McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Designed for first-time freshmen and provides them with essential information and tools necessary to be successful McNeese students. The experience assists freshmen in adapting to the University environment and becoming a part of the campus community. Sessions are scheduled during the summer for students who will be first-time freshmen in the fall. Freshmen participate in several programmatic elements, including general assemblies, engagement activities, and content-specific breakout sessions. All first-time freshmen are required to attend a Cowboy Camp session to gain credit in ORIN 101.
Parents and family members who want an educational experience alongside their student attending Cowboy Camp should scroll to the bottom of this page for information about Cowboy Family Connection!
Cowboy is exciting, interactive, and motivational. In addition to learning what it means to be a fully engaged McNeese student and meeting student leaders and peers, Cowboy Camp participants will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions on topics that will help them acclimate to the McNeese community and the college experience.
Students will also be able to participate in leisure campus activities and social engagement.
Convocation is mandatory for all incoming first-year students. To gain credit for Orientation, students must complete one Orientation session (Cowboy Camp), attend Convocation, and complete mandatory trainings during the fall semester.
Pre-registration is required for Cowboy Camp. Students who attend Cowboy Camp Sessions may stay overnight on campus. Students with addresses outside of Calcasieu Parish are prioritized. Limited registration spots are available for each session.
Registration will open during the spring 2026 semester:
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 10:30am – 12:15pm | Check-In for Orientation and Housing Optional Lunch (Rowdy’s) |
Recreation Complex Ward Arena |
| 12:30pm – 1:15pm | Opening Assembly w/ Parents | Tritico Theater |
| 1:30pm – 2:15pm | Small Group Sessions | Designated Locations |
| 2:30pm – 3:00pm | Group Campus Tours | Guided by Rowdy Riders |
| 3:15pm – 4:00pm | Breakout Sessions 1 | Designated Locations |
| 4:15pm – 5:00pm | Academic Breakout Sessions | Designated Locations |
| 5:00pm – 5:45pm | Flex Time | Rec Complex/ Student Union |
| 5:45pm – 6:15pm | First Dinner | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
| 6:30pm – 7:00pm | Second Dinner | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
| 7:15pm – 7:35pm | “19:39 at the Clock Tower” Tradition | Quad |
| 7:35pm – 9:00pm | Evening Engagement Activities | Quad, Recreation Complex, Student Union |
| Time | Activity | Location |
| 7:45am – 8:15am | Breakfast | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
| 8:30am – 9:45am | Morning Assembly | Tritico Theater |
| 10:00am – 10:30am | Small Group Sessions | Designated Locations |
| 10:45am – 11:30am | Breakout Sessions 2 | Designated Locations |
| 11:45am – 12:30pm | Breakout Sessions 3 | Designated Locations |
| 12:45pm – 2:00pm | Lunch and Midday Engagement Activities | Recreation Complex |
| 2:00pm – 2:45pm | Flex Time & Group Competitions (Campus Housing Checkout) |
Designated Locations |
| 3:00pm – 4:00pm | Closing Assembly | Tritico Theater |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | University Business Time |
Overnight housing is available on campus for Cowboy Camp sessions. Students with home addresses outside of Calcasieu Parish are prioritized for on-campus housing. Students with home addresses inside Calcasieu Parish may stay overnight on campus, but may opt out if they wish to commute back and forth home. More information concerning overnight housing, room assignments, and items to bring will be provided closer to your registered date for Cowboy Camp.
The following meals are provided to students at Cowboy Camp at no cost.
Day 1: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast and Lunch
Students who register for one of the Cowboy Camp: New Student Orientation sessions are assessed a non-refundable $250 orientation fee that covers expenses associated with the program and advisor support throughout the freshman year. The charge is applied to the student’s tuition and fee bill after a student has attended an orientation session.
For more information and the event schedule, please visit the Cowboy Family Connection webpage.
Ms. Anna Grace Bizzle is an Academic Advisor for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from Mississippi State University. Her favorite part of advising at McNeese is being a resource for students as they get used to the expectations of college and helping students pursue their degrees at such a wonderful school.