Laker Nation News

Help your high school student get a jump start on earning college credits with Lake Land College’s Dual Credit Program!

This fall, the Lake Land College Dual Credit Program will host various parent and student information nights throughout the college district. The information nights are open to parents of and students who are high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.

“Sometimes college can be intimidating, costly or overwhelming, but for high school students throughout the Lake Land College district, they can get a taste of college without ever leaving their high school classrooms,” said Steve Garren, director of dual credit.

The Lake Land College Dual Credit Program offers eligible high school juniors and seniors the chance to enroll in college-level courses while earning both high school and college credit, tuition free. Courses are taught by a high school teacher who is qualified to instruct college-level classes, during the regular high school day at the high school’s facilities.

During the information nights, parents and students will learn about opportunities at district high schools, types of courses offered, transfer information and costs associated with dual credit classes.

The information nights will be held during the following times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Webb Hall, room 081 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 5 at Eastern Region Center, room 103, 224 S. Sixth Street, Marshall from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 7 at the Kluthe Center, room 120, 1204 Network Center Blvd., Effingham, room 104, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Western Region Center, room, 107, 600 E. First St., Pana from 5:30-6:30 p.m. 

To enroll in dual credit courses, students must be juniors or seniors and initially have a high school grade point average equivalent of a C to enroll.  Once a student has taken at least one dual credit course, he/she must maintain a Lake Land College grade point average of 2.0 to continue enrollment. Students must meet all prerequisites and requirements as any other student taking classes on the Lake Land College campus would.

More than 30 high schools participate in the dual credit program through Lake Land College including: Altamont, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Charleston, Cowden-Herrick, Cumberland, Dieterich, Effingham, First Baptist Christian Academy, Kansas, Marshall, Martinsville, Mattoon, Neoga, Oakland, Okaw Valley, Pana, Paris, Pathways, Ramsey, Shelbyville, Shiloh, St. Anthony, St. Elmo, Stewardson-Strasburg, Sullivan, Teutopolis and Windsor.

To learn more about dual credit opportunities through Lake Land College or to RSVP for one of the four events, contact Kris Reider, dual credit specialist at 217-234-5227 or kreider@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College’s Adult Education will be offering free computer classes in various locations.

Classes begin Nov. 14 for Effingham and Mattoon locations and Nov. 15 for Pana and Paris locations.

The four-week classes will include topics of Windows 7 & Word.

The schedule is as follows:

• Paris – First United Methodist Church – 324 W. Court – Tuesday & Thursday 9-11 a.m.
• Mattoon – Lake Land College – Workforce Development Center – 305 Richmond Ave E. – Monday & Thursday 4-6 p.m.
• Effingham – Lake Land College Kluthe Center 1204 Network Center Blvd. – Monday & Tuesday 4-6 p.m.
• Pana – Lake Land College Western Region Center – 600 E. 1^st – Tuesday 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Registration is limited to the first 12 applicants. Enroll today!

For more information, contact Adult Education at 217-238-8292 or adulteducation@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College is offering a new short-term Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate this spring for people interested in the high-demand dispatching field.

“Emergency professionals approached the college with the need to create a program that would provide training and education to individuals interested in becoming emergency dispatchers,” Karla Hardiek, allied health division chair/nursing instructor, said.

Jodi Moomaw, 911 communication manager for the Effingham City Police Department, assisted Lake Land College in developing the program to provide professional training for future telecommunicators, who are integral members of the emergency response team.

“Telecommunicators are no different than all other emergency responders, they just aren’t seen. They are the key connection to the person needing assistance to the police, fire and EMS responder. They must have tools and knowledge on what to ask or how to take control while gaining the information needed during all types of emergencies,” Moomaw said. “The expectation of the public when they dial 911 is they are speaking to a trained professional ready to help them in whatever way necessary.”

According to a recent survey conducted by Lake Land College, area dispatch center directors said the program would be a valuable asset to the profession. Nine out of 10 responding agencies indicated graduates of the program would be hired, Hardiek said.

“Lake Land is ahead of our peers in this area. Many states have already passed legislation mandating training and education for those working as a 911 telecommunicator,” Hardiek added.

The Lake Land College 17-credit-hour program is modeled after the Illinois Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Basic Certification Curriculum. The certificate is financial aid eligible and includes courses such as Basic Telecommunicator, Responding to Emergencies, Keyboarding, Practical Software Applications, Interpersonal Communication and Introduction to Psychology. Students will also complete an internship.

