The executive order requiring vaccination and weekly testing has been rescinded for colleges and universities in July 2022.  Students, faculty, and staff are no longer required to test weekly regardless of their vaccination status.

Students are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Students should upload proof of vaccination to Lang Wellness Center here: https://rockford.jotform.com/211034954494053.

• Students who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations (including a booster) will NOT have to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive.
• If a student has been vaccinated and is identified as a close contact, but has not provided proof to Lang, the student will be required to quarantine until documentation of vaccination has been received.
• Residential students who have to quarantine or isolate are asked to return home if they live within 100 miles of the university.  
• Students who tested positive for COVID-19 over the summer should submit the positive results to Lang here: COVID-19 (jotform.com).  Anyone who has been positive for COVID-19 will not be subject to quarantine protocols for 90 days after the positive result.

Classroom Policy:

• If a student tests positive in a classroom, all students will be contacted. Students who are up to date with vaccination (including a booster) will not have to quarantine. Students who are identified as close contacts who have chosen to remain unvaccinated or not up to date with a booster will be subject to quarantine.
• Students who are in quarantine as a result of close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be subject to the attendance policy stated in the syllabus of each of their
• While short-term accommodations will be put into place for students who test positive for COVID- 19, as is often done with other illnesses that require a longer absence, such accommodations are not required to include teleparticipation (Zoom). Rather, accommodations could include sharing slides or notes with the student, extending deadlines, and other possibilities deemed appropriate by the instructor.
• Students participating in clinical experiences will follow any additional guidelines set forth by the clinical placement. 

Employees are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

• Employees should send their proof of vaccination for COVID-19 to Human Resources.
• Employees who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations (including a booster) will not have to quarantine if they are identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive.

As always, anyone is free to wear a mask at any point.  Should you have any questions, students should contact Lang Wellness Center at HealthCenter@rockford.edu or at 815-226-2840, employees should contact HR at mdiventi@rockford.edu. or at 815-226-4376. 

Governor Pritzker’s executive order requiring that all higher education faculty, staff, and students receive the COVID-19 vaccine is still in place. Please be advised of the following policies:

All employees will be required to:

• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to Human Resources

OR

• Employees (including adjunct faculty and part-time and contract staff) who have not documented being fully vaccinated with Human Resources, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 

Those required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test must provide it to HR each Thursday by       5pm. 

• This requirement will continue until employees either submit proof of full vaccination or until the lifting of the executive order.
• The test must have been conducted in the past week and cannot be an over-the-counter home-administered test.

 All students (traditional undergraduates, BSMS, ESL, and graduate students) both full and part-time will be required to:

• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to the Lang Wellness Center. Submit via Jotform at: COVID-19 (jotform.com)

OR

• Those required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test must provide it to the Lang Wellness Center each Thursday by 5 pm.
• Commuter students who have not documented being fully vaccinated with the Lang Wellness Center, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 
• • This requirement will continue until the student either submits proof of full vaccination or until the lifting of the executive order.
  • The test must have been conducted in the past week and cannot be an over-the-counter home-administered test.

Free testing locations in Winnebago county.    

All students (traditional undergraduates, BSMS, ESL, and graduate students) both full- and part-time will be required to:

• Provide proof of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to the Lang Wellness Center by September 5^th.  Submit via Jotform at: COVID-19 (jotform.com)

OR

• After September 5^th, commuter students who have not documented being fully vaccinated with the Lang Wellness Center, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 

Those required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test must provide it to the Lang Wellness Center each Thursday by 5 pm. 

1. This requirement will continue until the student either submits proof of full vaccination or until the lifting of the executive order.
2. The test must have been conducted in the past week and cannot be an over-the-counter home-administered test.

  Free testing locations in Winnebago county.    

Residential students who have not documented being fully vaccinated with the Lang Wellness Center will be required to participate weekly in the RU residential testing program.

• Residential students will receive directions and guidance about this program from the Lang Wellness Center. 

Failure on the part of employees or students to comply with the requirements of the executive order will result in the individual not being allowed to work or participate in classes, programs, events, and activities of Rockford University (until such time as the individual comes into compliance).

Students, faculty, and staff who are due for a covid-19 booster and have not yet received one will be subject to quarantine protocols if identified as a close contact to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.  If you have received a booster, students should upload their proof of booster here:

COVID-19 (jotform.com).  Faculty and staff can send their proof of booster to HR.

