Rockford University Fact Book
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Introduction
Welcome to the 2022-2023 edition of the Rockford University Fact Book. An institutional fact book provides a centralized location for valuable information about the University. Data within this document is available to facilitate the analysis of trends, decision-making, and reporting. The existence of the Rockford University Fact Book helps institutionalize the collection, dissemination, and use of standardized information.
The fact book is produced annually by the Office of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness. Every effort is made to include the most accurate, currently available data along with historical trends. All source information is located below tables and graphs throughout the fact book. A majority of the data in this edition reflects the 2022-2023 academic year. A PDF version of the fact book is available on the Rockford University website, www.rockford.edu If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Elizabeth Nardi, Special Assistant to the President, Sr. Director of Institutional Research and Analytics, at (815) 394-4379 or enardi@rockford.edu
This fact book could not have been produced without the collaboration of staff from across campus. Acknowledgements and thanks are in order for the following individuals: Cory Espensen, Toni Rowe, Maria Deimer, Tim Trevier, Jason Mallo, Scott Mitchell, Ed Tomaszkiewicz, Andy Newgren, Todd Fischer-Free, Jennifer Ocampo, Heidi Babcock, Kaite Wolfgram, Alex Johnson, Jess Stanek, Linda Sandquist, Emily Ramboldt, Monique DiVenti, Andrea Watson, and Jennifer Cunningham.
Rockford University History
Rockford University, formerly Rockford College, is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. We offer approximately 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including three online bachelor’s degree completion programs in Management Studies, Accounting Studies, and Human Services Our Graduate Degrees include Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education (M.Ed.)
In 1847, during one of the great college-building eras in American history, Rockford Female Seminary was chartered by the Illinois legislature. The citizens of Rockford (population 2,500) pledged $3,500 to erect a building for the ambitious enterprise.
The first classes were held in the old downtown courthouse. Late the seminary moved to its own campus between the Rock River and Seminary Street. More than a century later, in the mid-1960s, the College moved to its present location at the eastern edge of the city.
The University has been an educational pioneer from the very beginning. In the 1840s, when Americans still doubted the value of educating women, the decision to make Rockford Female Seminary’s curriculum as demanding as that of a men’s college was a bold one. In 1882, Rockford Female Seminary granted its first bachelor’s degrees including that of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams. In 1892, Rockford Female Seminary became Rockford College®. In 2013, Rockford College® became Rockford University.
The University was involved in the early development of adult education, offering these courses in 1919. In 1952, responding to a need in the community, the Center for Learning Strategies opened its doors to help young people and adults improve their academic skills. Men were first admitted during World War II when Rockford College® offered cooperative educational programs with the Illinois Institute of Technology. The institution became fully coeducational in 1958.
In recent years, Rockford University has home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College, and as a 2020 Best Regional University by U.S. News and World Report, we currently serve approximately 1,230 full and part-time students.
Rockford University Mission:
Mission & Learning Expectations
Our mission is to educate people to lead responsible lives by means of a curriculum grounded in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experience. Through the total academic and co-curricular experience, Rockford University strives to prepare students for fulfilling lives, careers, and participation in a modern and changing global society.
Rockford University Learning Expectations:
Rockford University graduates contribute to the world as knowledgeable, ethical, and productive citizens with the necessary resources to be active, effective, and reflective: knowledge for understanding the world, values for envisioning the world, and skills for shaping the world. These resources are developed through academic, social, civic, and personal educational experiences in the liberal arts and academic disciplines of the university. Knowledge and skills require values to be ethical; knowledge and values require skills to be effective; and values and skills without knowledge are at best empty, and at worst, destructive.
1. Knowledge for Understanding the World
Knowledge is foundational for developing skills and values. A rigorous liberal arts education provides opportunities for acquiring both general and discipline-specific knowledge. Such knowledge enables graduates to understand the world as it exists, how it came to be, and to envision how it might be. Graduates acquire knowledge of individuals, the social world, and the natural world.
• Knowledge of individuals. Understand the strengths, aspirations, aptitudes, and limitations of self and other individuals; the explicit and implicit aspects of identity; and the functioning of individuals in context. Develop self-knowledge to set and achieve life goals.
• Knowledge of the social world. Understand the history, culture, structure, and function of U.S. and other world societies, and how societies affect individuals and groups through their institutions, principles, traditions, and values.
• Knowledge of the natural world. Understand the structures and principles of the natural world recognizing its beauty, complexity, richness, and value.
2. Values for Envisioning the World
Values are explored, debated, and formed at Rockford University. Graduates are educated to make ethically informed choices as individuals and citizens within a democratic society and the world community. Values for ethical decision- making are learned throughout the university experience, which emphasizes creative and experiential learning. Values for a better world include those relating to self, others, society, and nature.
