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Parent Orientation

We Change Lives

Orientation Information

Welcome to Parent Orientation 2021!  We are excited that you will take the opportunity to visit our campus and become more informed of how you can support your students. This program will offer you a chance to partake in the opening and closing of student orientation, introduce you to several support services at the University, and provide other information pertinent to you as family members of incoming students. We welcome you to the McNeese family! If you have any questions regarding Parent Orientation contact the Office of Student Services at 337-475-5609 or email studentservices@mcneese.edu.

Parent orientations scheduled are concurrent with freshman orientations and take place on the following dates:  June 3-4, June 23-24, July 12-13, and August 13-14.  The program is optional for parents, but participation is encouraged.

Day 1: A complete online experience allowing parents to participate in some virtual sessions with their students and receive preview information from day 2 presenters.

Day 2: A fully in-person experience. Parents will participate in opening and closing orientations with students. In between, a separate parent assembly will take place including guest speakers, Q&A sessions, and an optional campus tour.

Overnight Accommodations: Overnight accommodations are not provided for parents, but recommendations are available at the bottom of this web page. Students can request overnight accommodations through their orientation registration.  If space is available in on-campus housing, students will be invited to stay on campus for one night ($50 fee charged – includes two meals).

Click here to RSVP for a Parent Orientation Session

Tentative Schedule

TimeEvent
7:00amParent orientation & Cowboy Camp freshman orientation check-in begins
8:00amCowboy Camp opening session
8:45amParent transition to Tritico Theater
9:00amParent orientation kick-off
9:15amSupport services & student engagement presentations round 1
10:15amBreak
10:30amSupport services & student engagement presentations round 2
11:15amDean of Students morning wrap-up
12:00pmDepartmental table browse (12:00pm – 12:30pm)
Office of Accessibility Services consultations
Lunch on your own
1:30pmStudent Showcase and Panel
2:15pmEnrollment Management
Student Finances: Bookstore, Financial Aid, Scholarships, Accounts Payable
3:15pmAfternoon snack break
3:30pmGroup 1: Academic College Open Houses
Group 2: Campus Tour
Group 3: Campus Housing Tour
4:45pmParents transition to Bulber Auditorium with students
5:00pmCowboy Camp closing activities
Tentative Parent Orientation Schedule

Updates to the schedule are made as necessary.

Click here to RSVP for a Parent Orientation Session

Parent Orientation Presenting Areas:

  • Accessibility Services (Private consultations offered)
  • Campus Dining (Meal plans for resident and commuter students)
  • Campus Housing (On-campus living information)
  • Campus Police (Student Safety & Security)
  • Career Services
  • Counseling Center & Career Counseling
  • Dean of Students (Student Rights & Responsibilities, Student Well-Being & Success, Campus Expectations)
  • Student Engagement (Student Activities, Student Organizations, Fraternity/Sorority Life)
  • Student Financials (Campus Bookstore, Financial Aid, Scholarships)
  • Student Health Services
  • “Tips and Strategies for Parents”

Academic Colleges Table Browse and (Optional) Open Houses:

  • College of Business
  • College of Science, Engineering, & Mathematics
  • College of Education Professions
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Nursing & Health Professions
  • College of Agricultural Sciences

Location Information: 

  • Parent orientation presentations will begin with students in Bulber Auditorium, then will transition to Tritico Theater located in Shearman Fine Arts Annex (see map below).
  • Freshman Orientation for students begins in Bulber Auditorium then will be in various locations throughout each day before closing out back inside of Bulber Auditorium.

Campus Map:

  • Holbrook Student Union (Old Ranch) – #23
  • Holbrook Student Union Annex (New Ranch)- #33
  • Tritico Theater (Parent Orientation Presentations) – #29
  • Bulber Auditorium – #6
  • Campus Police is aware of visitors on campus for orientation dates.
    • Tickets will not be issued if you are in a legal parking spot.

Click here to view and print a campus map
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Overnight Accommodations: 

If you require accommodations, consider a hotel property in Lake Charles.  Group rates are being discussed and will be posted here when there are available.  If you RSVP prior to the information being added, you will receive an email with updates concerning overnight accommodations.

Booking information Coming Soon

Experience Lake Charles: 

Here are recommendations of how to spend any free time in Lake Charles.

View the Lake Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau Getaway Guide for more ideas of how to experience Lake Charles!

Resources: 

2020 version, 2021 version will be available at a later date