Freshman Advising > Parent Orientation

Parent Orientation

The Smart Choice

Welcome to Parent Orientation 2024! 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.

During parent orientation, you will discover on-campus support services available for your student, like accessibility services, tutoring, and health and counseling 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, and purchasing textbooks and supplies. You will have the opportunity to tour campus and find out more information about campus housing, meal plan options, recreational facilities and more.

When your student registers for one of the three Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation sessions, they have the option to provide parent/ guardian contact information.

  • Parent Orientation is optional for parents, but participation is encouraged.
  • Parents/guardians can attend any of the 3 Parent Orientation dates referenced below.
  • Parent Orientation will begin promptly at 9:00 am. This is to ensure that time is available for students/parents to visit Student Central if needed.
  • Signing up in advance is preferred. https://forms.office.com/r/G7vrBRQnB2 Walk-ins will be accepted on the day of the event.

Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation Dates

Dates / Times

  • May 29 – May 30
  • June 26 – June 27
  • July 17 – July 18

Parent Orientation Details

On Day 1 of Cowboy Camp, parents will be able to attend the following with their students:

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 
  • We encourage parents to visit our McNeese Bookstore.
  • Student Central is located in Chozen Hall
  • Campus tours will be available after Parent Orientation on Day 2 of Cowboy Camp.
  • See our visitor’s bureau links below for things to do while in Lake Charles.

Day 2 of Cowboy Camp New Student Orientation: (May 30, June 27, and July 18, 2024)

Location: SEED CENTER Noland Room (2nd floor—elevators available)

  • Parent Orientation will be held in the Noland Room located in the SEED Center located at 4310 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70605  https://www.mcneese.edu/campusmaps/ (building #25 on the map)
  • Parking is available in the parking lot located opposite the building.
  • The Noland room can be chilly, even when it is hot outside, so bring a light jacket to help you remain comfortable.
9:00 am- 9:15 amWelcome and Agenda
9:15 am- 9:30 amThe Advising Process Timeline Placement and Ways to Earn Credit Transcripts and Credits Transfer process

9:30 am – 9:45 amSafety and the New McNeese Safe App
9:45 am- 10:00 amMcNeese Trivia and Prizes
10:00 am-10:15 amStudent Services—Dr. Kedrick Nicholas, Dean of Student Affairs Student Health, Engagement and Success Services
10:15 am – 10:30 amFinancial Aid and Scholarships
10:30 am-10:55 amStudent Challenges and How to Best Support Your Student Student Panel Questions and Answers
11:00 amDismissal
Parents and family will be encouraged to visit the following locations that are open until 5:00 p.m. this day:

Bookstore – 20% discount to all customers who say they are attending Cowboy Camp Parent OrientationHousing/Residence Life OfficeAccessibility Services   Student Central will be open until 6:00 p.m. both days of Cowboy Camp.
Note: These dates coincide with students’ second day of Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation.

The McNeese Office of Recruiting will provide campus tours for parents at 2:00 p.m. on May 30, June 27, and July 18th (the 2nd day of Cowboy Camp). Parents that attend Parent Orientation who wish to participate should arrive at Chozen Hall at least five minutes before the tour start time. No advance registration is required for the tours.

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.