• Valuing individuals. Discern the consequences of personal behavior for oneself and on others; practice civility, courage, curiosity, honesty, independence, integrity, objectivity, open-mindedness, and perseverance. Develop the aesthetic, intellectual, professional, and social realms of one’s life.
• Valuing society. Value and exercise one’s civic rights and obligations in the community, nation, and world. Critically and creatively assess one’s own and others’ cultures and societies; strive to shape public policies and work for justice.
• Valuing nature. Acknowledge humanity as a part of nature, understanding the value of scientific and aesthetic inquiry for the quality of the natural world.
3. Skills for Shaping the World
The liberal arts at Rockford University embody a set of skills and habits of mind. These skills and habits include thoughtful analysis, precise communication, plus creative and effective application. Living in complex and diverse situations requires making connections among knowledge, values, and behavior.
• Individual skills. Listen, read, speak, and write effectively and professionally; use basic mathematical concepts and operations; think creatively and logically, analytically, and synthetically; and evaluate appropriately. Applying these skills for decision-making may involve using technology.
• Social skills. Creatively use information from multiple disciplines, perspectives, and technologies; work collaboratively; and communicate effectively in groups to understand, manage, and solve complex issues, situations, and problems.
• Scientific skills. Devise, test, and verify hypotheses and evaluate results for their effects; gather data and evidence systematically using appropriate technology; and correctly apply scientific methods to problems in the natural and social worlds.
Strategic Direction
The Rockford University Strategic Planning Team, headed by a thirteen-member steering committee, was charged with developing a strategic plan to propel the university into the next quarter century. More than thirty faculty and staff conducted an environmental scan and utilized input from campus constituents to formulate a plan that is both responsive and relevant.
The plan is structured around four thematic elements and has its roots in Liberal Arts learning. Through robust external relations that leverage the support of an engaged community of partners, we will build a thriving campus that puts students first by providing a distinct student experience in and out of the classroom. Utilizing cutting-edge instruction and with a commitment to instructional support, the university will conduct unceasing and ongoing assessment of all practices to create a vibrant sense of place for all.
Among other metrics, success will be measured by the degree to which learning outcomes are defined, assessed, attained, and articulated, by an increase in the number of students who are recruited and retained, and the level of satisfaction for all concerned. Work will continue until the university is at the top of learning, quality, and mind for Illinois and beyond. The academic year 2022-2023 is year four of the Strategic Plan.
Distinctions
Rockford University has garnered numerous distinctions in recent years, making it an institution that stands out. Among the most notable:
• Academic Excellence: One of 11 colleges and universities in Illinois and 290 in the country with a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most prestigious liberal arts academic honor society.
• Community Engagement: Rockford University joins just 361 other colleges and universities from across the nation, and is one of only 11 in Illinois, to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification from The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification is valid through 2025.
• Access through Economic Diversity: Ranked by the 2022 U.S. News and World Report as an Economically Diverse Regional University, underscoring our long-standing and successful effort to promote access for qualified students to excellent higher education, irrespective of the financial means of those students and their families.
• Student Engagement and Satisfaction: Shown by the 2022 National Survey of Student Engagement as performing at or above U.S. norms on most measures of student engagement. (See pages 16-20 for 2022 Survey)
• Best in the Midwest: Regularly recognized as a best Midwestern university by national ranking websites, including:
o U.S. News & World Report: Named as a 2022 Best Regional University.
o The Princeton Review: Consistently ranked as one of the Best Midwestern Colleges based on student opinion data and The Princeton Review’s standards for academic excellence within each region.
o College Consensus: Named one of the 2020 Best Regional Universities based on results from the most reputable college ranking publishers and student reviews.
• Advocate for Social Mobility: Named by the 2020 U.S. News & World Report as a Top Performer on Social Mobility for successfully advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of disadvantaged students who receive Pell Grants.
SOURCE: Department of Marketing and Communications
Accreditation
Rockford University is a private, independent, coeducational university providing courses of study leading to baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Academic programs are based on a foundation of learning in the liberal arts. The university emphasizes excellence in teaching and has a strong commitment to scholarly activity, creative expression, and community service. The educational program is characterized by a concern for the needs of all students and reflects the basic human rights and responsibilities of a democratic society.
Campus Accreditation
Rockford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) which is the regional accrediting body for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Rockford University has been accredited since 1913. For more information on HLC, visit http://www.hlcommission.org.
