Welcome

A Message from the President

I would like to welcome you on behalf of the faculty and staff at Lamar Community College.  This catalog will be an incredible tool as you investigate your educational options, find additional resources, and better understand your opportunities and responsibilities as a student.  Please review the catalog information and keep this link handy for future reference. 

As a college know for quality, we continue that legacy on your behalf. While maintaining high standards in the current programs, Lamar Community College is implementing many new programs and bringing greater value with a multitude of additional options to our students.  I am sure you will find our offerings compare with the finest quality programs anywhere, yet you will experience enhanced personal attention, because of our smaller, closely-knit community.  We have many traditional as well as innovative methods of delivery, including distance education.

LCC’s mission is to “enrich lives through learning”.  With your passion as a student and LCC’s quality as an institution you will certainly enhance you life.  Knowledge is still the strongest indicator of a bright future!  Congratulations, you have made a great decision by choosing LCC. 

John T. Marrin
President

The LCC Mission & Vision

Lamar Community College is located on the plains of southeastern Colorado and is well known for its moderate weather and days of sunshine. The College has developed a special concern for the educational needs of Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Counties but includes within its vision and “community” the state of Colorado, the nation, and through its unique programs, dedicated staff, and picturesque setting-the world.

The College counts among its alumni successful business persons, ranchers and farmers, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and others who continue to expand their human potential. LCC’s graduates are scattered throughout the world, and increasingly, its students add to the cultural diversity of the institution as they gather from the four corners of the globe.

Lamar Community College embraces the philosophy of a comprehensive community college as it serves the educational needs of its students. LCC is dedicated to providing all students with quality educational opportunities and services that assist learners to maximize development and operate successfully in our ever-changing world.

The College is an “open-door” institution, and it enrolls all students 16 years of age or older, regardless of previous academic experience, who can profit from the College’s instructional efforts. The College offers complete academic transfer programs through its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. The College also offers occupational instruction, which leads to a variety of degrees and certificates. At Lamar Community College, “we enrich lives through learning.”

The college’s vision is “At Lamar Community College, we are committed to providing the highest quality education in an environment of service excellence.”

Role and Purpose

Lamar Community College is a learner-centered, coeducational, comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution of higher learning. As a member of the Colorado Community College System, LCC is committed to providing

• transfer programs that qualify students for admission to four-year colleges and universities;
• educational offerings that meet students’ occupational needs in technical and applied fields;
• developmental education to build basic academic skills;
• opportunities for perpetual learning and lifelong development;
• an environment supportive of learners and learning; and
• comprehensive assessment of student learning.

A Brief History of LCC

Established in 1937, Lamar Community College began its service to its communities as the Junior College of Southeastern Colorado. It was originally established to give the impoverished residents of the western edge of the “Dust Bowl” new hope in the midst of the Great Depression. The College is a testimony to the perseverance of the organizations and individuals that founded it. Supported by tuition, fees, and donations from merchants and civic organizations, the College was essentially a private institution. Its first campus was a structure originally built by the Works Public Administration (WPA) as a hospital for tuberculosis patients. The original building still stands at Eighth Street and Walnut.

In 1946, voters formed a local district, supported by tax dollars, and guaranteeing open enrollment. At this time, the name was changed to Lamar Junior College. As enrollment and program offerings steadily increased after World War II; the campus expanded to nearby buildings and houses.

Changing with the Times

The 1960s ushered in a decade of change as the College relocated to its present location, changed its name to Lamar Community College, and joined the Colorado Community College System. Todd-Burch Residence Hall and the Bowman, Trustees, and Betz Buildings were all built in the period between 1966 and 1971. Lamar Community College entered another period of construction in 1999, with the renovation and renaming of the Betz Building to the Betz Technology Center. In this same time period, LCC built its state-of-the-art Wellness Center. LCC’s original indoor horse arena was constructed in 1975; a major expansion and renovation was completed in the fall of 2009 to create LCC’s Equine Complex.

Expanded Educational Offerings

Through its rich history, Lamar Community College has continued to provide a unique educational experience to students. The small, friendly campus atmosphere helps students feel welcome and valued. Many area students who seek skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or to transfer to universities find LCC their best option for higher education. LCC also attracts students from outside the service area who appreciate smaller classes and the personalized attention they receive from staff and faculty. Many come to study in one of the signature programs or to continue their athletic careers. Through partnerships with other colleges and universities, LCC has expanded its services to students to include dual application and on-campus baccalaureate options.

Lamar Community College celebrated its 75th year of serving our students and communities in 2012-2013 and will celebrate its 75th commencement in the spring of 2014. 

Born from the tenacious spirit of pioneer founders and empowered by the alliance with the Colorado Community College System, Lamar Community College stands ready to serve its students into the 21st century and beyond.

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity among students, faculty, administration, and staff is an important measure of quality within academic institutions. Lamar Community College seeks to achieve greater diversity and reflect the variety of its community and the world. LCC strives to develop and foster diversity in all college activities, including student recruitment and support, staff recruitment and development, institutional policy, and community relations. To achieve this goal, the following objectives have been established.

LCC will expand the pool of applicants for admission and employment with an emphasis on underrepresented populations. Lamar Community College supports and encourages educational and employment opportunities for all.

LCC recognizes the need to provide retention support services for students and employees from underrepresented populations and will strive to implement plans to achieve this goal.

Lamar Community College is known for educational quality and high graduation and transfer rates. LCC will maintain its educational integrity and increase these rates for underrepresented students through development of specific educational achievement plans, which emphasize personal commitment and care of the individual underrepresented student.

LCC, in cooperation with community leaders of Prowers County, will develop a welcoming and culturally sensitive climate on and off campus and foster community networks that support underrepresented populations.

