and federal mandates relative to fraternities and sororities.

• Collaborate with peer professionals throughout the University of Louisiana System with respect to programs with system- or state-wide scope (Franklin Square, Alternative Spring Break, Council of Student Body Presidents, Voter Mobilization, Service Learning).

Franklin Square

In order to safeguard the welfare of students on campus and foster an environment where students can succeed academically, the University has opted to participate in a national initiative to address addictive behaviors. This nation-wide project addresses addictive behaviors of college students in order to aid them in recovery from a wide-range of harmful behaviors ranging from gambling to drugs and alcohol to eating disorders. In support of this initiative, the University created a position that is jointly supported by the Special Services and Equity unit and the Administration and Student Affairs unit. Working out of both the University Student Health Center and the Counseling Center, the Addictive Behaviors Counselor will work with fraternities and sororities and the general student population, providing support, diagnosis, and counseling to students suffering from addictive disorders. This initiative began Fall 2006.

Additional service units which promote student learning and enhance the development of its students are described below.

Bookstore

McNeese State University owns and operates the Bookstore, whose primary purpose is to provide academic and non-academic merchandise and customer service to students, faculty, staff, and the general public. The Bookstore expands its services "by participating in a number of university sponsored educational and cultural events through out the year" (2005 Master Plan). To best serve students, the Bookstore offers an interest free student charge plan to assist students with the purchase of books and supplies. The Personal Touch Account can be used at the beginning of each semester for approximately one month. Books and supplies may be purchased for up to $600. At the close of the purchase deadline, each student will be billed for purchases made. One half of the total bill is due the first month and the remaining balance is due the next month. The Bookstore also buys textbooks back from students at the end of each semester and helps to sponsor Grad Fest for graduating seniors each fall and spring.

In addition to the routine duties of providing access to textbooks, supplies, and equipment, the Bookstore also promotes other University goals. The Bookstore promotes diversity during African-American History Month and Women’s Studies Month with displays, books, and materials appropriate to these topics. The Bookstore also supports University and community authors by making their works available in the Bookstore and by promoting authors’ readings held on campus and providing copies of their books for purchase at the readings.

Burton Coliseum

Burton Coliseum is owned by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and managed by McNeese State University. The collaborative agreement between the Police Jury and the University serves to strengthen partnerships with community entities. The Coliseum is a multi-purpose facility that plays a major role in the varied interests of campus and community:

• Coliseum. A domed area with a permanent seating for 6,500 and temporary seating for another 2,000. The roof of the dome is 105 feet high with over 24,000 square feet of concrete floor space. The building is airconditioned and heated.

• H.G. Chalkey Room. A banquet-style room in the coliseum seats 200 people comfortably and is available for any number of activities.

• Livestock and Exhibit Building. Four covered acres of facilities for beef, swine, sheep and horses, as well as judging areas, additional pens and a show office are available for livestock exhibition and rodeo events. Each livestock area has its own grooming area, complete with water and electrical service.

• Burton Agricultural Arena. A 50,000 square foot, covered arena with seating for 1,000 people. This facility is excellent for equestrian and rodeo events with sound and lighting, restrooms, and a concession area.

The four parts of the Burton Complex can be utilized together or separately and work well together. The entire Burton Complex is situated on 65 acres and has parking for 3,500 vehicles. An added convenience is the recreational vehicle hookups available for 275 units. All hookups have electricity, water and sewerage. The facility is designed to meet the growing interests in campus and community cultural activities and special events. The McNeese Men and Women’s Basketball team events, the McNeese Rodeo team events, commencement exercises, and other student and community events are held in the Coliseum.

Career Services Center

The Career Services Center identifies its purpose as "offer[ing] lifetime career assistance to the students and alumni of McNeese by providing opportunities, resources, and expertise to achieve career goals. The Career Services Center promotes the University’s core values in several ways:

• The use of electronic job searching facilitates the commitment to use technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness on campus. The office maintains an on-line job search through eCampus Recruiter that allows students to locate employment opportunities, schedule interviews, research companies, and in some cases submit resumes on-line;

• The Career Fair and the Teacher Job Fair bring employers from the community, from other cities and states to campus, increasing University-community linkages;

• The Center supports student retention and student success by providing students with career assessment and information, job resources, on-campus interviews, and career fairs, while also being responsive to the needs of area business and industry;

• The assistance provided to students seeking employment illustrates the culmination of the University’s efforts to enhance student learning and ultimately actualize the degrees students have earned.

