Cowboy Family Connection
The Smart Choice
Welcome to Cowboy Family Connection 2026! We are excited that you will be visiting our campus and learning more about how you can best support your student during their journey to becoming a college graduate. Cowboy Family Connection is an optional one-day orientation experience for parents and family members that takes place during the first day of Cowboy Camp with the goal of equipping parents and guardians with the knowledge needed to be fully supportive of their students throughout their McNeese career.
During Cowboy Family Connection, you will discover on-campus support services available for your student such as counseling, accessibility services, tutoring, and health services. You will also learn about student financial matters, like financial aid and scholarships, tuition and fee bills, setting up installment plans and other payment options as well as purchasing textbooks and supplies. You will have the opportunity to tour campus and find out more information about campus safety, housing and meal plan options, recreational facilities and more.
When your student registers for one of the four Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation sessions, they have the option to provide parent/guardian contact information; we will use this information to invite parents to attend.
- Cowboy Family Connection is optional for parents, but participation is encouraged.
- Parents/guardians can attend any of the 4 Cowboy Family Connection dates referenced below. Cowboy Family Connection will begin promptly at 10:45 a.m.
- Signing up in advance is preferred ($10.00 per adult, $5.00 for guests 17 years of age and younger), but no refunds will be issued for cancellations. Walk-ins will be accepted on the day of the event.
Registration fees cover access to meals and branded giveaways provided to families.
Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation Dates
Dates / Times
- May 27 – May 28 Session A – sign up (May 27 only)
- June 24 – June 25 Session B – sign up (June 24 only)
- July 8 – July 9 Session C – sign up (July 8 only)
- July 22 – July 23 Session D – sign up (July 22 only)
2025 Cowboy Family Connection Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00-10:30am | Check-In | Richard Student Union |
| 10:45-11:30am | Opening Assembly | Memorial Ballroom (Richard Student Union) |
| 11:30am-12:30pm | Lunch | Rowdy’s Dining Hall (Richard Student Union) |
| 12:45-1:30pm | Parent/Family Welcome | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| 1:30-2:15pm | Student Support & Advocacy | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| 2:15-3:00pm | Group Session #1 | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| 3:00 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:10-3:55pm | Group Session #2 | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| 3:55-4:45pm | Group Session #3 | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| 4:55-5:15pm | Student Panel | Parra Ballroom (Student Union Annex) |
| Optional Activities | ||
| 5:20-5:50pm (optional) | Campus tour with students | Student Union Annex |
| 6:00-7:00pm (optional) | Family Social hosted by McNeese Leadership Team | Noland Room, SEED Center |
| 7:15-7:39pm (optional) | Join students for Clock Tower tradition | Quad at the Clock |
Things to do, places to stay, and places to eat in Lake Charles
There is always something fun to do, something exciting to see and something amazing to eat, here in Lake Charles. For a full calendar of events and suggestions on museums, exhibits, festivals, attractions and restaurants you can enjoy while you are here, check out www.visitlakecharles.org.
Preferred Hotel Stays
Candlewood Suites Lake Charles South | 2 mi away from McNeese State University (4.0 Stars Google)
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lake Charles | 1.8 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars Google)
Staybridge Suites – Lake Charles | 2 mi away from McNeese State University (4.4 Stars Google)
Wingate by Wyndham – Lake Charles | 2.4 mi away from McNeese State University (4.2 Stars Google)
Wyndham Lake Charles | 2.7 miles from McNeese State University (4.0 Stars Google)
Local Casino Resorts
L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles | 3.03 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars Google)
Golden Nugget Lake Charles | 3.04 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars)
Area Attractions & Activities
Check out visitlakecharles.org for a list of things to do in our area:
- Casinos
- Events
- Outdoors & Recreation
- Kids Activities
- Shopping
- Creole Nature Trail
- Downtown
- Arts & Culture
- Food & Drink
- Crawfish
Helpful Links:
https://www.visitlakecharles.org/things-to-do
https://www.visitlakecharles.org/plan-your-visit/visitor-guide/digital-guide