Student Support Programming (SSP) provides innovative support services and resources to ensure college completion for Rockford University students.  The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Student Support Programming is responsible for assisting with the delivery of services for programs offered in Student Support Programming (SSP). This position will assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and supporting Peer Mentors and Peer Assisted Student Support workers as well as SSP program participants.  The GA will also assist RU students in becoming more successful and independent learners by providing assistance for assigned students with an emphasis on time management, note taking, organization and study strategies.

Additionally, the GA will collaborate closely with the Dean of Student Support Programming in the management, and innovation of support services to increase student retention and completion rates for first generation and other marginalized student populations.   The GA will work to minimize barriers to college completion and provide individualized care to retain and graduate RU students.  The position would support students via regular communications, coaching meetings, success workshops, and program events to assure a positive and supportive climate while providing strategic assistance for students.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrolled in RU Master’s Degree program for Business (preferably)
• In good academic and disciplinary standing with RU or previous institution
• First generation college student (preferably)
• High energy self-starter and comfortable working both as an individual and as part of a team
• Strong enthusiasm and commitment to helping students navigate life at RU
• Willingness to be flexible and engage with SSP staff and program participants
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Effective time management and problem-solving skills
• Be knowledgeable of the programs and resources on campus and in the community
• Must be available to participate in all SSP retreat events, workshops, evening activities, and social outings for SSP programs. AMPLE NOTIFICATION REGARDING EVENTS WILL BE PROVIDED

REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS

• The commitment is 25 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours in any If the GA works the entire academic year, the benefit will include up to 21 hours of tuition remission to use during Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.  The Graduate Assistant will receive $200 per month stipend (paid biweekly) for each month worked. The below described benefits assume 12 months of work.
• The GA has the opportunity to participate in all expenses paid conferences and social outings hosted by CLS which helps to develop networking and leadership skills along with cultural awareness.

Summary

• Working Hours – set by Supervisor/minimum 25 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours in any All hours MUST be entered in Time Works
• Tuition Remission – up to 21 (9/9/3) credit hours per year (if the GA works the entire year including summer)
• Stipend – $200 per working month (paid biweekly)

To apply:

Please submit resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu . Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position if filled.

Dear Students and Parents:

With so much attention on the Department of Education right now, it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines. But much of what you’re hearing is more white noise than fact. Don’t let it distract you from what really matters — your future. A college education remains the most reliable path to personal and professional success. And that is simply a fact.

Forbes, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

At Rockford University, we pride ourselves on keeping college affordable and accessible – no matter what is happening in Washington. Our commitment to supporting students is stronger than ever with our multiple scholarship opportunities, high-demand majors, strong career preparation and our dedicated faculty and advisors.

Investing in a college degree is an investment in your long-term success. It opens doors to better career prospects, higher earning potential, and a network that will support you for a lifetime. The world is changing, but the value of a college education remains constant.

We encourage you to explore all that Rockford University has to offer. Whether it’s through a campus visit, a conversation with our admissions team, or learning more about our numerous financial aid options, we’re here to help you secure the future you deserve.

Don’t let the noise drown out the facts — your future is worth it!

-Dr. Patricia A. Lynott, President

First posted on rockfordregents.com.

The Rockford University women’s flag football team shut out Benedictine University 32-0 on a historic evening on Saturday night at Halas Hall. Saturday marked the first women’s collegiate flag football game in the state of Illinois, and the Regents were dominant from start to finish. Rockford scored in every quarter and held Benedictine to just 119 yards of total offense. RU quarterback Jennah Grice threw five touchdowns, including the first collegiate women’s flag football touchdown in the state of Illinois, when she found Clare Strong in the end zone and put Rockford out in front 6-0 late in the first quarter. The Regents tacked on two more touchdowns in the second, one in the third and one in the fourth to take a commanding lead. The defense then secured the shutout when Ava Divis intercepted a pass with 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, as Rockford went on to win by a final score of 32-0.

Read the full recap on rockfordregents.com!

Due to the anticipated severe weather on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Rockford University will be closed. All classes, including night classes, will transition to virtual learning. Students should anticipate communication from their professors in regards to remote learning.  

Public Safety, Fresh Ideas (food service), and Team National (maintenance and facilities) will be on campus

Please make necessary preparations before leaving campus today. Thank you for your cooperation and stay safe.

