The Fall 2020 semester at Lander University has kicked off with another record-breaking enrollment, new bachelor's and master's degree programs being offered, and expanded food and dining options for students.
Classes began Monday, Aug. 17, and as of the first week, Lander's total enrollment was at 3,511, representing an 8.9 percent increase over last year's enrollment - and the largest enrollment in the university's 148-year history.
Additionally, on-campus housing is at 100 percent capacity, and Lander worked with local hotels to secure temporary housing for students until residential spaces open on campus.
Lander also broke a nearly 30-year record for retention at 75 percent, topping the previous record of 71 percent set in 1992.
"In what has been a challenging year for higher education across the nation, it is clear that Lander remains a university of choice for students," said President Richard Cosentino.
"Students and their families made it clear from the beginning that they wanted to return to campus for their education as quickly as possible," he added. "Over the last five months, Lander's faculty and staff have worked diligently to honor that request by implementing public health guidelines for cleaning and social distancing, requiring masks, limiting capacity in classrooms, offering more online options, and reminding students and employees of their responsibility to help keep our campus safe."
Growing Enrollment and Retention
Dr. Todd Gambill, Vice President for Enrollment and Access Management, attributed the growing enrollment and retention to Lander's high-quality programs, people, opportunities and community.
"Throughout the spring and summer, Lander's faculty and staff worked hard to help our students navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic, to ensure they were prepared for the next step in their education," Gambill said. "Our students prefer the types of interactions and opportunities that only Lander can provide. They are voting with their feet, in choosing to come to Lander when they could have attended other campuses virtually."
Those students aren't just choosing Lander - they are choosing Greenwood, as well.
"With residence halls at capacity, a significant number of our students reside off campus in the local community. Whether they live on campus or off, they are contributing to the Lakelands' economy through shopping, dining and other living expenditures," said Dr. Boyd Yarbrough, Vice President for Student Affairs. "Lander students have chosen Greenwood as the place where they want to live and study, and their presence will have a positive impact on our community."
New Degree Programs and Campus Dining Options
When students arrived in mid-August, they were greeted with new and expanded dining options.
Over the summer, construction was completed on Lander's new Chick-fil-A restaurant in the Grier Student Center; the campus Starbucks, next to Jackson Library, was doubled in size; and a new Which Wich sandwich shop and remodeled POD convenience store, with expanded foods, snacks and grab-n-go items, were unveiled in the Carnell Learning Center. Additional tables and chairs were also added throughout campus, to provide diners with options to safely spread out or take their meals on-the-go.
Another sign of growth at Lander: new degrees in business, health, and the arts and humanities. Among those programs:
"These programs not only enhance the academic reputation of Lander, but they provide students with more career choices," said Dr. Scott Jones, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
Focused on Health and Safety
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, daily life at Lander features new health and safety protocols to protect those on campus.
Lander increased its online and virtual course offerings for the fall semester, and many of the University's face-to-face classes use a flexible, hybrid model that blends in-person instruction with synchronous video and online activities. In-person classes have been capped to meet CDC and DHEC guidelines for social distancing in classrooms, labs and facilities. Masks are required in all Lander buildings, in accordance with local and state ordinances, and enhanced cleaning and sanitation is taking place throughout the campus.
"Our safety plans remain flexible, adaptable and versatile," said Megan Varner Price, Assistant Vice President for University Relations. "They will continue to be updated as the pandemic evolves, and as we receive additional health guidance and feedback."