Letter from the Co-Op Team
Hello and welcome to our first Lakeland University Parent Newsletter!
We are excited for this chance to bring you new information and updates on all things related to Lakeland’s Cooperative Education program. We’ll be sharing student success stories, campus events, highlights of business partners and other great content to keep you in the loop!
With fall semester comes new opportunities and new connections to be made. Though this may not have been the easiest year, our students have filled us with optimism and energy. The students are off to a strong start with their academics and are so determined and committed to their long-term success. Without the support of family, it would be extremely difficult for some students to succeed. Therefore, we would like to say thank you for all you do to encourage them.
Let’s make this new school year the most successful yet!
The Cooperative Education Team
Lakeland Receives High Praise for Business Program and Social Mobility
Lakeland continues to rise in the ranks for both our programs and our social impact. Recently Learn.org ranked Lakeland University’s Business programs #11 in the country. In addition, U.S News & World Report ranks Lakeland #2 in Wisconsin and #9 in the Midwest for social mobility. Both pay tribute to our Cooperative Education program for achieving these ranks. Congratulations to all our hard-working students, faculty and staff for making this possible!
Preparing for Important Reminders, Deadlines and Dates
It is never too early to start planning for spring classes and other important deadlines!
- If your child is anticipating earning credit for a new work-based learning experience in the spring term, they should already be working with the Co-Op team to solidify. They must report their experience no later than January 5 to ensure all approvals are in place before the term begins on Tuesday, January 19.
- Students who are currently enrolled in EXP 100: Professional Protocol are currently developing their personalized budgets and plans for the college experience. They will be required to have an individual meeting with our Financial Aid and Educational Funding team. Please encourage your student to follow their plan to help manage their experiences and develop good financial habits.
- Registration for spring 2021 begins on October 29 and classes will start January 19. Students are required to meet with their academic advisor to plan for the next term and are encouraged to have career conversations to discuss post-graduation plans.
- If your child is anticipating earning credit for a new work-based learning experience in the spring term, they should already be working with the Co-Op team to solidify. They must report their experience no later than January 5 to ensure all approvals are in place before the term begins on Tuesday, January 19.
Virtual Career Fair Brings Students and Employees Together
Lakeland hosted its third virtual career fair on September 24, with more than 25 employers and 150 students joining in the event. The fair was hosted on Handshake, a job board platform designed for college students, so that they could both learn about companies hiring needs, apply for open positions or even complete a short pre-screening interview. Students reported that they had a great experience learning about and interacting with our employer partners. Many also indicated that they made a potential employment connection and were pursuing future steps for official interviews. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this a very successful event. We are already planning our next Career Fair for February 2021. Please contact career@lakeland.edu if you have any questions!
TUITION BENEFITS: A Perk All Students Should Love
One benefit that many companies offer to employees is tuition assistance – and it is often under utilized! Students often think this is a benefit only available for full-time employees at larger companies, but many organizations offer educational support either immediately upon hire or after six months of consecutive employment. Companies offer an annual rate for reimbursement, while others offer a percentage of the cost or will match student loan payments. Students are highly encouraged to connect with the Co-Op team to apply with companies that offer these benefits – which will ultimately help them reduce their overall tuition costs. For more information, contact our team for support at career@lakeland.edu.
Winter Student Housing
Staying on campus for winter break is an option that many students consider, especially those with co-ops or internships. Mark Edmond, director of residence life, confirmed that applications for winter housing were handed out to students by their Resident Advisors in early October. While you make your decision, here is some additional information to know:
- The total cost of housing will be just $75 per week for a student in a double room and $110 per student in a single room.
- Meal services will be required at a reduced rate cost for students living on campus.
- Transportation will continue to be provided for employment needs.
- The priority deadline for having the contract submitted was October 12.
If you have any questions about the application process or winter housing, please contact Mark Edmond at EdmondMT@lakeland.edu.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Sara Hanneman - Develop U & Events
Describe your co-op experience.
My Co-Op position is president, Develop U & Events with Launch: Lakeland Student-Run Businesses. In this position, I assist in developing opportunities for professional development through Lakeland’s Develop U program as well as managing event planning to generate revenue for the student-run business. I have had the opportunity to work with business professionals and community members to provide beneficial services while developing my own skills.
How did you secure this position?
I first heard about the opportunity from my managerial accounting professor. I applied through Handshake during the spring 2020 semester and interviewed with Scott Niederjohn and Kym Leibham.
How many hours are you working per week?
Approximately 15 hours per week.
How did you decide to Co-Op with Launch?
I decided to Co-Op with Lakeland’s student-run business because it provided me with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain experience working in an executive role. Not only am I getting real-world experience related to my field of study, I am also gaining leadership skills.
What are some of the things you are learning in your role?
