Offices of the President, Special Assistant, Chief of Staff and Marketing/Communications
Forrest Cool Lounge
3 Fisher Memorial Chapel
Chapel
4 Clark Arts Center
Art Gallery
Art Studios
Box Office
Cheek Theatre
Dance Studio
Faculty Offices
Graphic Design Lab
Maddox Theatre
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
Archives
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
10 Cummings Complex
Emerson Residence Hall
Barnes Residence Hall
Talcott Residence Hall
Lathrop Residence Hall
11 Olson Residence Hall
12 Johnson Center
Office of Admission
13 Nelson Hall
MAIN FLOOR
Student Administrative Services (SAS)
Facilities Services
Police and Department of Public Safety
21 Seaver Physical Education Center
Athletic Hall of Fame
Athletic Training Room
Faculty Offices
Fitness Center
Free Weight Room
Gymnasium
Multipurpose Gym
Addams International Peace
School of Business LOWER LEVEL (EAST-SIDE ENTRANCE)
Business Office
Faculty Offices
Human Resources
Student Employment
Student Lounge
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
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Introduction
Welcome to the 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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:
Heidi Babcock Cory Espensen Andy Newgren Jess Stanek
Jennifer Cunningham Joab Irwin Jennifer Ocampo Ed Tomaszkiewicz
Maria Deimer Alex Johnson Emily Ramboldt
Monique DiVenti Scott Mitchell
Kayla Eddy Sara Myers
Toni Rowe
Sarah Spires
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. Later 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 became 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.
Mission & Learning Expectations
Rockford University Mission:
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 2023-2024 is year five of the Strategic Plan and its final year
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.
• Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading: Rockford University was the first higher education institute in the state of Illinois to receive full program approval for the alignment of the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading standards (CRTL).
• Exemplar Diverse Educator Recruitment and Retention: Rockford University was recognized as having submitted an exemplar Diverse Educator Recruitment and Retention Pilot that our faculty developed in partnership with community members in the Rockford area. Our faculty were invited to be on a panel for the Illinois State Board of Education in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to provide evidence-based coaching and planning to support educator preparation programs (EPPs) in taking concrete steps to attract and retain teacher candidates of color.
• 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 2023 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 2023 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.
• 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.
SOURCE: Department of Marketing and Communications
Campus Infrastructure
Rockford University Campus Acreage: 160 acres
SOURCE: Senior Director of Operations; Residence Life
ACADEMICS
Programs of Study, Academic Year 2023-24
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
Tracks/Concentration in italics
Accounting (B.A., B.S.)
Accounting Studies (B.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.)
Data Analytics (B.A., B.S.)
Digital Marketing (B.A., B.S.)
Early Childhood Education (B.A., B.S.)
Early Childhood Education Studies (B.A., B.S.)
Economics (B.A., B.S.)
Elementary Education (B.A., B.S.)
Elementary Education Studies (B.A., B.S.)
English (B.A.)
Financial Economics (B.A., B.S.)
Healthcare Administration (B.A., B.S.)
History (B.A., B.S.)
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.)
Marketing (B.A., B.S.)
Mathematics (B.A., B.S.)
Computational
Data Science
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.)
Supply Chain Management (B.A., B.S.)
Theatre (B.F.A.)
Acting/Directing
Design & Production
Musical Theatre Performance
Theatre Management
Theatre Arts (B.A.)
Pre-Professional Programs:
Rockford University offers academic programs which provide a sound foundation for entering a professional school in the health professions, including dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, and related areas. Rockford University and most professional schools believe that it is desirable for the student to complete a bachelor’s degree before beginning professional training. Professional schools do not require students to have a specific undergraduate major, and instead rely on a set of specific prerequisite courses that all applicants must complete. These requirements can vary dramatically between professional programs and even between institutions. Therefore, students are encouraged to begin exploring the requirements of the institutions they wish to attend early on.
