LSSU Strategic Plan

Lake Superior State University Strategic Plan 2020-2025

“Superior Education, Superior Experience, Superior You”

In August of 2019, the Board of Trustees and President Rodney Hanley called for the development of a new institutional strategic plan and appointed a committee comprised of seven faculty and staff to draft that plan. The committee held listening sessions to give voice to multiple constituencies in the new Strategic Plan. These constituencies included students, faculty, staff, Tribal Leaders, advisory boards, alumni, and community members. An online survey was created to allow for anonymous input, and received 30 responses. Thirty-five sessions were held with a total attendance of over 300 people. The sessions were facilitated to focus on the future of the university and the directions needed to achieve a prosperous future. This document truly represents broad input from wide-ranging constituencies. The committee’s draft document was turned over to the President and Senior Management Team for their review, input and approval.

The Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on April 24, 2020.

LSSU Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Mission:

We equip our graduates with the knowledge, practical skills, and inner strength to craft a life of meaningful employment, personal fulfillment, and generosity of self within an inclusive atmosphere, all while enhancing the quality of life of the Great Lakes region and the world.

Vision:

We believe in an innovation-driven, transformative education for all. We identify potential, enable success, drive social mobility, and develop students into professionally prepared graduates who excel locally, nationally and globally.

Core Values:

Excellence in Teaching and Learning: Student learning is our first priority and focuses on providing student/faculty interaction, learning, and research in current, relevant programs.
Opportunity: Students have a wide range of opportunities to grow academically, professionally, culturally and socially. Opportunities are provided via work-study assignments, student organizations, internships, community outreach and leadership.
Diversity: Students experience a campus community environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
Ethics and Values: The University promotes an environment that values freedom of expression, the pursuit of truth, honesty, openness, and courteous behavior where everyone is treated with respect.
Stewardship: LSSU provides a framework in which to leave the university and region financially and environmentally sound for future generations of LSSU students, alumni, and friends.

The Aspirational Values of the Strategic Plan are:

Global Interdependence – As part of a global society we promote and celebrate exchange among world cultures through international student recruitment, on-campus support for international students, and promotion of opportunities abroad for students, faculty, and staff. Thus, we bring LSSU to the world and the world to LSSU.
Social Mobility – At LSSU, we are committed to equal access to higher education opportunities that lead to social mobility. LSSU’s supportive, personalized, and welcoming atmosphere particularly benefits first-generation students and those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. As one of the few four-year universities in Michigan that grants associate degrees, we are uniquely poised to serve students through the Tuition Incentive Program (or TIP) funding, while facilitating a smooth transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree with guaranteed application of all credits. We are committed to providing resources to students that lead to their success.
Innovation – LSSU embraces innovation as an aspirational value. Given demographic, political, technological, and policy shifts affecting higher education, the University cannot – and will not – stand still. Innovation in the context of this strategic plan means we will unveil new academic programs and enact new processes and methods of teaching; develop new enrollment-driven initiatives; enrich the student experience with both tradition and bold new efforts that enhance the overall student experience; and enhance support networks and interventions for student success. Our innovative process will rely on a strong culture of assessment and data-informed decisions to drive student success and University growth.

Canadian Student Loans

Canadian Student Loan

Canadian students who need help paying for a college or university education may apply for aid through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). OSAP offers a mixture of grants and loans.

To be considered for OSAP, you must meet the following requirements (additional qualifications may by required):

Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person;
Meet Ontario residency requirements;
Be enrolled in an approved post secondary institution taking an approved program;
Be taking at least 60% of a full course load, or 40% if you have a permanent disability.

Students who complete an OSAP application may be eligible for the Canada-Ontario Integrated Student Loan (COISL). The loan is funded by both the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. The loan is issued through the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC).

For more information, visit the OSAP web site at: www.osap.gov.on.ca.

Another loan option for Canadian students is available through Global Education Management Services (GEMS). Visit www.myglobaled.com for loan features, program requirements and how to apply.

Federal Direct Student Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

If this is your first Federal Direct Student Loan, you must complete and sign an electronic “Master Promissory Note” (MPN) at https://studentaid.gov/ before your loan can disburse. Your FSA ID is required to sign in. If you do not have a FSA ID yet, you can create one here. An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

Steps to complete a MPN:

Go to https://studentaid.gov/
Click on I’m in School drop down
Click on Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note)
Click on Start for MPN for Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
Complete the four steps and click submit.

