The following links are meant to be quick references for both prospective and current students at Rock Valley College with regard to the college’s guidelines, procedures, and policies. In some cases you will be redirected to a department’s home page to acquire more information or you may be asked to call the department to find out more information.

For Prospective Students

ADMISSIONS
Rock Valley College can transform your life. You can receive the training for a rewarding career or begin completing your bachelor’s degree. RVC will get you where you want to go—whether you’re a high school graduate, adult student, or transfer student from another school. Learn more.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CREDIT (AP)
Individuals who have passed College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations may receive credit.  It is the student’s responsibility to have official AP score reports sent to the Records & Registration Office for evaluation.  Credit will be designated with a “T” (test credit) on the student’s transcript.  No credit by examination will be recorded on a student’s transcript until the student has earned at lease six (6) credit hours in college level classes at Rock Valley College with the exception of English and Math credits.  All English (ENG) and Math (MTH) AP credits will be added to the student’s transcript prior to earning six (6) credit hours as long as the student is currently enrolled in classes.

The Testing Center Manager will maintain a current listing of the AP examinations accepted, minimum scores for awarding credit, the courses for which credit will be awarded, and the number of RVC credit hours granted.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) & SECTION 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that:

“No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States…shall solely by reason of…disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance”.

Rock Valley College’s Compliance
Rock Valley College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability or unfavorable discharge from military service. This policy governs the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff and the operation of any of the college’s programs and activities as specified by federal laws and regulations. It is also the policy of Rock Valley College that no student or employee shall be subjected to sexual harassment, which is regarded as a form of discrimination. Students who feel they have been discriminated against may file a formal complaint with the ADA Compliance Officer, Lynn Perkins (815) 921-4268.

ATHLETICS
Eligibility
Rock Valley College is a member of the North Central Community College Conference (N4C), and Region IV of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).  Those interested in playing for Rock Valley College must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.  Those wanting to participate a second year, must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and accumulate 24 hours or more of college credit for fall sports and 36 hours or more of college credit for spring sport participants. 

Scholarships
Rock Valley College is a Division III (Non-Scholarship) member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.  Therefore, not athletic aid is available to prospective student-athletes. 

Tryouts
All Rock Valley College Intercollegiate Sport teams provide for open tryouts.  Those interested in trying out, for a sport team, should contact the head coach of the particular team.  For further contact information prospective student athletes may contact the Division of Fitness, Wellness, and Sport at (815) 921-3816.

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND TUITION CHARGEBACKS
For information, guidelines, and applications for cooperative agreements or chargebacks, please call the Student Development Office to schedule an appointment at (815) 921-4281.

DUAL CREDIT
Students can receive both high school and college credit for courses taken through the RVC Dual Credit program. Find out more.

DUAL ENROLLMENT
In this program, students receive college credit only and are enrolled and taking college-level course work while still enrolled concurrently in high school. Find out more.

EARLY ADMISSIONS
The Early Admission process at Rock Valley College High School Connections exists to allow college-ready students early access to higher education. Students under the age of 16 (14 or 15 years old) must meet special admission procedures to enroll in college level classes at Rock Valley College. Learn more.

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING SESSIONS
All new students are required to participate in an Educational Planning Session before they can register for credit courses. The Educational Planning Session focuses on necessary information about the rules, regulations, processes and services that students need to know in order to have a successful start at RVC. Register online or call (815) 921-4094.

FINANCIAL AID
To learn more about financial aid at RVC, visit the financial aid home page.

Students must fill out all appropriate forms to apply for financial aid. View a list of all forms that may be required from students applying for financial aid at Rock Valley College.

GETTING STARTED AT ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE
1. If you’re deciding if Rock Valley College is the right choice for you, call (815) 921-4250 to arrange for a campus visit where you can talk with the Recruitment staff, faculty, and/or tour campus.

2. Complete the application for admission.

3. Submit high school and previous college transcripts to Records & Registration. You must request the evaluation of prior college credit by completing a Transcript Evaluation Request form or else the credit will not be reviewed. Please allow at least four weeks for review.

4. Complete placement testing.

• An Application for Admission must be on file BEFORE testing.

• ACT/SAT scores or college transcripts must be submitted to Records & Registration for consideration of a testing waiver.

