LAKE CHARLES (AP) — Sowela Technical Community College and McNeese State University have signed agreements for cross-enrollment of students and the sharing of residential housing.

A McNeese news release Wednesday said the cross-enrollment agreement permits students from Sowela and McNeese to enroll in freshman or sophomore level courses at either institution under certain circumstances.

“Cross enrollment will provide McNeese students with options at Sowela when equivalent courses at McNeese are not available,” according to Dr. Philip Williams, McNeese president.

The residential housing agreement formalizes a nearly decade-long practice of providing on-campus residential housing at McNeese for Sowela students when space is available.

The cooperative agreements between the institutions make the transfer process easier while increasing housing options.

“Many of our students start at Sowela with plans to attend McNeese,” said Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Sowela chancellor.

“As our institutions work together on cross enrollment and transfer opportunities, we expect an increasing number of Sowela students will benefit from the residential housing available at McNeese,” said Dr. Rick Bateman, vice chancellor of academics and student success.

McNeese State President Dr. Phillip C. Williams and Sowela Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. (Special to the American Press)