Page 17 - LRCC May 2021 Focus

MEMBER NEWS

Michigan State University and Lansing Community

College Form Partnership to Improve Access to Higher

Education, Strengthen Transfer Process

ichigan State University (MSU) and Lansing The Envision Green memorandum of understanding
Community College (LCC) have formalized a specifies a one-year partnership with an option for
partnership that improves access to a four-year renewal, and states both parties’ intention to continue
Mdegree, increases student success and helps build to grow the relationship. Both institutions want to make
a pipeline of talent to meet the needs of the mid-Michigan it easier to plan an academic path from one institution
economy. to the other.

The partnership, called Envision Green, provides a “I always wanted to go to MSU, that was my dream
seamless transition from LCC to MSU by embedding school,” said Sarah Day, a junior at MSU majoring in
MSU advisors within LCC to guide students through special education who transferred from LCC. “LCC
their educational journey — a transition more than 5,500 was an amazing option for my situation coming out
LCC students have made over the last decade. With of high school, which put me in a better financial
this partnership in place, prospective LCC students can situation. I know this program will benefit many
consider MSU from the start of their higher education students who are a bit lost and not fully aware of all
journey. The affordability of the LCC-to-MSU path the options that exist. This will fill in a lot of gaps for
means a four-year-degree is an option for more people those students.”
in the region — crucial for building and retaining an
educated workforce in Michigan. As part of the relationship outlined in the MOU, the
institutions will:
“This formalizes something that has existed informally for years,” said Mark Largant,
MSU associate provost of undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate • Provide two MSU academic advisors one day a week on LCC’s downtown
studies. “By formalizing it, we are creating a more equitable and transparent space campus;
for our students.” • Communicate MSU transfer credit changes and MSU transfer credit
process changes to MSU advisors at LCC and LCC employees;
“By being more intentional about the pathway is really important first for the equity • Work individually with LCC students to facilitate a smooth transition
reasons,” said Steve Robinson, president, LCC. “Folks have been transferring from from LCC to MSU before transferring to MSU.
LCC to MSU for a long time. “By being intentional, more students will benefit.”
The partnership’s benefits extend beyond campus, as well. In an era when
It is estimated that community colleges are the entry point for close to half of post-secondary credentials are in increasing demand, broader access to higher
America’s post-secondary students, making this partnership a win-win for students, education ensures the mid-Michigan region is an attractive prospect for
the institutions, and the local community. startups and businesses looking to expand. n

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