Specialized Accreditation
In addition to the campus accreditation, the following Rockford University programs are accredited by the relevant disciplinary accrediting bodies:
Accrediting Agency
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (www.acenursing.org)
American Chemical Society (www.acs.org)
Accredited Program(s)
BS in Nursing (BSN)
BS in Chemistry
BA in Chemistry
BS in Chemistry, ACS Certified International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (www.iacbe.org)
BA in Accounting
BS in Accounting
BA in Economics
BS in Economics
BSMS in Management Studies
MBA in Business Administration
Specialized Approval
In addition to the campus accreditation, the following Rockford University programs are approved by the relevant disciplinary accrediting bodies:
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Approved Programs, that lead to license:
• Early Childhood (Birth-2)
• Elementary (1-6)
• Middle Grades Language Arts (5-8)
• Middle Grades Math (5-8)
• Middle Grades Science (5-8)
• Middle Grades Social Science (5-8)
• Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-2)
• Special Education, Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (K-22)
• World Language, Spanish (PK-12)
We offer endorsement-only plans in:
• ESL Education
• Bilingual Education
• Physical Education (K-12)
• Secondary Biology (9-12)
• Secondary Chemistry (9-12)
• Secondary English Language Arts (9-12)
• Secondary History (9-12)
• Secondary Math (9-12)
• Reading Teacher
• Reading Specialist
• PK-22 Principal Endorsement
• Visual Arts (PK-12)
• Theatre Arts (PK-12)
Honor Societies and Programs
• Chi Alpha Sigma (Athletics)
• Phi Alpha Theta (History)
• Phi Beta Kappa
• Psi Chi (Psychology)
• Sigma Xi (Scientific Research)
• Honors in Liberal Arts and Sciences Program
Campus Infrastructure
Rockford University Campus Acreage:
SOURCE: Senior Director of Operations; Residence Life
NOTES:
Campus Safety
The Rockford University Department of Public Safety is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by providing a safe and secure environment conducive to learning and consistent with this institution’s diverse educational goals. We are committed to a professional, proactive, community-orientated approach to campus safety by recognizing that our staff, faculty, students, and the community we serve are our most important assets.
The Rockford University Department of Public Safety employs three full-time and one part-time armed public safety officers through its contract with the State Protection Service. The Department of Public Safety is staffed and operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The department has a long-standing relationship with the Rockford Police Department, the Rockford Fire Department, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, including the city’s emergency medical and ambulance services.
The Rockford University Department of Public Safety is committed to providing all campus community members with the highest quality of service. We strive to do so by taking a forwardthinking approach to safety and security. As part of the continued efforts to improve services, all students, faculty, and staff have access to the Rockford University Public Safety app on their smartphones, tablets, and computers, which allows access to the following:
• Campus safety tips
• Emergency response information
• Vehicle registration forms
• Personal property registration forms
• Parking policy
• Campus maps
• Current weather conditions
• Training schedules and sign-up for training
• And more…
The following crime statistics are in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (formerly the Campus Security Act).
Criminal Offenses: On
Campus Crime Statistics
Criminal Offenses: On Campus, Residence Halls
SOURCE: 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, Department of Public Safety *Statistical data reported in the category of "On-Campus Housing Facility" must also be reported under the "On-Campus Property" classification.
ACADEMICS
Programs of Study, Academic Year 2022-23
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
Tracks/Concentration in italics
Accounting (B.A., B.S.)
Accounting Studies (B.S.A.S.)
Art, Studio (B.A.)
Art, Studio (B.F.A.)
2-Dimensional Art
3-Dimensional Art
Graphic Design
Art History (B.A.)
Biochemistry (B.S.)
ACS Certification
Biology (B.A.)
Biology (B.S.)
Biomedical Sciences
Conservation and Wildlife
Chemistry (B.A., B.S.)
ACS Certification
Computer Science (B.A., B.S.)
Cybersecurity
Management Information Systems
Web Development
Criminal Justice (B.A., B.S.)
Dance (B.A., B.F.A.)
Early Childhood Education (B.A., B.S.)
Early Childhood Education Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Economics (B.A., B.S.)
Financial Economics
Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) (B.A., B.S.)
English (B.A.)
Financial Economics (B.A., B.S.)
History (B.A., B.S.)
Track for Secondary Education
Licensure
Human Development (B.A., B.S.)
Child/Adolescent Development
Aging Studies
Lifespan
Human Services (B.S.)
Humanities (B.A.)
International Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Kinesiology (B.A., B.S.)
Exercise Science
Sport Management
Teaching Licensure
Management Studies (B.S.M.S.)
Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)
Computational
General
Middle Grades Education (B.A., B.S.)
Nursing (B.S.N.)
Organizational Leadership (B.A., B.S.)
Political Science (B.A., B.S.)
American Studies
Constitutional Studies
Legal Studies
Political Ideas
Politics and Cultures
War and Peace
Psychology (B.A., B.S.)