Please allow 7 – 10 days for the processing of the MPN to be viewable on your Anchor Access account.

NOTE: You will also need to complete Entrance Counseling at https://studentaid.gov/ before disbursement.

If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 906-635-2678 or by email at [email protected].

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

Students who are first-time borrowers of a Federal Direct Loan at LSSU are required to complete mandatory loan counseling prior to receiving loan funds.

You may complete the entrance counseling tutorial at https://studentaid.gov/. (Note: Do not select the Grad/PLUS session.)

Steps to complete Entrance Counseling:

1. Go to https://studentaid.gov/.
2.Log in with your FSA username and password
3. Click on I’m in School drop down menu.
4. Click on Complete Entrance Counseling
5. Click Start
6. Select School Information and click Continue.
7. Read through the information in order to answer the questions.
8. Once completed, the indicated school(s) will receive confirmation of completion.

NOTE: You may also need to complete and sign an electronic Master Promissory Note at https://studentaid.gov/ before disbursement.

If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 906-635-2678 or by email at [email protected].

Private/Alternative Loans

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans are not Federal loans. All students may be eligible for some type of Federal aid. Federal student loans with fixed interest rates of 5.50% (2023-2024) are available to students at all income levels. LSSU recommends that students borrow their maximum eligibility in Federal loans before applying for alternative loans because Federal loans generally have better terms, conditions and borrower benefits. Please complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to utilize all of your potential federal aid eligibility before considering an alternative loan.

Another Federal loan option is the Parent PLUS loan for dependent students. This loan is available to parents at a 8.05% (2023-2024) fixed interest rate. The maximum PLUS loan amount is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.

Alternative loans are private, credit-based education loans. Students can borrow up to their Cost of Attendance (COA) less any other aid they receive. It is strongly encouraged that students complete the FAFSA to utilize their maximum federal aid eligibility first. The maximum amount that you could borrow is listed as the “Parent PLUS or Alternative Loan” option on your Official Offer of Award, assuming that you will utilize your federal loans first. We recommend that you use the Loan/Cost Estimator Tool to determine an estimated amount that may be needed. Borrowing can be costly and we encourage students to exhaust all other options before applying for an alternative loan.

Consider some of these questions when researching alternative loans:

Do I want a fixed or variable interest rate?
When do I have to start paying back the loan? And for how many years?
Are there any loan fees?
What are the co-signer requirements?
Can I borrow even if I’m not a full-time student?
What are the borrower benefits?
Can the loan cover a past due balance?

Compare Lenders

For your convenience, we have provided a list for you to compare and contrast different lenders. ELM Select is a third party site that provides a neutral comprehensive list of private education loan lenders that LSSU students have borrowed from within the past three years, listed in random order. LSSU does not endorse, recommend, or promote any of the listed lenders. You are not obligated to borrow only from the lenders listed. LSSU will process alternative loans from lenders who are not listed, but remember that each lender has certain loan eligibility requirements that if not met by the student, may not allow us to process the loan request.

Loan Periods

When completing an application for an alternative loan, the lender will ask that you select the loan period most applicable for the semester(s) you wish to borrow. Select the loan period that most closely matches one of the loan periods indicated below.

Loan periods for LSSU are:
Fall Only: August – December
Fall & Spring: August – May
Spring Only: January – May
Summer Only: May-Aug (Use the entire summer semester period even if you are only attending a 6-week session.)

I applied and have been approved. What happens next?

Once you have submitted your application to the lender and completed any additional steps, the lender will send your loan request to the school. We review your loan request to make sure it fits within your cost of attendance budget. If the amount you requested is more than what your budget will allow, we will reduce your loan to an amount that will fit within your budget. The loan request is processed by our school and sent back to the lender. The lender will then send the borrower a final loan disclosure, giving you a three day cancellation period. Most lenders will send the loan funds to LSSU electronically. The funds are applied directly to your account. Any excess amount remaining after the funds have been applied will be refunded to you. The total processing time from the time you apply for a loan to the time the funds are sent to the school can range from 2-4 weeks.