Upon successful completion, a Lake Land College graduate will be equipped with the basic skills and knowledge that will be required by public safety telecommunicator dispatch centers.

The benefit of offering this certification will result in a larger pool of skilled, qualified applicants to the area, Moomaw said. Many of the 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) across the nation are also looking for qualified staff, she added.

In addition to the knowledge gained in course work, people interested in becoming a dispatcher must be able to multi-task and remain calm and helpful during a crisis situation.

“Dispatchers hear sounds of cry for help. It may be a mother in agony begging for help because her baby is turning blue, a loved one who finds a partner already deceased when they wake in the morning, a suicidal individual calling and making threats to end his life, a person taking her last breath,” Moomaw said.

“The caller depends on the telecommunicator for guidance until help arrives. In the same breath, the telecommunicator is speaking with the first responders to give updates so they get there safely, prepared to deal with the situation.”

For more information on Lake Land College’s Public Safety Telecommunicator program call 217-234-5370. To get started at Lake Land, look for the Enroll Now button at lakelandcollege.edu or call Counseling Services at 217-234-5232. Spring classes begin January 9. Registration for new and returning students opens Nov. 14.

Laker Athletics will honor two new members to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the inaugural Laker Homecoming weekend.
The newest members of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame are Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Mattoon and Jessica Daugherty, Casey. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.
The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Banquet on Oct. 1 at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. Kassidy Bonebrake, Crawfordsville, Ind., sophomore member of the Lady Lakers basketball team, chairperson of the Lake Land College Student Athletic Council and NJCAA Academic All-American, will give the welcome at the banquet. The banquet is just one of the many events scheduled during the college’s first ever Laker Homecoming.

Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Laker Nation Class of 2009, was an All-Great Rivers and All-Region Tournament team softball member in both her ‘08 & ‘09 season. She was also an All-Region 24 member and All-Midwest second team pick. Hilligoss helped the Lakers to a 46-9 as a sophomore and a 36-9 season as a freshman. She recorded a .441 batting average her final campaign and a .406 batting average as a freshman. Jenna batted in 52 runs on 14 doubles, seven triples, and two home runs as a rookie. She also went 7-for-7 on stolen base attempts. Her sophomore year she batted in 52 runs making her the Lake Land Softball career leader in runs batted in with 104 until the record was broken in the 2015 season. In 2009 Jenna finished her season with seven homeruns, four triples and 15 doubles. Those 15 doubles her sophomore year made her the Lake Land Softball career leader in doubles with 29 until that was beaten in 2014.

Following her graduation from Lake Land College, Hilligoss continued her education and softball career at Murray State University. She gives much credit for her success at Murray State to her experiences at Lake Land College and her coach, Denny Throneburg. Through the tough love he showed and knowledge of the game he shared, Hilligoss was awarded the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2011.

“Besides being a great athlete and student, Jenna was a strong team leader who has returned and is now giving back to her home community of Mattoon,” Laker Softball Coach Nic Nelson said.

Hilligoss now serves as a program coordinator for Body Electric at Sarah Bush Lincoln. She lives in Mattoon with her husband Mitch. They are expecting their first child in January.

Jessica Hills Daugherty, Laker Nation Class of 2001, played for the Lake Land College Volleyball team for one year. With the Lakers, she was part of the All-Region and All-Tournament teams. After Lake Land, Daugherty finished her playing career at Southeast Missouri State University. At SEMO, she was awarded All-Conference and All-Tournament teams both junior and senior years.

Daugherty was the assistant coach under Lori Bennett for two years at Lake Land, during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. In 2005, she was hired as the head coach. During her tenure, the Lakers were in the top 25 in the nation four of the five years and three years were in the top 10. Daugherty coached a two-time All-American and five other All-Americans. She was voted Great Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2009 and Region XXIV Coach of the Year in 2005, 2007 and 2008.

“Jess’s impact on the Lake Land College Volleyball program has spanned from player to assistant to head coach. Under her leadership, Lake Land College Volleyball was put on the national map. It was a privilege to play for her and is an honor to follow in her footsteps,” said Ashli Robison current Lake Land Volleyball head coach, who also played for Daugherty at Lake Land College from 2007-2009.

Daugherty is originally from Martinsville. She now lives in Casey with her husband Aaron, son Jackson, and daughter Lillian. She works from home and volunteers as a volleyball coach.