• Photo I.D. is required for testing.

5. All new students must attend an Educational Planning Session before they can register for classes. Schedule a 1 1/2 hour session by registering online or call (815) 921-4094. Register early to avoid full sessions.

6. New full-time students are expected to enroll in STU 100 Orientation to college, during the first semester of attendance at RVC. Check the Class Credit Schedule for registration information.

7. Meet with an advisor or counselor.

Walk-ins: Mon. – Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Appointments: call (815) 921-4100, option 4

Mon. – Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Summer Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m., Fri. 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

8. Register for classes.

9. Arrange payment by payment deadline listed in the Credit Class Schedule.

10. Purchase your books. Shop early for the best selection of used books. Spring books begin arriving in late November. Fall books begin arriving in mid-July.

11. Attend classes and get involved!

Download the RVC Getting Started brochure.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS
Rock Valley College welcomes students from outside the United States. The Admissions and Records staff assists students from other countries who are seeking to study at Rock Valley College on an F-1 (student) visa. Specific admission procedures and deadlines apply to international students. Learn more.

RESIDENCY POLICY
Students enrolling at Rock Valley College are classified as Resident, Non- Resident, Out-of-District, or Out-Of-State for tuition and fee purposes. The college’s Board of Trustees established the following guidelines.

Residency requirements may differ for limited enrollment programs admission. Proof of residency status is required at the time of registration. Proof of residence can include driver's license, voter's registration card, library card, lease, and/or utility bill.  Any proof of residency must include the name of the student, an in-district address and the date of issue which must be at least 30 days prior to the first day of classes for that term.

Resident
A student, who has resided within Illinois and the Rock Valley College District 511, 30 days immediately prior to the start of the term, is eligible to be classified as a resident student for tuition calculation purposes. Communities that comprise District 511 include:

Belvidere, Blaine, Byron, Caledonia, Capron, Cherry Valley, Davis Junction, Durand, Garden Prairie, Harrison, Hunter, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Monroe Center, Morristown, New Milford, +Oregon, Pecatonica, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, Seward, Shirland, South Beloit, Stillman Valley, and Winnebago

+Portions of these communities are included in the district

Out-of-District
A student who resides in Illinois, but outside the Rock Valley College district, for thirty days immediately prior to the start of the term shall be classified as an out-of-district student. A change in residency status may be requested by providing the appropriate documentation to the Admissions and Records office, second floor Student Center (see paragraph #2 above).

Out-of-State
A student who resides in Illinois less than thirty days immediately prior to the start of the term shall be classified as an out-of-state student. Students who move from outside the state or district and who obtain residence in the state or Rock Valley College district for reasons other than attending the community college shall be exempt from the thirty day requirement if they demonstrate through documentation a verifiable interest in establishing permanent residency. The Admissions and Records office shall make the final determination of residency status for tuition purposes.

STUDENT RIGHT TO KNOW INFORMATION
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Campus Security Report
Disability Support Services
Voter Registration Information

TESTING CENTER (PLACEMENT TESTING)
All new students enrolling in credit classes are required to complete placement testing prior to registration.

The purpose of the Rock Valley College (RVC) Placement Test (ACCUPLACER) is to assess your current skills in reading, English and math for placement into appropriate coursework at RVC. It is an online test featuring a computer-based format, unlimited time and immediate scores. The ACCUPLACER placement test is comprised of three sections including Reading Comprehension, English (Sentence Skills) and Mathematics.

Refreshing your memory on math formulas, grammar rules, reading skills, or reviewing general information on test preparation may help you feel less anxious and more confident.

Obtaining a waiver for Placement Testing
You may be able to obtain a waiver for one or more of the sections of the test by submitting ACT or SAT scores (3 years or newer) to the Admissions & Records office. Transfer students or students already holding a college degree may also be waived from all or portions of the placement test by submitting transcripts to the Admissions & Records Office.

Visit the Placement Testing Link below for more information.

Testing Times for Placement Testing
Walk-in Testing: (no appointment necessary)
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Appointment Testing:
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and select Saturdays.

Please call (815) 921-2380 to schedule an appointment

• A Photo ID is required for all testing

• Students must fill out an Application for Admission prior to testing

Find out more about Placement Testing.