The Center serves as a focal point for students and employers in assisting both to meet their employment needs" (2005 Master Plan). In working to help individuals find employment, the Center adheres to the highest principles of fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity.

The reports from the Career Center attached as supporting documents demonstrate the success that the Career Fair enjoys during both Spring and Fall semesters and reflects employment figures of graduates.

Office of Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office administers programs that provide financial assistance to students in accordance with federal and state regulations. Providing a conduit to financial resources that enables students to attend the University and complete their degrees reflects the University’s desire to attract non-traditional students and to foster a climate that enhances student learning and focuses on retention.

Financial aid programs include grants, loans, and on-campus employment. For the academic year 2003-04, seventy-one percent of students enrolled at the University received over $41 million dollars in financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, student employment, scholarships, tuition exemption, and assistantships.

In order to inform University stakeholders of financial aid opportunities, the Office of Financial Aid made the following presentations during the 2004 academic year both across the seven-parish area served by the University and to currently enrolled students:

• Mailed letters to 58 high schools offering to conduct financial aid workshops at their sites;

• Conducted workshops at 34 high schools, assisting 846 students and 558 parents;

• Conducted a "Financial Aid Awareness Day" on campus, distributing over 600 financial aid applications;

• Promoted financial aid workshops through local television stations in live interviews during January 2005;

• Assisted non-traditional students in several evening workshops throughout the 2004-05 academic year.

The Student Satisfaction Survey results (2001-05) indicate the following with respect to service provided by the Office of Financial Aid:

Student Satisfaction Survey - Financial Aid Services

Scholarships and Testing Office

Each year McNeese students receive over $5 million in university and private scholarships, exemptions, and awards. The Department of Scholarships and Testing provides information and assistance to current and prospective students regarding scholarship opportunities at the university, thereby promoting a number of University goals. Scholarships provide a venue for higher education to a number of underrepresented groups. For example, first generation college students, ethnic minorities, and non-traditional students who qualify for scholarships may not otherwise be able to attend the University.

The staff also coordinates the application/selection/disbursement processes for the MSU academic scholarship program. In addition, they administer the disbursement of all university non-athletic scholarships. Staff provide workshops on the scholarship search and application processes. The Scholarships Office also administers the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) and private scholarships awarded by various organizations, companies, and entities. The table below provides scholarship dollars awarded during fiscal years 2004-2006.

The Scholarships and Testing Office also serves to provide information/services to students, prospective students, and parents regarding educational testing services. The Scholarships and Testing Office coordinates all standardized tests given on campus, including advanced placement exams and the mandatory Midpoint Assessment of Academic Progress. During the fiscal year 2005, 6,750 exams were administered through this office. The ACT Student Opinion Survey indicates that students are satisfied with testing on campus with a score of 4.01, an increase from 3.88, and well above the national and state averages. The table below reflects the number and types of examinations given during the fiscal year 2004-05:

Number of Students Tested 2004-05

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center, the on-campus infirmary, contributes to the safe environment of the University and facilitates the physical and mental well-being of students and, to some degree, faculty and staff. The Student Health Center offers primary clinical care for acute illness and injury. Registered nurses provide diagnosis, treatment, and appropriate referrals to community providers. Students can also see area physicians who maintain a regular schedule at the Infirmary for non-emergency cases. Supported in part by a $15.00 per semester student assessment fee, the Student Health Center goals are to ensure that students are physically and mentally well enough to attend classes. In addition to collecting and maintaining those immunization records for students as required by state law as required by Louisiana RS 17:170, the Student Health Center provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where students are provided the following services:

• Clinics staffed by community physicians five days a week at no charge;

• Some prescription medications, as ordered by physician;

• General non-prescription medications, as determined safe by staff;

• Information regarding health services available locally;

• Assistance and advocacy regarding health care needs, including advice for obtaining pharmaceuticals through company-sponsored drug programs;

• Information and programs on a variety of health-related topics, as requested by student organizations and campus groups; recent topics include discussions on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and rape crisis;

• Coordination of programs with community health care providers on special topics such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases;

• Crisis management and referrals;

• Information regarding immunizations;

• Presentations during orientation meetings for incoming freshmen regarding services and topics relating to health care.