The Lake Land College Alumni Association will induct five new members into the Distinguished Alumni Society and Laker Athletics will honor two new members to the Athletics Hall of Fame during the inaugural Laker Homecoming weekend.

The Distinguished Alumni Society (DAS) Class of 2016 inductees are Matthew Cekander, Effingham; Renee Fonner, Hindsboro; Kerry J. (Lawson) Fearn, Charleston, formerly of Neoga; Craig Greeson, Hanover Park, Ill., formerly of Neoga; and Kristopher Van Sickle, Woodstock, Ga., formerly of Newman. The Distinguished Alumni Society recognizes alumni who have utilized the Lake Land experience to make an imprint on their profession or community.

“We’re extremely proud of the newest members of the Distinguished Alumni Society. They exemplify the values we all share at Lake Land College. Not only are they accomplished in their careers, they are very dedicated to giving back to their communities and improving the world around them,” Dave Cox, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said.

The newest members of the Lake Land College Athletics Hall of Fame are Jenna Bradley Hilligoss, Mattoon and Jessica Daugherty, Casey. The Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and friends who have excelled in their careers or brought recognition and support to the program.

The honors will take place during the Alumni Recognition Banquet on Oct. 1 at the Mattoon Golf & Country Club. Kassidy Bonebrake, Crawfordsville, Ind., sophomore member of the Lady Lakers basketball team, chairperson of the Lake Land College Student Athletic Council and NJCAA Academic All-American, will give the welcome at the banquet. The banquet is just one of the many events scheduled during the college’s first ever Laker Homecoming.   

Matthew Cekander, Laker Nation Class of 1999

Cekander is a CPA and firm partner with Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP. He has an associate degree in business administration from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He is a certified public accountant.

Prior to being named partner, Cekander was the accounting and audit manager at Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP. Previously he served as the director of operations at Samuel Music Co., manager at Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP and audit supervisor Miller, Cooper & Co., Ltd.

In 2015 he was named as one of the Top 20 Community Leaders Under 40 from the Effingham Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the board of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce and actively supports the Family Life Center in Effingham.

“As a young alumnus, Matt is very accomplished in his profession. I’ve been impressed with his career path and what he has achieved in a short period of time rising to the ranks of partner with his local accounting firm, Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP,” nominator Cox said.

Cekander credits Cindy Phipps, business instructor/program coordinator accounting, for making a difference in his time at Lake Land. “During my second year at Lake Land, Mrs. Phipps encouraged all of us to do our best, regardless of where we take our classes (whether two-year community college or four-year university.) She was right, that content covered was much the same; like other life lessons, it is what we put into it and our attitude that takes us to the next level.”

“Upon transferring into Illinois State University, I recall feeling well-prepared and was urged to send a note of thanks to Cindy Phipps  (and probably should have to the other Lake Land faculty as well) for helping us to be prepared, an ethic also taken to the workplace” Cekander said.

Renee Fonner, Laker Nation Class of 1990

Fonner is the on air talent/promotions director for the Cromwell Group of Mattoon. She has an associate degree in radio/TV broadcasting from Lake Land College.

Fonner is a familiar voice to those who tune into WMCI’s Morning Show. She previously worked in radio stations throughout the country before returning to her hometown and home station.

She said her time at Lake Land College allowed her to find her love of radio. “Within weeks of starting the program I found myself in the booth gaining experience. I have worked in small, medium and large markets around the country and it all started with Lake Land College.  I’m forever grateful.”

Fonner serves on the advisory board for Country Cares for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, is the co-coordinator for the Mattoon to Peoria St. Jude Run and a co-coordinator for One Stop Community Christmas.

“Renee’s selfless dedication to the community in which she lives and works has created an enormous positive impact. She is the positive we see within our community,” nominator Luci Englum wrote.

Kerry (Lawson) Fearn, Laker Nation Class of 1989

Fearn is the president and CEO for the Area Educational Credit Union. She has an associate degree in mathematics education from Lake Land College, a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in educational psychology from Eastern Illinois University.

The Area Educational Credit Union covers Coles, Effingham and Crawford counties. She has previously served the Boyle chapter of the Illinois Credit Union League as the secretary for two years and as the chairperson for three years. In addition, she has served on numerous committees for 16 years. She also serves as the chairwoman of the legislative committee for the Illinois Credit Union League. She has served on the board of directors for this organization in the past.

