McNeese’s FYE Celebrates Successful First Semester 

First-year students at McNeese State University are getting a strong start to their college careers through the First-Year Experience (FYE) program, which provides added support designed to help students succeed. 

McNeese received a $2.2 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create FYE. The program is designed to support first-year students with mentors and special events.  

“The fall 2025 semester marked an exciting beginning as we launched the First-Year Experience,” explained Jacqueline Clark, director of FYE. “Our goal was simply to support, guide and empower first-year students as they transitioned into college life. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together in just one semester.” 

The SPUR Mentor aspect of FYE connects first-year students with trained peer mentors to support academic success, campus engagement and personal growth.  

“Being a part of the FYE SPUR Mentor program was the best decision I have ever made. Coming into McNeese after not being in school for a year, I was unsure whether I would make it my first year. Thanks to the mentors’ support and guidance, I feel confident in my abilities as a student,” explained Seimone Freeman, of Lake Charles. “This program helps first-year students be more successful at McNeese.” 

The FYE Office is a dedicated space in the Frazar Memorial Library for first-year students to seek advice, build connections, relax and study. Mentors can meet with students one-on-one or in groups in the office. Students stopped by the office more than 1,200 times during the fall 2025 semester. Tutoring for science, math and writing are also located in the library for all students.   

“There were times when I struggled, but I had no worries because FYE was open and my mentor was always there during hard times,” explained Reagan Landry, of Church Point. “When classes were overwhelming, the tutoring is close by.” 

First-year students enjoy unique events including Freshman Fest, First Generation Day, Halloween Movie and Craft Night and Tutoring and Tacos. Students can also attend Advising 101 and Registration Rodeo to help them navigate the registration process for the next semester.  

One of the first experiences for incoming students is an orientation and welcome event hosted by FYE called Cowboy Camp. This multi-day event gives students a taste of college life and an opportunity to explore the campus. 

“The FYE program made a difference from the very beginning. Cowboy Camp was one of my favorite experiences,” said Chelsie Gremillion, of Singer. “Coming from a graduating class of just 15 students to a larger campus was intimidating at first, but I found guidance and encouragement from my mentor. My mentor has helped me so much figuring out who I want to be, managing stress and reminding me I’m not alone!” 

Plans for the spring semester include expanding mentor-mentee engagement, hosting appealing events, offering additional workshops and continuing strengthening first-year student success. 

“As a first-time freshman at McNeese, I explored the vibrant campus life, joined clubs and volunteered, which allowed me to grow as an individual and make a difference,” Landry said. “I got to embrace the spirit of McNeese, found my place and created memories that will last a lifetime.”