Laker Nation News

Several Student Life organizations at Lake Land College have announced opportunities for virtual engagement throughout Spring 2020. Most of the events will take place via the different organizations’ Facebook pages.

“These students are posting some really cool interactive posts and events,” Valerie Lynch, director of student life, said. “We are asking faculty, staff and students to ‘like’ and share the social media pages and interact when they can.”

The Lake Land College Student Activity Board will be hosting “Around the World in 5 Days” March 24 through March 28. This activity will be available via the “Lake Land College Student Activity Board” Facebook page and will consist of virtual museum tours in places such as London, France and South America. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience cultural movies, music and food.

“Career and Finance Week” will be hosted by the Student Government Association March 30 through April 3, via the “Lake Land College Student Government Association” Facebook page. This event will kick off Financial Literacy and Internship week, giving participants the opportunity to learn about finance, resume building and leadership. The group will also be hosting a virtual fashion show.

The Navigator News will host “Earth and Sustainability Week” April 20 through April 24 on its Facebook page, “Lake Land College Navigator News.” At this event, participants will have the opportunity to learn how their footprint affects the earth by discussing sustainability with Student Care and Advocacy.

The Student Activity Board will also be hosting student club and organization spotlights every day from April 27 to May 1.

One of the Facebook pages will highlight a craft or activity participants can do at home on #MAKEITMONDAYS. Those looking to test their minds can join the Student Activity Board on KAHOOT for trivia every Tuesday at Noon on #TRIVIATUESDAYS, and those interested in cooking can join the Navigator News on their Facebook page every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on #WHIPITUPWEDNESDAYS.

Lake Land College will continue to offer opportunities to get involved in student life and activities. There may be more opportunities to participate in events at a later date, so be sure to follow the Lake Land College Facebook page, as well as the Student Activity Board, Student Government Association and the Navigator News Facebook pages for more virtual events.

As Lake Land College moves forward in a virtual environment, 2020 Summer and Fall registration will open March 25 as planned. For the first time in the college’s history, registration will be open to all students who are cleared to register versus a tiered approach in which sophomores were given priority the first day of registration.

“We want to open registration to all who have been proactive and received clearance, as well as readmit and new non-degree seeking students who are ready to register,”  Jon Van Dyke, dean of admission services, said.

“We know our current students have been transitioning to a new online environment this week, and we want to be as supportive and helpful as possible,” Van Dyke added.

Current students can login to the Laker Hub and view their Advisement Information page for important information on the advisement process. In the virtual environment, students can connect with their advisors through Laker Mail or via phone. Current degree-seeking students must receive clearance before registering.

Additional assistance is available by utilizing the online chat service at lakelandcollege.edu or by calling Admissions & Records at 217-234-5434 or Counseling Services at 217-234-5232.

New students who have submitted the Intent to Enroll for summer or fall and are scheduled to attend New Student Orientation are encouraged to watch their postal mail for a letter about completing online orientation and scheduling an advisement and registration day. These letters will be mailed beginning May 1.

Those who would like to get started this summer or fall should visit lakelandcollege.edu/enroll. After completing a Laker Profile and an Intent to Enroll, a student will receive a Welcome Letter in the mail with information about New Student Orientation online and important student ID information.

Students are advised to begin the Financial Aid process for the 2020-2021 school year by visiting fafsa.gov. Future students may also contact the financial aid office at financialaid@lakelandcollege.edu.

Lake Land College is committed to providing a smooth enrollment process in the virtual environment. Please visit lakelandcollege.edu to reference resources to help you connect with the college.

Lake Land College is committed to protecting the health and safety of all staff and students during this COVID-19 pandemic. In light of recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the college will be taking additional steps to practice social distancing and promote the well-being of everyone involved.

Effective Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m., all Lake Land College locations will enter a Level 3 Restricted phase. Only authorized staff will be allowed to enter buildings to perform essential tasks that are unable to be performed remotely.

While the physical locations are restricted, Lake Land College operations and services will continue in a virtual environment. All courses will resume in an online format on March 23 and will continue for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.

“We are committed to providing the high quality of instruction and service our students have come to expect through virtual means. We are developing resources and options to support students in this new virtual environment,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

In alignment with the CDC recommendations and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, the college has cancelled Commencement and related celebrations.

In a message to students, Lake Land President Bullock said, ”It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Lake Land College Commencement ceremony in accordance with guidelines from the CDC to limit gatherings during this coronavirus pandemic. The Lake Land College Board of Trustees, faculty and staff congratulate all of you who will be celebrating the completion of a degree or certificate this spring. We are exploring other opportunities to honor you and recognize your accomplishments.”