1. Employees: please contact the HR office of Rockford University at 815-394-4376 or mdiventi@rockford.edu.
2. Students: please contact the Lang Wellness Center at 815-226-4083 or healthcenter@rockford.edu.

Please note that the policies above are subject to change as additional guidance emerges. 

Rockford, Ill. (April 29, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution,  announced today that its eighth annual Day of Giving event raised more than $120,000 for student scholarships in just 24 hours by leveraging the power of social media. In 2021, the university raised more than $89,000 and successfully topped that goal in 2022.

This year’s campaign raised $120,300, a 34 percent increase over last year with a record number of donors – 375 – a six percent increase year over year. Donations from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university will go to support current and future student scholarships.

“Rockford University is in the middle of a year-long celebration of its 175^th anniversary as an academic institution,” said Stephen Kull, Vice President for Advancement at Rockford University. “After a record-breaking Day of Giving last year, and in celebration of our 175^th anniversary, we set an audacious goal to raise $100,000 in support of student scholarships. Not only did we exceed the goal, but we also achieved $120,300, which represents a 34 percent increase from our 2021 Day of Giving!”

The Day of Giving, held on April 28, fell on National Pay It Forward Day. In that spirit, our community came together to pay it forward for current and future students through their generous support. We take pride in offering students from all walks of life a college education and appreciate so many making this possible year to year.

“We always knew this institution, its community, and its alumni were extraordinary,” said Kull. “Yesterday that was again solidified. I would be remiss if I didn’t express our sincere gratitude to the Rockford University Board of Trustees, who again came through with 100 percent buy-in on a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $37,000! Special thanks also to our Alumni Board and other donors who encouraged contributions with matching dollars. I continue to be inspired by the generosity of our alumni and friends, who understand the value of investing in our students and programs.”

To make a gift and learn more about the generosity displayed on this record-breaking day, please click here.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 ass a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.394.5041, ebergstrom@rockford.edu.

Rockford, Ill. (April 28, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, will hold its eighth annual Day of Giving today, Thursday, April 28, 2022. This year, Day of Giving falls on National Pay It Forward Day, and the money raised on Day of Giving will go to support student scholarships. Scholarships have allowed many Rockford University alumni to complete their degrees and have inspired them to give back to the future generations of RU students.

“99% of full-time Rockford University students receive over $10 million in scholarships, financial aid, and grants every year,” said Stephen Kull, Vice President for Advancement at Rockford University. “By supporting student scholarships, we are able to help remove financial barriers for our students to pursue their passions and achieve their goal of graduation.”

The day’s goal is to harness the power of social media during a 24-hour challenge to raise $100,000, a record amount of gifts, to support current and future students’ scholarships. 

Challenges, fun incentives, and special activities will be featured to encourage engagement and participation throughout the day. Students, faculty, and staff will celebrate on campus with fun activities planned.

To participate or follow Rockford University’s progress during the 2022 Day of Giving, connect with the university’s primary social media channels and use the hashtag #RUDayofGiving2022.
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RockfordUniversity/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rockforduniversity/

Website: www.rockford.edu/give/dayofgiving/

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 ass a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

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Honors local partners; invites community to experience university history through public exhibition

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Feb. 25, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is commemorating its 175^th anniversary with a series of special events beginning today, February 25, the anniversary of the signing of its charter.

On February 25, 1847 a charter was signed to establish Rockford Female Seminary, and soon after a campus was built on an eight-acre site on the Rock River. Renamed Rockford College® in 1892, the institution was an educational pioneer from its founding, investing in advanced schooling for women at a time when many doubted its value.

In 2013, Rockford College® became Rockford University to better reflect the evolving institution and its many offerings in the traditional liberal arts and professional fields.

“Since 1847, Rockford University has pioneered educational opportunities for students who are passionate about learning, growth, and service,” said Rockford University President Dr. Eric W. Fulcomer. “Not many institutions make it to 175 years, and I am proud of the resilient and determined spirit that has served this university since its founding.”

To commemorate this anniversary, Rockford University is bestowing the inaugural community honors awards to seven regional organizations and businesses that have been partners and advocates throughout its 175-year history. Leaders from Collins Aerospace, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Puri Foundation, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rock Valley College, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Woodward, Inc. will be recognized during a luncheon at the university on Friday.

“We are grateful to reach the 175-year milestone, but Rockford University would not have succeeded this long without the ongoing support of our community,” said Fulcomer. “The seven organizations we recognize today have been partners, advocates, and champions of the university over the course of our history and have allowed us to deliver on our mission of preparing students for fulfilling lives, careers, and participation in a modern and changing society. We are very fortunate for their support.”

