Nicholls State University, Office of Continuing Education offers two cane sugar institutes each year during the summer. They include the International Sugar Cane Refiners’ Institute, which began in 1978, and the International Raw Cane Sugar Manufacturers’ Institute, which began in 1985. The success of these institutes can be contributed to many factors such as timely topics, excellent professors, Cajun food, southern hospitality and especially the support of organizations such as the Sugar Industry Technologists, American Society of Sugarcane Technologists, the American Sugar Cane League and of course the many sugar companies, mills, and refineries around the world. All these programs have the same format, two weeks of intense day-long discussions on the various and timely topics of each aspect of sugar production. Nicholls State University is happy to have contributed to the growth and success of the world sugar industry and is extremely proud to be a leader in world sugar education.
International Raw Cane Sugar Manufacturer’s Institute. May 27-June 5, 2026
International Cane Sugar Refiner’s Institute. July 13-23, 2026
The objectives of these Institutes are:
- to promote training which will upgrade the skills of participants making them better employees;
- to provide background knowledge so that participants will be better prepared to assume positions of responsibility and leadership; and,
- to develop in participants an appreciation for the total operation of the plant.
Classes will consist of lectures and discussion. Instructors will be encouraged to conduct an informal class in order to encourage questions and discussions by participants. A-V equipment will also be utilized when appropriate. Upon successful completion of the institute, students are awarded a certificate of completion. Upon request, a certificate for applicable Continuing Education Units is available.
The total fees for each course are $2,950 per participant. This includes room, board, and all workshop materials. Housing is provided in the new University residence hall and is included in the fees. Fees for commuters are $2,650. Local hotels are available for those who do not wish to stay in the residence hall.
Field trips include: LSR Refinery • Domino Sugars • John Deere Thibodaux • Lafourche Sugar Factory
Raw Cane Sugar Topics: Overview of the Sugar Industry; Cane as the Raw Material, Varieties, Sampling and Payment Scale; Preparation and Milling, Storage, Washing, Chopping, Crushing/Diffusion, Maceration Water, Sanitation; Clarification and Filtration, Purification, Apparatus, Reagents, Reaction, Heating; Evaporation and Crystallization, Evaporation, Boiling Systems, Pans and Designs, Molasses Exhaustion; Centrifugals, Principles, Efficiency, Maintenance; Energy Economy, Steam Balances, Energy Balance, Electrical Utilization, Boiler Efficiencies, Bagasse as a Source of Fuel; Basic Instrumentation/Operational, Computers Juice Scales, Flow Meters, Control Valves, Operational Control; Chemical Control, Chief Chemists, Laboratory, Factory Control; Government Programs/Regulations, Farm Bill, E.P.A., O.S.H.A.; Problem Solving, Panel of Experts; Resume, Evaluation.
Refiner’s Cane Sugar Topics: Overview of the Sugar Industry; Clarification Methods; Adsorption Process /Ion Exchange; High-Grade and Low-Grade Crystallization; Conditioning, Storage of Granulated and Liquid Sugar; Centrifugals and Their Operation; Food Safety and Quality; Sugar Marketing, Government Programs; Energy Economy; The Control Laboratory; Basic Instrumentation/Operational Computers; Overview of Legal Regulations, EPA, FDA,OSHA, etc.; Statistical Quality Control; Problem Solving, Panel of Experts; Resume, Evaluation
For more information or to register phone 985-448-4444 or email:
http//:www.nicholls.edu/continuing-ed or liz.mccurry@nicholls.edu