Science and Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)
Social Sciences (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A., B.S.)
Spanish (B.A.)
Special Education (B.A., B.S.)
Special Education Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Theatre (B.F.A.)
Acting/Directing
Design & Production
Musical Theatre Performance
Theatre Management
Theatre Arts (B.A.)
Pre-Professional Programs:
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Law
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS
Accounting
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Art, Studio
Art History
Bilingual Education
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Coaching
Criminal Justice
Dance
Economics
English
English as a Second Language
Education
Entrepreneurship
Ethics
Exercise Science
Gender Studies
Graphic Design
Health
History
Human Development
International Studies
PK-12 Education
Latin American, Caribbean, & Iberian Studies
Linguistics and Translation
Management Information Systems
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
Peace and Conflict Studies
Philosophy
Physical Education
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Secondary Education (9-12)
Sociology
Spanish
Special Education
Sport Management
Theatre Arts
Theatre Design & Production
Web Development
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Education (M.Ed)
• Pedagogical Practice
• Reading Specialist
• Urban Education
M.Ed Programs with thesis option (one endorsement):
• M.Ed: Bilingual Education
• M.Ed: Early Childhood (Birth to Grade 2)
Education
• M.Ed: Elementary (1-6) Education
• M.Ed: English as a Second Language (ESL) Education
• M.Ed: Physical Education
• M.Ed: Reading Teacher
• M.Ed: Special Education (LBSI)
M.Ed Programs with no thesis option (2 endorsements):
• M.Ed: Reading Specialist with LBSI Endorsement
• M.Ed: Reading Teacher with LBSI Endorsement
• M.Ed: Reading Teacher with ESL Endorsement
• M.Ed: Special Education with Bilingual/ESL Endorsement
• M.Ed: Special Education with ESL Endorsement
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
Programs Leading to Professional Educator License (PEL)
Early Childhood Elementary (1-6)
Middle Grades (5-8)
Literacy Mathematics
Social Science
Science
PK-12
World Language: Spanish
Physical Education
Visual Arts
Secondary
Biology
Chemistry
Drama/Theatre Arts
English/Language Arts
History
Mathematics
Special Education-LBS1 (K-22)
Subsequent Endorsement Programs for Licensed Educators:
Bilingual
Bilingual and English as a Second Language
Early Childhood ( Birth to Grade 2)
Elementary (Grades 1-6)
English as a Second Language
Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Reading Teacher
Programs Not Leading to Initial Licensure or Endorsement:
Education
Instructional Strategies
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Concentrations in:
Finance
Health Care Administration
Organizational Leadership
Project Management
Graduate Certificates in:
Finance
Healthcare Administration
Project Management
Study Carrels
Howard Colman Library Resources
SOURCE: Dean of Library and Learning Innovation; Howard Colman Library
National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)
The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) is an assessment tool that Rockford University utilizes once every two years. The following information is reproduced from Rockford University’s NSSE 2022 reports:
NSSE – Response Rate and Engagement Indicators
Comparison group response rates were computed at the institution level (i.e., they do not reflect student-level aggregate results).
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 Administration Summary Report
Engagement Indicators (EIs) provide a useful summary of the detailed information contained in NSSE responses. By combining responses to related NSSE questions, each EI offers valuable information about a distinct aspect of student engagement. Ten indicators, based on three to eight survey questions each (a total of 47 survey questions), are organized into four themes as shown below:
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 Engagement Indicators Report
NSSE – Executive Snapshot
The Executive Snapshot summarizes benchmark results (based on mean comparisons) for Rockford University and three comparison groups. Engagement Indicators are summary measures based on sets of NSSE questions examining key dimensions of student engagement. The ten indicators are organized within four themes: Academic Challenge, Learning with Peers, Experiences with Faculty, and Campus Environment. The table below compares average scores for Rockford University students with those in its comparison groups.
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 Engagement Indicators Report
NSSE – High Impact Practices
Due to their positive associations with student learning and retention, certain undergraduate opportunities are designated "high-impact." High-impact practices (HIPs) share several traits: they demand considerable time and effort, facilitate learning outside of the classroom, require meaningful interactions with faculty and students, encourage collaboration with diverse others, and provide frequent and substantive feedback. NSSE asks students about their participation in the six HIPs shown below. The report provides information on the first three for first-year students and all six for seniors. Unlike most questions on the NSSE survey, the HIP questions are not limited to the current school year. Thus, seniors' responses include participation from prior years.
The figures below display the percentage of students who participated in High-Impact Practices. Both figures include participation in service-learning, a learning community, and research with faculty. The senior figure also includes participation in an internship or field experience, study abroad, and culminating senior experience. The first segment in each bar shows the percentage who participated in at least two HIPs, and the full bar (both colors) represents the percentage who participated in at least one.