Sample forms that lenders may ask you to complete during the application process:

Loan Processing Deadlines

Due to the processing time, loan requests cannot be honored during the last two weeks of the semester. Please submit any alternative loan requests to the Financial Aid Office prior to the last two weeks of the semester.

Helpful tips:

Borrow only what you need! Borrowing can be costly so check out the Loan/Cost Estimator Tool to estimate how much is really needed.
Do your research! Look at each lender thoroughly to determine which loan will best suit your needs.
Apply with more than one lender. This helps you determine which lender has the most favorable interest rate. If you apply for more than one, make sure you do so in a short period of time (such as one week) in order to prevent several hits to your (and/or your co-signer’s) credit score.

Disclosures:

LSSU strongly encourages students to maximize all of their federal aid eligibility before requesting private education loans.
LSSU is not affiliated with any private student loan lenders.
LSSU provides a list of private student loan lenders (through a third party) without prejudice for the purpose to assist students and does not endorse, promote or recommend any one lender over another.
The listed lenders are those who LSSU students have borrowed from within the past 3 years. (With the exception of three lenders whose information is not available on ELM Select. Those lenders are: H.P.C. Credit Union, Northland Area Federal Credit Union and Pentagon Federal Credit Union.)
Lenders do not pay a fee to be included on this list.
Students are not obligated to borrow only from the lenders that are listed.
The maximum amount that a student can borrow is listed as the “Parent PLUS or Alternative Loan” option on their Official Offer of Award, assuming that they will utilize their federal student loans first.

Nursing Student Loans

Federal Nursing Loan

The Nursing Education Loan Program provides loans of up to $5,000 a year for students working towards a degree in the nursing program.

Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to;

United States citizenship,
Enrollment status of at least half time (6 or more credits),
Demonstrated financial need.

ATTN: Nursing Students
Apply for repayment assistance with the Department of Health and Human Services by clicking here.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Parents and/or step-parents of undergraduate dependent students may utilize the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to assist in paying the student’s educational expenses. Parents may borrow up to the difference between the cost of education and other financial aid for which the student is eligible. The maximum amount available for the year is shown on the student’s Official Offer of Award as the “Maximum Parent PLUS or Alternative Loan” option.

Interest Rate and Processing Fees:

8.05% fixed interest rate for loans disbursed between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024

4.228% origination rate for loans disbursed on or after October 1, 2023 and before October 1, 2024

Applying for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan:

To apply:

ONLINE at https://studentaid.gov/app/launchPLUS.action?plusType=parentPlus

Steps to complete the online PLUS application:

The parent borrower must sign in to https://studentaid.gov/app/launchPLUS.action?plusType=parentPlus with their FSA ID.
Once signed in, select Apply for Parent PLUS Loan.
Select Parent PLUS for the loan type.
Fully complete the application and submit it. Make sure to select the correct aid year.
Once submitted, you will receive notification immediately of your approval or denial.
Next, complete the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) at the same website, https://studentaid.gov/app/launchMpn.action?mpnType=parentPlusMpn. Make sure to complete all 4 steps and receive notice that your MPN is successfully submitted. Print a copy of the MPN for your records.

Both application methods will generate a credit check on the parent who is applying for the loan. The credit check is valid for 180 days.

If your parent’s application is denied due to adverse credit history, contact the LSSU Financial Aid Office to discuss your options. Beginning March 29, 2015, PLUS loan counseling will be required if you are determined to have adverse credit history, but qualify for a PLUS loan by documenting extenuating circumstances or obtaining an endorser. This can be completed at https://studentaid.gov/app/counselingInstructions.action?counselingType=plus.

Please note: PLUS Loan applications must be completed every year as part of the Federal Student Aid Application process.

Disbursement

The approved loan (less fees) will disburse to the student’s account after all steps are completed. Please allow 10 days for processing. If the approved loan is for the full academic year, it will be divided in half, with 50% of the loan disbursing in the fall and 50% in January.

Deferment and Repayment

Repayment begins on the PLUS loan immediately after the loan is fully disbursed. Parent borrowers may contact their loan servicer to request a deferment while the dependent student is enrolled at least half time and for an additional six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. Parent borrowers can also select the deferment option during the on-line application; however, this may not automatically defer the payments.