TRANSCRIPT EVALUATION
Download the Transcript Evaluation Request Form.

For Current Students

ACADEMIC EARLY WARNING
As a part of Rock Valley’s ongoing efforts to help ensure student success and improve student retention, an Early Warning System has been established. Many students find it difficult to adjust to college-level academics and the college experience in general.  They begin to do poorly and, perhaps because they lack awareness of what help is available, continue on with the inadequate support, consequently failing many of their classes, or giving up and dropping out. The Early Warning System is designed to break that cycle by providing a direct intervention by RVC’s Advisors and Counselors early enough to make a difference in the student’s academic performance.

During the first few weeks of classes, faculty will refer students who may benefit from the opportunity to discuss academic and personal challenges with a student development professional.

ACADEMIC FORGIVENESS POLICY
Academic forgiveness is the one-time elimination of up to a maximum of 15 semester hours of “D” or “F” grades in courses numbered 100 or above received at Rock Valley College. Academic forgiveness applies to the calculation of a grade point average (GPA) at RVC and does not result in the deletion of those grades from the transcript. Eligible students may apply for consideration for academic forgiveness to the Records Analysis. To be eligible for academic forgiveness:

1. Students may petition for academic forgiveness for a maximum of 15 semester hours of “D” or “F” grades which have been earned in any 365-day period.

2. A period of 12 months must have elapsed between the date of the request for forgiveness and the end of the last semester in which the undesirable grades were earned.

3. Petitions shall include:

a. A list of those courses to be considered for academic forgiveness.

b. A statement which contains pertinent information regarding the receipt of the undesirable grades and an indication of serious intent to continue academic studies.

4. Only those students with an RVC grade point average of 2.5 or lower will be considered for academic forgiveness.

5. To be considered for academic forgiveness, a student must have completed a minimum of 12 credits of subsequent course work at a 2.0 GPA at RVC or another regionally accredited institution.

6. Academic forgiveness does not apply to courses which have been repeated and completed with grades of A, B, C, D, or F. Petitions/forms may be obtained from the Records and Registration Office.

Download the Academic Forgiveness Form.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT
Acts of Academic Dishonesty:

1. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the representation of someone else’s intellectual property (words, ideas or data) as one’s own. When a student submits work for credit that includes the work of others, the source of that information must be properly acknowledged through complete, accurate and specific references. If verbatim statements are included, quotation marks must be used and the source must be cited.

2. Cheating by Copying
Students may not copy or purchase any part of another student’s assignment, computer program, or examination. No unauthorized communication is allowed between students during an examination. No student is permitted to keep books, papers, calculators, computers, cell phones or the like, or notes during an examination unless permitted by the instructor or proctor.

3. Dishonest Collaboration
Collaboration in the completion of assignments is prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the instructor. Students must acknowledge any collaboration and its extent in all submitted course work.

4. Fabrication
Fabrication is the intentional use of invented information or the falsification of research or other finds, with the intent to deceive.

5. Other acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to: giving or receiving information during an exam; aiding or suborning cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty by providing material or information to another student with the knowledge that this material or information will be used improperly.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
Rock Valley College is committed to the academic success of every student.  Our Academic Probation Program is designed to improve students’ retention and graduation rates by offering interventions to students with academic concerns.

Students who have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.00 should expect to receive an Academic Probation letter from the office of Student Development in the fall and/or spring semesters.  The letter serves to notify such students of their GPA status in addition to offering many ways in which students can seek out assistance to improve their academic performance.

While this letter does not prohibit students from continuing their education at Rock Valley College, the following options are readily available to assist them, such as:

• Meeting with the instructor to review course expectations and content.  Instructor office hours can be found on the course syllabus.
  
  
• Visiting the Student Success Center, located on the lower level of the Student Center, for tutoring and study skills opportunities.  This is a free service to currently enrolled RVC students.
  

• Meeting with an Academic Advisor, located on the top floor of the Student Center, to discuss academic progress and needs.  Call 921-4100 option #4 to make an appointment.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend every class meeting. There is no college policy permitting absences. Each faculty member will decide when and how absences affect grades.

