McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
According to the National Association of ADA Coordinators, “To be eligible for services, students with disabilities must identify themselves and present professional documentation to the office of disability services.”
Unlike in high school, where it is the responsibility of the administrators and educators to identify students with disabilities, in higher education it is the student’s responsibility to self-identify.
The Office of Accessibility Services cannot share information about a student’s disability with MSU staff unless the student has granted OAS permission to share this information, or there is a demonstrated institutional need to know. McNeese State University has designated OAS to be the office to receive and handle information about the student’s disability. With the student’s permission, designated faculty and staff will be advised only of the information they need to know to accommodate the student or to protect the safety and health of the student or others. Consider any communication regarding a student’s disability or special needs to be confidential. Employees, including student workers, must sign a confidentiality agreement acknowledging their understanding that continuation of employment is contingent on their abiding by the policies relating to confidentiality and privacy. Students who register with OAS are provided with a document outlining their rights and responsibilities. They are required to sign an authorization that allows the office to “notify my instructors of requested accommodations for [their] learning needs.” A signed copy of this document is kept in the student’s file in the OAS office. Copies of these documents are included as supporting documentation.
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.