Disclosure Statements

Sample disclosures for PLUS loans:

ATTN: Due to the processing time, loan requests cannot be honored during the last two weeks of the semester. Please submit any requests for alternative or direct loans to the LSSU Financial Aid Office before the last two weeks of the semester.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW)

Students meeting the criteria may be eligible for a full waiver of tuition while working on their program at LSSU. Beginning summer of 2010, the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, previously administered by the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, will be administered by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), as directed by the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver law, Public Act 174 of 1976. Students seeking the waiver must submit a certified application and supporting documentation to MDCR prior to receiving the waiver. MDCR will review the application and provide information concerning the waiver to LSSU.

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the MITW:

1/4 blood quantum (certified by Tribal Enrollment Dept.)
and
Member of a Federally recognized Tribe (certified by Tribal Enrollment Dept.)
and
Resident of Michigan for 12 consecutive months (certified by LSSU)

To apply for the use of the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW) at LSSU;

Complete the MITW Application and submit it to your Tribal Enrollment Office.
Be prepared to submit proof of Michigan residency* for 12 months prior to start of semester.
Check your My.LSSU: Anchor Access account regularly for updates and required documents.

*Michigan residency can be determined by a copy of your Michigan driver’s license and one of the following; copies of rent/utility bills from the previous 12 consecutive months, copies of paystubs from the previous 12 consecutive months, or a copy of your Michigan Income Tax Return.

Other Sources

Other Sources of Aid

Student Employment Opportunities

Student Employment

Have you considered working on campus while you attend LSSU?

Studies have shown that students who work while in college learn valuable time management skills and earn better grades than those who do not work. Students who work on campus have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning a biweekly paycheck with an employer that understands student schedules and works around them.

Students can be hired under the Federal Work Study (FWS) program or as Departmental Employees (DPT).

The same jobs are available for students to apply for, under either employment category. The process for searching available jobs and applying for jobs is identical.

What type of student employment am I eligible for?

Federal Work-Study

If you have demonstrated financial need, per the FAFSA, you may be eligible for employment by Lake Superior State University under the Federal Work-Study Program. Students who were offered Federal Work Study have received the offer because they qualified under the FWS rules. A FWS “offer” is not a guarantee of work. When a student accepts FWS, it means that they can proceed to the next step and seek employment through the online student job board.

Students may work up to 19 hours weekly while attending classes at least half-time. Most students work 6-10 hours per week during the academic year. During the summer or other vacation periods when you do not have classes, you may work full-time (40 hours per week) under this program.

You must first accept your federal work study offer under the financial aid tab of your Anchor Access Account. You can then apply for a job via the online Job Board, which is also accessible through your Anchor Access Account.

America Reads Program at Lake Superior State University is another work study opportunity for students. Students work as reading tutors in the local elementary schools and are paid through the Federal Work-Study Program. Interested students should request this unique employment experience when submitting their applications for employment.

Campus Job Opportunity

Students who do NOT qualify for Federal Work Study through their Financial Aid package may still be eligible to work on campus under the Campus Job Opportunity Program. Students must be enrolled full-time, and may work up to 19 hours per week. During the summer and other vacation periods, students may work up to 40 hours per week.

You can apply for campus job opportunities through the online Job Board via your Anchor Access Account.

How do I find a job?

Students can search for available on-campus jobs through their Anchor Access account under the Student tab, then click on LSSU Student Employment Opportunities. Please visit the Human Resources Website for step by step instructions on applying for jobs through the online job board.

If you were offered Work Study on your Official Offer of Award, you MUST accept the offer prior to applying for jobs online.

Required Paperwork for working on campus

If you get a job, three documents will be required in order for you to be paid. You may complete them now, if you haven’t already. Do NOT mail them to LSSU. While the W-4s can be received via mail, the I-9 MUST be hand delivered, (in-person, by the student) with the appropriate identifying documents. It is simplest if you deliver them all in person to the Human Resources Office at the same time.

How are employment funds paid?

After you have been hired, completed all required paperwork, and worked for a full pay period (two weeks), you will receive a paycheck for hours worked. Your earnings are NOT applied to your bill as a credit. If you prefer to receive the funds through a directed account, complete the Direct Deposit Authorization and return it to Human Resources.