Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Academics

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Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.

» Degree Programs
» Course Descriptions
» Faculty
» Course Schedules
» Course Catalog
» Study Abroad
» EAGLE - Learning Management System
» Stenstrom Center Offerings

EAGLE Get more out of your classes with RVC's new EAGLE Learning Management System.

Admission

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At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.

» Registration
» Priority Registration
» Advising and Counseling
» Visit Campus
» Adult Students

Getting Started Get started at RVC in just a few easy steps.

Student Services

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Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.

» Financial Aid
» Disability Support Services
» Career Services
» Advising/Counseling
» Tutoring Center
» Judicial Affairs

EPS New students must attend an Educational Planning Session before registering for classes. Find out how.

Library

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The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!

» Library Home Page
» Library Catalog
» Library Databases
» Library FAQs
» Research Guides
» Library Distance Learning Service

Library Catalog Search our online catalog.

Student Life

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Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?

» Campus Activities Board
» Clubs and Organizations
» Student Government
» Get Involved
» Student Life Events
» RVC on Facebook and Twitter

Welcome Week See what events Student Life has planned for Fall Welcome Week as well as other exciting events planned for Fall semester!

Athletics

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RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.

» Athletics Home
» Athletics Staff
» Athletics News
» Golf
» Volleyball
» Women's Tennis
» Fitness, Wellness, and Sport

Female Athletes Women's Tennis is seeking players. Call 921-3801 if interested. Women's Basketball will host open gyms 8/30-9/3, 2-4pm.

HONORS Program Benefits and Characteristics

Benefits

The HONORS Program at Rock Valley College offers many benefits for students who qualify:

  • The experience of working with other students who have demonstrated their abilities and high achievement and who are serious about their education.
  • The support of an HONORS Counselor.
  • The opportunity to work closely with highly motivated and innovative professional educators who are committed to academic excellence and the HONORS Program experience.
  • Tuition stipend scholarships for 12 credit hours per academic year.
  • An HONORS Center equipped with computers and other resources for research and collaboration—a place for study, special programs, and meeting with fellow students.
  • Extracurricular activities combined with academic options — all to broaden and enrich the HONORS experience.
  • Recognition of HONORS participation or program completion at graduation ceremonies, on the diploma, and on the official transcript.
  • Enhanced appeal to transfer institutions of higher learning and to potential employers.

Characteristics

In general, HONORS courses at Rock Valley College will:

  • Cover material in greater depth and with more academic rigor than the traditional version of the same course;
  • Involve more extensive reading and/or the reading of more complex and sophisticated texts than in the traditional course;
  • Encompass more complex concepts than in the traditional course, stressing analysis, insight, and critical thinking;
  • Place greater emphasis on development of communication skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening;
  • Include the discussion of applicable theories and concepts underlying and associated with the respective field/subject/discipline of the course;
  • Require more outside-of-class preparation as well as active participation and discussion in class;
  • Require students to take a greater share of responsibility for their own learning than in the traditional class;
  • Require students to demonstrate individual initiative and leadership abilities as well as skills in research, lively discussion, collaboration, and exploration.
  • Often require more extensive papers, research, and special projects;
  • Usually incorporate innovative pedagogical methods and be open to new teaching and learning methodologies;
  • Utilize computers and state-of-the art technology whenever possible.