BULLETIN BOARD/POSTING POLICY
Students who desire to post information on any bulletin board or on any other approved surface on RVC campus, MUST first have the posting approved by the Student Life department. The Student Life department is located on the first floor of the Student Center. Approved postings must have the approval stamp on every posting. The Student Life department will post up to 10 copies of the same posting on campus for students upon request.

CAMPUS CLOSINGS
A decision to close the Rock Valley College campus will be the result of any number of factors and situations, not the least of which will be severe weather (snow/storms) or power outages. The decision is always made in consideration of the safety of students and staff. Once it’s determined that the campus needs to close, a message will be posted at 921-NEWS (815-921-6397) and the college Web site (www.rockvalleycollege.edu). All area media will also be notified. In case of severe weather, students are advised to monitor Rockford TV and radio stations for campus closing information. As of January 2009, students may also register for a free service called "RVC Alerts" which will send voicemail, text messages, and e-mail in the event of a campus closing or emergency. Sign up now at www.rockvalleycollege.edu/alert.

CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT
This information is being provided as part of Rock Valley College’s commitment to safety and security on campus. At RVC the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is important. A truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of everyone at Rock Valley College. We hope that this information will be read carefully to help foster a safe environment for everyone at RVC. Read more.

CHILDREN ON CAMPUS
For the safety of children on campus, children may NOT accompany students to class, tutoring or testing sessions.  Also, children may not be left unattended on the campus grounds, whether in college buildings, extension centers or at any college event.

CAMPUS SMOKING LAW
In accordance with the State of Illinois' Smoke Free Illinois Act, effective January 1, 2008, Rock Valley College has newly designated smoking areas.

Smoking will be permissible only in the parking lots, and at a few clearly designated areas at all campus locations.

Violators of the Smoke Free Illinois Act are subject to fines of up to $250.

View a map of the designated smoking areas.

CODE OF CONDUCT (STUDENT)
Download the latest version of the RVC Student Code of Conduct.

COMPUTER USE POLICY
All Rock Valley College computer hardware and software may be used only in accordance with established rules and procedures.  It is the responsibility of all users of the Rock Valley College computer systems to read and understand this policy, which is outlined in the Student Handbook.

DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES ACT
The following information is provided to all Rock Valley College students and employees in compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226). Questions and concerns regarding this legislation or any of the information contained in this document should be directed to the Director of Enrollment Services and Judicial Affairs Office.

I. Rock Valley College general rules and regulations

            A. Alcoholic beverages: No person shall possess, consume, distribute, or manufacture any alcoholic beverages on the campus of RVC or any property the college may own or lease.

            B. Controlled substances: No person shall possess, consume, distribute, purchase, or manufacture any controlled or illegal substance on the campus of RVC or any property the college may own or lease.

II. Governmental regulations

            A. Federal — The Controlled Substance Act (CSA), Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 provides the legal basis for federal control of and sanctions against the use, manufacture, and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens.

            B. State/local — Various laws of the state of Illinois, Winnebago County, and the city of Rockford restrict or prohibit the use, manufacture, and distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs. These laws can be found in the Illinois Penal Code and county and city ordinances.

Depending on the severity of the offense, the various appropriate legal bodies may impose sanctions ranging from probation and community service to lengthy prison terms and large fines.

III. Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol

• Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) — can cause addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgement, overdose when mixed with other depressants, heart and liver damage.

• Cocaine (coke, rock, crack, base) — can cause addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia.
  

• Marijuana (pot, dope, grass, weed, herb, hash, joint) — can cause panic reaction, impaired short-term memory, and addiction.

• Hallucinogens (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote) — can cause unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, and violent behavior.

• Depressants (downers, tranks, ludes, reds, valium, yellow jackets, alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers) — can cause possible overdose, muscle rigidity, addiction.

• Stimulants (uppers, speed, crank, bam, black beauties, crystals, dexies, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines) — can cause fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, hallucinations.

• Narcotics (heroin, junk, dope, black tar, China white, demerol, Dilaudid, morphine, codeine) — can cause addiction, lethargy, weight loss, overdose, needle contamination including hepatitis and AIDS.

• Inhalants (gas, aerosols, glue, nitrite, rush, white-out) — can cause unconsciousness, suffocation, nausea, damage to brain and central nervous system, sudden death.

