(By Mia Bucher ’25, staff writer)
LVC has secured grant money which will provide a unique opportunity for students seeking more accessible education paths.
With increasing avenues to bring prospective students to campus, current students have raised concerns about resource availability, and the College has responded with how it plans to adjust.
Dr. Robert Mikus, dean of students and vice president of student engagement, attended the American Talent Initiative (ATI) conference last summer with Dr. Susan Tammaro, provost and vice president of academic affairs, and Ed Wright, vice president of enrollment and management.
“We worked with a bunch of other colleges there…and ultimately created this proposal which would facilitate student enrollment of community college into Lebanon Valley after they have finished their associate’s degree,” Mikus said.
Currently partnering with Harrisburg Area Community College, LVC’s main goals are to provide accessible higher education and grow the student body.
“Our hope is to be able to expand enrollment a little bit, but it will also allow us to grow our commuter population,” Mikus said.
When made aware of current concerns regarding housing, parking and other resources, Mikus was not concerned about future growth putting a strain on residential and commuter students.
“Just like we manage services for our own students, these transfer students would eventually become our own, and, as such, we look at the trends, we look at the needs, we look at the capacity to address needs and we shift and grow and develop as needed,” Mikus said.
The program will be put in place over the next five years, and LVC plans to double the number of community college transfers in this time.
Mikus expressed there is value for both incoming and current students as this plan will grow and highlight programs throughout the College and provide an affordable way to reach a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
For current students, Mikus said there will be no drastic impact on those currently on campus. It is anticipated that a handful of students will come to LVC through this grant, and the College will meet the needs of all students as campus grows as a whole.