Records indicate that the Student Health Center provided services to 6,575 individuals from July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2005. The number of students served between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, however, was reduced considerably. Closed on September 23, 2005, after receiving mandatory evacuation orders from University administrators, the Health Center did not reopen until mid-November. The facility served as temporary housing for individuals working on campus to repair and inspect facilities after Hurricane Rita. Records reflect that during 2005-06, 5,021 individuals were provided services through the Student Health Center, a reduction of 1,554 over the previous year.

In addition to providing services to students, the Student Health Center provides some limited services to faculty and staff, including simple screenings, emergency treatment for job injuries, and assistance with health issues, when needed. The Student Health Center also provides limited services to individuals enrolled in summer camps and University-sponsored programs held on campus.

Results from the 2001-05 Student Satisfaction Survey below indicate levels of satisfaction with health services provided through the University Student Health Center:

Student Satisfaction Survey - Student Health Services

Intramural and Recreational Services

The Department of Intramural and Recreational Services supports the concept that “leisure, physical activity, and enjoyment are vital to an individual’s total well-being” (2005 Master Plan) in support of the University’s desire to enrich the quality of student life. A broad range of programs and facilities are offered which enhance students’ fitness, wellness, and understanding of a healthy lifestyle. In 2001, the Wellness Center was completed as an annex to the Recreation Center. This 8,000 square foot facility houses a weight room that includes a cardiovascular theater, free weights, and exercise equipment. The Recreation Center provides the following facilities for students, faculty, and staff:

• Eight outdoor lighted tennis courts;

• L-shaped six lane swimming pool with 50 meters of it outdoors and the remaining 25 yards indoors;

• Steam rooms and sauna;

• Six lane 200 meter oval indoor walking track;

• Indoor basketball courts which can be used as volleyball courts, badminton courts, tennis courts;

• Four racquetball courts;

• Showers and lockers;

• Large aerobics room.

McNeese students participate in intramural sports and free exercise classes, staff summer camps, and attend academic classes in the Recreation Complex. In 2004-2005, 2,339 students participated in 12 intramural sports. Each semester exercise classes such as yoga, step, Pilates, kickboxing, sculpting, and others are offered. Approximately 300-400 students enroll in these classes each semester. During the 2005-06 academic year, 1,096 students participated in eight intramural sports.

Special events are also held at the Recreation Complex. These range from back-to-school pool parties by campus organizations to the College Career Fair to an Open House for all University students, faculty and staff.

Students Performing with Untiring Rowdy Spirit

Students Performing with Untiring Rowdy Spirit (SPURS) is a student spirit group that enlists approximately 175 students each academic year. SPURS identifies its purposes as follows:

• To promote student participation at campus activities and athletic events;

• To provide student leadership opportunities;

• To promote campus spirit through performance at athletic events;

• To be goodwill ambassadors for the athletic department and the University.

Approximately 50-75 SPURS attend each of the major athletic events. SPURS are encouraged to attend athletic events at which there is often low attendance.

Student Services

The mission of the Office of Student Services as stated in the 2005 Master Plan is as follows:

The mission of the Office of Student Services is to promote undergraduate and graduate student development through engagement in extracurricular activities and leadership development, experiential residence life programming, student support services, and civic responsibility. The Office of Student Services supports the University’s core value of student success and contributes to instilling within students a sense of ethical responsibility and civic engagement. The departments of residence life, dining services, student health services, and student services collaborate with key units in all divisions of the University to strengthen the culture of learning and improve the quality of co-curricular life on the campus.

Various programs and activities offered to commuters, residential students, as well as organizations and others attending the University through the Office of Student Services, enhance growth spiritually, intellectually, and culturally.

Some of the duties of the Office of Student Services include the following:

• Informing the student body as to proper student conduct through the Student Handbook;

• Advising and overseeing student organizations and activities;

• Providing opportunities for leadership roles for students through campus organizations;

• Hosting the Honors Reception twice a year, which recognizes academic achievement;

• Overseeing units directly related to student life, such as student housing, student health center, student union, and food services.