The university will host a series of celebrations for faculty, staff, and the school community throughout the day on Friday, with the signature event being the annual Charter Day Convocation, taking place at 4 p.m. in the university’s Maddox Theatre. This time-honored tradition features faculty and leadership processing in full academic regalia, remarks from President Fulcomer, and a keynote address by Charles Branham, Ph.D., alumnus from the class of 1967, and Emmy-award winning historian. It will also include a proclamation from Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and other special guests. Joining President Fulcomer on stage will be three of the university’s four living past presidents, Dr. William Shields, who served as president from 1992 to 2002, Dr. Paul Pribbenow, who served from 2002 to 2006, and Dr. Robert Head, who served from 2008 to 2016. The event is open to the Rockford community.

On Saturday, members of the public are invited to the opening of One Hundred Seventy Five, an exhibition of historical artifacts from the university’s archives. These little-seen relics, including historical photographs, vintage clothing, and the academic hoods and class ring of Nobel Peace Prize winner and Rockford University alumna Jane Addams. The opening reception is 5-7 p.m. in the gallery inside the university’s Clark Arts Center. The exhibition will be on display through March 11, 2022.

Rockford University’s 175^th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2022 with additional events and activities, including the Rockford University Ramble 5K to be held on Saturday, Oct. 1. Members of the public are encouraged to visit rockford.edu for the latest 175^th anniversary events and announcement.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 ass a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.847.0472, ebergstrom@rockford.edu.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Feb. 17, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, is mourning the passing of its former president, Gretchen von Loewe Kreuter, who served as president from 1987-1992. Kreuter was also an alumna of the university, graduating from then-Rockford College in 1955.

Her death was announced by her family, who shared that she passed peacefully on Feb. 1, 2022 in St. Paul, Minn. She was 87.

“President Kreuter was a lifelong educator whose passion, advocacy, and faithfulness was felt throughout academia,” said Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer. “She was once a student here and rose to lead the university during a difficult season. Her commitment and dedication were key to the success of our institution and allowing us to celebrate our 175^th anniversary this year. She will be missed.” 

Arriving when the college’s finances were strained, President Kreuter was well received by faculty, staff, and students, and revered by fellow alums who knew of her strong academic and administrative background. During her five-year tenure, President Kreuter worked diligently to shore up the college and its finances.

She gained experience in higher education as a professor, assistant to the president, and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs at various institutions, which provided her the expertise to lead Rockford College.

“We are fortunate that many alumni have come back to serve our community and our school. President Kreuter was an embodiment of that, and we will forever be grateful for her service,” President Fulcomer said.

Following her time at Rockford College, President Kreuter continued to work in academia until retiring to Wisconsin and then Minnesota, where she pursued her work as a writer and scholar, contributing to newsletters and journaling.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 3 at Unity Unitarian Church in St. Paul, Minn. There will be a visitation at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m., and a reception at 3 p.m.

The service will be live-streamed and recorded for everyone at https://youtu.be/lwYkKSbY0v8.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The university offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 ass a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

Rockford, Ill. (January 5, 2022) Offering unprecedented visibility and guidance into student transfer decisions, Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced that it has selected CollegeSource’s Transferology® solution. The new solution – available immediately – delivers vital course equivalency and higher education transfer credit information for students considering attending Rockford University as their next step in their academic journey. Students can access Transferology at https://www.rockford.edu/admission/transfer/.

            “With the help of Transferology, our entire community will now benefit from having unprecedented certainty around which courses from other institutions will transfer credit toward students’ degree pursuits – ultimately empowering them to make more educated decisions about their future,” said Michael J. Quinn, Ph.D., interim Vice President for Enrollment Management at Rockford University. “This also opens the door for Rockford as a college of choice for exponentially more prospective students regionally and nationally, many of whom may not have previously considered our institution.”

         As the only nationwide open transfer network with comprehensive transfer data, Transferology is a cloud-based solution that provides student access to millions of course-to-course and program-to-program transfer equivalencies. Students can enter coursework and instantly see how their credits will transfer to Rockford. This information will help Rockford’s transfer counselors, students and parents make more informed decisions when transferring higher education credit.

            “We’re thrilled to partner with Rockford University in deploying Transferology to transform their student transfer experiences – their investment in the most comprehensive transfer innovations will help drive more informed student transfer decisions overall as well as help accelerate student pathways toward earning a degree or certificate,” said Kerry Cooper, CEO, CollegeSource.

