Cowboy Camp

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.

Starting at McNeese for the Spring 2023 Term?

First-time students starting for the spring 2023 term should register for an NTRD Orientation Session.

What will happen at Cowboy Camp?

Click here to see a Cowboy Camp promotional video

Click here to see another Cowboy Camp promotional video

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 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 expected to stay on campus. Students with home addresses inside of Calcasieu Parish are strongly encouraged to 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.