Student Development is committed to cultivating a welcoming, engaging campus environment for all students by continuously assessing student needs and removing barriers to student success. By providing accessible and comprehensive academic, personal, and professional development services throughout a student’s time at the college and beyond, we can support holistic learning experiences that honor each student’s unique background while fostering understanding, connection, and growth across our multifaceted communities.

Would you like more information on resources available to you? Do you have a story to share? Contact Mercury Bowen at mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu or idec@lakelandcollege.edu!

Donate to the Opportunity Fund for the chance to change a student’s life!

The Lake Land College Opportunity Fund exists to provide equitable opportunities and experiences for individuals in marginalized communities or those who may have intersectional identities related to these communities. The fund can provide coverage for opportunities these individuals would otherwise be unable to participate in due to financial barriers.

To Donate to the Fund, visit lakelandcollege.edu/online-giving and select “Lake Land College Opportunity Fund” from the drop-down menu, or if you are a Lake Land College employee, you can follow these steps to do a payroll deduction from each paycheck. Even just $5 a check can go a long way when we all come together!

To apply for assistance from the fund, contact mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu.

Current Celebrations and Recognition

Welcome to Lake Land College! In Student Development, it is our goal to make sure you know you belong here no matter your background. We are excited that you’re here, and we look forward to helping you feel supported on your journey!

Be sure to check out our current Campus Read as well as some of the exciting Celebrations and Recognitions we have coming up throughout the year!

Campus Read 2024-25: “Poverty, by America” by Matthew Desmond

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond is Lake Land College’s 2024-25 Campus Read. Check this page often to learn more about how you can participate, and be sure to pick up your free copy of the book at the Student Success Center or the Student Life offices.

Take a look at our Campus Read Guide webpage, presented by the Lake Land College Library, to check out the many fantastic resources available for this book.

Classroom Activities and Resources

Other Resources Available

Safe Zone & Safe With Me – By participating in the Safe Zone Program, one pledges that their Safe Zone is a place where LGBTQIA+ individuals can feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment and express any issues or concerns in an atmosphere of acceptance and support.
Contact mbowen@lakelandcollege.edu for more information. Visit Website

Student Success Center – The Student Success Center is located in Webb Hall 130 on the Mattoon campus. Here we offer in-person and online tutoring as well as proctoring and accommodation testing services. Visit Website

Student Accommodations – Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, the College provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability to help them achieve their full potential. Student accommodations are coordinated by the Counselor/Coordinator of Student Accommodations within Counseling Services located in the Luther Student Center. Visit Website

Perkins – The Perkins Program provides support to help students enrolled in Workforce Ready programs successfully complete an associate in applied science degree or certificate. Support may include tool loan or rental, purchasing scrubs or kits and assistance with learning supplies. To see if you are eligible, complete the application listed under “Helpful Links”. Visit Website

Student Organizations – Lake Land College offers several student organizations specifically designed to meet the needs of certain diverse groups of the student population such as PRIDE, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION, COLLEGIATE VETERANS ALLIANCE and more! Visit Website

TRIO – TRIO Student Support Services is a program with the sole purpose of helping students in need succeed at Lake Land College. TRIO is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help students complete their academic goals and graduate from Lake Land College. Visit Website

Military Affiliated Programs – The Financial Aid and Veteran Services Office is located in the Luther Student Center in Room 203. This office provides assistance for enlisted personnel, veterans, and their families who wish to use their benefits at Lake Land College. Visit Website

Laker Food Pantry – Free food and other necessities are available through the Laker Food Pantry. With support from the Lake Land College Foundation and its partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Lake Land College is working to end food insecurity and hunger among our students and their families. Visit Website

Mental Health Resources – Lake Land College believes in supporting the success of our students on both a personal and academic level, and we know that this all starts with their mental health and wellness. We have established the following mental health resources, with additional services coming soon. Visit Website

Community Resources – We are supportive of your wellness and safety as well as your academic success. Counselors can refer you to community agencies that can assist you with personal concerns. Visit Website