The Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC)

New for Fall 2012:  the course schedules for all LVAIC institutions will be available and searchable from the LVAIC web site.  All policies and procedures remain as listed below. 

Full-time, degree-seeking students who have completed at least 7 course units in good academic standing may enroll for up to two courses per semester at any one of the LVAIC member institutions (Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, and Moravian College).  The student must obtain approvals from his or her faculty advisor.  Courses must not be offered regularly by Muhlenberg College and must be within the bounds of a regular course load.

In the case of LVAIC courses, unlike other course transfers, both courses and grades will be treated as Muhlenberg courses for degree requirement and grade point average purposes.  Additional information, may be found on the LVAIC web site in addition to the web sites of the member institutions.  While forms are available in the Office of the Registrar for all LVAIC courses and programs, there is now an online process.

How to Cross-Register – The student should register during the regular registration or add/drop period as scheduled at his or her home campus, following this procedure:

1. Students will go to the LVAIC web site to search for courses.

2. Students review the course offerings available for cross registration and select a course to request

3. After completing the Request for Cross Registration form, the information is sent to the student's advisor who will approve or deny the request.

4. Advisor approved course requests will be sent to the student's home Registrar for any additional approvals.

5. If approved by the home Registrar, the information will be sent to the host Registrar for review.

6. Registration by the host school is dependent upon course availability and registration time lines.  Students may not know the result of their request until the beginning of the semester.

7. Students will be informed of the result of their request by the host Registrar.

 

LVAIC Summer Study Abroad Program

Eligibility

Students eligible for the summer programs must typically be full-time undergraduates in good standing at the home institution.  Students should consult with their language advisor and the LVAIC Program Director before applying.  Some programs require stronger language skills than others.  A minimum grade point average may be required.  Preference is given to LVAIC students until February 1.

Housing
Living with a family is often the highlight of the linguistic and cross-cultural experience.  The families who provide housing and meals for students (singly or in pairs, depending on the program) have been interviewed and carefully selected by LVAIC representatives.

The Program Director
The LVAIC Program Director is a faculty member of an LVAIC member institution.

Credits and Grades
Language program grades count as part of the student’s cumulative grade point average at LVAIC institutions.  Students earn at least 6 credits or 2 units of credit upon completion of the program (a minimum of 90 hours of instruction).  Students are graded on all aspects of the program, including the cultural component.  Non-LVAIC students should consult the Registrar’s Office at their home institution about transferability of credit.

How to Apply

1. Contact the LVAIC Program Director listed for each program or consult the student’s language advisor.
2. Send an application with a non-refundable $300 check before February 15.
3. Submit additional LVAIC forms as requested:  a Cross Registration form (from student’s registrar), a student health form, Agreement and Release Statement, and an Education abroad insurance form, which is mandatory.  Non-LVAIC students must submit a Program Approval Form (not cross-registration) and an official transcript to LVAIC before March 15.
4. If required, send separate forms when due to the institution abroad.
5. Pay remaining LVAIC fees by due dates:

The FINAL program fees are determined in April and are expected to fall in the range of $4000-$5000.  Dates listed are approximate and will be finalized in November.  Program fees cover most expenses including airfare, tuition, room and board, cultural excursions, local educational transport, and administrative and academic services.  Some programs cover books.  LVAIC requires participants to subscribe to an inexpensive group insurance plan to supplement primary health insurance in the event of a health emergency while visiting abroad.