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 High‐Impact Practices Report
NSSE – Additional Results
The Academic Challenge theme contains four Engagement Indicators as well as several important individual items. The results presented here provide an overview of these individual items.
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 Snapshot Report
NSSE – Item Comparisons
This section displays the five questions (see footnote a) on which the first-year and senior students scored the highest and the five questions on which they scored the lowest, relative to students in Rockford University’s comparison group. Parenthetical notes indicate whether an item belongs to a specific Engagement Indicator or is a High-Impact Practice. While these questions represent the largest differences (in percentage points), they may not be the most important to Rockford University’s mission or current program.
SOURCE: NSSE 2022 Snapshot Report
ENROLLMENT & COMPLETIONS
Campus Enrollment
This section will consist of campus enrollment across different programs as well as campus demographic information. The data is presented in a variety of charts.
Student Enrollment - Fall 2022
SOURCE: IPEDS 2022-23 Fall Enrollment Survey, Prepared by the Office of Institutional Research
Full - Time Undergraduate Enrollment:
SOURCE: Student Administrative Service
Note: Included in this count are non-degree seeking students
Full-Time Equivalent Enrollment: Average Headcounts for Fall and Spring
Average Traditional UG Full-Time Equivalent
Average Degree Completion UG Full-Time Equivalent
Average Graduate Full-Time Equivalent
Average Total Full-Time Equivalent All Programs
SOURCE: Student Administrative Service
Note: Included in this count are non-degree seeking students. Calculation uses average between fall and spring headcounts at census.
Online Bachelor’s Degree Completion Enrollment
SOURCE: Office of Admission and Student Administrative Services
Note: This information is as of Census for the Fall Term. BSXX programs are included in the grand total undergraduates table above.
Student Demographics
Race & Gender
Students Characteristics
Student-To-Faculty Ratio
SOURCE: IPEDS 2022 Fall Enrollment Survey by the Office of Institutional Research
SOURCE: Office of Admission
New Student Profile’s
SOURCE: Office of Admission
NOTE: *Tracking of conditional admits changed for Fall 2019 to eliminate the distinction between regular admission and conditional status. Some
may add to more than 100% due to rounding.
Top five states represented for first-time undergraduates include: Illinois Wisconsin Texas Tied for 4th & 5th
SOURCE: IPEDS 2022-23 Fall Enrollment Survey
Colorado
Michigan
New Transfer Undergraduate Student Profile
SOURCE: Office of Admission NOTE: *Tracking of conditional admits changed for Fall 2019 to eliminate the distinction between regular admission and conditional status. Some percentages may add to more than 100% due to rounding.
Completions by Degree
Degrees Conferred by Gender and
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys by the Office of Institutional Research NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Master's Degrees Conferred by Gender and Race
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys by the Office of Institutional Research NOTE: Percentages
add to 100% due to rounding.
Completions by Major
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys by the Office of Institutional Research
NOTE: Summing up the number of degrees conferred for each major does not equal the total number of graduates because some students graduate with double majors. Similarly, the sum of percentages will be greater than 100%.
Completions by Major continued
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys by the Office of Institutional Research
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
* The first Master of Education Degrees were conferred in 2018-2019.
SOURCE: Student Administrative Services (SAS) & IPEDS Institutional Characteristics 2022-23
Financial Aid to Undergraduates - 2022-2023
Below are the total dollar amounts awarded to the full-time and less than full-time degreeseeking undergraduates enrolled. These totals also include aid awarded to international students. Aid that was non-need-based but that was used to meet need is reported in the needbased aid columns.
Financial Aid to Undergraduates - 2022-2023
Need-based $ Non-need-based $ (Include non-needbased aid used to meet need.) (Exclude non-needbased aid used to meet need.)
Scholarships/Grants
State (i.e., all states, not only the state in which your institution is located)
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below). $10,482,398 $2,614,848
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g., Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college
Self-Help
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans) $3,918,438 $982,754
Federal Work-Study
State and other (e.g., institutional) workstudy/employment
(Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.)