• Methamphetamine (meth, speed, ice crystal, ice, crank, chalk, glass) – can be extremely addictive, affects central nervous system, can cause dangerously unpredictable, irrational, violent behavior
  

IV. Treatment

RVC provides a complete listing of counseling and treatment programs available in the Winnebago/Boone County area. This listing is available in the Counseling Center, and on EdNet in the Counseling Help conference. In addition, student and employees may seek assistance from the counselor designated to assist with drug education on the campus who is located in the RVC Counseling Center.

V. Consequences

RVC will not tolerate the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs among students and employees. Those found in violation of college rules and regulations regarding the use of these substances will be subject to penalties which include but are not limited to warnings, disciplinary actions, probationary status, suspensions from class work or employment, expulsion from school, and referral for prosecution.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS/PUBLIC SAFETY
RVC’s Public Safety Department is dedicated to assuring the safety of all members of the campus community (authorized by 110 ILCS 805/3-42.1).  RVC police officers have the same authority as city police officers and county sheriffs, including power to arrest on view and on warrants.  The officers enforce all laws of the state of Illinois, city of Rockford, and regulations of the college.

Public Safety officers are on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call the Department of Public Safety at (815) 921-4350 (non-emergency) or (815) 654-HELP or (4357) in an emergency. 

In an emergency, you may also call 911, however, it is advised to contact the RVC Public Safety department first who will in turn call in a 911 emergency.

Emergency Call Boxes: An emergency call box phone system is in place on campus. Located inside and outside of buildings, these call boxes can be used 24 hours a day to contact college police.

EVENING ESCORT PROGRAM
Public Safety officers provide an escort service, particularly during hours of darkness, for persons walking on campus. Call (815) 921-4350 or use a call box to request an escort.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)
The FERPA affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Find out more.

FINANCIAL AID- STANDARDS OF PROGRESS

1.  Completion Rate Requirement

   Students must progress toward their educational goals at a minimum rate.

     A.    Semester Requirement

             Each fall and spring semester a student must complete 67% of the hours attempted.

     B.    Overall Requirement

            The cumulative percent completion is 67% of the hours attempted.

NOTE: Hours attempted is defined as the total credit hours you are enrolled in as of the last date for tuition refund.

2.  Grade Point Average Requirement

A student must maintain good standing or probation status in order to continue receiving financial aid.  Students on academic probation are considered to be on financial aid probation.  Refer to the following chart: 

Academic Forgiveness  
If a student is granted academic forgiveness, they can file an appeal to remove the hours/grade from their Standard of Progress calculation. Forms can be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office.

GRADE INFORMATION
Grade points at Rock Valley College are assigned on the following scale: 

GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA) CALCULATION
A grade point average (GPA) will be calculated at the conclusion of each semester. The GPA includes all A-B-C-D-F grades complete to date, except those courses in which the pass/fail system is used exclusively, or those courses in which the pass/fail option is selected, or courses numbered less than 100. If a course is repeated, only the grade of the final repetition will be computed in a student’s GPA. The GPA will be calculated based on a four point basis

(F=0, D=1, C=2, B=3, and A=4) where the number of grade points for a specific letter grade is multiplied by the number of credit hours earned for that course. For instance, the number of credit hours in which the student earned an A is multiplied by four then added to the number of credit hours in which the student earned a B multiplied by 3, etc. Finally, the total grade points are divided by the total credit hours for which a student received an A, B, C, D, or F.

MILITARY/VETERAN BENEFITS
Rock Valley College is approved for federal and state veteran education benefits:

To be eligible for the Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30 – the New GI Bill), you must:

• Have entered active duty after June 30, 1985;

• Have served the required length of active duty (from 2 to 31/2 years depending on time and condition of entry);

• Have an honorable discharge;

• Have had military pay reduced by $100 each month for the first 12 months of active duty service;

• Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. 

To be eligible for the Selected Reserve or National Guard Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606—the New GI Bill), you must:

• Have enlisted, re-enlisted, or extended an enlistment in the Selected Reserve or National Guard after June 30, 1985, for a period of at least six years;

• Have completed your initial period of active duty for training;

• Have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate;

• Be satisfactorily participating in the Selected Reserve or National Guard.

• Chapter 1607 recipients must have been activated after September 11, 2001.

To be eligible for the Survivors and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35), you must:

• Be a dependent son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability.