She has been an active member and leader at the state and served as a chairwoman and board member for the Illinois Youth Involvement Council. She has served as an elder for her church and has taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. She has volunteered at PADS in Mattoon and also at Heartland Christian Village in Neoga.

Max Jaeger, Lake Land College retiree, nominated Fearn for this award. “Kerry truly loves her job. She will tell you, ‘every day, I get to help our members live better lives—not many people can say that about their jobs.’ Lake Land used to have a saying, ‘Lake Land Cares.’ That describes Kerry.”

Both of Fearn’s parents worked at Lake Land College so she felt Lake Land College was the perfect choice for her, she said.

“Lake Land College has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.  My father, Duane Lawson, taught English at Lake Land since the college began back in the 60s through his retirement.  My mother, Nancy Lawson, worked in the Tutoring Center and was an adjunct instructor for many years.  After I graduated from high school, Lake Land College was the natural choice for me.

“During my freshman year, I decided that I wanted to ‘get involved’ so I ran for Student Activity Board.  Through this role, I gained experience in leadership and service.  Looking back, this moment was when I realized that I do much better digging-in and getting involved rather than being a participant.  This philosophy has served me well throughout my career as I have attained leadership roles within my industry,” Fearn said.

Fearn said several people influenced her during her time at Lake Land. “If I have to limit it to a few, I would say Benny Ragle who was a very light-hearted faculty advisor for Student Activity Board and Wayne Weaver who had a no-nonsense teaching style.”

Craig Greeson, Laker Nation Class of 1988

Greeson is a product manager–industrial business unit for Littelfuse, Inc. He has an associate degree in pre-engineering from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois.

Greeson started his career as a product foreman at Littelfuse, Inc. in Arcola and has advanced as the company has grown throughout the years. He has held positions of quality manager and logistics manager for Littelfuse’s Electrical Fuse Division. In 2007, he accepted a leadership role in the newly created Global Quality Management group, acting as the regional quality manager for North American and European Littelfuse operations. In 2012 he moved into his current position.

“It was at Lake Land College where Craig became fully convinced to follow a career in engineering. His work has taken him to several countries in Europe and the far east,” nominator and Lake Land College retiree David Greeson said.

Greeson said Lake Land College was the perfect place for him to transition from a small-town high school to the University of Illinois.

“The instructors in Lake Land’s pre-engineering program were enthusiastic and fully focused on seeing their students succeed. There was a personal level of connection with several of them that I do not think is common to find at a large four year university. I always felt extremely well prepared for the challenges of my engineering program after transferring. The friendships I made while at Lake Land College were deep, and they have lasted well beyond my two years there.”

Greeson said his father was his person of influence while attending Lake Land.

“David Greeson, my father, was both an instructor and an administrator at Lake Land. I knew growing up he had always been extremely well respected by his students, and the reason why became apparent when I had the opportunity to take one of my calculus courses with him. The true degree of caring he had for students, and the obvious passion he had for Lake Land as an institution, was always apparent in everything he did.”    

Kristopher Van Sickle, Laker Member of 2007

Van Sickle is an administrative officer with the United States Secret Service, Carter Protective Division.

After high school, Van Sickle took a few classes at Lake Land College and then enlisted in the Coast Guard. He returned to school, completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Strayer University while stationed in Washington, D.C.

Following his graduation from the Coast Guard he spent a short time working for the U.S. Postal System. In 2010, he succeeded in securing a position with the U.S. Secret Service and eventually was assigned to protect former President Jimmy Carter.

“After retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, my plans were to finish my degree. Lake Land College set the course academically for a smooth transition on to a four year university to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees.  I will forever be indebted to the faculty and staff at Lake Land College for their selfless actions and genuine interest in every student’s success.”

Jacqueline Joines, executive director for college advancement, nominated Van Sickle, saying he grew up in a small rural community where his family values encouraged him to conquer the world. 

“Kristopher believes in serving as a role model for others that life can be full of challenges, but with hard work, focus and determination based in education, you can achieve goals that seem unattainable,” Joines wrote in the nomination. “He serves as a testament that you can start at Lake Land College and truly do great anywhere!” 

This Class of 2016 will join 81 others who have been inducted into the Lake Land College Distinguished Alumni Society since its introduction in 2007.