The Office of Student Services is responsible for initiating campus-wide activities related to alcohol awareness. During Alcohol Awareness Week, February 14-17, 2005, the Office of Student Services sponsored several activities designed to remind students of the implications of alcohol abuse. Some of the activities presented in an effort to make students aware of the consequences of alcohol-abuse are provided below:

• Veteran trainer and teacher Jim Matthews of Massachusetts who has addressed more than 190,000 students on some 190 campuses throughout the country visited the campus

to speak on his book entitled Beer, Booze and Books ... A Sober Look at Higher Education;

• A campus display of a wrecked car with a chalk outline of people killed in alcohol-related accidents;

• A Utility Flag Garden displayed in the quadrangle, representing the number of individuals killed in alcohol-related accidents;

• Student volunteers walked the campus in silence wearing black T-shirts printed with the words, "I cannot talk; I was killed by a drunk driver."

University Police

In keeping with the University’s desire to work collaboratively with the community, to enhance the quality of campus-life, and to safeguard the well-being of all campus constituents, the University Police and Information Center identifies its mission as follows:

The primary mission of the McNeese State University Police and Information Center is to serve the University community and the public. The department strives to assist the public in maintaining a safe, secure environment in which our students and staff are able to attain their educational goals; the public also utilizes the many facilities McNeese has to offer the greater community. We endeavor to address all calls for service in a professional, courteous and efficient manner. (2005 Master Plan)

The McNeese Police Department provides the following services:

• Information and parking assistance to campus visitors;

• Escort services to those on campus requesting it; offered to anyone needing a uniformed escort to move safely about campus, this no cost program is available 24 hours a day;

• Police protective and investigative services;

• A full range of public safety services;

• Registration of vehicles used on campus;

• Publishing and enforcing campus parking rules and regulations;

• Publication of crime reports;

• Emergency medical assistance;

• Response to fire and hazardous waste emergencies.

• Response to emergency Call Boxes installed across the campus.

The McNeese Police Department makes a concerted effort to ensure the safety of the University community and keeps the community informed of matters that affects its personal safety and well-being. Regular reports regarding current problems and reported crimes are published in the student newspaper, The Contraband. The police department offers programs on personal safety, security of property, crisis intervention, and crime prevention. Students and parents are also provided with public safety information during orientation programs.

The McNeese Police Department reports crime statistics to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Crime Information Center. This report is publicized annually in The Contraband and by the local media. University police blotters and arrest reports are available to the media and formal press releases are issued to address serious or unique problems which may arise on campus. The University believes that an informed public is a safer public. In compliance with the 1990 Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, (also known as the Clery Act) statistics are provided on the McNeese Police Department website.

Special Services and Equity

The Division of Special Services and Equity works to “ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of university life” (2005 Master Plan). Individually and in cooperation with academic departments, student organizations and other administrative offices, this Division coordinates a wide range of programs and services. These activities are designed to help students in achieving academic success and in promoting personal growth and the appreciation of cultural diversity. Some of the programs sponsored or co-sponsored by this division include the following:

• Black History Month activities;

• Diversity workshops presented to students, faculty, and staff;

• Annual reception for new minority students and their parents;

• Community race relations forums held on campus;

• Upward Bound program for high school students.

The Vice-President of Special Services and Equity oversees several offices that provide direct services to students. These include the Counseling Center, which offers a comprehensive program of personal and mental health counseling services to students, staff, and faculty.

Counseling Center

Free counseling services are provided by licensure level interns and/or graduate interns, or practicum students from the Department of Psychology under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor. Counseling services are available for alcohol and other drugs, personal/marital counseling, academic assistance, career counseling, psychological and aptitude assessment, and mental health counseling.

• Guest speakers were provided to civic groups, divorce recovery groups, anger management education groups, spiritual retreat groups, LPC professional groups, and MSU academic classes. Counselors made sixty-nine presentations;

• Counselors attended training in critical incident management, treatment strategies for personality disorders, marriage and family issues, ethics, addictive disorders, and anxiety disorders;

• The Counseling Center co-sponsored the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists’ Region-Five town meeting;

• Counseling was provided to nine people referred by the Pretrial Diversion Program.