My role is teaching me a lot about sound decision making and creative thinking. I am learning to complete business tasks independently while being flexible with change. I am learning a lot about the unique situations businesses face that cannot be taught in the classroom.
What should other employers know about working with LU students?
Working with LU students is a great opportunity to provide invaluable experience to future professionals. Lakeland students can bring a lot to the table because our education provides us with the ever-important textbook knowledge, but also hands-on learning that puts us a step ahead in the workforce.
How did the Career Readiness team help you during your time at LU?
I first met with Career Readiness during my campus visits before attending Lakeland. This is when I first learned about Co-Op, and I immediately knew it was an opportunity I wanted to take advantage of. The Career Readiness team helped me request my experience through Handshake and were always readily available to answer any questions.
Lakeland Partner Showcase
Nourish Farms
What is Nourish Farms and what is your role in the local community?
Nourish is a 501(c)3 non-profit in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., focused on nutrition education – or what we call, Good Food Education! We were founded in 2009, and just celebrated entering our second decade as an organization. Nourish offers proactive, experiential learning activities and programs to encourage individuals and organizations in our community to make more wholesome food choices by growing, cooking, and supporting our local food system.
We believe that empowering individuals and companies and supporting local farmers also supports the local economy. Food less traveled reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and emissions while allowing the produce to be picked closer to ripeness and at the best nutrient content. Nourish partners with farms that encourage sustainable farming practices, and we use sustainable practices on our 13-acre Educational Farm.
Tell me about your current partnership with Lakeland University, what does it look like?
Nourish is thrilled to partner with Lakeland through their Cooperative Education Program. Our graphic design and technical writing intern has just started with us for the fall 2020 semester, and she will be with us throughout the fall assisting with design, social media, our blog, website and more. We also look forward to hosting some planned student volunteer groups!
Tell me about your experiences with LU students and the Co-Op program.
This past spring semester 2020, we had our first Co-Op intern through Lakeland. Although this experience was shifted by COVID-19, I am pleased to say that we were able to welcome our intern back to complete his work over the summer. Students from Lakeland have all been professional, dedicated and willing to learn; and Lakeland’s staff has been amazing to work with as well. It is wonderful to have this collaborative opportunity in our county to benefit student growth as well as local businesses and organizations!
How has the partnership with Lakeland University benefited your organization?
As a non-profit, Nourish is grateful to have received these grant-funded student internship positions through Lakeland. We are presently a small staff of eight and working with these dedicated interns has been invaluable. This experience has also allowed our staff to continue its own growth in management skills overseeing intern positions, and has provided us the opportunity to help introduce these individuals to how a non-profit works as well as how a small business works.
How do you see our Co-Op partnership growing or developing in the future?
Nourish looks forward to growing our partnership with Lakeland in the future to develop more diverse opportunities within our program. Our connection to Lakeland continues to expand through volunteer opportunities as well as recent connections with faculty for educational visits. In addition, we look forward to working with more interns in the future. Although the interns we have hosted have been graphic design students and hired for administrative roles, we have found that they are developing skills beyond those realms and more along the lines of what is means to be a small business owner overall.
How can other employers’ partner with or benefit from Nourish Farms?
As a non-profit, Nourish has a variety of volunteer opportunities as well as employee wellness programs. We take volunteers during regular hours during the farm season and by appointment. This is a great team-building experience for students, departments, and businesses to engage on 13-acres and soon in our brand-new kitchen addition –anticipated to be completed this fall! Our kitchen will also allow us to bring back our Farm-to-Table experiences for individuals and companies, workshops such as canning, beekeeping and cooking classes!
Lakeland University Bookstore Merchandise Survey
Lakeland University is gathering information to create a better shopping experience for you at our bookstore.
This survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete and is seeking feedback on your preferences regarding apparel, novelty items (like coffee mugs), school supplies, and other merchandise we offer. Please note the following questions are not related to textbooks or the location of the current on-campus store.
We respect your privacy and recognize your time is valuable, which is why the survey is anonymous unless you wish to be considered for the giveaway drawing, then we simply need your email.
Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to share your thoughts with us. We are committed to providing you with an improved online and in-person shopping experience for all your Lakeland gear.
Upcoming Events
The safety of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority. Your cooperation and collaboration will help to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing matter.
Oct. 1
FAFSA Applications Opened. Apply for Financial Aid ASAP!
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m
Resiliency with Jackie Erdman of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum
Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 11:30a.m.
Financial Strategies for Success – Hosted by Northwestern Mutual
Thursday, Oct. 29
Spring Registration Opens
Thursday, Nov. 5 | 12-1 p.m.
Get Hooked: Managing Your Paycheck as a College Student with Carly Lederer and Eli Steimle of Bank First
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get Hooked: Mindset in the Professional World with Chris Marx of the Center for Urban Teaching