About Rockford University

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

About CollegeSource

CollegeSource is the higher education industry’s trusted provider of transfer and degree achievement solutions. For 50 years, CollegeSource has led market-changing transformation by inventing and investing in technology solutions that aid the staff and students of higher education in their quest to plan and complete academic careers. As the archiver of the nation’s extensive higher education course catalogs, CollegeSource’s degree audit, academic planning, and transfer credit evaluation solutions are depended on by more than 2,000 institutions and millions of individuals worldwide. Founded and led by higher education and technology veterans, CollegeSource is a privately-held company based in San Diego with offices in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, please visit collegesource.com.

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Rockford, Ill. (Dec. 8, 2021) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, announced that senior Ryan Callahan was named a Lincoln Academy Student Laureate, a prestigious honor awarded to only 55 students in the state.

The Lincoln Academy of Illinois bestows the honor to the most noteworthy senior from each participating Illinois college and university. Each fall, an outstanding senior from each of the four-year degree-granting institutions of higher learning in Illinois is awarded the Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award. In the spirit of Lincoln, Student Laureates are honored for their leadership and service in the pursuit of the betterment of humanity and overall excellence in curricular and extracurricular activities. Student Laureates are nominated by their schools.

In May 2022, Callahan will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in political science with a minor in secondary education. He will complete his student teaching next semester at a local school. Callahan, who serves the university as a resident assistant, plans to attend law school after graduation with the goal of one day serving the Rockford community by participating in local or state government. After interning with both State Representative Maurice West and the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (Western Division), Callahan knew he wanted to get involved in politics.

“I am incredibly humbled to receive this award,” said Callahan. “I’m grateful to Rockford University for allowing me to make contributions to the school community and the Rockford community through leadership positions and community-based learning.”

“We are especially proud of Ryan’s achievement,” said Dr. Eric W. Fulcomer, Rockford University President. “Ryan is well-deserving of this award as he has shown tremendous commitment to his studies, to Rockford University, and to the greater Rockford community.”

The ceremony to recognize the Student Laureates of The Lincoln Academy, historically held every fall at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield, was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. It can be viewed at https://thelincolnacademyofillinois.org/

All Student Laureates receive a letter and certificate of merit signed by the President of the Lincoln Academy, Governor J. B. Pritzker, as well as a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $500 check.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.847.0472, ebergstrom@rockford.edu   

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Dr. Ezike honored for her service to the people of the state of Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rockford, Ill. (November 19, 2021) — Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, will award Ngozi O. Ezike, MD Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, with the 39th Jane Addams Medal during a ceremony held on campus on Friday, November 19, 2021. The medal, presented by Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., and given on behalf of the university and the Board of Trustees, honors the tradition of alumna Jane Addams in recognition of her outstanding character and significant contributions to society.

“Rockford University is honored to present the Jane Addams Medal to Dr. Ngozi Ezike,” said Fulcomer. “Dr. Ezike has shown incredible resilience in the face of the many challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through it all, Dr. Ezike has proved to be an empathetic, consistent, and guiding force for the state of Illinois.”

Jane Addams grew up in Cedarville, Illinois. She graduated from Rockford Female Seminary (Rockford University) in 1881. Shortly after that, she established the world-renowned Hull-House Settlement Community. Hull House was designed to provide access to social and educational opportunities for those individuals newly arrived to Chicago. Through her work for peace, social justice, and the eradication of hunger, Jane Addams was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1931.

The Jane Addams Medal is awarded to women who have a taken stand in their life that required critical thinking and courageous action. Given on behalf of the university and the Board of Trustees, it honors the tradition of Jane Addams in recognition of her outstanding character and significant contributions to society. Medal recipients, like Jane Addams, are pioneers in their professions, outstanding in character, and recognized for their contributions to the arts, sciences, and society. Dr. Ezike will be the 39th recipient and recognized for her admirable service to our state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award was established in 1944 by a Rockford College trustee, Mr. George Frazer, and the medal was designed by Chicago artist Andrene Kauffman. The medal was first awarded to medical pioneer Dr. Florence Rena Sabin during the college’s Centennial Celebration in 1947. Since then, the Jane Addams Medal has been awarded to 38 of the world’s most outstanding women in science, education, humanities, arts, law, literature, and other fields of endeavor. Previous recipients include Senator Tammy Duckworth and Sandra Day O’Connor.

A full list of medal recipients can be found on Rockford University’s website.

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is 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 is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.

For more information: Emma Bergstrom, Rockford University, 815.847.0472, ebergstrom@rockford.edu.

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