To be eligible for the Illinois Veterans Grant, you must:

• Have served at least one year of active duty;

• Have been a legal resident physically residing in Illinois within six months prior to entering the U.S. Armed Forces;

• Have physically returned to Illinois within six months of separation from the service and now be living in Illinois;

• Have an honorable discharge status;

• Not be in default on any federal student loan;

• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

To be eligible for the Illinois National Guard Grant, you must:

• Be on active duty status and have served at least one year in the Illinois National Guard;

• Not be in default of any federal student loan;

• Be registered with the federal Selective Service.

To be eligible for the Illinois MIA/POW Scholarship, you must:

• Be a dependent of a service person whose status is or has been that of prisoner of war, missing in action, killed in service or died as a result of service-connected disability, or is 100% permanently disabled from a service-connected disability.

How to apply:

Veteran Administration Benefits
(Chapters 30, 32, 35, 1606 or 1607)

Application forms are available at the Veteran’s Services desk in the Financial Aid Office at Rock Valley College or online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Illinois Veteran Grant and Illinois National Guard Grant

Application forms are available at the Veteran’s Services desk in the Financial Aid Office at Rock Valley College or online at www.collegezone.com.

Contact Rock Valley College Veteran’s Services at (815) 921-4163 for further information.

NON-DISCRIMINATION (TITLE IX)
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.  The Rock Valley College Athletic Programs believe in equal opportunity for all of our student athletes and continues to strive toward full compliance with Title IX legislation.  Questions regarding participation within the Rock Valley College Intercollegiate Athletic programs can be directed to (815) 921-3801.

PARKING
RVC Students may park in any unused parking space on campus for FREE unless it is noted as a faculty or handicapped parking spot and/or it is marked as “for authorized vehicles only." Students who park in unauthorized parking spots or in any place on campus not marked as an acceptable parking spot are subject to fines and may be ticketed by the RVC Public Safety Department.

PHOTO ID- STUDENT (RVC ISSUED)
RVC students may obtain an RVC-issued student ID for the purposes of identification as a Rock Valley College student at the Information Center during regular business hours.  Typically, students obtain their student ID during the first few weeks of classes.  The first ID is provided at no charge.  If the ID is lost or stolen, there is a $5.00 replacement fee.

RVC students may use their IDs at the library, athletic events, and in the community where student discounts are provided.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER (USE OF)
PEC Hours of Operation
The PEC is open for member use from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Monday through Fridays when classes are in session.

Specific activity area schedules can be obtained in the divisional office, PEC G51.

** Some areas may be closed based on the scheduling of FWS credit classes, RVC athletic team usage, or RVC general usage. Please check daily and weekly schedules to determine the availability of specific activity areas. **

Membership Options
Individuals meeting any of the qualifications listed below may apply for a PEC membership.  Membership questions, application submission and fee payment are provided through the PEC Main Office.  The office is located on the ground level of the PEC in room G-51 and can be reached at extension 3801   

Student Memberships
Current Full-time and Part-time Students may utilize the PEC under the following conditions:

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Drops/Withdrawals
Students are responsible for officially withdrawing from course/s they are no longer attending.  Withdrawal after the last day for tuition refunds date will result in a “W” grade on a student’s transcript.  Grades of “W” (withdrawn) are not used in calculating the GPA or semester hours attempted but will count toward financial aid eligibility.  No withdrawals are accepted after the deadline except in case of extenuating circumstances (military activation, death of an immediate family member, or serious medical condition).

Students should contact Records & Registration Office, Top floor of Student Center, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday to fill out appropriate paperwork or call (815) 921-4250 for further information.  Students MUST come to the Records & Registration office to withdraw from their course/s.  Students may not use Telephone or Online Services to withdraw from their course/s.

Payment Information
Your RVC billing statement is available at Online Services or by calling Telephone Registration (815) 921-6799 and choose the billing option 6.

Payment deadlines vary based upon registration date.  Refer to the credit course schedule for specific dates you must pay in full, unless you have enrolled in a monthly tuition payment plan called Nelnet (formerly FACTS).

Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card. Students have three payment options:

• Accounts Receivable Office in the Student Center (Top Floor)

• Online

• Telephone Registration at (815) 921-6799
  

Students receiving financial aid or scholarships should contact the Financial Aid Office to ensure payments are applied correctly.