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS
Accounting
Ancient and Medieval Studies
Art, Studio
Art History
Bilingual Education
Biology
Business Administration
Chemistry
Coaching
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity
Dance
Economics
English
English as a Second Language Education
Entrepreneurship
Ethics
Exercise Science
Gender Studies
Graphic Design
Health
History
Human Development
Child & Adolescent Development
Aging Studies
Lifespan
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
• Urban Education Leadership
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 Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Concentrations in:
• Finance
• Healthcare Administration
• Organizational Leadership
• Project Management
Graduate Certificates in:
• Finance
• Healthcare Administration
• Organizational Leadership
• Project Management
Post M.B.A. Certificate
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Programs Leading to Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Early Childhood (Birth to grade 2)
• Early Childhood Special Education Approval (PreK Only)
• Elementary (grades 1-6)
• Middle Grades (grades 5-8)
o Literacy
o Mathematics
o Social Science
o Science
• PK-12
o World Language: Spanish
o Physical Education
• Secondary
o Biology
o Chemistry
o Theatre Arts
o English/Language Arts
o History
o 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)
o English as a Second Language
o Learning Behavior Specialist 1
o Reading Teacher
Programs Not Leading to Initial Licensure or Endorsement:
• Education
• Instructional Strategies
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 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)
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (www.iacbe.org)
Accredited Program(s)
BS in Nursing (BSN)
BS in Chemistry
BA in Chemistry
BS in Chemistry, ACS Certified
BA in Accounting
BS in Accounting
BA in Economics
BS in Economics
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, which 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)
• Chi Alpha Sigma (National Athletic Honor Society)
• Eta Sigma Phi (Latin and/or Greek)
Study Suites
Dedicated Individual Study Carrels
Howard Colman Library Resources
suites (1 suite with a SMART Board & 4 suites with A/V)
SOURCE: Dean of Library and Learning Innovation; Howard Colman Library
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 2023
SOURCE: IPEDS 2023-24 Fall Enrollment Survey
SOURCE: Student Administrative Service
Note: Included in this count are non-degree seeking students
5 Year 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.
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
Student Demographics - Fall 2023
Undergraduate Students Characteristics
SOURCE: IPEDS 2023-24 Fall Enrollment Survey
New Student Profile’s
SOURCE: Office of Admission - Weekly Funnel Reports
New First Year 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.
Top five states represented for first-time freshman include: Illinois Texas Wisconsin Florida Michigan
SOURCE: IPEDS 2023-24 Fall Enrollment Survey
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
Bachelor's Degrees Conferred by Gender and Race
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Master's Degrees Conferred by Gender and Race
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys
NOTE: Percentages may not 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%.
Master's Degrees Conferred by Program
SOURCE: Multi-Year IPEDS Completions Surveys by the Office of Institutional Research
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Graduation Rates
The graduation rate is a percentage that measures how many of the first-time undergraduate cohort graduates within a certain timeframe. Below is a table showing the 5 years of Rockford University’s Graduation rate.
The first-year retention rate is a percentage that measures how many first-time undergraduate students return to their institution the following fall. Below is a table showing the last 5 years of Rockford University’s retention rate.
In addition, when assessing students who don’t return, they are listed within three different withdrawal types. Dismissal is when a student is asked to leave the college due to a specific reason that could be academic or nonacademic in nature. Withdrawal is when a student decides to leave the university for their own reasons. A leave of absence is given for certain situations giving a student a one-year break before they return. Below is a table showing the last 5 years of withdrawn types.
Withdraws Types
Yearly Tuition, Room, Board, and Fees
2023-2024 Tuition, Residence Hall Room and Board Fees Tuition
Below are the total dollar amounts awarded to the full-time and less than full-time degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled. These totals also include aid awarded to international students. Aid that was nonneed-based but used to meet need is reported in the need-based aid columns.
Financial Aid to Undergraduates - 2023-2024 Final Figures
Need-based $ Non-need-based $
(Include non-needbased aid used to meet need.) (Exclude non-needbased aid used to meet need.)
Scholarships/Grants
Federal $219,607 $0
State (i.e., all states, not only the state in which your institution is located) $2,795,621 $25,474
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below). $10,452,299 $2,610,197
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) $3,920,293 $982,754
Federal Work-Study
State and other (e.g., institutional) workstudy/employment (Note: Excludes Federal Work-Study captured above.)
$86,158
$52,578 $126,136 Total Self-Help: $4,059,029
Source: Common Data Set (Section H1); Student Administrative Services (SAS)
STUDENTS
Student Activities
Through Student Activities, students can meet new people on campus, test and further develop their leadership skills, and have fun. These opportunities offer a plethora of experiences for all students. In fact, our campus community is large enough to provide a diverse list of activities and clubs, but it’s also small enough for students to get involved in as many organizations as they’d like. And if they don’t see a club or organization they desire, they can start one!