As with many other units on campus, the Counseling Center was affected by Hurricane Rita. The Counseling Center was closed for twenty-eight days following the mandatory evacuation, resulting in a lost of 737 counseling hours. During 2005, the Center served 703 students in 2,495 counseling sessions, representing a 11.7 percent decrease in number of individuals served.

Counselors from Volunteers of America trained MSU counselors in crisis debriefing. This training was funded by the Division of Administration and Student Affairs. Counselors then made services and publications available to faculty, staff, and students.

In the Fall 2006 semester, the Counseling Center in partnership with the Student Health Clinic began offering counseling services specifically related to addictive behaviors. An Addictive Behaviors Counselor has been added to the Counseling Center staff.

Services for Students with Disabilities

Services for Students with Disabilities identifies its mission as follows:

Services for Students with Disabilities provide[s] extensive post-secondary services for emotionally, physically, and learning impaired students. Goals include facilitating student transition from high school to college; assisting student with development of skills to succeed in college; counseling and career services; and transitioning guidance from college to employment. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities provides academic support services and accommodations for all disabled students enrolled at this institution as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A major responsibility of the department is to offer services such as monitored testing, interpreters, and note-takers for disabled students that qualify for these accommodations. (2005 Master Plan)

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities provides some form of assistance or accommodation with a staff consisting of two full-time employees, seven part-time employees, two graduate assistants and thirty-eight note takers.

Assistance is typically provided in the following areas:

• academic testing;

• academic counseling;

• registration;

• faculty conferences;

• note-taking;

• reading assistance;

• writing assistance;

• computer assistance;

• mobility assistance;

• hearing impaired communication;

• making copies of notes for students.

The table below reflects number of students served and number of service hours provided from fall 2004 through spring 2006:

The Office of Student Employment, which opened in August 2005, identifies its mission as follows:

The mission of the McNeese State University Student Employment Office is to provide qualified students part-time job opportunities to enhance job-seeking skills, upgrade work experiences, and use wages to help pay for college expenses. Student employment gives students opportunities to interact in a global community and to work in preparation to enter the job market while meeting critical needs of this university. The department supports the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University. (2005 Master Plan)

Policies governing student employment are published on the Student Employment Office website. Restrictions regarding the number of hours students may work as well as regulations regarding qualification have been determined to ensure that campus employment does not hinder academic performance. These restrictions and requirements are stated below:

In order to qualify for departmental budget, graduate assistant, or work study student employment, a student must be enrolled and attending at least six (6) credit hours during both the fall and spring semesters and at least three (3) credit hours in the summer semester. The enrollment and attendance of each student will be closely monitored to check for student employment eligibility. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the respective supervisor if enrollment status falls below what is required for the semester. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to inform the Department of Student Employment if enrollment status is not maintained. A student’s employment will be terminated if this status is not maintained, with limited exceptions approved by the Student Employment Coordinator.

The Office of Student Employment hires students and processes payroll for on-campus student employees as determined eligible by the Office of Financial Aid, departmentally budgeted student employees, and graduate assistants. Prior to August of 2005, responsibility for student employment was not centralized; several different offices handled student employment. Through the Student Employment Office more than 600 students are paid over $1.5 million annually for work performed on-campus.

Other programs offered throughout the campus that serve students include:

Electronic Learning

Through its electronic learning (e-Learning) program, the University offers a number of web-based, web-enhanced, and compressed video opportunities for students and faculty. These courses provide flexible scheduling options for traditional or non-traditional students. In an effort to provide students with the highest quality of learning, McNeese State University has partnered with the Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus in order to ensure the quality of online instruction and make the University's courses available to students in other states.

In order to ensure that incorporation of electronic resources facilitates learning, the University provides extensive training to faculty who wish to teach web-based, web-enhanced courses. Faculty who wish to incorporate Blackboard into their courses as a tool to augment teaching are also provided with extensive training. Several training sessions are scheduled each semester and assistance is available at all times to faculty who enhance their courses with technology. Training is conducted by the Coordinator of Distance Learning. There is also a Reference Librarian available to assist both students and faculty in the use of the library's online databases and electronic resources. Either the Coordinator of Distance Learning or the Reference Librarian is available for instruction, document delivery, reference and research assistance, technical assistance, and distance learning course information. The Center for Teaching and Learning Technology (CTLT) provides beginner and advanced level courses in Microsoft Office, FrontPage, Outlook, Blackboard and other applications for faculty who wish to incorporate technology into their courses.