All events scheduled to be held at any college location, whether college-sponsored or with outside organizations, are canceled until further notice.

Lake Land College will continue to work closely with the Coles County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health to take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the college community.

The college will continue to monitor and address the situation. Please feel free to check the Lake Land College website, the COVID-19 FAQ page as well as the Facebook page and new Facebook parent group for more updates.

Several Lake Land College broadcast sales students recently earned certification as broadcast sales professionals from the broadcast training company, P1 Learning, in partnership with the Illinois Broadcasters Associate’s Sales Training Program.

Over the course of four weeks, students completed a variety of online video courses, tests and assignments as part of the broadcast sales class in the Radio/TV Broadcasting program at Lake Land College.

P1 Learning is a nationally recognized training company that administers training for hundreds of broadcast stations, corporations and state broadcaster associations to provide content in the topics of sales, leadership, management, on-air, compliance and more.

Broadcasting/Communication Studies Instructor and Station Manager of WLKL 89.9 FM Greg Powers assisted students in preparing for the certification and explained the benefits of receiving the broadcast sales certification.

“This certification is a tremendous asset for students entering the broadcast workforce,” Powers said. “Broadcast employers are searching for employees who are multifaceted. The students who have completed this training are very marketable.”

Each of the professionals will be honored on a plaque displayed alongside those of previous year’s students.

The Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) funded the initiative.

“I am extremely grateful to Dennis Lyle, president and CEO of the Illinois Broadcasters Association, and the IBA board for their financial support,” Powers said.

For more information about Lake Land College’s Radio/TV Broadcasting program, contact Powers at 217-234-5335 or visit lakelandcollege.edu/high-demand-programs/radio-tv-broadcasting or 899themax.com.

Visit Lake Land College and explore all the college offers at Laker Visit Day. The upcoming event will be held Friday, March 27 in the Luther Student Center starting at 9 a.m. and will run until noon.

The event is for potential students who are interested in learning more about Lake Land College. Prospective students will tour campus, visit a class, meet current students and talk with faculty. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and learn more about the college during a parent session.

The event will feature informational sessions by current Lake Land College Student Ambassadors and college staff. Representatives from Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Counseling Services, Student Life and other departments will provide information and be available to answer questions. Students will also meet with faculty members in their academic area of interest.

“Laker Visit Day is a great way for prospective students and parents to talk to faculty and staff about academic options and majors, to talk to current students about their experiences at the college and to learn about various services and opportunities we offer,” Michelle Zumbahlen, coordinator for strategic student communication and initiatives, said.

On Laker Visit Day, attendees will tour campus with Student Ambassadors; comfortable shoes are recommended. To get to the Luther Student Center, take Entrance 1 from Route 45, make a right turn after the curve onto Podestá Drive, continue around campus and park in Lot E. Enter the lobby through the main entrance at the front of the building.

Student Ambassadors will greet guests and help with directions. In case of inclement weather on the day of the event, please check the college’s homepage at lakelandcollege.edu for closures.

For more information, or to register for Laker Visit Day, go to lakelandcollege.edu/visit or call 217-234-5377.

For the second year in a row, Lake Land College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter reached Five Star Chapter status. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is an international organization that ranks campus chapters on a five star system. Completion of an Honors in Action project addressing a need in the community and on campus is required as a final step in advancing to five star status distinction.

PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Trevor Elder, Sullivan, explained Phi Theta Kappa’s sense of obligation to examine the Lake Land College student body’s mental health, increase mental health awareness and availability of mental health related resources on campus.

“In response to a college student’s post on Twitter regarding college student mental health, PTK created an Honors in Action project that captured the mental health concerns of the student body at Lake Land College. Throughout the fall semester of 2019, our Honors in Action team researched and conducted surveys on multiple platforms that were distributed across campus, and full reports were shared with college administration,” Elder said.

Members of the Honors in Action team also presented their project research to the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) at the ICCTA East Central Regional Meeting held at Lake Land College on Thursday, Feb. 20.

One of several requirements for recognition as a five star status chapter is the submission of at least three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program including the Honors in Action Project Award, College Project Award and at least one other individual award. PTK Advisor and Academic Counselor Krista Burrell also submitted an individual award for the Distinguished Chapter Officer Team Award.

“With each new academic year, we have a new set of students, which means that reaching five stars is not permanent,” Burrell said. “This year, PTK was intentional about making a positive impact on campus through the Honors in Action and college projects first, then meeting submission requirements for five star status second.”

Reaching five star status also includes recognizing academic excellence by creating awareness of PTK among the college community, establishing chapter leadership and engagement, developing an Honors in Action project and a college project such as maintaining a chapter Facebook page, increasing the PTK presence on campus and increasing engagement in the region, and submitting three entries in the Hallmark Awards Program. To top it off, chapters are encouraged to attend the annual catalyst. The Lake Land College PTK chapter will attend the National PTK Catalyst Convention in Grapevine, Texas in early April.

