McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dear Poke Nation,
Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday break and spending time with family and friends.
The campus reopened on January 3 and we will begin classes as scheduled on Monday, January 10. I want to assure you that we are carefully monitoring the evolving status of COVID-19 and the current variant.
We will continue to follow the University of Louisiana System guidance and many of the protocols we used during the fall semester. These include wearing face masks indoors, practicing good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing, closely monitoring your health for symptoms and staying home if you are feeling unwell.
COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are recommended for all students, faculty and staff. The Louisiana National Guard is conducting testing and administering the vaccine and boosters on campus in the Old Ranch. These services are offered at no cost to all students, faculty and staff. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccines or boosters, consult your personal health care provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adjusted the timeline for persons exposed to or testing positive for the virus. The new timeline reduces the time for isolation and quarantine from 10 days to five days. More information about the revised quarantine and isolation guidance is located on the COVID Resources webpage.
Our COVID Response Team is closely following our local situation and we will adjust our guidance accordingly based on recommendations from public health officials. Per ULS guidance, masks will be required indoors until the level of transmission in our region drops into the moderate range and stabilizes.
The COVID Resources webpage contains the most current information and guidance and it is also important for you to monitor your McNeese email for updates.
Thank you for all you are doing to keep our campus community safe and healthy.
Have a great semester and Geaux Pokes!
Sincerely,
Dr. Daryl V. Burckel
President
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.