Unpaid fees will prevent registration for additional courses, or the receipt of grades, and fines, such as library fines, parking fines, etc. are subject to the collection procedures of the college.

Pre-requisites
A Pre-requisite is a requirement which must be met prior to enrolling in any course.  All college course prerequisites must either be completed (with a minimum grade earned- see course descriptions) or if you are a current Rock Valley College student the pre-requisite course can be in progress at the time of registration. This means that you may be restricted from registering for a course. If you haven’t met the stated pre-requisite, you will not be able to register for the course. If you have completed the pre-requisite at another college you will need to fax or walk-in your “Unofficial” transcript which reflects your name and the final grade to the Records and Registration Office. 

Priority Registration
Current RVC students registering for fall semester are assigned a priority registration date based on the number of semester hours earned.  This method will be in place for the fall and spring semesters only.  The following registration schedule will apply:

First Week of Registration is Priority

• It is the student’s responsibility to know the refund dates for their courses.

• Non-attendance DOES NOT constitute a drop in a course nor qualify students for refund.

• Failure to drop a course properly may result in a failing grade.

• No refunds will be granted when a student is dismissed or suspended from the college for disciplinary reasons.

• It is the student’s responsibility to drop themselves from a course.

Tuition refund requests should be made to the Records & Registration Office, located Top floor of Student Center, during normal business hours 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year a significant amount of scholarship funding is available to Rock Valley College students.  Scholarships range from those which are based on academic ability or geographic region, to those that focus on particular areas of concentration or professional areas of study.  All new and returning full and part-time students are encouraged to apply.  Direct questions regarding the application process to the Financial Aid Office at (815) 921-4150.

Find out more about scholarships at RVC.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Sexual Harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment and/or educational evaluation; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used or may be used as the basis for tangible employment or educational decisions affecting the individual; (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.

To find out more on RVC’s Sexual Harassment Policy, please refer to pages 152-156 of the Student Handbook.

STUDENT ACCESS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Download Student Access PDF.

TESTING CENTER
The Testing Center is the central location for all testing services and programs offered at RVC. We are committed to providing a quiet, professional and stress-free testing environment for our students. The following guidelines have been established:

• Photo identification is required for all testing
• Students should come into the Testing Center knowing the name of the instructor and class 
• For academic make-up testing, arrangements must be made with the instructor prior to arrival at the Testing Center 
• Tests cannot be started within 1/2 hour of closing 
• All electronic devices must be stored in provided locker 
• Books, notes and any other test aids not approved by the instructor must be stored in provided locker 
• Snacks or drinks are not permitted in the testing areas 
• Children are not allowed into any testing areas 
• Students suspected of cheating or violating an instructor's examination instructions will be reported to the appropriate authority 
• Unless specified by the instructor, any exam must be completed in one sitting 
• The Testing Center will have scratch paper, pencils and a limited supply of calculators available, if needed. The use of your own personal computer disks is prohibited.
  

Students requiring special testing assistance or accommodations must obtain pre-approval from the Disability Support Services Office.

In general, make-up, Internet and telecourse exams are administered on a walk-in basis. It is your responsibility to take an examination by the instructor-specified deadline or within the Testing Center's hours of operation.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our guidelines. We look forward to working with you to meet your testing needs.

Location: Student Center (SC), lower level
Phone Number: (815) 921-2380

Fall-Spring Hours
Monday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Open one Saturday each month; please call.

Summer Hours
Monday & Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Open one Saturday each month; please call.

Please note: Hours are subject to change during Interims, Summer, Spring Break and between Fall and Spring semesters. Please contact the Testing Center to verify hours of operation during these periods.

Please visit our web page for more important information about testing for current students.

VOTER REGISTRATION
Information is available from the Illinois State Board of Elections in regard to the requirements and methods of registering to vote in statewide and national elections. Find out more.

WEAPONS POLICY
No person shall possess, store, or carry any firearms, other dangerous and deadly weapons, or explosives openly or concealed, except for those persons officially authorized by local, state, or federal law on any property the college may own or lease.

Any violation of this rule may result in arrest by the Public Safety Department and/or sanctions imposed by the Judicial Affairs officer for the college.