Great Lakes Colleges Association Inc.

The Great Lakes Colleges Association Inc. (GLCA) is a nonprofit educational organization chartered in the state of Michigan and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1962. Its mission is to strengthen and preserve its member colleges by being a leading force in education, particularly in the tradition of liberal arts and sciences.

Overview

GLCA is a consortium of 13 liberal arts colleges located in the states surrounding the Great Lakes, including Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration among its member institutions.

Operations

GLCA operates several programs aimed at enhancing educational experiences for its member colleges:

• Tuition Remission Exchange: This program allows students whose parents are employed by any of the participating colleges to receive tuition remission at any other college in the exchange. The program includes GLCA's member colleges along with Beloit College, Grinnell College, Willamette University, and Wittenberg University.
• Literary Awards: GLCA annually awards literary prizes to emerging authors in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Winners receive honoraria and travel to several member colleges to engage with students and deliver readings.
• The Philadelphia Center: An off-campus study program managed by Albion College in partnership with GLCA, offering students the opportunity to earn college credit while living and learning independently in Philadelphia.

Member Institutions

GLCA includes the following member institutions:

• Albion College
• Allegheny College
• Antioch College
• Denison University
• DePauw University
• Earlham College
• Hope College
• Kalamazoo College
• Kenyon College
• Oberlin College
• Ohio Wesleyan University
• Wabash College
• The College of Wooster

Governance and Activities

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes the presidents of member colleges, representatives from the Deans’ Council, and faculty representatives from the Academic Council. GLCA focuses on professional development opportunities for faculty and staff across its member institutions, as well as promoting international collaboration and global liberal arts education through initiatives such as the Global Liberal Arts Alliance.

Financial Overview

As of recent financial data, GLCA reported significant revenue from program services and investment income, with notable expenses in salaries and wages. The organization maintains a substantial net asset base, reflecting its stable financial position. Donations to GLCA are tax-deductible, supporting its educational and collaborative initiatives.