Nearly 20 million students stepped onto a college campus for the first time this fall. Just over 1,400 of those were at McNeese. But for many students, the transition from high school senior to college freshman is difficult.
McNeese State University has implemented a First Year Experience program to make the process of transitioning into college life easier for first-time freshmen.
“The program is designed to welcome new students and guide them through their first year,” said Jacqueline Clark, director of FYE. “The first thing we’re in charge of is Cowboy Camp. That’s their initial part of coming into the university. We do the welcome, the presentations, and the fun stuff to make sure their experience coming in is both fun and educational.”
FYE also organizes Freshman Convocation, where the entire freshman class comes together for a formal welcome to the university.
Another initiative under FYE is the SPUR Mentorship Program. SPUR stands for Scholarship, Purpose, Unity, and Resilience, and the program connects freshmen students to upperclassmen mentors. Currently, there are 15 mentors in the program, each responsible for 20 mentees.
Each mentor completes a paid training program that covers communication skills, campus resources, mentorship strategies, crisis response, and how to connect students to the right offices when issues arise. Beyond the initial training, mentors receive support throughout the semester, including check-ins, refreshers, and development sessions to ensure they feel equipped and confident.
“Our goal is to make sure they’re not just trained once but continually supported and growing in their roles,” Clark said.
Junior Kikelomo Folarin, a current FYE SPUR mentor, said the program has been rewarding. After being selected and trained over the summer, she now supports nearly 20 students through their first year.
“I learn from them just as much as they learn from me,” she said. “Helping students adjust and knowing they can rely on me has made the experience unforgettable.”
Folarin said the role has helped her strengthen her leadership, communication, and organizational skills as she works to connect her mentees with important campus resources.
To evaluate freshman satisfaction and ensure the program meets student needs, FYE uses individual check-ins, surveys and event attendance tracking.
While it’s still early to measure the full academic impact, Clark said the program is showing positive results.
“Students in the FYE program are more engaged, and they attend events, communicate regularly with their mentors, and take advantage of campus resources,” said Clark. “Many have shared that their mentors help them stay organized, feel supported, and better navigate college life.”
For freshman Chelsie Gremillion, the FYE program made a difference from the very beginning. She described Cowboy Camp as one of her favorite experiences.
“My best friend and I stayed in the dorms overnight and went to so many events. It was an experience I’ll never forget,” Gremillion said.
Coming from a graduating class of just 15 students, Gremillion said adjusting to a larger campus was intimidating at first. However, through the SPUR Program, she said she found guidance and encouragement from her mentor.
“My mentor has helped me so much figuring out who I want to be, managing stress, and reminding me I’m not alone,” she said.
