What is McNeese State University’s current enrollment number?

The spring enrollment at McNeese State University is under 5,800.

“Our fall 2020 enrollment after the hurricanes was 7,287. Fall 2021 enrollment was 6,456, a 12.1 percent decrease. The enrollment losses are spread across all categories including first-time freshmen, transfer students, international students, dual-enrollment students and continuing students,” according to an interoffice email sent to McNeese faculty members this week and signed by President Daryl Burckel. “The spring 2022 enrollment is down 10.3 percent from last year, a difference of 664 students including 250 juniors and seniors in good standing that did not enroll for classes this semester.”

McNeese’s operating budget is built upon two main sources of revenue — state appropriations and self-generated revenue through tuition and fees. While the state appropriation has not changed, even a slight drop in enrollment has a significant impact on the operating budget.

According to the email, the enrollment declines for 2021-2022 translate to a $5.6 million loss in self-generated revenue in the operating budget.

“As we plan for the 2022-2023 academic year, we must develop a budget based on this year’s enrollment,” the email to faculty members reads. “In other words, we have to adjust for the $5.6 million loss and budget for an enrollment of 6,000-6,500 students. We no longer have sustainable reserve funds to fall back on and there is no promise of one-time federal funds or additional state appropriations for operating funds.”

The email states that the McNeese organization will be resized to serve the smaller student enrollment.

“This will result in eliminating positions and more reorganizations in addition to a comprehensive academic program review.”

E-Recycle Day

Will the city of Lake Charles be able to host an E-Recycle Day this year?

Yes. The annual Citgo E-Recycle Day is scheduled for 8-11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Electronic items that will be accepted include computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, keyboards, photocopiers, televisions, VCRs, home and office phones, cellphones and consumer electronics. The team will also accept thermostats, thermometers and lamps.

Smoke detectors, fire alarms, dehumidifiers, large appliances and medical equipment containing sludge or liquids will not be accepted.

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Informer is written by Crystal Stevenson, American Press executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.