Technology Advancement Student Committee

In 1997, to ensure that students' technology needs were being fully met, the University encouraged the developement of the Technology Advancement Student Committee (TASC). TASC is funded solely through student self-assessment fees. These funds either provide direct technological services to students or enhance instruction for students in their classrooms. The TASC Vision Statement, written by a student committee, articulates the goals of this committee:

[. . . ] The vision of this committee is that technology should one day be the means by which the university achieve[s] its primary goal-[-]quality education. Education is not [to] be limited to the traditional means of reaching and learning. The highly advanced society that we live in and that we are moving towards demands flexibility in all areas. Education is not excluded. Students will become accustomed to video conferencing, e-mail communications, and on-line registration and information relaying capabilities. These visions are not beyond reason. They are soon to be considered requirements in order for institutions to remain competitive in student recruitment and retention.

TASC funds are to be used for technical advancement programs and equipment for the campus. In an average year approximately $1 - $1.2 million is generated by this assessment. Applications are submitted to the TASC committee which is comprised of five students, three voting faculty/staff members and two non-voting faculty/staff. TASC funds have made the following resources possible:

• Computer labs in the student union and the library;

• Free internet access for students;

• Unlimited cost-free printing in student labs;

• Classroom technology such as virtual human beings in Nursing, band instruments; farm equipment, and a miniature jet engine for engineering;

• Fiber for the campus backbone network.

Campus Development Committee

McNeese students passed a student assessment in the fall of 1999 to establish the Campus Development Committee (CDC). According to the referendum, “the CDC will consist primarily of students to focus on campus aesthetics, inclusive of new building plaques, landscaping and variety of projects for the beautification and development of our campus.” Student committees determine what needs to be done and implement the projects themselves with assistance from University administration and facilities and planning personnel. Students are self-assessed a $15.00 per semester fee, which has funded projects such as the following:

• Replacing antiquated student desks on campus;

• Refurbishing desks that could not be replaced due to space constraints;

• Installing handicap accessible electric doors in each campus building;

• Purchasing signs for campus buildings;

• Purchasing benches and tables for outdoor use;

• Funding an outdoor smoking facility;

• Renovating Holbrook Student Union;

• Renovating Student Government Office;

• Partially funding construction of Entrance Plaza;

• Hiring a consultant to prepare a campus master landscape plan;

• Endowing five oak trees on campus.

Banners Series

The McNeese Banners Series is an arts and humanities series held each spring featuring various artists from around the world. The series provides 22-24 public events each year and approximately fifty outreach activities in K-12 schools. McNeese students can attend the public events free of charge, and many of the lecturers speak to individual McNeese classes.

During the spring 2006 semester, because many campus venues were unavailable due to Hurricane Rita, a bus was provided free of charge to transport students and community members to the events hosted off-campus. In addition to providing lectures and performances in the various arts, Banners also offers McNeese students the opportunity to perform with professional musicians and singers. In 2006, the students in the McNeese Jazz Ensemble performed with jazz singer Rosana Eckert, and also with two of the most eminent Afro-Cuban musicians performing in the world today – Yosvany Terry and Arturo O’Farrel. The McNeese Wind Symphony and the McNeese Chamber Singers have also performed with Banners performers.

Honors College

Available to students with an excellent high school record or a college-preparatory background, a minimum academic grade point average of 3.40 (on a 4.0 scale), and a composite score of 27 on the American College Test (ACT) or combined score of 1210 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the Honors College option provides students with the opportunity to pursue a curriculum that includes 24 hours of honors credit. Multidisciplinary honors courses, independent studies, unique colloquia, and opportunities for study abroad enhance the program.

