8/19/03

LMC at South Haven to be Springboard for Students

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - The popularity of the new Lake Michigan College at South Haven campus is apparent with strong enrollment already posted for the fall semester that begins August 25. As of August 15, enrollment stood at 297, already surpassing the original goal of 250 students.

Part of the appeal of the South Haven campus is the variety of one- and two-year programs from which students have to choose and the diverse goals to which those programs speak.

LMC at South Haven meets the needs of students who are embarking on studies which lead to a four-year degree. The first two years of classes at most any college or university focus on the fundamentals such as English, physical and social science, and mathematics. Because curriculums are so similar across the board during the first two years, the courses offered through LMC's transfer programs allow students to gain those needed courses at a lower cost, in a more personalized environment, and at high quality levels.

"When students enroll in a transfer program of study, they benefit by getting individualized attention in small classroom settings," states Janice Varney, executive dean of Lake Michigan College at South Haven campus. "They are taking the same courses they would at a four-year school. The difference is that rather than being in classes with 100 or more students, LMC students are in classes of 20 to 30 students taught by instructors who are very highly regarded in their fields."

Another difference is cost. Students can save anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 during their first two years at LMC versus taking those same two first years at a four-year college or university within Michigan. But lower cost doesn't mean lower quality.

"LMC students are well prepared when they move on to four-year schools," emphasizes Varney. "In studies of LMC students who have transferred to other universities in the state, we see their junior and senior year performance levels similar to or better than that of students who began their college careers as freshmen at those same schools. Our students leave here with the knowledge and skills needed to excel."

Students with the goal of earning a one- or two-year certificate that will launch them into their chosen career also will receive the same high-quality, highly personalized instruction at the South Haven campus.

Graphic Design, Early Childhood Education and Business Administration are the three occupational study programs students can complete with classes offered at the new campus. These programs prepare students to directly enter the workplace upon graduation.

Additionally, students can take many of the general education requirements at the South Haven campus for any of the programs offered at LMC.

"We have a lot of interest in programs like nursing and computer information systems from people in the South Haven area," states Varney. "They will be able to take many of the required general classes here and pick up the specialized classes at one of our other three locations. It really puts everything the College offers within reach."

Students will have a strong mix of day and evening classes from which to choose. Class scheduling will be structured to allow full-time students to complete their programs in two years and part-time students to obtain their degrees in three to four years with late afternoon and evening courses.

Registration is going on now for fall classes. Students may register at the South Haven campus during regular hours which are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; and Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information about available classes visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu or call (269) 639-8442 or 1-800-252-1562.