Rockford, Illinois — Rockford Promise is thrilled to announce an exciting expansion of its scholarship program in collaboration with Rockford University and the City of Rockford. This new partnership will provide eligible students with a fully-funded tuition opportunity to attend Rockford University, enhancing access to higher education for local high school graduates. This initiative is designed to support students living in the City of Rockford, offering them a pathway to a debt-free college education and empowering the next generation of local leaders.

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship Program will begin in the 2025 academic year, allowing graduates from public or private Rockford Promise partner schools within Rockford city limits, who meet specific academic and financial qualifications, to attend Rockford University tuition-free. With annual support from the City of Rockford, Rockford Promise will administer the program to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, aiming to increase educational attainment and foster economic growth throughout the region.

The City of Rockford has committed $500,000 annually towards the tuition of eligible students. This is funded through the casino tax from the Rockford Hard Rock Casino and is part of the Casino Tax Revenue Investment Plan.

“This collaboration is a profound investment in Rockford’s future,” said Mayor Thomas McNamara. “By enabling our students to achieve their educational goals without the burden of tuition, we are not only supporting individual success but also strengthening our community’s workforce and economic growth.”

Meanwhile, Rockford University has pledged to cover any additional tuition costs that exceed this contribution, guaranteeing that all qualifying students can benefit from this opportunity.

“This partnership with Rockford University and the City of Rockford marks a transformative milestone in Rockford Promise’s journey to making higher education accessible to all students within our community,” said Kaylene Groh, Executive Director of Rockford Promise. “Together, we are building a future where financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic and professional success for Rockford’s youth.”

The Rockford Promise-Rockford University Scholarship is aligned with Rockford Promise’s mission of supporting local students through scholarships, mentorships, and community engagement. The program reflects the City of Rockford’s commitment to strengthening its workforce and encouraging economic development. With the addition of this program, Rockford Promise, Rockford University, and the City of Rockford collectively work to inspire youth to pursue higher education and contribute to the city’s growth.

“This partnership with Rockford Promise and the City of Rockford marks a historic moment for our institution,” said Dr. Patricia Lynott, President of Rockford University. “Since 2016, we have
welcomed Rockford Promise Scholars, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and academic success, reflected in their 92% graduation rate. Last year alone, we received over 90 applications from local students eager to pursue their studies at Rockford University through Rockford Promise. We are proud to deepen this relationship and look forward to seeing our community grow stronger through this initiative.”

How to apply:

Eligible students should complete their FAFSA and Rockford University admission applications by February 1 of their graduating year. They must apply through the Rockford Promise website application. Rockford Promise and Rockford University will coordinate to confirm student eligibility and manage the enrollment process. The City of Rockford will confirm address requirements.

To qualify, students must:

● Be a resident of the City of Rockford.
● Graduate from a public or private high school located within the city limits.
● Achieve a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
● Qualify for Federal Pell Grants and Illinois MAP Grants.

About Rockford Promise:

Rockford Promise is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and location-based scholarship program that enhances the economic vitality in the Rockford region by providing access to post-secondary
education for local students.

The organization removes financial barriers by offering full-tuition scholarships and providing support to enhance student success to degree or program completion.

Rockford Promise is based on Promise programs throughout the nation, most notably the Kalamazoo Promise in Kalamazoo, Michigan. One of the longest-running Promise programs, Kalamazoo Promise has positively impacted high school graduation, college attendance, property values and public-school enrollment. Local leaders seek to replicate the initiative in Rockford. Through Rockford Promise scholarships, financial aid, and partnerships with Rock Valley College, Rockford University, Saint Anthony College of Nursing and Northern Illinois University, Rockford Promise Scholars attend college tuition-free.

About Rockford University:

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. The undergraduate program offers approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including three 100% online majors through the RU Online program. Five master’s degrees are
offered through the graduate program, including: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Arts in Sport Management & Leadership (MASM), and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology (MSEP).

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. Rockford University is proud to hold the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement, an elective classification that highlights our dedication to meaningful and impactful partnerships within our local and regional communities. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,200 full- and part-time students.

For more information please contact:

Cole Bathje
cole.bathje@rockfordpromise.org

Laura Maher
Laura.Maher@rockfordil.gov

Sara Myers-Hogshead
shogshead@rockford.edu

The financial aid journey for students like you – those looking to enroll in college in Fall 2024 – has been one of the most unusual in recent memory.  Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process have introduced considerable delays and technical glitches.