During 2005-06 academic year, seventy-one students enrolled with scholarships; ten additional students enrolled in courses and took the honors option during their fifth year. Three courses, four one-hour seminars, and a myriad of social, cultural, and intellectual activities have been designed for incoming honors students. During the 2005-06 academic year, the Honors College sponsored four academic lectures, one summer student’s study abroad, and two students’ attendance at a national conference.

Twelve students graduated as Honors graduates during the Spring 2006 Commencement. The table below reflects their grade-point averages on graduation.

International Student Affairs Office

As of January 26, 2006, McNeese was home to 264 international students from forty-two countries. To meet the special needs of international students, the University established the International Student Affairs Office, which provides international students with guidance, information, support services and programs and ensures that the University remains in compliance with immigration laws and policies. The office serves as an advocate for international students and promotes intercultural learning and understanding opportunities for all McNeese students. Students are kept abreast of news, deadlines, and relevant policies through a newsletter published twice a semester on the University website.

The International Student Affairs Office sponsors the following events and programs:

• Monthly international coffee hour where students socialize with one another and with American students. This event is open to all University students, faculty and community members and is advertised on the University calendar and in the International Courier newsletter. Average attendance is 30-50 students;

• Annual program on immigration regulations by an immigration attorney from New Orleans during each fall semester. Average attendance is 40 students;

• Annual income tax preparation assistance each spring. Average participation is 60-70 students;

• Annual welcome picnic during fall semester, co-sponsored with local Rotary Club and Council for International Concerns; Average attendance is 200 students and community members;

• “India Night,” an evening which featured an authentic Indian meal and entertainment during Fall 2005, co-sponsored with India Association of Lake Charles. Attendance was over 700 people;

• Fall orientation meeting for new students; international students are introduced to several University service departments: Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Police Department, Library;

• Advising.

Calcasieu Community Clinic

The Calcasieu Community Clinic is a not-for-profit corporation located on campus that provides free ambulatory medical care and pharmaceuticals to underserved and underinsured residents of the Imperial Calcasieu area. The Clinic is staffed by area physicians and volunteers and is open on Thursday nights. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can receive patient care at the Clinic.

In 1999, the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society voted to work towards establishing a community clinic to provide much-needed medical care to uninsured, working low-income families in the five-parish area. Through a collaborative effort of the Calcasieu Parish Medical Society, Junior League of Lake Charles, and McNeese State University, the Calcasieu Community Clinic opened on the McNeese State University campus in February 2001. As of December 31, 2005, on-site patient visits totaled 5,774 and the value of services delivered totaled $1,753,358.

McNeese students benefit from the Community Clinic in the following ways:

• McNeese part-time students enrolled for fewer than seven hours and working a minimum twenty-hour week may qualify for the clinic’s medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services.

• Nursing students have access to a clinical site on-campus where they volunteer their time to gain practical experience working with licensed physicians and technicians.

• Students enrolled in the nursing capstone course perform a community service at an on-site clinic that serves low-income community members. Capstone projects have included a diabetes research program and a heart disease education forum.

• Mass Communication students use the clinic setting when required to interview non-profit agencies as a part of their coursework.

• Mass Communication senior-level students prepared a marketing plan for the clinic in its first year of operation.

Student-run Organizations

The University’s core value of facilitating student leadership is strengthened by its support of student-run organizations. More than eighty student-led groups are recognized by the University and represent a variety of co-curricular, social, religious, political, recreational, academic, and professional interests. The University provides a venue for generating funds through student self-assessment for both the Student Government Association and the Student Union Board and makes campus facilities available free of charge for activities sponsored by all student-run groups.

Student Government

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the organization which provides the students a voice to the faculty, administration, and the community. Staffed completely by students, the SGA attempts to aid the student body through its programs. One of its important roles, that of student advocate, is defined in the 2006-07 McNeese State University Catalog:

The Student Government Association’s Department of Student Rights and Welfare answers student questions, represents them in any action before University officials when they may be subject to disciplinary action, and provides for the general welfare of the student body. The Senate is the legislative body of the Student Government Association and is made up of class representatives and students from organizations on campus. A recently rewritten constitution has provided for a three-branch system of government for the Student Government Association in order to make the organization more effective and productive.

