The University provides services supporting its mission by selecting qualified personnel to direct and work with its student affairs programs.

The process of selecting personnel is the first step in ensuring that they can perform their jobs in an effective and efficient way.

The hiring process for unclassified employees is designed so that appropriate position descriptions and qualifications for these positions are developed and applied. The Vice President for Special Services and Equity monitors the hiring process, conducts an educational seminar on equal employment opportunity for each search committee, and approves all job advertisements and interview questions. The hiring process begins with the University of Louisiana System’s approval. A search committee is formed to conduct the search process, which includes job advertisement, the screening of applicants, a behavior-based interview, and then selection of the top candidate. The criteria listed in the job advertisement regarding qualifications, requirements, and preferences are a result of the responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities stated in the position description that is developed by the Supervisor of the position.

McNeese State University has adopted a hiring plan that is in compliance with federal, state, university, and University of Louisiana System policies.

Current leadership among unclassified employees within departments delivering key student support services represents over three hundred years of collective professional experience in directing student affairs and closely related employment duties. All administrative department heads in these units have master’s degrees that are appropriate to the scope of duty and oversight they perform, and many have completed the doctorate or are in process of completing doctoral degrees related to their areas of oversight. Additionally, department heads in the University Counseling Center and Office of Student Services possess licensure as professional counselors, and many others serve in leadership roles in professional organizations and associations that are directly relevant to their work in student support services. Documents attached to this narrative attest to their qualifications.

Longevity with McNeese State University has equipped many personnel within student affairs and services with a comprehensive understanding of the University’s systems and processes:

• The Vice President for Administration and Student Affairs has served in his present role for over eighteen years and previously served as an academic department head and dean of an academic college of the University:

• Directors in the counseling center, recreation complex, financial aid, university bookstore, career services, and Burton Coliseum have rendered fifteen to twenty years of service each with the University in student affairs and services roles.

Fresh perspectives and diverse professional experiences among personnel within student affairs and services also strengthen the quality and scope of services provided:

• The Director of University Police brought over fifteen years of law enforcement experience with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the private security services sector upon employment with the University.

• The Coordinator of the Recreational Complex was a veteran educator having served many years as a teacher, coach, and school administrator before assuming his present role.

• The Dean of Student Services worked multiple student affairs and enrollment management roles as a director, dean, and vice president in public, private, and community college settings in Texas and Michigan before his appointment to the McNeese administrative staff in 2004.

• The Assistant Dean of Student Services, following a career in military service, served six years in housing and residence life roles at institutions in Mississippi and Georgia before her appointment to the University in 2005. Individual resumes are available through administrative roster.

Department heads are selected through the University’s hiring plan and are subject to annual administrative review by their supervisor. Department heads, directors, deans, and vice presidents over key student support units are also subject to annual administrative evaluation by their peers.

Supporting Evidence

Annual Performance Appraisal Policy And Procedures

Organization Charts of Student Affairs and Services Staff

Roster of Student Affairs and Related Staff

Student Opinion Survey

Student Support Services Unit Supervisor Resumes