LTC Planning Summer and Fall Classes

Lincoln Trail College will begin its Summer Semester classes as scheduled on June 2. “The majority of our summer courses will be held in a fully online format,” says LTC President Dr. Ryan Gower. “As summer progresses and the shelter-in-place order expires, it is our expectation that some of our courses will have the ability to meet face-to-face as the summer progresses.”
 
Meanwhile, the College is planning to begin its Fall Semester August 20. Gower says he has every expectation that most classes in the Fall will be delivered in a normal face-to-face lecture format. “We will use common sense while also monitoring what is happening in our community and following the advice of public authorities. While the switch to online learning has allowed us to complete the Spring 2020 Semester, most of our students are eager to get back to face-to-face instruction.  This is what Lincoln Trail College intends to deliver.”
 
Gower says it should come as no surprise that students prefer face-to-face instruction. He says there are decades of research that show students persist, retain and complete degree programs at higher rates when they are on campus in these more personal settings. “We may look to make adjustments like limiting our class sizes, spreading our classes and our class schedule across the day to allow for greater ease in social distancing, but Lincoln Trail College will be open, and we will be delivering our classes in a face-to-face format.”
 
Lincoln Trail College is currently offering students the chance to register for classes for the Summer and Fall Semesters. Students can call the College at 618-544-8657 to set up a virtual appointment with an advisor. “Our advisors take great pride in the one-on-one attention they provide to students,” says LTC Coordinator of Marketing and Public Information Chris Forde. “While our advising has shifted to a virtual format, they are still spending a considerable amount of time with students to help them set up classes and prepare their educational path.”
 
Gower says this is a perfect time to be thinking about Lincoln Trail College. “I’ve heard lots of talks about people taking a ‘gap year’ and that’s something I’d encourage students to avoid. Jobs will be hard to come by, and there is an opportunity cost you are paying, whether you realize it or not, in delaying your college education. In fact, because of our low cost of attendance and high levels of grants and scholarships, many of our students actually receive more financial support than we charge for tuition and fees. Imagine getting paid to go to school! That happens for some people at Lincoln Trail College.”
 
Gower says now more than ever attending a community college makes sense. “Our communities need good leaders who are prepared to tackle the economic and civic challenges we face. Nothing prepares people better for this than education. Community colleges have always been a good choice for graduating seniors, but everything that is happening in the world around us makes Lincoln Trail College an even better choice. We are close to home. We are affordable. We deliver an excellent educational experience. There is a lot of unease about moving into dorms and staring college, only to be required to move out and go back home should the coronavirus ‘bounce’ as experts suggest it might this fall. All of those uncertainties can be minimized by enrolling in your local community college.” 
 
Lincoln Trail College was recognized as the 11th most affordable college or university in the nation by EDSmart, a Utah-based organization that provides information to prospective college students. LTC has also been recognized by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program as a Top 150 U.S. Community College, an honor LTC has received five times. “Lincoln Trail College is truly a financially smart decision for students,” says Forde. “We have a history of excellent instruction combined with true affordability. Beginning your degree at LTC can help you save thousands of dollars compared to attending a four-year college for all four years. We also offer many opportunities for students interesting in beginning a career as soon as they graduate to get the skills they need in two years or less.”