Continuing to craft CLC as student-ready with pilot program in spring 2021
Yes! College of Lake County (CLC) will be open in the spring. A mix of class types are available for students such as: online live via Zoom, online anytime, in-person and blended. Spring 2021 registration is already well underway, and students who begin their CLC education this semester have the chance to participate in, and inform the design of, a new class called College Success Seminar (CLC 120).
"This is one piece of our broader plan to build a success framework which moves CLC to being student-ready," said Director of Student Success Strategy at CLC Nick Branson. "It's designed as an early opportunity for all new students, so they get access to information about resources and support systems, as well as develop skills to help them be successful in college."
The idea for CLC 120 came about as Branson and his CLC colleagues gathered feedback on the typical first semester at the college. They found new students of all ages experienced challenges navigating college life and expectations. He describes the course not as an orientation, which CLC already has, but as something which provides students more time for personal reflection.
"We carefully thought about all the things we want a student to experience and that was informed by student feedback, other data and expertise on the team," said Branson. "It focuses on students' academic success skills, such as having a growth mindset; what to do when they face challenges, which is inevitable; how to self-advocate by asking for help or resources when they need it, while also providing financial literacy; and just as important, our course provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their personal identity and the benefits of learning in CLC's diverse, inclusive environment."
Branson hopes to recruit 150 to 200 students for this first-of-its-kind class at CLC, which will be free for participants this spring. If all goes well, College Success Seminar will become a required class for all new students during their first semester. Students interested in being a part of the pilot should be starting their first semester at CLC and will provide feedback on their experience throughout the class. They should reach out to their college and career navigator to express their desire to participate in the course, or call 847-543-2090. If proven helpful, all new students starting this fall will be enrolled in CLC 120.
About College of Lake County:
College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves in northeastern Illinois. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, college classes are affordable and accessible to help each student achieve academic, career and personal goals. More than 70,000 students graduated with degrees and certificates since the college opened in 1969. The College of Lake County is the only higher-education institution ranked among the top 15 best places to work in Illinois by Forbes and is a national leader in many areas, including sustainability and conservation. Learn more at www.clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2000.