Cowboy Camp
Get Connected, Get Engaged
Cowboy Camp New Student Orientation is designed for first-time freshmen and provides them with essential information and tools necessary to be successful McNeese students. The experience assists freshmen in adapting to the University environment and becoming a part of the campus community. Sessions are scheduled during the summer for students who will be first-time freshmen in the fall. Freshmen participate in several programmatic elements including general assemblies, engagement activities, and content-specific breakout sessions. All first-time freshmen are required to attend a Cowboy Camp session to gain credit in ORIN 101.

What will happen at Cowboy Camp?
Click here to see a Cowboy Camp promotional video
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Cowboy is exciting, interactive, and motivational. In addition to learning what it means to be a fully engaged McNeese student, and meeting student leaders and peers, Cowboy Camp participants will have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions on topics that will assist with acclimating to the McNeese community and the college experience.
Students will also be able to participate in leisure campus activities and social engagement.
Registration for Summer 2023 Sessions
Pre-registration is required for Cowboy Camp. Students who attend Cowboy Camp Sessions are expected to stay overnight on campus. Students with addresses in Calcasieu Parish may opt-out of overnight accommodations, but are strongly encouraged to stay with their peers. Limited registration spots are available for each session.
Mark your calendar – registration opens on April 1, 2023
Tentative Cowboy Camp Schedule
Day 1
Time | Activity | Location |
11:00am | Check-In for Orientation and Housing Begins | Recreation Complex – Ward Arena |
11:30am | Lunch Begins | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
12:30pm | Check-In Ends | |
1:00pm | Lunch Ends | |
1:30pm – 2:15pm | Opening Assembly w/ Parents | Tritico Theater |
2:30pm – 3:15pm | Small Group Session | Designated Locations |
3:30pm – 4:00pm | Breakout Sessions 1 | Designated Locations |
4:15pm – 4:45pm | Breakout Sessions 2 | Designated Locations |
4:45pm – 5:30pm | Flex Time | TBD |
5:30pm – 6:00pm | First Dinner | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
6:15pm – 6:45pm | Second Dinner | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
7:00pm – 9:00pm | “19:39 at the Clock Tower” Tradition Evening Large Group Activities | TBD |
Day 2
Time | Activity | Location |
7:45am | First Breakfast | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
8:15am | Second Breakfast | Rowdy’s Dining Hall |
9:00am | Morning Assembly | Tritico Theater |
10:00am – 10:30am | Small Group Session | Designated Locations |
10:45am – 11:15am | Breakout Sessions 3 | Tritico Theater |
11:30am – 12:00pm | Breakout Sessions 4 | Designated Locations |
12:15pm – 1:45pm | Lunch and Midday Activity | TBD |
2:00pm – 3:00pm | Flex Time (Campus Housing Checkout) | Designated Locations |
3:15pm – 4:15pm | Closing Assembly | TBD |
4:15pm – 5:00pm | University Business Time |
Overnight Housing
Overnight housing is available on campus for Cowboy Camp sessions. Students with home addresses outside of Calcasieu Parish are prioritized for on-campus housing. Students with home addresses inside of Calcasieu Parish may stay overnight on campus but may opt out if they wish to commute back and forth home. More information concerning overnight housing, room assignments, and items to bring will be provided closer to your registered date for Cowboy Camp.
Meals
The following meals are provided to students at Cowboy Camp at no cost.
Day 1: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast and Lunch
Orientation Fees
Students who register for one of the Cowboy Camp: New Student Orientation sessions are assessed a non-refundable $250 orientation fee that covers expenses associated with the program and advisor support throughout the freshman year. The charge is applied to the student’s tuition and fee bill after a student has attended an orientation session.
More Information
Plan to check this page for more information in the future including:
- What to bring
- Attire
- Rowdy Rider orientation leaders
- Concurrent Parent Orientation sessions
Questions
If you have any questions concerning Cowboy Camp, contact the Office of Student Services at 337-475-5609 or email studentlife@mcneese.edu.