Students Indicate Lake Land College is Their First Choice Posted on August 13, 2018 Most Lake Land College students reported Lake Land was their first choice of institution when deciding where to go to college, a recent study indicates. According to the Spring 2018 Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey, 81 percent of students listed Lake Land College as their first choice, up from 73 percent in 2015. Survey results support the college’s enrollment reports that annually indicate Lake Land College is the top choice among the in-district seniors seeking a higher education. In addition, students ranked affordability and academic reputation as top reasons for choosing Lake Land. Specific rankings include 1. Cost, 2. Financial aid, 3. Academic reputation, 4. Personalized attention prior to enrollment and 5. Geographic setting. “The fact that geographic setting was listed as the fifth top reason, rather than first, second or third, defies the misconception that students mostly choose Lake Land simply due to geographic location,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “Our affordability and academic reputation continue to be reported by our students as most important to them.” The survey results also indicated Lake Land College was meeting or exceeding expectations of its students in every area measured by the national study. A majority, or 77 percent, of Lake Land students were more satisfied than their peers at community colleges nationwide. “Our spring 2018 student satisfaction survey results support the fact that the Lake Land family strives to exceed our students’ expectations,” Bullock said. Some of the areas where Lake Land College exceeded the expectations of its students were in academic advising/counseling, instructional effectiveness, academic services, and responsiveness to diverse populations. The Noel Levitz Student Satisfaction Inventory Survey was administered every year between 2002 through 2009 and once every three years since 2012. Survey responses were based off of 761 students enrolled in day and evening courses, on and off campus courses and online courses. Survey results can be found at lakelandcollege.edu. Under the “About Us” drop-down, click on “Institutional Research.”
New Program to Assist Students in Specialized Workforce Training Posted on The Lake Land College Board of Trustees approved a new financial assistance program that guarantees full tuition and fees for students enrolling in a specialized workforce training partnership. The proposal was approved August 13 during the regular board meeting held at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology in Effingham. During the two-year pilot, if a local business collaborates with the college to identify a training opportunity through which participants will earn a college certificate, and the business guarantees that all students who complete the program will be hired, the college will guarantee tuition and fees will be covered for the students. The idea originated through the college’s work with LSC Communications. Under this initiative, students who complete an eight-week training program and earn a college certificate are guaranteed a job at LSC at $16 to $18 per hour. Members of the first cohort completed training in July and are now employed at the printing company in Mattoon. A second cohort is scheduled to begin classes this fall. “Through our initial work with LSC, we have come to believe that many local residents are hesitant to enroll in a college program without the assurance that they have sufficient financial support to cover their cost of the program or that they will be employed at the end,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said. “As we continue to collaborate with community partners to prepare local residents for local employment, we want to ensure students have the opportunity to take advantage of these unique opportunities to create a pathway for a successful career.” Under the guaranteed financial assistance program, students will first apply for state and federal financial assistance. Should those sources not cover the costs, Lake Land College will waive any tuition and mandatory fees that remain. Tuition and fees for the 16-hour LSC Fast Track program are estimated at $2,300 per student. “By investing in our students, we are assisting our local employers’ in developing a valuable, trained workforce that will take their companies to the next level,” Bullock added. The board will review the outcome of the pilot at the end of each year to determine future implementation. For additional information, contact Jim Hull, vice president for workforce solutions and community education, at 217-234-5225.
