HACC announced Tuesday that its Board of Trustees has approved a proposal to move the community college’s Lebanon campus to Lebanon Valley College.
Classes at the community college will shift to the Annville campus beginning Aug. 25.
“HACC is pleased to enter into this partnership with Lebanon Valley College so that students in Lebanon continue to have access to an outstanding community college education, student-centered services and even more opportunities,” HACC president John Sygielski said in a press release. “Donors, community members, employees and other stakeholders in Lebanon have expressed enthusiasm and excitement throughout this decision-making process.”
HACC said that the move came after it explored other facilities within Lebanon County as it neared the end of a five-year lease agreement with the City of Lebanon and began to negotiate a new lease. HACC said that it “engaged LVC in discussions about a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
In an email to the LVC community, LVC president Dr. James MacLaren said the move was a “win-win-win for HACC, LVC, and the students of both institutions.”
“The lease agreement brings revenue to the College, and the day-to-day impact on LVC’s students, parking, or other student life activities will be minimal,” said Dr. MacLaren.
HACC plans to vacate its space on the second and third floors of Lebanon City Hall by June 30. Over late spring and summer, operations will transition to LVC.
The last day of classes in downtown Lebanon will be May 12.
Lebanon City Hall had moved to the former headquarters of HACC at 735 Cumberland St. in 2022. The three-story building was purchased by the city in 2021 and has been fully renovated for city government. HACC had received a five-year no-cost lease for a portion of the building as part of the $2.2 million sale agreement.
In an online FAQ, HACC detailed an expanded set of services for students at LVC compared to its current Lebanon campus, including access to LVC’s dining facilities and transfer and scholarship opportunities at LVC. LVC offers a $1,000 LVC-HACC dual admission transfer scholarship.
HACC said it will offer the following programs at the new LVC campus:
- Exercise Science (Associate in Science)
- Liberal Arts (Associate in Arts)
- Liberal Studies (Certificate)
- Social Science (Associate in Arts)
Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said she understood the reasons for the partnership.
“It makes perfect sense for both colleges and more importantly, for the students,” said Mayor Capello. “Community colleges are facing declining enrollment, and some students are facing financial and personal challenges that make it very difficult to afford and/or complete their studies. By partnering with LVC, it assists with making it more affordable to complete a four-year degree.”
“The city wishes every student a bright future and commends the HACC administration and Board for their commitment to the students.”
Capello confirmed that HACC was in its initial no-cost lease agreement, although the college was paying “their fair share of utilities, garbage, and cleaning.” Capello said the city is already negotiating with another potential lessee.
“Actually, there have been a couple agencies that have inquired about renting space from the city,” said Capello. “We are hopeful that the space will be occupied within a reasonable period.”
MacLaren said in an email to the LVC community HACC’s administrative offices and instructional space for three in-person classes will be located on the ground floor of the Vernon & Doris Bishop Library, and HACC lab instruction will be in the Neidig-Garber Science Center. LVC and HACC will not merge curriculums, faculty, or classes. IU-13’s School-to-Work program, currently located on the ground floor of the library, will move to the Allan W. Mund College Center this summer following renovations.
MacLaren said he expects about 25 HACC students plus faculty and staff on LVC’s campus at any given time. HACC students will be able to apply for commuter parking passes and purchase meals at on-campus dining locations.
MacLaren said in a statement that the partnership creates an educational hub that will serve students across our region in powerful new ways.
“This isn’t simply about sharing physical space. It’s about creating connections, building bridges, and fostering a community where everyone can thrive,” said Dr. MacLaren. “LVC welcome members of the HACC community and looks forward to the learning opportunities that will arise from our working together.”
Editor’s note: This article was updated March 11 to reflect that athletic facilities access is not expected to be part of the arrangement and to include further information from LVC about the partnership.
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