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 2023-2024, Rockford University had 15 registered student clubs and organizations:
Alpha Helix
Leading Educators Club
Arabs United Multicultural Club Art Club
Nursing Student Organization
Black Student Union (BSU) Racquet Club
Book Smart Saudi Club
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Sexual and Gender Alliance (SAGA)
Commuter Council Sign Language Club
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
First Gen. Forward Student Government Association (SGA)
Residence Life
The residence halls provide students with opportunities to live and grow outside of the classroom through interactions with peers. Living on campus allows individuals to assume responsibility for their own growth, as well as community development through taking responsibility of Rockford University community standards. Residence Life focuses educational endeavors on the development of the whole student. Each residence hall floor and building community, under the guidance of Hall Directors and Resident Assistants, work to provide activities covering holistic student needs in the following categories: social, environmental, physical, cultural, occupational, emotional, intellectual, and financial.
This creates a dynamic living space to develop while at Rockford University. Between studying, getting involved in student organizations, participating in community service and volunteering, most Rockford students are active and engaged in their community. Residential living adds to your university experience by providing you with an opportunity to do all these things while living in an active, vibrant community with your peers.
Full-Time Undergraduate Students Living on Campus
SOURCE: Director of Residence Life
NOTE: Percentages represent the percentage of all full-time undergraduate students in each category.
Small Houses
The small houses consist of 6 residence halls, all of which are self-contained and co-ed by floor. Each small house has a common area lounge.
1.Dayton
2. Svenson
3.Caster
4. Olson
5. Ekvall
6.McPhail
Cummings Complex
This three-story complex encompasses four buildings suitable for undergraduate students. The four halls are connected but maintain their individual community environment.
1. Emerson
2.Barnes
3. Talcott
4.Lathrop
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 forward-thinking 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).
SOURCE: 2024 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.
**The Clery Act no longer uses Sex Offense Forcible or Nonforcible as categories. They have been changed to more specific descriptions: Rape, Fondling, Incest, and Statutory Rape.
Athletics
Rockford University offers 12 intercollegiate varsity teams, along with several junior varsity teams, and competes in the NCAA Division III, Northern Athletics Conference. 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 non-native 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:
Secondary skills that students improve:
Listening Pronunciation
· Speaking · Presentation
Reading Soft skills
Writing Intercultural Communication Skills
Grammar
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
• China
• Cuba
• France
• Iraq
• Japan
• Mexico
• Niger • Saudi Arabia • Senegal
2023-2024 Accomplishments
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Vietnam
Six students matriculated from the English Language program to enrolled students in traditional programs during the 2023-24 school year.
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
Asia Europe
Country Institution Country Institution
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
2023-2024 Accomplishments
• Rockford University hosted:
o Four Representatives from IUCA
o Two students from Kobe College in Japan
o Beijing Prepare Education Visit
• Rockford University sent:
o Two Representatives to Nanjing Sports Institute in China for the opening ceremonies
o 2 students to study at Regents University for one semester
o 16 students and 3 faculty on a study abroad trip to Dominican Republic
o 11 students and 2 faculty on a study abroad trip to Cuba
o 1 representative to the NAFSA conference in New Orleans
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
A Hispanic-serving institution is defined in U.S. federal law as an accredited, degree-granting, public or private nonprofit institution of higher education with 25% or higher total undergraduate Hispanic or Latino full-time equivalent student enrollment. Rockford University is currently an Associate Member Institution (AMI) which is defined as a nonprofit, accredited college, university, or system/district in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, where at least 1,000 Hispanic students are enrolled, or total Hispanic enrollment constitutes at least 10% of the total enrollment at the undergraduate or graduate level or both. Rockford University is working closely with the Rockford community to better serve this population of students and is just 2.13% away from being categorized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Hispanic Serving Institution (HIS) Summary Report
Notes: Numbers include Non-Degree, Part-Time, and BSXX programs
Alumni
Rockford University Alumni are cutting-edge scientists, nurses at major hospitals, and Golden Apple awardwinning 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: 16,344
US Territories: Virgin Islands: 1
Puerto Rico: 2
Armed Forces American Pacific: 1 (APO AP)
Around the Globe Grand Total: 16,682
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 184
Europe
100
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
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
Oceania 4 Australia, Cocos Islands, Guam
South America 8 Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay
Grand Total 338
SOURCE: Office of Advancement
Note: In addition to new graduates, numbers may change year over year due to address changes. 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: 2023-24 IPEDS Human Resources Survey; Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
NOTE: Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding.
Staff Profile
SOURCE: 2023-24 IPEDS Human Resources Survey; Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
NOTE: *Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Data was not collected.
Part-time Faculty and Staff Profile
SOURCE: 2023-24 IPEDS Human Resources Survey; Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
NOTE: *Percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 Data was not collected.