Lake Land College to Host Transfer Day Posted on August 7, 2018 Current Lake Land College students and community members are invited to attend Transfer Day which will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lake Land College Field House. More than 20 colleges and universities from all over the Midwest will attend the event to discuss transfer options to four-year colleges or universities. Additionally, opportunities to discuss admission requirements, special major requirements, tuition costs and disability services will be available. The event is free and open to community members who would like to attend. Institutions present at the event include: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois State University Purdue University College of Agriculture Kansas State University Western Illinois University Franklin University Lakeview College of Nursing St. John’s College of Nursing Eureka College Northern Illinois University Butler University Criminology & Criminal Justice at SIU Carbondale Barnes Jewish College Quincy University Murray State University Illinois College Lincoln College Indiana State University / Online University of Missouri–St. Louis Millikin University Northern Illinois University Southern Illinois University Carbondale Lincoln College Eastern Illinois University Lakeview College of Nursing University of Illinois Springfield Franklin University Quincy University Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College McKendree University Online Programs For more information, contact Bryan Burrell, academic counselor, in Counseling Services at 217-234-5379 or bburrell@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College Offers Basic Nursing Assistant Classes Posted on July 31, 2018 Lake Land College’s Adult Education is offering free BNA classes at the Lake Land College Western Region Center in Pana. The class orientation location and date is as follows: Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center, 600 E. First St. – Monday, August 6 at 4 p.m. For more information or to register, call 217-238-8292 or email adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College opens scholarship opportunity for students Posted on July 26, 2018 The Lake Land College Foundation will reopen its scholarship application period to allow incoming students to apply for a scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. Applications will be accepted August 7 through August 23. The application must be submitted by 5 p.m. Thursday, August 23 to be considered for a Lake Land College Foundation scholarship. All incoming students, including non-traditional students, recent high school graduates and current students, are encouraged to apply. If a student previously applied for a Foundation scholarship for fall 2018 and did not receive one, they need not apply again. Those applications will automatically be reviewed again during this period. “The Lake Land College Foundation Board of Directors is very excited to assist our incoming students in making college more affordable with this scholarship blitz,” Jackie Joines, executive director of college advancement, said. Scholarship applications are available on the Lake Land College website. Go to lakelandcollege.edu and look for the “Paying for College” menu. Then select “Scholarships” or go directly to lakelandcollege.edu/scholarship-opportunities/. To be considered for scholarship awards, completed applications must be received by the Lake Land College Foundation office by 5 p.m. on August 23. Applicants will be considered for all Foundation scholarships for which they qualify. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. For additional information, contact Lake Land College Foundation at 217-234-5445 or prosine@lakelandcollege.edu.
Get ready for fall semester at Lake Land College Posted on July 19, 2018 Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 20, but there is still time to register at Lake Land College! Lake Land College courses are offered throughout east central Illinois at convenient times and locations for you! Take a class online, in your community or on campus in Mattoon. For a list of fall classes throughout the Lake Land College district, visit lakelandcollege.edu and click on the “View Schedules” link. Students can contact Counseling Services at 217-234-5232 or counsel@lakelandcollege.edu for additional information regarding the enrollment process or to schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor. Counselors are available to meet 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday during summer hours. Lake Land will be holding extended registration hours on Friday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Luther Student Center on campus in Mattoon. This is the last day to register for fall semester before classes begin; late registration will continue through Tuesday, Aug. 21. Please note that on Friday, Aug. 17, all college offices will be closed from 8-10 a.m. Services will resume at 10 a.m. All students are invited to attend Welcome Day on August 22 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Field House to learn more about clubs, opportunities and college services. To stay up-to-date with activities, deadlines and information, be sure to follow the Lake Land College Facebook page.
Lake Land College and LSC Communications to hold fast track training informational sessions Posted on Lake Land College and LSC Communications are offering an eight-week fast track training program leading to a job at the printing facility in Mattoon. Lake Land College is guaranteeing financial assistance to cover the cost of the training for all students who qualify for the program. Individuals who complete the training will receive a college certificate and will be hired by LSC Communications in the positions of bindery operator, press operator or assistant press operator at wages of $16 to $18 per hour. Once hired, the employee will enter into an apprenticeship to learn the detailed craft of printing. Those interested in the program must attend one of three informational sessions at the Lake Land College Workforce Development Center, 305 Richmond Ave., E, Mattoon on: Tuesday, July 24, 2018, from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2018, from 9-10 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, from 1-2 p.m. Details of the Manufacturing Skills training program will be discussed as well as application requirements. Students will need to take steps to qualify for financial assistance including meeting with a representative from C.E.F.S. and completing the FAFSA financial aid form. For students who do not qualify for C.E.F.S. funding or financial aid, Lake Land College will cover the cost of their tuition and fees. The fast track training classes will be held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Workforce Development Center. Classes begin August 20 and end October 16. Labor Day will be observed. For more information, contact Bonnie Moore, director to Center for Business and Industry, at 217-238-8260 or email bmoore7125@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College offers understanding dementia course Posted on July 18, 2018 Lake Land College’s Center for Business and Industry will offer a non-credit course titled “Know the Signs: Early Detection Matters” on Wednesday, August 8 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in Webb Hall, room 081 on Lake Land’s Mattoon campus. The class will be facilitated by Elizabeth Hagemann, MA, Manager of Education and Outreach, with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. The warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss of behavioral changes, it’s time to know the facts. Early detection gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. Attend this training to learn the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The course will separate myth from reality and address common fears surrounding Alzheimer’s in America. Hear from individuals who have the disease and find out how to recognize the signs in yourself and others. This class is free and open to the community. CEU’s will be offered to licensed dental hygienists, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, nurses and massage therapists. To register for the course, visit lakelandcollege.edu/learn. For more information, contact Jackie Wake, professional development support, at 217-234-5087 or email jwake@lakelandcollege.edu.