Source: Student Administrative Services (SAS)
$86,158
$52,578 $127,508 Total Self-Help: $4,057,174
STUDENTS
Student Activities – Clubs & Organizations
By participating in the Campus Activities Board (CAB), Rockford University students plan events for the entire campus to enjoy. CAB is a student group that brings musicians, comedians, and other performers to campus. CAB also programs Homecoming, the End of the Year Bash, and other dances. Students also play an important role in college governance through the Student Government Association (SGA). Student representatives may hold memberships on the Board of Trustees and Student Life Committee, as well as being members of the standing committees of SGA. During the academic year of 2022-2023, Rockford University had 15 registered student clubs and organizations:
Alpha Helix
Black Student Union (BSU)
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Commuter Council
Leading Educators Club
Multicultural Club
Sign Language Club
Nursing Student Organization
Sexual and Gender Alliance (SAGA)
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Student Government Association (SGA)
Universal Club
Racquet Club
First Gen. Forward
Art Club
Residence Life
SOURCE: Department of Student Life
NOTE: Percentages represent the percentage of all full-time undergraduate students in each category.
Athletics
Rockford University offers 12 intercollegiate varsity teams, along with several junior varsity teams, and competes in the NCAA Division III, Northern Athletics Conference. Approximately 32% of the full-time undergraduate population participated in intercollegiate athletics in the Academic Year 2022-23 For more information about Regent Athletics, visit goregents.com
SOURCE: Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance and Eligibility; Athletic Department Rosters
International Programs
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program
Rockford University’s English Language Institute (ELI) aims to provide the opportunity for nonnative speakers of English to reach academic and professional proficiency in the English language. The ELI program accomplishes this by focusing on the vital English language skills.
Primary language skills that students master:
• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Grammar
Secondary skills that students improve:
• Pronunciation
• Presentation
• Soft skills
• Intercultural Communication Skills
Student Types who Enroll in Rockford University’s English Language Institute
1. F-1 Visa - Rockford University’s ELI Program is approved by The Department of Homeland Security to host F-1 students to study on campus.
2. Other Visa Types - Holders of other visas are allowed to enroll if their visa status allows for study while in the United States.
3. Local Residents and U.S. Citizens – any non-native speakers of English
International students who have completed Rockford University’s ELI program can continue into their degree programs at Rockford University. In addition, local residents and U.S. citizens can follow the same path as international students, as well as take the high school equivalency exams to obtained vocational certificates and college degrees.
The mix of international students from abroad and non-native speakers of English from the area gives Rockford University’s ESL students the opportunity to improve in a dynamic and multicultural environment. Countries represented by international students include:
• Albania
• Brazil
• China • Colombia
Ecuador
France
Germany
Ivory Coast
Iraq
Japan
Mexico
Niger
Russia
Saudi Arabia
• Spain
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Vietnam
• Yemen
Office of Global Affairs:
The Office of Global Affairs advances an internationalized campus culture that allows students, faculty, staff, and the greater Rockford Community to enjoy a worldly experience.
These opportunities arise from:
• On campus engagement opportunities for international and domestic students to learn from each other.
• Short-term and semester study abroad trips
• Short-term service abroad trips
• International university partnership and network collaborations
• Support services for international students at RU and for RU students abroad
• Dialogues on trending global and intercultural topics
• RU’s Council on Global Affairs’ internationalization efforts
Global Affairs sponsors events throughout the calendar year that are attended by 50-500 people. Campus events include:
• Eid Al-Fitr Dinner
• Eid Al-Hajj Dinner
• Global Cultural Events
• Global Tastes
• International Food and Arts Festival
• Saudi National Day
• Study Abroad Fairs
• Tea Time
• Intercultural Workshops
Study Abroad Partner Institutions
People’s Republic of China Nanjing Sports Institute United Kingdom Regents University London Sweden University of Skovde Spain University of Santiago de Compostela Japan Kobe College
2022-2023 Accomplishments
• Rockford University hosted:
o Two students from the University of Skovde in Sweden
o Two students from Kobe College in Japan
o Beijing Prepare Education Visit
• Rockford University sent:
o Seven students to Athens, Greece with Dr. Cabrera and Dr. Dibley to study Greek culture, language and ancient sites.
o One student to Regents University London in the U.K.
Alumni
Rockford University Alumni are cutting-edge scientists, nurses at major hospitals, and Golden Apple award-winning educators. They are graphic designers, sports managers, and computer scientists. Our Alumni are performers, artists, and so much more! Each alumnus is an important part of Rockford University’s bold history, and they continue to do amazing things across the globe.
Rockford University’s Alumni Association is led by a board whose mission is ‘to connect and engage current and future alumni for the advancement of Rockford University.’ Each year the Alumni Association Board gives several awards to alumni and long-time university supporters. They also work with the Office of Advancement & Alumni to put on events each year such as Homecoming and Reunion weekend, the Gala, plus many other professional development gatherings and webinars.
