Freshman
Advising

Now that you're a cowboy

Welcome to the Family

The Office of Freshman Advising is located in Chozen Hall (on the corner of Ryan and McNeese Streets). The Office of Freshman Advising provides academic advising to first-time freshmen, administers the University’s parent orientation and Peerleader programs, and participates in the University’s student orientation. First-time freshmen are advised in the Office of Freshman Advising before transitioning to advising by the academic department of their chosen major. Advisors guide students in major selection and counsel them on matters that may affect their academic progress, especially regarding University policies and procedures.





How Advising Works

Once students within the Office of Advising reach a minimum of 45 earned credit hours with an overall GPA of 2.2 or higher, they will be transferred to the academic department of their chosen major for advising. Students not meeting these requirements will remain in the Office of Advising until 59 credit hours are earned. Students within the College of Education and Music majors will start and remain in their academic departments, unless student requests a major change to a major within another college.

Freshmen are advised based upon their selected major and according to the core curriculum listed in the catalog. After admission to the University, students seeking to change majors must notify their academic advisor to receive instructions as to next steps. Once the advisor has been notified and the major has been changed in the student information system, the student will be subject to the regulations of the catalog in effect at the time the major is selected.

Timeline for student Advising

Continuing students will receive email communication from their assigned Freshman advisor around mid-September (for Spring registration) and mid-March (for Summer and Fall registration) that will inform students of advising availability.

New students for Summer or Fall 2025 will receive email communication from their assigned Freshman advisor around early April that will inform students of advising availabilities.

We encourage students to check both their McNeese student email and personal email frequently for communications from freshman advising.

Meet Our Advisors

Welcome! At McNeese State University, we're dedicated to helping our students achieve their academic goals by offering over 50 distinct degree programs, personalized advising, and much more. Not sure where to start? Our advisors are available to answer any questions you might have.

Not sure who
your advisor is?

Have questions?
Contact our office!

Our Freshman Advising inbox is monitored by all freshmen advisors:

freshmanadvising@mcneese.edu

Specific Population Advising:

College of Education majors should email Dr. Angela LeBreton


 

Kinesiology majors should email Dr. Courtney Hebert


 

Official roster student-athletes should email Monica Orsot

msu_0000_Ashley-Bass-1-002-e1704997606865

Ashley Bass

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.

College of Liberal Arts

Harold and Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences
College of Business
Headshot of Jonathon McMahon

Jonathon McMahon

Mr. Jonathon McMahon is the Academic Advisor for the College of Engineering and Sciences. He advises for majors like Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Management and is currently completing his Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics. With experience as a student at McNeese State University he is confident he can help advise students for the upcoming semester. His favorite part of campus is the small-town, home-like feel that it gives. He is excited to help students reach their college goals, achieve a degree, and start to create and accomplish their career goals.

Advisor For:

College of Engineering and Sciences (excluding Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences)

msu_0003_Lauryn-Rider-Headshot.png

Lauryn Rider

Ms. Lauryn advises students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. She is a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in marketing and is expected to graduate with her Master of Business Administration this Fall. She began her McNeese career as a recruiter and loves to teach students about what the University has to offer. Her favorite thing about campus is the personal aspect. She strives by our university’s motto to provide “Excellence With a Personal Touch.” She is excited to help guide students through the transition into college. In her free time, she loves to go offshore fishing, shop, and spend time with family and friends.

Advisor For:

College of Nursing

and Health Professions