At the 2016 Lake Land College associate degree in nursing pinning ceremony, 71 graduating nurses received their pins.  This is the college’s largest graduating nursing class.

Charley Bailey received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award, which is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in the class and is voted on by faculty.  The student must be professionally superior and morally responsible, be capable of making wise decisions, be compassionate and caring, be dedicated and possess common sense and a strong scientific knowledge base, demonstrate superior technical skills, possess superior communication skills and composure, often in crises situations. Bailey’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.

Jennifer Derrickson and Valentina Thoele received the Associate Degree Nursing Peer Award. These students are chosen because of their clinical and scholastic performance, willingness to help other students, professionalism, maturity and spirit.  The award is characterized by a true team player, who also is considered a leader. The recipients of this award were chosen by fellow nursing students.

During the ceremony, the following were honored:

Charley M. Bailey, Windsor

Eric Banning, Shelbyville

Jessica A. Bauer, Mattoon

Misti J. Beck, Cowden

Hilary Bodle, Hindsboro

Jill R. Brummer, Dieterich

Michael Bryant, Charleston

Karen E. Clapp, Oakland

Jennifer L. Derrickson, Charleston

Felicia N. Dilley, Pana

Jason Duhamell, Mattoon

Valerie Edwards, Mattoon

Melissa D. Evans, Beecher City

Shelby Evinger, Paris

Alyssa Farris, Trilla

Lexie Fiscus, Paris

Melissa Fitzpatrick, Pana

Holly Forsyth, Shelbyville

Kelsey N. Fuqua, Paris

Rachel A. Gouchenouer, Effingham

Kindra Hartke, Mattoon

Jason E. Hayes, Dieterich

Kerri L. Hayes, Lakewood

Haley J. Hayse, Sullivan

Connie Heischmidt, Effingham

Amy E. Herschberger, Humboldt

Tammy Hooper, Mattoon

Jenna D. Hunt, Ramsey

Andrea Hutchison, Mattoon

Hannah Jernigan, Paris

Emily Johnson, Paris

Christina Julius, Pana

Kelli Keys, Paris

Joanna Kingery, Neoga

Taylor N. Kistler, Effingham

Taylor M. Kuhns, Edgewood

Lisa Lawson, Mattoon

Todd Layton, Toledo

Elizabeth Miller, Lovington

Tricia Miller, Ashmore

Allison M. Morgason, Pana

Courtney R. Myers, Beecher City

Casey J. Neville, Altamont

Lana J. Pearcy, Mattoon

Donald Peyton, Mattoon

Renea Phelps, Mattoon

Mallory Pierce, Bethany

Crystal Pope, Millersville

Christina Rahar, Pana

Nathan Raisner, Charleston

Kelsey N. Randolf, Effingham

Cassandra Rich, Oakland

Cassie R. Riley, Mattoon

Christopher R. Roedl, Effingham

Cody M. Scott, Altamont

Anna Shelton, Effingham

Lindsey R. Slifer, Watson

Jessica Spence, Charleston

Devin Stephens, Neoga

Misty Stone, Sullivan

Valentina M. Thoele, Teutopolis

Alexis C. Tucker, Paris

Lexi Walk, Westervelt

Abby Warden, Stewardson

Amber D. Waterman, Neoga

Hailey N. Wendt, Watson

Mandy Jo Wendte, Effingham

True N. Wernz, Charleston

Ashley White, Mattoon

Haley A. Whitman, Mattoon

Cassie Will, Altamont

Lake Land College Student Life is hosting a performance by The Filharmonic, an acapella music group featured in the hit movie “Pitch Perfect 2.”

The event is scheduled in Theater of the Luther Student Center on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 at 11 a.m. More information about the group visit: http://degy.com/project/the-filharmonic/.

The following week on Wednesday, Oct. 19, the college welcomes motivational speaker Chris Sandy. Sandy’s presentation is titled Enduring Regret. He shares his experience on drinking and driving during this talk that begins at 11 a.m. in the Theater. More information is available at http://enduringregret.org/chris-sandy.

The public is welcome to attend these free events. Please keep in mind that the content of the presentations is geared toward college students.

For a complete listing of college events, visit the Laker Calendar at lakelandcollege.edu.

Visit Lake Land College and find out all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The event will be held Friday, Oct. 28 in the Luther Student Center.

The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Parents/guardians and spouses are welcome to come along and attend the Parent and Spouse Session.

Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid & Veteran Services, Counseling Services, Career Services and Student Life will provide information and answer questions. The event includes campus tours and informational sessions by Lake Land College Student Ambassadors. Participants will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest to learn more about program offerings at Lake Land.

“Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and programs of study, to talk to current students about student life and to learn about financial aid options and opportunities,” said Lisa Shumard-Shelton, director of new student admissions.

Register for Laker Visit Day online at lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5254.

Recognizing the need for an affordable higher education, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Public Junior College Act in July 1965.

Clem Phipps, chairman of the Eastern Illinois Area Junior College Steering Committee, believed junior colleges were the single most important thing to happen to education in the ‘60s. With his vote of confidence, along with members of the Junior College Steering Committee, the idea of Lake Land College became a reality.

After an intense year of planning and lobbying on the parts of area educators, local business owners and concerned residents, the idea generated enough support to begin drafting a formal resolution to bring a school to the area.

The Lake Land College referendum vote passed 50 years ago on Sept. 24, 1966. The referendum created the district for the college.

Residents in 13 school districts, by more than a four-to-one margin in incorporated areas, approved the creation of a junior college in the East Central Illinois area.

Residents agreed to pay 12.5 cents for every 100 dollars of assessed home value for educational and building purposes.

This milestone marks one of the many celebratory dates in the history of Lake Land College.

Applying for financial aid just got easier. This year, the online form will be available on Oct. 1—three months earlier than in the past.

Why is that important to students who will enroll in college in the Fall 2017, Spring 2018 and Summer 2018 terms?

“Most schools award financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the FAFSA early will ensure you are in the applicant pool for any awards for which you qualify,” Paula Carpenter, director of financial aid and veteran services said.

The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process to receive a grant or a loan. Many scholarships also require a student to complete the FAFSA.

“We know that next school year seems far away, but we want our Lake Land College students to be first in line to receive any Illinois MAP grant funding that could become available,” Carpenter added.

In addition to making the form available earlier, it will be easier to complete the FAFSA, the free financial aid form, as families can use 2015 tax information which should be readily available.

The form is available at fafsa.gov. Lake Land College’s school code is 007644.

The following information will help families navigate the financial aid process for the 2017-2018 academic year.

TAX INFORMATION
From now on, the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information that you will already have. This change means you won’t have to use estimates anymore, or log in later to update your FAFSA after you file taxes!

Since chances are likely that your 2015 taxes are already filed, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

With the FAFSA available three months earlier will give you more time to meet most deadlines and to explore and understand your financial aid options.

BUT WHAT IF MY FAMILY’S FINANCIAL SITUATION HAS CHANGED SINCE OUR 2015 TAXES WERE FILED? CAN WE REPORT 2016 TAX INFORMATION INSTEAD?
No. You must report your 2015 tax information on the 2017–18 FAFSA. You do not have the option to report your 2016 tax information. If your family has experienced a loss of income since the 2015 tax year, talk to the financial aid office at your school. They have the ability to assess your situation and make adjustments.

Note: The FAFSA asks for marital status as of the day you fill it out. So if you’re married now but weren’t in 2015 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), you’ll need to add your spouse’s income to your FAFSA.

Similarly, if you filed your 2015 taxes as married but you’re no longer married when you fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to subtract your spouse’s income.

CAN I FILL OUT THE FAFSA BEFORE I APPLY TO COLLEGES? WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’M APPLYING YET?
Yes, you can fill out the FAFSA even before you’ve submitted your college applications. Add every school you’re considering to your FAFSA, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. Even if you’re on the fence about applying to a particular school, add it. It will hold your place in line for financial aid in case you end up applying for admission at that school. You can always remove schools later if you decide not to apply (but you don’t have to).

WILL FAFSA DEADLINES BE EARLIER SINCE THE APPLICATION IS LAUNCHING EARLIER?
We expect that most state and school deadlines will remain approximately the same as in 2016–17. However, several states that offer first come, first served financial aid will change their deadlines from “as soon as possible after Jan. 1” to “as soon as possible after Oct. 1.” So, as always, it’s important that you check your state and school deadlines so that you don’t miss out on any aid. State deadlines are on fafsa.gov; school deadlines are on schools’ websites.

For more information on the FAFSA changes, visit StudentAid.ed.gov/fafsa-changes.

For more information on how to complete your FAFSA, visit StudentAid.gov/fafsa/filling-out.