Let’s take a look at where we can find our RU Alumni:
United States Grand Total: 16,122
US Territories: Virgin Islands: 1 Puerto Rico: 2
Armed Forces American Pacific: 1 (APO AP)
Around the Globe Grand Total: 16,436
Countries Represented by Each Continent
Continent Number
Countries Represented
Africa 17 Chad, Kenya, Niger, Republic of the Congo, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Togo, Uganda
Asia 165
Gaza Strip, Hong Kong, Huaian City, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Peoples Republic of China, Republic of (Taiwan) China, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkey
Europe 95 Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, German Democratic Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
North America 25 Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos Islands
(The United States and territories have been separated for this chart)
Oceania 4 Australia, Cocos Islands, Guam
South America 8 Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay
Grand Total 314
SOURCE: Office of Advancement
Note: The United States and territories have been separated in the continent chart to show Alumni from other countries represented in North America.
UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL
Faculty & Staff Profiles
SOURCE: 2021-22 IPEDS Human Resources survey by the Office of Institutional Research; Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Faculty & Staff Profiles
SOURCE: Assistant Vice President of Human Resources: Human Resources
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Data was not collected
Faculty & Staff Profiles
SOURCE: Assistant Vice President of Human Resources: Human Resources NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Data was not collected.
SOURCE: Assistant Vice President of Human Resources: Human Resources
List of Faculty by College and Department
COLLEGE OF ART AND HUMANITIES Department Faculty Department Faculty
Dr. Jennifer Langworthy,
Dean of the College
Art
Christopher Sisson, Department Chair
David Menard
Phillip Soosloff
Dr. Kyle Steadman, Department Chair
Dr. Michael Perry, Provost
Dr. William Gahan
Dr. Jenna Goldsmith
English
Dr. Jennifer Jenkins
Dr. Kristin Ravel
Dr. Jennifer Rea
Dr. Mary Weaks-Baxter
History, Politics, and International Studies
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Performing Arts
Dr. Catherine Forslund, Department Chair
Dr. Ed Mathieu
Yoandy Cabrera Ortega, Department Chair
Dr. Genevive Dibley
Dr. Matthew Flamm
Dr. Stephen Hicks
Beth Drog, Department Chair
Deborah Mogford, Department Chair
Timm Adams
Jeff Hendry
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND NURSING Department Faculty Department Faculty
Dr. William Doria, Department Chair
Dr. Deborah Breiter
Chemical and Biological Sciences
Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics
Dr. Matthew Bork
Dr. Beth Lipton
Dr. Emily Webb
Dr. James Marshall
Dr. Kari Severson
Dr. Filiz Dik, Dean, College of Science, Mathematics, and Nursing
Dr. Mehmet Dik, Department Chair
Ms. Mikayla Hwang
Mr. James Conley
Dr. Donna Ogle
Dr. Deepshikha Shukla
Nursing
Psychology
Kimberly McCullough, Department Chair
Andrea Anderson
Karen Black-Vetter
Caryn Ruzic
Nicole Buhler
Shannon Satti
Brittney Petrelli
Kimberley Hartwig Devine
Dr. Joel Lynch, Department Chair
Elaine Sharpe
Dr. Christian Steciuch
Dr. Amy Martin
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, COMMERCE, AND EDUCATION
Department Faculty Department Faculty
Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Puri School of Business
Dr. Ron Lee, Department Chair
Dr. Bethany Twitty
Dr. Michelle Sandhoff
Dr. Mandolen Mull, Department Chair
Christina Anderson
Diane Chabes
Dr. Orhan Erdem
Dr. Jeffrey Karlberg
Dr. Masoud Moallem
Mr. Clayton Duffy
Luis Romero
Source: Academic Affairs
Education
Physical Education
Note: This data excludes adjunct faculty and graduate assistance.
Jacob Hardesty, Dean, College of Social Sciences, Commerce, and Education
Dr. Gina Braun, Department Chair
Ms. Annie Baddoo
Dr. Danille Klein
Dr. Anita Rumage
Dr. Brandi St. James
Dr. Kelly Monson
Dr. Kimberlee Wagner
Ann Boe, Department Chair
Tammy Schiek
Catherine Headley
Dr. Jason Hunter
President’s Executive Council
Dr. Eric W. Fulcomer, President / Dr. Patricia A. Lynott, President
Dr. Michael Perry, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Ms. Lisa Custardo, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Randal Childs, Vice President for Advancement / Mrs. Linda Sandquist, Vice President for Advancement
Dr. Michael Quinn, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dr. Randy Worden, Vice President of Student Life
Board of Trustees Members
Officers:
Rebecca Epperson
L. Thomas Heiser
Jeffry Potter
Greg Allen
Members:
Keith Akre
Charles Box
Deborah Breiter, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Donovan
Nor Alamery, Student Trustee
Dawn Gile, Alumni Trustee
Anisha Grimmett
Elizabeth Hegel
Ganesh Iyer
Iain D. Johnston
James Keeling
Thomas Muldowney
Aaron Potter
Mike Schablaske
Marci K. Taets
Patricia Tumilowicz
Frank E. Walter
Janet Zelenka
Teresa Beach-Shelow
Lesly Couper
Joel Moore
Kristin Smith
Barbara Tanaglia
Emeriti Trustees:
James H. Clarke, Ph.D
Charles L. Colman
Kenelm A. Groff
Dawn R. Hallsten
Helen C. Hill
Charles J. Howard
Teresa J. Ingrassia
Dennis W. Johnson
Kent A. Mallquist
Sunil Puri
David Rydell
Louise C. Sinclaire
Angelo L. Spoto
James S. Whitehead
Jonathan S. Whitlock
R. Ray Wood
Fred Young
President Emeriti:
Robert L. Head, Ph.D.
