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
» Certificate Programs
» Online Schedule
» College Catalog
» Learning and Opportunity Center
» Stenstrom Center Offerings
» Faculty

Online Schedule Check out RVC's new online schedule for browsing course offerings!

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
» Academic and Transfer Advising
» First Year Experience
» Judicial Affairs
» Writing Center
» Tutoring Center

RVC App Download the new RVC app for your smartphone or mobile device!

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.

» Visit Campus
» Getting Started
» For Adult Students
» For HS Counselors
» For Parents
» Financial Aid
» Educational Planning Sessions
» Records & Registration

Get Started! Find out how to get started at RVC! We make it easy for you to pursue your goals...

Athletics

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RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's soccer. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won 11 national championships and we have had more than 130 All-Americans.

» Athletics Home
» Athletics Staff
» Athletics News
» Schedules
» Baseball
» Softball
» Men's Basketball
» Women's Basketball

NJCAA Tourney Get all the info you need on the women's and men's NJCAA basketball tournaments!

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
» Get Engaged
» Goose Groups
» Student Government
» Social Media
» Hispanic HS Leadership Conference

RVC Night at the Rockford IceHogs Get your tickets now!

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 (Classic)
» Library Catalog (Tomcat)
» Library Databases
» Library FAQs
» Research Guides
» Library Distance Learning Service

Library Catalog Search our online catalog.

Which type of student are you?

If you're a first-time college student, follow the Getting Started steps below!

If you're one of the following types of students, take a look at this chart to see what steps you should follow to get started at RVC:

  • Completed some college but new to RVC
  • Returning RVC student (attended RVC previously and now coming back)
  • Currently enrolled at another college, but planning to take one or more classes at RVC
  • Already earned a college degree and planning to attend RVC
  • Dual Credit or Early Admission (under 16 years)
  • International students
  • General Education Development (GED), English as Second Language (ESL)
  • Community and Continuing Education
 
1. Get Started
2. Identify Type of Student
3. Explore RVC
4. Enroll
5. Funding Your Education
6. Determine Placement
7. Educational Planning
8. Academic Advising
9. Register

Congratulations!

Deciding to start college is a big step and puts you on track for a fulfilling career and life! To get started at Rock Valley College we just need you to take a few more small steps. We'll walk you through the process right here.

Click on any tab or click the arrows at the bottom of any section to go forward or back. Links will be provided that will take you to more information if needed, or that will put you in the right spot to complete a step.

If you have any questions along the way, you can e-mail rvc-admissions@rockvalleycollege.edu or call (815) 921-4250.

Let's get you started!
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Before we go too far, we need to identify which type of student you are.

Credit Class Student
RVC offers credit courses for those who are interested in completing a degree or certificate program, or who want to later transfer to a four year college or university. If that is you, you are in the right place! Keep following the steps to find out how to get started.

High School/Dual Credit
Are you a high school student looking to take classes at RVC while still enrolled in high school? Check out our High School Connections page.

Community and Continuing Education
RVC also offers courses through Community and Continuing Education that are primarily designed for personal enrichment and/or skill enhancement. Most of these courses are not taken for credit. If that is more what you are looking for, check out what CCE has to offer now!
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So you're thinking about attending RVC? Maybe you want to check us out first.

Take a tour of Rock Valley College! Attending one of our Explore RVC events is a great way to learn about all of the great opportunities at Rock Valley College. Learn about our programs and services. Get tips on getting started and how to apply for financial aid. Take a tour of campus. That and more await you at Explore RVC!

Next Explore RVC dates are: 10/14, 11/11, 2/17, 4/22, 4/23 at 9:00am Register now!

Prefer to visit on a different date? Contact the Admissions Office at (815) 921-4250 or rvc-admissions@rockvalleycollege.edu or request a tour using our online form.

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The first step to getting started at RVC is to fill out an Enrollment Form. If you want to find out more about the enrollment procedures, eligibility, or how to obtain and submit a paper copy of the form, visit our Enrollment Form information page. Questions? Contact the Admissions Office at (815) 921-4250 or rvc-admissions@rockvalleycollege.edu.

You can fill out our online form now by clicking the button below.

Go!
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How to Pay for Your Education
Did you know that over half of our students receive some financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, or student employment programs?

Financial Aid
It's important to know your options and apply for financial aid early in the getting started process. To find out if you are eligible you need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. File now for Spring & Summer '14 semesters using the 2013-14 FAFSA. Beginning 1/1/14 you can file for Fall '14, Spring & Summer '15 using the 2014-15 FAFSA. For more information visit our Financial Aid web page or call (815) 921-4150. NOTE: Do not wait to complete additional Getting Started steps while you wait to hear about your financial aid eligibility!

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Placing You in the Right Classes for You

All new students interested in registering for credit courses (100 level or higher) must meet course placement requirements in Reading, English, and Math. Placement for each subject may be determined by a combination of the following actions:

1. Submit ACT or SAT scores to Records & Registration, if test date is within three years.
2. Submit any prior college transcripts (including AP & CLEP) to Records & Registration.
3. Take the ACCUPLACER placement test if the above are not available or did not result in college-level placement. Photo ID is required for testing.

Visit our website for more information, including ACCUPLACER Prep resources and testing location and times, or call (815) 921-2380.

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Planning for Success

The Educational Planning Session (EPS) is required for all new students before registering for classes. The purpose of this session is to familiarize students with information needed to successfully transition to RVC, learn about degree options, and to register for classes. Choose your session when you are ready to register for classes.

Students must complete an enrollment form and determine placement prior to attending the planning session. Class registration is available at the session as long as a registration period is open. Please bring a photo ID to your session.

Learn more about Educational Planning Sessions or register now for a session or by calling (815) 921-4094.

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You are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor to:
  • Explore and clarify academic goals
  • Discuss academic/degree planning
  • Prepare for registration
For Academic Advising appointments, including assistance with transferring to a four year college or university, call (815) 921-4100. To schedule Career Advising & Placement appointments, call (815) 921-4091.

Visit the Open Advising Lab (Main Campus, Student Center) for general questions for our advising staff!

Advising appointments can also be made at the RVC Stenstrom Center or the Learning and Opportunity Center by calling (815) 921-4146 (Stenstrom) or (815) 921-4290 (LOC).

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If you have completed the rest of the Getting Started steps, you are now ready to register for classes! Not sure what to take? Browse course offerings now!

When you are ready to register, there are two ways you can do so: 1) Via Online Services or 2) In person at one of our three locations (main campus, Stenstrom Center, Learning and Opportunity Center).

Other helpful links: For more information, contact us at (815) 921-4250 or rvc-records@rockvalleycollege.edu. Note: You must complete the required Educational Planning Session before you register for classes.

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