Student Activities
Regents Reign!
09/12/2024 3:32 pm
By Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator
In the Fall 2023 semester, the Regents Esports Overwatch team won the conference championships, prevailing over Camden County College. In addition to their conference win, they finished the season undefeated (8-0).
In response to this exciting win, Tanner Elliott, Esports Director, said, “The Regents Esports team fought hard this semester with all three teams qualifying for playoffs. Each player put countless hours of time and dedication into their season and it showed, coming out on top over schools like Illinois State, John Brown University, North Dakota State, Nebraska University, and many others. The Regents Rainbow Six Siege team finished in the top 16 in the Midwest after playing in the MidwestR6 league, the Regents Valorant team placed third overall in their conference (East 7), and the season ended with a conference title win as the Regents Overwatch team finished a flawless season (8-0) and took home the East 10 Conference title. I could not be more proud of the players; watching each of them grow into champions has been the highlight of my semester.”
Conference wins were not the only big things happening in the Esports department. Early in the Spring 2024 semester, Regents Esports teamed up with Elgin High School Esports to release Game Changer: An Esports Story. In the social media video, students from Elgin and RU answered the question: “Why Esports?”
Aside from a place to share their passion for video games, the Esports teams at RU and Elgin said that Esports helps students learn about teamwork and digital literacy, allows them to push boundaries, and helps them build strong communities and friendships.
The team has also announced the availability of Esports scholarships for both players and fans. Scholarships are available in two areas: Varsity Competition and Support. Competition scholarships are for students who would like to play Overwatch, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, and Rocket League competitively. Support scholarships are for students who would like to assist with social media, production, shout-casting, and graphic design.
So, what’s next for Regents Esports?
“Rockford University Esports is on the way to becoming a premier destination for college students with aspirations to be a Collegiate Esports Player,” said Tanner Elliot. “We are developing a program that we can be proud of, where athletes can be excited and motivated to compete, and where athletes can thrive academically and in competition. We are hoping to continue to grow our program, bring in new players, and show Rockford off.”
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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst.
Disc Golf
02/27/2020 9:37 am
Rockford University features a 19 hole disc golf course open to the campus and the Rockford community. The disc golf course was completed and opened during the Spring of 2012. There was a Disc Golf Club started that helped spearhead the project led by Robert “Bobby” Tassone ’13. The Club also worked with the Student Government Association and Brad Knotts, Dean of Students. They received a grant to build the course, and after some controversy over its construction and when the holes would be placed, it was completed.
The course continues to be a unique staple on campus. Students and guests are able to come and play on their own or join tournaments that are hosted throughout the year.
Rockford University Disc Golf Map
First-Year Experience
01/30/2020 4:10 pm
First-Year Experience
Welcome to Rockford University, Regent! We’re looking forward to having you join us on campus. First-Year Programs are designed to support your first-year experience and connect you to the outstanding opportunities that will help you excel at RU and beyond.
Your Regent Experience begins with Registration and Advising, moves into Freshman Orientation, and culminates with a First-Year Seminar class led by your academic advisor and Regent Experience Guides.
First-Year Seminars introduce students to academic inquiry and community that lie at the heart of a liberal arts education. Led by your Freshman Advisor and supported by Regent Experience Guides, each FYS class will:
- Promote engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life at RU
- Foster a sense of belonging and community
- Help students identify their academic strengths
- Teach the development and application of skills necessary for success in college
Regent Experience Guides (Reggies) are current students who provide advice, guidance, and connection to first-year students. As a first-year student, your Reggies will support your academic and social experiences at Freshman Orientation & Retreat, First-Year Seminar class, and beyond. Reggies can:
- Connect students with campus events, organizations, and activities
- Demonstrate positive first-year student habits
- Guide students to resources and opportunities on campus
- Promote academic support, guidance, and feedback
Transfer Student Orientation
07/19/2019 2:50 pm
Transfer Student Orientation
Mark your calendars to attend the 2025 Transfer Orientation
Friday, August 15, 2025 from 6:00 -7:45 pm (Dinner to be served)
Where: Regents Hall in the Burpee Student Center at Rockford University
Attendance is required of all transfer students.
Welcome to Rockford University, Regent!
Congratulations on your admission to Rockford University! No matter where you are coming from, Transfer Orientation will get you ready for your Regent Experience at Rockford University. Transfer Orientation streamlines the orientation process into a mandatory, over-dinner program in order to introduce you to the University community and the opportunities available to you. During orientation, you will meet other new transfer students, hear from campus partners and University leaders, and learn what it means to be a part of the Rockford University community.
