CSU Bound provides seamless path to college and career success

CLEVELAND (September 5, 2019) – Lakeland Community College students planning to transfer to Cleveland State University will soon benefit from a new streamlined and enriched pathway to earning a four-year degree with the creation of CSU Bound. The program is an extension of Lakeland and CSU’s existing educational partnership and will be open to all degree programs at Cleveland State. The program was announced at a press conference on September 5 on the Lakeland campus, featuring Morris W. Beverage Jr., president of Lakeland Community College, and Harlan M. Sands, president of CSU.

Highlights of the initiative include:

• CSU Bound will provide dual admission to Lakeland and CSU from day one.
• Students in the program will receive a CSU Viking ID and can take advantage of special events and facilities at both institutions.
• Students will take a first-year experience course at Lakeland taught by CSU faculty.
• Those in the program also can take up to 3 classes at CSU while attending Lakeland and collaborative advising will be provided by both institutions.

“This bold and brand-new initiative will provide the innovative academic support and mentoring that is critical to helping all students reach their college and career goals,” Sands says. “I want to thank President Beverage and his entire team for their dedication to enhancing higher education innovation and academic success.”

“The CSU Bound program provides students with a clear roadmap to earn an associate degree from Lakeland and then a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State, adds Beverage. “Research shows that having clear pathways makes it more likely for students to stay on track and be successful.”

CSU Bound will prepare students for an urban school experience through a Future Vikings Learning Community where they will take classes with peers on Lakeland’s campus, receive streamlined advising services from both institutions, and have access to facilities such as computer labs and recreation centers at both schools from the beginning of their educational journey all the way through graduation from CSU.  Students still in high school can get a head start on this path to a CSU bachelor’s degree by taking College Credit Plus courses from Lakeland, saving even more time and money in pursuit of a four-year degree.

The initiative follows similar partnerships CSU has created with Cuyahoga Community College and Lorain County Community College. All are designed to create a comprehensive, assistive pathway for students to make the easy transition from community college to Cleveland State to graduation and a successful career.

“CSU is committed to providing all the support necessary to ensure every student has the opportunity to meet their academic and career goals,” Sands adds. “This partnership with Lakeland Community College is the next transformative step in this all-important effort.”

Check out the event photo gallery here. 

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