William A. Shields, Ph.D.
Rockford University Presidents
The following is a list of our past and present Rockford University presidents. Included in this count are the first four principals of Rockford Female Seminary.
• Anna Peck Still – Founder and 1st Principal of Rockford Female Seminary, 1852-1884
• Martha Hillard – 2nd Principal of Rockford Female Seminary, 1884-1888
• Anna Gelston – 3rd Principal of Rockford Female Seminary, 1888-1890
• Sarah F. Anderson – 4th Principal of Rockford Female Seminary and President of Rockford College, 1890-1896
• Phebe T. Sutliff – 5th President of Rockford College, 1896-1901
• Emily K. Reynolds – 6th President of Rockford College, 1901-1902
• Julia Gulliver – 7th President of Rockford College, 1902-1919
• Dr. William A. Maddox – 8th President of Rockford College,1919-1933
• Dr. John Gordon – Acting President of Rockford College, 1933-1934
• Dr. Gordon K. Chalmers – 9th President of Rockford College, 1934-1937
• Dr. Mary Ashby Cheek – 10th President of Rockford College, 1937-1954
• Dr. Leland H. Carlson – 11th President of Rockford College, 1954-1959
• Dr. John A Howard – 12th President of Rockford College, 1960-1977
• John D. Spence – Acting President of Rockford College, 1977-1979
• Dr. Norman Stewart – 13th President of Rockford College, 1979-1988
• Dr. Gretchen Von Lowe Kreuter – 14th President of Rockford College, 1988-1992
• Dr. William A Shields – 15th President of Rockford College, 1992-2002
• Dr. Paul Pribbenow – 16th President of Rockford College, 2002-2006
• Dr. Richard Kneedler – Interim President of Rockford College, 2006-2008
• Dr. Robert Head – 17th President of Rockford University, 2008-2016
• Dr. Eric W. Fulcomer – 18th President of Rockford University, 2016-2020
• Dr. Patricia Lynott – Interim President of Rockford University, 2023- present
2 Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center
Bookstore Career Services
Chief of Police
Computer Stations
Dean of Students eSports Arena
Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement
Residence Life
Student Activities
Student Clubs and Organizations
Student Government
Student Life
The Den Second Floor
Cafeteria
Dining Services
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Faculty Dining Room
Mail Room
Office of Global Affairs
President’s Dining Room
Print Services
Regents Hall Third
Executive Offices Forrest Cool
3
Box
Faculty Offices
5 Starr Science Center Center for Learning Strategies
Computer Labs
Faculty Offices
Language Lab
Nursing Learning Laboratory
Peterson Auditorium Science Labs Small Science Auditorium 6 Refrigeration Plant 7 Howard Colman Library
Academic Affairs
Computer Stations
Faculty Offices
Information Technology Center
Provost
Rare Book Room
Registrar
Student Success and Retention Writing Center
8 Scarborough Hall
Computer Lab
Faculty Lounge
Faculty Offices
Golden Apple Foundation
Severson Auditorium 9 Lang Center for Health and Wellness
Counseling Center
Disability Support Services
Faculty Offices
Complex
Emerson Residence Hall
Barnes Residence Hall
Talcott Residence Hall
Lathrop Residence Hall
Physical Education Center Athletic Hall of Fame
Athletic Training Room
Faculty Offices
Fitness Center Free Weight Room
Gymnasium
Multipurpose Gym 22
Tennis Courts
Athletic Fields
Business Office
Faculty Offices
Human Resources
Student Employment
Main Floor (north-side entrance)
Classrooms
Computer Labs 30 Start of 18-hole Disc Golf Course
A-G Parking Lots
Visitor parking: A, B, C, E, G
Student parking: A, B, C, E, G
Faculty/Staff parking: A, B, C, D, E, G
East State Street Entrance
Turner Street Entrance