If you have questions regarding Orientation, please contact Alex Johnson, Assistant Dean of Student Involvement and Orientation, at apjohnson@rockford.edu or 815.394.5035.
Countdown to Transfer Orientation
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Office of Student Involvement and Orientation
Burpee Student Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Meera Kumar, Director of Student Involvement and Orientation
mkumar@rockford.edu
815-394-5019
Freshman Orientation
07/19/2019 2:33 pm
Freshman Orientation 2025
Mark your calendars to attend the 2025 Freshman Orientation
- Freshman Move-in & Orientation: Saturday, August 16, 2025 – Monday, August 18, 2025; Rockford University Campus
| Welcome to Rockford University, |
Congratulations on your admission to Rockford University! To launch your Regent Experience, you will be attending Freshman Orientation. These important events for all freshmen begin on campus from Saturday, August 16 – Monday, August 18 .
RU’s Freshman Orientation is packed with settings in which to make new friends, team-building activities, discussions led by student leaders and faculty, fun surprises, great food, and so much more! At the end of your time at Orientation, you will have made new friends, experienced important moments and activities with your First-Year Seminar group, and will be well on your way to having a great first year at Rockford University.
For more information, please click on the buttons below. You will be able to register for Freshman Orientation and view a schedule of events. Orientation is required of all new students attending Rockford University. There is no cost to attend Freshman Orientation.
If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Apjohnson@rockford.edu or 815-394-5035
See What Orientation Looks Like
Countdown Until Move-In and Orientation!
Day(s)
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Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Office of Student Involvement and Orientation
Burpee Student Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Meera Kumar, Director of Student Involvement and Orientation
mkumar@rockford.edu
815-394-5019
Winter Orientation
07/19/2019 2:29 pm
Winter Orientation
Mark your calendars to attend the 2020 Winter Orientation; January 17, 2020
Throughout Winter Orientation, you will learn about valuable resources on campus and beyond, interact with a variety of student leaders, and participate in unique social experiences to make lasting connections with your classmates. Mark your calendars for Winter Orientation January 17, 2020 from 6 pm – 8 pm. Winter Orientation is a fun and exciting orientation presented over dinner that will get you #Regent Ready for your Rockford University experience!
If you have questions regarding Winter Orientation, please contact Alex Johnson, Director of Student Involvement and Orientation at apjohnson@rockford.edu or 815-394-5035.
Office of Student Involvement and Orientation
Burpee Student Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Meera Kumar, Director of Student Involvement and Orientation
mkumar@rockford.edu
815-394-5019
Orientation FAQs
05/13/2019 9:49 am
Do I have to attend Orientation?
Orientation is required for all incoming Freshman students. Throughout Orientation, you will learn about valuable resources on campus and beyond, interact with a variety of student leaders, and participate in unique social experiences to make lasting connections with your classmates.
Residence Life/Move-In Information
Coming Soon!
I have a summer job. When should my last day of work be?
Freshman Orientation runs from Saturday, August 16 through Monday, August 18. Your last day of work should be prior to August 17 or ask for August 17-19 off of work. Orientation is a full day experience.
What is the cost of attending Freshman Orientation?
There is no cost for students to attend Freshman Orientation.
I have a dietary restriction. What should I do?
We will be able to accommodate all dietary needs. Please mark this on your Freshman Orientation registration form.
I have an additional question that cannot be found here.
Contact Alex Johnson, Assistant Dean of Student Involvement and Orientation at apjohnson@rockford.edu or 815-394-5035.
Student Leadership Opportunities
01/09/2019 2:06 pm
Student Leadership is an important aspect of what students can experience here at Rockford University. Discovering and refining one’s talents and abilities is one of the primary reasons for attending college. Within the Student Life Division, Rockford University maintains a Student Leadership Program (SLP) in order to promote leadership development amongst students. RU’s Student Leadership Program is comprised of a wide range of opportunities. These opportunities provide students with possibilities that fit their schedules, their experience levels, and their interests. Each year, those doing research around what employers are looking for, report that skills around team-work, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving are greatly desired. Rockford University’s Student Leadership Program is focused on developing such skills. As a result of participating in RU’s Student Leadership Program, students will:
- Come to a more complete understanding of their own gifts, talents, and abilities.
