2021 Dec- LU Parent Newsletter

Winter Break- December Checklist!

Winter break is a great opportunity to take a step back and relax. It’s also a great time to do some reflecting and ensure that your student is on track to end the school year strong! Here are some things your student can do during winter break to stay on top of priorities.

· Check in with Financial Aid- Are payment plans in place? Is your financial aid application for next year complete? Email financialaid@lakeland.edu with any questions or to set up a meeting, virtual included.

· Registration- Is your course schedule finalized for spring? Do you need to reach out to any professors or advisors about pre-requisites or future class planning?

· Career Planning- Are you looking for a Co-Op, internship or job opportunity? Have you made an appointment with the Career Readiness team about future workplace goals and preparing for post-Lakeland planning? Email career@lakeland.edu to make an appointment!

· Academic Assistance- Reach out to the Hayden Academic Resource Center at HARC@lakeland.edu to learn about the support services- including study skills, time management help, tutoring and more.

· Counseling Services- Was it a challenging semester emotionally? Contact the Wellness and Counseling Center at counselingcenter@lakeland.edu to learn more about individual and small group appointments.

Now, take some time to relax and enjoy your winter break!

Happy Holidays,
The Cooperative Education and Career Readiness Team

Changes on the Co-Op and Career Readiness Team

We have a deep appreciation for the leadership of Jess Lambrecht, Associate VP of Cooperative Education, and Mara Poullette, Director of Cooperative Education, and all that they have been able to accomplish since this important program’s inception for our campus and community. They are moving on to new roles, and we are excited to celebrate the change in leadership this spring.

Lakeland has selected a familiar face and a newcomer to Lakeland with numerous higher education experiences to continue leading the important efforts and ensure a smooth transition. Faculty member Britanni Meinnert has been named Associate VP for Cooperative Education, and Hillary Young has been named Director of Cooperative Education.

For additional details, please see Lakeland Names New Leaders for Co-Op Program or contact career@lakeland.edu with questions

Lakeland and Local Partners Create New Career Planning Course for High Schools

Lakeland University and INSPIRE Sheboygan County have partnered with three local high schools to provide their students access to a tuition-free Lakeland course as part of their Academic & Career Planning offerings.

Students at Sheboygan South High School, Random Lake High School and George D. Warriner High School in Sheboygan – all INSPIRE partners – can take Lakeland’s 1-credit Professional Protocol course this year for both high school and college credit.

The partnership expands the offerings at these schools as part of their Academic & Career Planning (ACP) programming.

ACP was developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to better prepare youth to make informed choices about their post-graduation options. It includes tools and strategies that support K-12 graduates in being “life ready.”

The responsibility of building curriculum happens at the individual school level. Random Lake School District Superintended Mike Trimberger said this partnership will assist participating schools in addressing some of the staffing and other challenges in developing a successful program.

 

Trimberger noted that the partnership is already gaining attention from other local school districts and adding new school partners is anticipated.

Lakeland’s Cooperative Education curriculum has been recognized for preparing individuals personally and professionally.

“Through this partnership, we have come together to offer the very best to our youth and are utilizing resources in our community,” Trimberger said.

Lakeland’s Professional Protocol course allows students to explore strategies to connect with employers of interest using the INSPIRE network, review how they present themselves to others and develop confidence in their communication skills. The course focuses on appropriate workplace behavior, business etiquette and professional communication strategies, all skills in demand by today’s employers.

The partners hope to include other Lakeland course offerings in the near future.

Signing Day Event

Lakeland recently hosted its second Signing Day event, a celebration of the students and employers who have made connections for the upcoming spring semester. This event borrow the tradition of athletic signing day, and employers are invited to attend and take pictures with their new employees while positions are announced by faculty members. Lakeland loves the experiences that students are able to have with local employers!

Lakeland Nursing Program Receives Accreditation

Lakeland University learned on November 12, 2021, that its RN to BSN Completion Program had received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The accreditation status began March 17, 2021, and continues through Dec. 31, 2026.

“It is gratifying to know that Lakeland’s RN to BSN Completion Program meets all the CCNE nursing accreditation standards, a sign of excellence in nursing education,” said Program Director Kerry Hamm. “The RN to BSN program launched in the fall of 2019 and has worked toward CCNE accreditation since its inception. Countless hours and many contributors had a stake in the process, and we are proud to illustrate our dedication to quality nursing education through accreditation.”

The CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency that serves the public interest by promoting the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.

The accreditation process is voluntary, and the accreditation award is a testament to programs that engage in effective educational practices. Accredited programs are dedicated to achieving their mission, vision and goals and foster continuous improvement in nursing education, and, thereby, in professional practice

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Spring Career Opportunities Fair

The Spring Career Opportunities Fair is scheduled on February 22 from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Younger Family Campus Center. This fair will include different employers from our fall event, giving students more access to connections to be made. Employers are being added daily, but here are a few who have registered to date:

· State Farm Insurance

· The Center for Urban Teaching

· Kohler Credit Union

· Homes for Independent Living

· Rust-Oleum

· MilliporeSigma

Have your student check with the Cooperative Education and Career Readiness Office to learn about the companies that are attending as we get closer to the date.

Student Spotlight

Sema’J Stokes- IT Assistant at Random Lake High School

Please describe your position with Random Lake, in other words, what did you do with Random Lake?

I was an IT assistant. This means I took care of anyone’s technical issues. Whether it was a broken screen, shattered keyboard or just setting up a Bluetooth mouse, I was the one to fix it.

How did you secure this position?  

was presented with this opportunity when I started my Co-Op experience class.

What are some things you learned in your role?

Not only did I learn the tools of my trade, I also improved my social skills since I had to work with clients to figure out the root of the problem.

What should other employers know about working with LU students? 

LU students take pride in what they do. They’re always looking for ways to improve not just themselves but their environment as well.

How did the Career Readiness and Launch teams help you during your time at LU? 

The Career Readiness team played a fundamental roll in my development as an employee. I took the classes they offered and was able to apply what I learned into the workplace.

What are your future plans? 

I plan to continue working here at Lakeland until next May, then I’ll be looking for jobs in the Milwaukee area.

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.

 December 16th 5:30 PM

StarBash Run of Show at Fiserv Forum featuring Lakeland E-Sports Coach Ahman Green

December 18th

Christmas Break Begins

 January 17th

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18th

First Day of Spring Semester