To assist you with your partnership questions, review the frequently asked questions listed below.

What is a partnership student?

A partnership student is enrolled in one of the Cleveland State Partnership programs offered at Lakeland, with the intent of finishing the program on the community college campuses.  A partnership student may be enrolled in courses at either or both institutions.

How do I become a partnership student?

To apply to one of our partnership programs, students need to follow the Cleveland State University admission procedures, along with filling out a “Partnership Application Supplement Form”. This form can be obtained at either CSU Partnership office or on the Partnership’s website. The form may be mailed in with the application materials, but ideally a copy should be turned into the Cleveland State Partnership office located on the community college campus.

What is the role of the CSU On-Site Coordinator?

Partnership offices are staffed twice a week with a CSU Coordinator who is your primary source for all CSU information. The Coordinator can assist with applying to CSU, understanding Campus Net, and troubleshooting any problems or concerns you may have.

If I’m enrolled in one of the partnership programs, can I attend classes at both the community college and Cleveland State at the SAME time?

Absolutely! That is one of the benefits of enrolling in one our partnership programs. They are designed for students to still attend community college courses for general education and associate degree requirements, while enrolling in Cleveland State to work on courses toward a baccalaureate degree. Please note that financial aid can only be awarded by one school each term. 

If I’m attending Cleveland State courses on the community college campus, will I still receive my degree from Cleveland State University?

Yes. Students enrolled in any of our partnership programs are earning their baccalaureate degrees from Cleveland State University. Your diploma will be a Cleveland State University diploma.

If I am enrolled in the partnership, which school do I register for classes through?

Both, if applicable. If you are planning to enroll in Cleveland State courses, then you register for CSU classes through CSU’s CampusNet, our on-line registration resource. If you plan to enroll in courses at your community college, then you will need to follow their registration procedures. Please note you cannot receive financial aid from your community college and CSU during the same semester.

Are there Cleveland State instructors teaching the courses?

Yes. Cleveland State University professors are teaching all of the CSU courses offered at either community college campuses for our partnership programs.

How will my tuition account be calculated?

If you are a Cleveland State partnership student enrolled in both CSU courses and partnership school courses, then you will have two separate tuition bills. Remember you can only receive aid from one school, check all tuition dates and deadlines for each institution and make payment arrangements accordingly.

Can I receive financial aid as a partnership student?

Yes. However, you can only receive financial aid from one institution-not both. Cleveland State will process your financial aid based on the number of credit hours you are enrolled in solely at Cleveland State.

If I accept financial aid through Cleveland State, can I use my CSU refund to pay tuition expenses at my partnership school?

Yes. Any funds above the cost of the charges on your CSU bill will be refunded to you. A refund check will be issued by The Office of Treasury Services.  You may use your refund to pay tuition at your partnership school or for related educational expenses. Please remember that Cleveland State will award financial aid based on the number of credit hours you are enrolled in at CSU.

How will the amount of my financial aid be determined?

Financial aid amounts will be based on the number of credit hours you are enrolled in solely at Cleveland State.

As a partnership student, can I enroll in Cleveland State courses at another CSU campus?

Yes. As a Cleveland State University student, you may enroll in CSU courses at any of our campuses.

If I am enrolled in CSU courses at the Lakeland partnership location, do I have to drive downtown to main campus to purchase my textbooks for my classes?

No. Textbooks for courses offered at Lakeland Community College location are available to purchase in Lakeland’s college bookstore. If you are enrolled in courses offered at the CSU main campus or West Center, you may purchase your textbooks on-line through the Cleveland State bookstore website or in-person at the main campus.

Can I meet with a Cleveland State academic advisor to make sure I’m on track?

Yes. Cleveland State University believes that academic advising is an essential and invaluable component of academic engagement and success for all of our undergraduate students. To schedule an appointment with your college advising office, please call the Counseling Center at 440-525-7200.

Can I meet with an academic advisor at the community college instead of downtown?

Yes. We have academic transfer and program advisors that come out to the community college campuses quite frequently. If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with an advisor, please contact our CSU Partnership staff at Lakeland for more information on upcoming dates.

Can I participate in Cleveland State graduation ceremonies?

Yes. As a Cleveland State University student, you may participate in CSU graduation ceremonies. You may also call either of our CSU Partnership offices to find out more about possible participation in the community college graduation ceremonies as well.