Earlier this week, we learned of new delays. The U.S. Department of Education announced they are delaying the release of FAFSA information to schools until mid-March. This additional delay is due to necessary updates to the FAFSA formula that will recognize important inflationary adjustments needed for FAFSA applicant financial data. The correction will result in more students getting aid, but it will take time to fix the Student Aid Index (SAI) formula. The Department of Education is committed to ensuring students and their families receive all the aid they are entitled to receive.

The Office of Student Administrative Services at Rockford University will work on getting financial aid offers to families as quickly as possible once FAFSA information is made available to schools. 

What does this mean for you?

• If you’ve already completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA- great! FAFSA information will be shared with schools starting mid-March 2024.
• If you haven’t applied- it’s not too late! Applying early allows you the best opportunity to be considered for the most types of financial aid possible. Rockford University’s school code is 001748.

What are some steps you can take in the meantime?

• Let us know when you filed the FAFSA (it will let us get a jump start on your financial aid offer when the FAFSAs start arriving)
• Use our Student Calculator at https://www.rockford.edu/admission/financialaid/. This will allow you to estimate what financial aid you may qualify for, and therefore what you and your family may be responsible for, out of pocket.
• Stay Connected! Your Admissions counselor is here to help, every step of the way! Got questions? Just ask! If you would like to schedule another campus visit please reach out. We would love to host you!

Rockford University understands that the cost of education is a significant consideration for students and their families. We know this delay is frustrating in your decision-making process. If you have any questions please contact your admission counselor.

On January 13, 2024, community leaders and distinguished partners gathered together at Rockford University to discuss mental health and trauma at the first annual MLK State of the Mind Address. 

The event, a collaboration between Rockford University and State Representative Maurice West, was an open, honest, and safe discussion about what the Rockford area has done and can do to support all of its community members in their mental and physical health. 

Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott welcomed panelists, partners, and guests alike to the event, emphasizing the importance of being able to openly discuss mental health in the community. 

The first panel brought together religious leaders from all walks of life. Reverend Copeland, Prophet Minister Muhammad, and First Lady Sharon Malone represented different religious organizations in the area. The panel was moderated by Dr. Kevin Thomas, and LCSW Ashton Lockhart also contributed. 

Prophet Minister Muhammad emphasized the dangers related to the phrase, “Man up,” and touched on the need to both pray and process. He also spoke on Safe in my Brother’s Arms (SIMBA), a program located in Rockford that, according to rescuereleaserestore.org,  “offers African American young men (ages 8-17) a safe space to examine their lives, their choices, and their futures.”

Reverend Copeland discussed the importance of both prayer and therapy. “Prayer works,” he said, “But therapy does too. It’s not an either/or type of situation.” 

First Lady Sharon Malone explained the need for members of the church to be served in the church and the need for mental health professionals within the church. Dr. Kevin Thomas echoed this sentiment, agreeing that there should be a therapist in every house of worship. 

After hearing from these religious leaders, Ashton Lockhart urged the audience to begin reframing their thoughts around hopelessness, saying that “the hope is always there.” 

The second panel had community leaders outside of religious organizations come together and discuss what is happening and what has changed regarding mental health and trauma in the community. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow, Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd, and Dr. Theresa Barnes sat on the panel moderated by Representative West.

In kicking off this next panel, Mayor Tom McNamara said, “Trauma is the most pressing issue our city faces.” He spoke on the importance of data-driven solutions and learning from people with lived experiences. McNamara also touched on several initiatives currently at work in Rockford, including the Barbershop Program, which provides barbers and stylists with information on community resources to share with their clients if needed. 

Fire Chief Michele Pankow said that “the goal is prevention.” She explained that all personnel have basic psychological first-aid skills, and they are working toward expanding these skills to be utilized on every call. 

Police Chief Carla Redd detailed something similar currently in effect within the police department. Their crisis response team–pairs of officers and clinicians–answered 416 calls in 2023, with more than 5,000 follow-ups. 

Dr. Barnes touched on the importance of prevention as well, discussing the need for trauma-informed schools and mentorship programs, especially for children of color. 

In closing, Representative West told audience and community members, “If you call, we’ll answer,” once again emphasizing the need to make space for mental health. 

Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists and meet with several vendors from within the Rockford community including A Nu-You, OSF Health, Covered Illinois, and the Citied Foundation. 

The MLK State of the Mind Address Committee is debriefing about the 2024 event and planning for next year!

To view photos from the event, click here!