Lewis and Clark College

Photo by: Chris Phan. Retrieved from: www.commons.wikimedia.org

The traditions created at Lewis and Clark College have withstood generations of students since it was founded. Helping students to develop a well-rounded college experience is one of the main missions of the College. All students are able to take advantage of both traditional classroom courses as well as an array of online programs as well. With a wide variety of programs available, many students take advantage of the challenging International Relations and Affairs programs. Other students enjoy a more scientific approach to their education, pursuing a degree in the nationally recognized Biology and Psychology. The Nursing program offered at the College has attracted students from across the world as well as all 50 states. All students are encouraged to become involved with the community-like setting on campus, participating in the activities and events or supporting their peers in the live performances that are held throughout the semester.

The location of Lewis and Clark College is symbolic to the structure of the mission, since it is the exact point that boarders Idaho and Washington, while connecting the cities of Lewiston and Clarkston. It is also the point at which the Clearwater and Snake Rivers meet. These connection and boundary points have become symbolic to the atmosphere on campus – the meeting point for students to join forces and achieve their goals. On campus, both the student body and faculty staff works diligently to maintain a close community that promotes education, social enrichment and the discovery of life.

School History

During 1804, the infamous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to develop unchartered territory, laying the groundwork for the College that was founded over 60 years later in 1867. Developed during the pioneer age, Lewis-Clark College was established on the idea of tradition, combined with the sense of discovery and innovation. During the early days of the school, financial stability was far from secure. Although the name of the school was established, the College was faced with a lack of state funding to remain operating. In response to the College’s distress, the City of Lewiston offered the first 10 acres to the school, serving as its central developed land. Over the years, this patch of land became known as Normal Hill. By 1894, with the help of land-grant proceeds, the College hired a local architecture to initiate the building of the classroom and administrative building. However, due to the slow economy, the first attempt at building was abandoned, not being complete until later the next year.

Lewis and Clark College is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Several individual course programs also hold separate accreditation for their field such as the Nursing program that is accredited by the Idaho State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

By 1943, Lewis-Clark achieved their accreditation to become a four-year college, focusing mainly on helping teachers prepare for their service in local classrooms. During this same time period, the College also became authorized to award bachelor of arts degrees in education. The Korean War created a ripple in the success of the College, as it reduced enrollments and finances. This resulted in the closing of the school, which reopened in 1955 under the name Lewis-Clark Normal School. Upon opening, the school was operated at a division of the University of Idaho. By 1971, the school adapted new programs and offerings as a four-year liberal arts school, operated under the current name, Lewis-Clark State College.

Campus Life

Lewis-Clark students can appreciate the smaller class sizes that were established to maintain a more personal and intimate education for students. On campus, each student has access to the variety of services available to help them achieve their goals such as counseling, health, fitness and advisement services that can assist in social, professional and academic resources. The career development services offered at the school enable students proper preparation including resume and interview preparation, followed by an extensive internship program. Students can take advantage of the wireless Internet connection established throughout the campus or visit the Computer Lab found just outside the bookstore.

The Learning Resource Center is accessible by all students, used mainly for research, Student Mentors sessions and to host meetings for several clubs and organizations. With a large variety of clubs and organizations offered on campus, students establish a sense of home quickly by participating in the various special interest and academic clubs of their choice. Many students also become actively involved in intramural and varsity sports teams that meet routinely. The majority of students enjoy participating in the Student Government, acting as the liaison between students and administrators, as well as maintaining safety and compliance regulations throughout the campus.

The Office of Student Life is available to assist students in housing affairs and accommodations, in addition to a wide variety of scheduling options. Although the majority of students live on campus in one of the residence halls, students also have the option to dorm in one of the various apartment complexes and off-campus houses. With the majority of housing facilities established by special interest and academic major, the College helps to connect students with their peers more effectively, ensuring an easier transition.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is held in high regard at Lewis and Clark College, since the majority of attending students receive assistance with funding. The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students carry out the application process for their various funding eligibility including traditional scholarships and loans. All Lewis-Clark students are encouraged to consider and apply for all scholarships, loans and grants that are available to them, many by third-party community organizations. State and federal funding options can offer students an extensive amount of relief during their college experience. Before the start of each semester, all students are encouraged to utilize the FAFSA application to determine which funding sources are available to them.

Lewis and Clark College students are given the opportunity to participate in the work study program available on and off-campus. This enables students to get an early start in the work world while attending classes in the various positions. Many students utilize positions located directly on campus to ensure a well-optimized schedule with limited commuting.