Length of Employment by Employee Type - Fall 2023
SOURCE: Assistant Vice President of Human Resources: Human Resources
Fall 2023 List of Faculty by College and Department
COLLEGE OF ART AND HUMANITIES
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS, AND NURSING Department Faculty Department Faculty
Dr. Jennifer LangworthyDean of College of Arts and Humanities
Art
Christopher Sisson
David Menard
Phillip Soosloff
Dr. Kyle Stedman
Dr. Michael Perry
Dr. William Gahan
Dr. Jenna Goldsmith
English
History, Politics, and International Studies
Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Performing Arts
Library
Dr. Jennifer Jenkins
Dr. Kristin Ravel
Dr. Jennifer Rea
Dr. Mary Weaks-Baxter
Dr. Catherine Forslund
Dr. Ed Mathieu
Dr. Yoandy Cabrera Ortega
Dr. Genevive Dibley
Dr. Matthew Flamm
Dr. Xabier Fole Valera
Dr. Stephen Hicks
Beth Drog
Deborah Mogford
Timm Adams
Eric Brockmeier
Ryan Moller
Andy Newgren
Stephanie Nissen
Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics
Chemical and Biological Sciences
Dr. Filiz DikDean, College of Science, Mathematics, and Nursing
Dr. Mehmet Dik
Dr. Ahmed El Ouadrhiri
Susan Sorensen
Dr. Donna Ogle
Dr. Deepshikha Shukla
Dr. William Doria
Dr. Deborah Breiter
Dr. Matthew Bork
Dr. Beth Lipton
Dr. Emily Webb
Dr. James Marshall
Dr. Kari Severson
Mikayla Hwang
Kimberly McCullough
Andrea Anderson
Karen Black-Vetter
Caryn Ruzic
Nursing
Psychology
Nicole Buhler
Sarah Urban
Brittney Petrelli
Kimberley Hartwig Devine
Dr. Joel Lynch
Elaine Sharpe
Dr. Sara Johnson
Dr. Amy Martin
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, COMMERCE, AND EDUCATION Department Faculty Department Faculty
Dr. Jacob HardestyDean of College of Social Sciences, Commerce, and Education
Dr. Annie Baddoo
Dr. Danielle Klein
Education
Dr. Anita Rumage
Dr. Brandi St. James
Dr. Kelly Monson
Dr. Kimberlee Wagner
Lisa Chupich
Reid Jutras
Dr. Ron Lee
Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Puri School of Business
Physical Education
Robert Evans
Christina Anderson
Christine Albert
Dr. Kathryn Cook
Dr. Jeffrey Karlberg
Dr. Katie Thomas
Dr. Masoud Moallem
Clayton Duffy
Dr. Luis Romero
Ann Boe
Tammy Schiek
Dr. Catherine Headley
Dr. Bethany Twitty
Dr. Michelle Sandhoff
Dr. Jason Hunter
COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENDED LEARNING Department Faculty
Professional and Extended Learning
Source: Academic Affairs
Note: This data excludes adjunct faculty and graduate assistance.
Dr. Deepshikha Shukla - Associate VP of Business Innovations
Dr. Patricia A. Lynott, President
President’s Executive Council
Dr. Elizabeth Davies, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Mr. John DiRaimondo, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Linda Sandquist, Vice President for Advancement
Mrs. Megan Frankfother, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management
Dr. Randy Worden, Vice President of Student Life
Mrs. Jen Cunningham, Chief of Staff
Mrs. Elizabeth Nardi, Special Assistant to the President, Sr. Director of Institutional Research & Analytics
Dr. Deepshikha Shukla, Associate VP of Business Innovations, and Professor of Physics
Board of Trustees Members
Officers:
Rebecca Epperson
L. Thomas Heiser
Jeffry Potter
Greg Allen
Members:
Keith Akre
Teresa Beach-Shelow
Charles Box
Deborah Breiter, Ph.D., Faculty Trustee
Chad Brigham
Lesly Couper
Elizabeth Donovan
Nor Alamery, Student Trustee
Mary Ann Laudicina, Alumni Trustee
Anisha Grimmett
Elizabeth Hegel
James Keeling
Joel Moore
Aaron Potter
Kristin Smith
Marci K. Taets
Patricia Tumilowicz
Frank E. Walter
Emeriti Trustees:
Charles L. Colman
Dawn R. Hallsten
Helen C. Hill
Charles J. Howard
Teresa J. Ingrassia
Dennis W. Johnson
Kent A. Mallquist
Thomas Muldowney
Sunil Puri
David Rydell
Louise C. Sinclaire
Angelo L. Spoto
Barbara Tanaglia
James S. Whitehead
Jonathan S. Whitlock
R. Ray Wood
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, 2016-2022
Dr. Patricia Lynott – 19th President of Rockford University, 2022- present