Opportunity for Lake Land College students to qualify for financial assistance Posted on July 9, 2018 Lake Land College students who are enrolled this fall in a Workforce Ready program may be eligible to receive financial assistance if their program is approved through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act. Students are encouraged to visit with a representative at the Lake Land College Kluthe Center on Thursday, July 19 or Tuesday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see if they qualify. The financial assistance may include tuition, uniforms, tools, transportation, child care and more. This assistance would be in addition to any federal funding a student may already be receiving or any other financial aid. Workforce Ready programs are those that prepare a student for an immediate career upon graduation such as associate in applied science degrees or certificates. Examples include nursing, physical therapist assistant and welding. The major must be approved by WIOA as an Occupational Skills Training program. Representatives from C.E.F.S., a non-profit community agency designed to help people reach their potential, will be available to talk with each student for a private, brief meeting. Lake Land students who are unable to attend this day can contact the Effingham C.E.F.S. offices at 217-342-4382 (extensions 226, 227 or 228). Or contact the Mattoon C.E.F.S. office by calling 217-235-2222 (extensions 8212, 8213 or 8282). Students must be registered for the fall semester at Lake Land College to receive benefits before the semester begins on August 20. Students who register after the semester begins will have to wait until the next semester to receive any benefits. A Lake Land College academic counselor will also be on hand at the Kluthe Center during this same time to advise potential students who would like to register for fall. Students can also meet with representatives from the Perkins program, TRiO Student Support Services, and the Work & Learn Program to see if they qualify for financial support or free services from these programs. Additional questions can be directed to Karen Kull, director of the Kluthe Center, at 217-540-3500. The Lake Land College Kluthe Center is located at 1204 Network Centre Drive in Effingham.
Lake Land College Board Trustees member recognized for 25 years of service Posted on July 5, 2018 Lake Land College Board of Trustees Vice Chair Doris Reynolds, Mattoon, received the 25-Year Trustee Award for her 25 years of service to Lake Land College and the Illinois academic system. Reynolds received this recognition from the Illinois Community College Trustee Association at an awards banquet on June 1 in Springfield. Beyond her contributions on the Lake Land College Board of Trustees, Reynolds plays an active role in the community through her work as a full-time broker/realtor, Lake Land College Foundation board liaison, ICCTA member, past Mattoon Lights Works Committee charter member and past CCAR board member and chair. Serving since 1993, Reynolds describes her time as a trustee to be a tremendous learning experience. “I love learning. We have a fantastic board that works together well. The board’s vision is kept in line by always considering what is best for the students,” Reynolds said. “I enjoy being a trustee even more than I thought I would. The students keep us motivated and fresh. It’s exciting because everything is always changing.” Reynolds credits her positive experience serving as a trustee to the people she works with and the common goal they work toward. “Lake Land College faculty and staff are excellent. Their dedication to students and quality education make being a trustee so much easier and enjoyable. The Lake Land experience is a great start to a career or further education,” Reynolds said. To learn more about Lake Land College, visit lakelandcollege.edu.