At the national level, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is divided into geographic regions. The Illinois Region is a Five Star Region and nominations were sent in to the Regional Awards for Excellence in three categories: Fellowship; Chapter Engagement; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Regional award finalists will be announced at the PTK Catalyst Convention.

“Earning five-star status and attending the catalyst convention is not the end of our efforts. We will still be collaborating with SGA and other students to address mental health needs on our campus, namely through the promotion of the upcoming Active Minds chapter,” PTK President Tanner Clark, Strasburg, said.

Coincidently, several student organizations on campus, including the Student Activity Board (SAB) and the Student Government Association (SGA), also focused on the mental health of Lake Land students during the fall semester. SAB coordinated a therapy dog event during finals week for students to decompress between their final exams. Additionally, SGA is currently working toward establishing an Active Minds chapter at Lake Land College. Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health awareness within high schools and college campuses across the nation.

“It’s serendipitous that the U.S. House of Representatives authorized The Higher Education Mental Health Act shortly after PTK had the idea to do the Honors in Action project on college student mental health,” Burrell said. “The students identified the concern concurrently with the lawmakers.”

“I speak for all of my fellow PTK officers when I say that we want to leave a positive impact on this campus. Our chapter wants to set up students for success at Lake Land College, and promoting a healthy mental well-being is key to that success,” Clark said.

PTK sends invitations each year to students who have completed 12 credit hours at the collegiate level with a 3.25 GPA or exceptional high school students passing with a 3.5 GPA.

Members of the Honors in Action team are PTK President Clark, Strasburg; PTK Vice President and Chair of Honors in Action and College Project Elder, Sullivan; PTK Secretary Kyra Jackson, Findlay; PTK Treasurer Macy Vogt, Teutopolis; Tim Lawyer, Mattoon; Lucas Duduit, Pana; and Lauren Hendershot, Windsor.

In an effort to expose young students to a variety of career and occupational choices, more than 2,000 local junior high students will assemble in the Lake Land College Field House on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3 for the annual 8^th Grade Career Conference.

Together, Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System will co-sponsor the conference—an event in which more than 60,000 students have participated throughout the years.

The career conference will provide participants career exploration through communication and contact with local professionals representing sixteen career clusters, or employment fields. Students will also experience the motivation and enthusiasm showcased by the event’s featured speaker, Brooks Harper, author of 7 Skills to Make Mill$ and Why Should We Hire YOU?

“The conference is an important annual event for local 8^th grade students. It provides them with information about career pathways and motivates them to focus on their future,” Sally Shawver, project manager for Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System, said.

“The wonderful thing about this conference is how it benefits everyone. The students have this fun experience to get their career questions answered and local businesses have the early advantage to guide their future talents on the right path. The business partners who participate this year may see these same faces again during interviewing processes six to eight years from now. It’s an exciting and valuable event,” Jamie Corda Hadjaoui, Perkins specialist, said.

Students from the following schools will participate at the career conference:

Altamont, Altamont Luther Interparish School, Arcola, Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond CUSD #305, Beecher City, Brownstown, Casey-Westfield, Charleston, Chrisman-Scottland, Cowden-Herrick, Crestwood-Paris, Cumberland, Dieterich, Effingham, Fresh Start TLC, Humboldt TLC, Kansas, Kansas TLC, Lerna Bridges, Marshall, Martinsville, Mattoon-Blue, Mattoon-Gold, Moulton-Shelbyville, Neoga, Oakland, Okaw-Valley, Paris Mayo, Ramsey, Sacred Heart, Shelbyville Bridges, Shiloh, South-Central, St. Anthony, St. Elmo, St. John’s-Mattoon, St. Michael, Stew-Stras and Sullivan.

For more information about the conference, contact Corda Hadjaoui at 217-234-5032 or Shawver at 217-258-6283.

Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) recently presented a $43,000 capital credit check to Lake Land College. CMEC President/CEO Amy Borntrager, presented the check to Lake Land College President Josh Bullock and Vice President for Business Services Greg Nuxoll.

Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides electrical service to residential members, large and small commercial members, manufacturing facilities and educational facilities such as Lake Land College. Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative provides electrical service to more than 9,500 meters.

“Because electric co-ops operate at cost, any excess revenues, called margins, are allocated and retired to members in the form of capital credits,” CMEC Member Service Representative Carla Bradbury said.

The years 1980, 1981 and 1982 were recently retired and Lake Land College was a large user during those years, resulting in a $43,000 capital credit return.