Oct 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing, [email protected]
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. –Lake Superior State University (LSSU) has been selected as one of 14 Michigan institutions to participate in the inaugural Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy, an 18-month initiative by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) in collaboration with Almy Education and Sova.
The academy aims to support colleges and universities in rethinking and restructuring key gateway courses, such as introductory Math, English, and Science classes, to remove barriers, increase student achievement, and improve outcomes. Participating schools receive $10,000 in implementation funding to support course redesign efforts.
LSSU’s participation reflects its commitment to advancing student success, particularly for first-
generation students.
“We were drawn to the Gateway Course Redesign Academy because it’s not just about redesigning a math course, but it’s about bringing a whole cross-campus team together to rethink
placement, courses, and processes in a way that centers students,” said Jennifer Gorman, assistant professor of mathematics at LSSU. “With so many of our students being first-
generation, this work matters a lot to us. The Academy’s support will help us build on the discussions we’ve already been having and move forward with this important work.”
The Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy is based on national research and best practices, designed for faculty, by faculty. Through technical assistance, tailored support, and cross-institutional collaboration, the academy equips educators to redesign courses with equity and effectiveness in mind.