Introduction
Lake Superior State is a public university located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The campus resides in a historic and largely rural setting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, not far from the Canadian border. Founded in 1946, it is the smallest of Michigan’s 15 publicly funded universities and is a member of the Great Lakes Association of Colleges and Universities (GLACU). With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, Lake Superior State is noted for its small class sizes, individualized attention and supportive learning community.
Academic Programs
Lake Superior State offers more than 70 majors spanning a wide array of disciplines from computer science and engineering to education and environmental sustainability. The university also holds specialized accreditations for its programs in chemical engineering, construction management and nuclear engineering technology. Additionally, Lake Superior State provides unique experiences for students who are passionate about the outdoors with its weekend expedition leadership course, which teaches paddling and leading canoe trips.
Living On Campus
Lake Superior State offers eight undergraduate residence hall complexes, which are organized into five living areas. Each living area has its own courtyard, and each residence hall offers amenities like universal lounge space, laundry, computer labs and student mail. While all of the halls are open to all undergraduate students, some of them are limited to student athletes, international students, honors students, and upper-level undergraduates.
Student Life
Lake Superior State offers over 50 clubs and organizations for students and faculty to join, which cover everything from leadership to service to various student-run initiatives. Each semester, the University hosts a variety of events like concerts, comedy shows, movie nights, and guest speakers. Additionally, many of the surrounding towns and cities, like Sault Ste. Marie, offer outdoor activities year-round, providing students with ample opportunities to explore the area and experience the Great Lakes.
Athletics
Lake Superior State’s athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division II level in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The university has seven men’s teams and eight women’s teams. The most successful programs are hockey and soccer, which have participated in several NCAA tournaments in recent years.
Admissions
Admission to Lake Superior State is relatively accessible, with the majority of the student body comprising of those from the Upper Peninsula, the state of Michigan, and Canada. The university has a rolling admissions process and prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Prospective international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, in addition to submitting a completed application package.
Programs for Indigenous Students
Lake Superior State is actively involved in creating educational pathways for its Indigenous students. Through the Anishinaabe Center, the university offers academic advising, access to traditional cultural activities, and educational opportunities that specifically cater to the over 200 Indigenous students attending Lake Superior State. The university is also a member of the Native American Consortium of the Upper Great Lakes, an organization devoted to the academic enrichment and success of Indigenous students.
Outreach & Commitment to Community
Lake Superior State follows a service-learning model that emphasizes community engagement, social and environmental responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge. As part of this commitment, the university partners with local organizations and businesses to support internships and work-study programs, and also collaborates with area schools and community centers to provide educational programming. Additionally, Lake Superior State regularly hosts service projects and events which encourage students to take part in and give back to the local community.
Research & Collaboration
Lake Superior State is an active participant in international and domestic research initiatives, collaborating with many organizations to further the university’s mission of discovering new knowledge and technological development. The university’s faculty and students have been involved in projects from product development to conservation and ecology, and you will find Lake Superior State researchers in countries around the world.
Conclusion
Lake Superior State, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a public university that offers a wide range of academic programs in a rural setting. The student-faculty ratio of 13:1 ensures that the university provides individualized attention to its students. Additionally, Lake Superior State’s campus life is full of clubs and organizations, an active athletics department, and plenty of outdoor activities. Together, these elements create a supportive and engaging environment for the students of Lake Superior State.