Academic Calendar

Dates subject to change without notice. 

Campus Hours

(Fall and Spring semester hours subject to change and may vary seasonally and with holidays. The College observes extended summer hours May - August. Extended hours available during peak usage periods.)

Locator Map

Click here  to view map.

Campus Overview

Lamar Community College is located on the southern edge of the City of Lamar on Highway 287. Its facilities are maintained on a spacious 115-acre campus bounded on the east by lush Willow Creek, a wooded area that is home to deer and a large variety of birds and other wildlife. In 2000, the campus completed an $11-million renovation that included a new gymnasium and wellness complex located next to the residence halls. A renovation and expansion of LCC’s equine facility was completed in the fall of 2008. 

Exceptional Facilities

On the northern edge of the campus stands the Betz Technology Center. It is the home of many occupational programs including art, business and computer, and integrated technology courses, and the Small Business Management Program as well as the Nursing Program, agriculture classes, and faculty offices. Additionally, it houses the Student Services Center, including the Registrar, Admissions, Financial Aid, Recruiter, as well as the Cashier and Campus Bookstore.

The Todd-Burch Residence Hall and Kelley Union Cafeteria are in the middle of the campus. Housing 190 students, the facility also includes a weight room, computer lab, and lobby with recreational equipment.

The Wellness Center provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor walking track, gymnasium, and athletic office complex and the Campus Health Center for students and staff.

On the southern end of the  LCC campus is the Equine Complex. This area includes classrooms, demonstration lab, faculty offices and both indoor and outdoor arenas for practice and competition.

Across the street from the campus are the baseball and softball fields.
 

Important Campus Resources

Student Resources at a Glance

Academic Advising

Assigns an academic advisor to certificate and degree-seeking students and by request to non-degree seekers.

Campus Bookstore - The “Lope Shoppe”

Offers course textbooks, supplies, food items, spirit wear, & gifts.

Campus Health Center

Provides medical & dental services.

Fitness Center

Offers complete training/workout programs.

Learning Resource Center/Library

Provides books, periodicals, wireless Internet access and computers, inter-library loan materials, and comfortable study areas.

Learning Support Services

LCC’s federally-funded TRiO Student Support Services program provides services to students in the following areas:

• Assessment
• Academic & transfer counseling
• Tutoring

Student Services Center

A one-stop shop for admission, registration, payment, financial aid, and transcript requests.

Helpful Community Contacts

Answers to Your Questions

Bulletin Boards

Students and community members may post materials on community bulletin boards throughout campus using posted guidelines. Departmental and campus life boards are reserved for College use only.

Campus Closures

Due to occasional inclement weather or other circumstance, it may be necessary to cancel classes or close the campus. Students and staff may call 719.336.1515 to find out details about potential cancellations/ closures.

Emergency Preparedness

LCC is committed to providing a safe learning environment for students and staff. Occasionally, emergencies may arise that necessitate a move to a safer location in a campus building or building evacuation. LCC expects everyone to follow these guidelines. More information is posted on campus bulletin boards.

The College recommends that students keep their emergency contact information up-to-date through their Lope Access portal accounts.  This will allow LCC to contact students quickly in the event of a campus or weather emergency.

If it is necessary for a campus building (or buildings) to be evacuated due to emergency, students and staff must use the nearest safe exit and meet at the following designated points.

• Bowman, Trustees, Betz-“Quad” grass area between these buildings
• Residence Hall-Volleyball pit north of the residence hall.

In case of emergency sirens, all staff and students should quickly and carefully collect at the following locations for a head count and wait until an all-clear signal is given.

• Bowman Building-Large Lecture Hall (BW 139)
• Trustees Building-Trustees Basement _{(Below Business Office)}
• Residence Hall-Basement/Weight Room
• Betz Technology Center-Lower/East Wing _{(Not in Atrium)}

After the all-clear signal is heard, students and staff may return to classes and offices.

Fire Alarms

While in campus buildings, students should be aware of where the closest and alternate exits are located. When a fire alarm sounds, all LCC students, staff, and faculty must vacate the affected building immediately. If the alarm is proven to be false, an LCC official notifies everyone when it is safe to return to the building.

Parking Regulations

All vehicles must be registered with Campus Security. Parking permits may be obtained from the Cashier’s Office in the Student Services Center. Students may park in any campus parking lot and do not have special parking privileges.

Student Records

LCC acts in full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). (See Getting Started  -Student Records and Legal Notices  sections for more information regarding FERPA and definitions of common terms.)

Tobacco Use

As per state statute, smoking is prohibited inside College buildings. The College strongly discourages use of other types of tobacco in buildings as well. Smoking is not allowed within 15 feet of primary building entrances.

Southeast Colorado & the City of Lamar

With a population of approximately 22,000 within a four county region, Lamar functions as a hub for the region which borders Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The area is rich with modern farming, ranching, and manufacturing industries and is located in the Lower Arkansas River Valley. Lamar is located at the intersection of three national highways and served by a major bus line and AMTRAK.

The region hosts an abundance of clubs, organizations, events and activities. A community of artists, who create in a variety of media, has developed in the area, and several of the artists have attained national prominence. Nearby, John Martin Reservoir and Queens Lake offer water sports, hiking, fishing, and outing opportunities. A number of natural and man-made attractions, including petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, caves, canyons, and heritage tourism destinations, offer explorers opportunities to discover Southeast Colorado’s beauty.  City parks, picnic, swimming, and tennis facilities are also available. The beautiful Rocky Mountains are a three to four-hour drive away, and students and visitors frequently take weekend trips by car to Colorado Springs and Denver. 

Click here  to view map.