JOINT INFORMATION CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2008

Higher Education News Update

McNeese State University Classes Closed Monday Due To Hurricane Ike

BATON ROUGE -- Classes at McNeese State University are canceled for Monday, Sept. 15, and all offices will be closed due to the effects of Hurricane Ike. Essential employees should return to work as soon as directed by their supervisor, dean, or director.

The campus does not have extensive damage from Hurricane Ike and
has not lost power. However, there are significant power outages in Southwest Louisiana and extensive flooding in some parts of Calcasieu Parish.

"The decision to close the university was made because of safety concerns for our students and employees," said McNeese President Robert Hebert.

"We will address the re-opening of the campus on Tuesday as soon as possible," Hebert said.

Information about the resumption of classes will be posted at www.mcneese.edu, sent to
local media, and distributed through e-mail and FirstCall.

For the latest information on Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, visit emergency.louisiana.gov or call the state's emergency hotline at 1-866-288-2484 to listen to a recorded message with the most up-to-date information.

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