The Student Government Association is responsible for naming students for university appointment to standing committees, with voting privileges, which allows participation in institutional decision-making. (69)

During 2005-2006, a first-time orientation program was offered to senators which provided an overview of the organization’s constitution and by-laws, a brief review of parliamentary procedure and a tutorial on writing legislation. SGA sponsors Student Appreciation Day each year by providing students with free food, drinks, scantrons, pencils, and door prizes. SGA also sponsors a week-long Organizational Fair during the first week of the fall semester, acquainting students with the campus groups and programs, providing free food, drinks, door prizes, and the like.

Following Hurricane Rita, SGA spearheaded efforts to ensure that Homecoming 2005 activities were held, hoping to return some semblance of normalcy to the campus. SGA members also served the community in its efforts to aid Hurricane Katrina evacuees being housed on-campus at Burton Coliseum. Joining college students from across the state, SGA members donated their spring break to assist in rebuilding and clean up in Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes. Seventy-five students from across the country participated in this project, called Extreme Spring Break, under the leadership of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors student affairs staff.

Student Union Board

The Student Union Board (SUB), an organization open to all students, sponsors programs through the fall and spring semesters which enhance the social and cultural climate of the campus. SUB assists the Banners program by providing some funding and supplying student workers at the Banners events. The 2006-07 McNeese State University Catalog states the goals of this organization:

The Student Union Board contributes to the social, spiritual, recreational, cultural, and educational development of the students, faculty, and alumni through programs and services. As a separate entity from all other groups and organizations, the Student Union Board strives to serve as a unifying force in the life of the University by cultivating enduring regard for and loyalty to the University.

The Student Union Board consists of all McNeese students, with elected and appointed officers. Any student who has paid the full activity fee and is in good standing with the University may file an application for membership. (69)

The Contraband and The Log

The University student newspaper The Contraband has been published continuously by students representing all majors since its first issue on November 3, 1939, just a few weeks after the official opening of what was then Lake Charles Junior College. Supported by student self-assessment, The Contraband won six awards in the Louisiana Press Association College Competition during 2004-05 academic year, including recognition as the third best college newspaper in the state.

The University yearbook The Log was first published in the Spring of 1940. The students briefly discontinued the publication from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. As is The Contraband, The Log is funded by a student self-assessment fee. The Log staff is comprised entirely of students.

There are a number of programs and services presently in operation at the University designed to promote student success. Those listed below are representative of such programs.

Louis Stokes-Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP)

The Louis Stokes – Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) is one of twenty eight National Science Foundation Alliance programs nationwide. It began in 1996 as a summer bridge program for high school students and a tutoring system for university students interested in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. In the summer of 2001, research and mentoring components were incorporated into the program. An average of forty students are monitored and mentored by peer students and faculty each academic year. In 2005, the grant objective changed to focus on providing scholarships for eligible students. The program now provides financial aid to students through scholarships and stipends.

Community-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Com-STEM)

Com-Stem is an educational initiative that offers high school students the educational opportunity to hone their creative abilities, scientific skills, and academic preparedness for professional engagement with the global community. The program goal is to increase the number of students receiving associate and baccalaureate degrees in the STEM disciplines. Faculty work closely with area high school teachers, counselors and parents and monitor, counsel, and mentor students that are in the program. An Academic Excellence Reward program rewards students financially based on their engagement in academically meaningful activities. The table below identifies academic areas which are addressed by Com-STEM and University faculty members who serve as mentors and advisors.

¹ Scholars are currently examining the effects of "helicopter-parenting" on college students' success rates. Preliminary findings suggest that parental "over-involvement" can have detrimental effects on student success. Cf. "Study examines the Impact of the 'Electronic Tether.'" Recruitment & Retention in Higher Education, June 2006.

² Kuo, James, Chris Hagie, Michael T. Miller. "Encouraging College Student Success: The Instructional Challenges, Response Strategies, and Study Skills of Contemporary Undergraduate." Journal of Instructional Psychology. 31.1: (March 2004).

Supporting Evidence

McNeese State University Organizational Chart

McNeese Student Affairs

Student Opinion Survey Results 2000-2005

Student Opinion Survey National

Student Opinion Survey State

Multimonitor Display System

Coordinator of Student Activities Job Description

Addictive Behaviors Counselor Job Description

Ecampus Statistics