- Effectively understand the gifts, talents, and abilities of others.
- Appreciate the advantages of blending diverse personalities, backgrounds, and experiences.
- Learn to work as part of a team towards a common goal.
- Develop skills in the areas of problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Be encouraged in matters of professionalism, ethical decision making, and inclusivity.
It is the goal of the Student Life Division that those students who participate in RU’s Student Leadership Program not only have an experience that changes their lives, but that through their service they encounter the joy, meaning, and significance that comes from meeting the needs of others.
October 2024
October 31st: Applications available on Rockford.edu/StudentLeadership
November 2024
All November: Interviewing Scheduling
December 2024
December 2nd: Applications due by 11:59 pm
All December: Individual Interviews
January 2025
January 13th: Student Leader Group Processing from 6:00-8:00 pm
January 14th: Student Leader Group Processing from 6:00-8:00 pm
(Students choose one of these dates when submitting their application)
January 17th: Offer Letters sent to students via email
January 21st: Online acceptance letters due
April 2025
2025-2026 Student Leadership meeting – time to be determined
Campus Activities Board (Cabbie)
Position Overview & Benefits
- Be the driving force behind RU’s most exciting events!
- CAB Leaders help plan, design, and coordinate a wide range of student-centered activities throughout the year.
- Yearly Stipend: $2000 (paid bi-weekly)
- Hours: 5-15 hours/week; excluding Freshmen Orientation, and training.
- People You Would Work With: Office of Student Involvement and Orientation, student body, campus partners, clubs and organizations
- 5-7 Leadership positions available!
Full Job Description
Commuter Council Leader
Position Overview & Benefits
- Be the voice of the Commuter Population on campus!
- Commuter Council Leaders help plan, design, and coordinate a wide range of commuter student-centered activities throughout the school year.
- Yearly Stipend: $2000 (paid bi-weekly)
- Hours: 5-10 hours/week; excluding Freshmen Orientation, and training.
- People You Would Work With: Office of Student Involvement and Orientation, student body, campus partners, clubs and organizations
- 5 Leadership positions available!
Full Job Description
Resident Assistant (RA)
Position Overview & Benefits
- Residence Life needs you and your skills for building community through exciting programs, as well as engaging new and returning students.
- Develop and showcase your skills in event planning by hosting activities and assisting students through a variety of experiences at Rockford University.
- Salary: $4,500 split over 10 months according to the payroll schedule of Human Resources and a single room at ½ the cost of a double room.
- Hours: 20 hours/week.
- People You Would Work With: Students, Student Life Staff, faculty and staff in offices across campus.
- 18 leadership positions available!
Full Job Description
Regent Experience Guide (Reggie)
Position Overview & Benefits
- Be a leader to freshmen as they embark on their Regent Experience at RU!
- Reggies will be a meaningful part of both Freshmen Orientation and First Year Seminar programs as they mentor, guide, and support incoming students.
- Yearly Stipend: $2500 (paid bi-weekly)
- Hours: 4-5 hours/week (Fall), 2-3 (Spring); excludes Freshmen Orientation and training.
- People You Would Work With: Incoming students (freshmen and transfers), other student leaders, Student Life Staff, Freshman Seminar Instructors
- 24 leadership positions available!
Full Job Description
Student Government Association (SGA)
Position Overview & Benefits
- Be the change you want to see on campus! SGA Elected Officials will develop their leadership experience while impacting the campus community in important ways.
- Yearly Stipend: $2000-$3000 (paid bi-weekly)
- Hours: 7-15 hours/week; excluding Freshmen Orientation, and training.
- People You Would Work With: University leadership, clubs and organizations, student leaders
- 9 leadership positions available!
Full Job Description
Campus Activities Board
“I love being in CAB because we are able to create extraordinary events where the students can have fun and make memories that they will enjoy reflecting upon for many years to come. Some of my favorite memories include the Star Wars Thanksgiving Dinner and the White Elephant Bingo night.” -Kyle Reed, ’25
Commuter Council
“Getting to be a part of Commuter Council has been the greatest opportunity of my college career. It has allowed me to grow in my leadership and professional skills all while creating wonderful memories and relationships. Planning fun events and providing support for students makes this role even more worthwhile!” – Celia Rothermel, 23′
Resident Assistant
“Being a Resident Assistant has really introduced me into a position where I can be there for students, both physically and emotionally, and has shaped me into a more responsible young man.”
-Nasir Lamarre, ’26
Regent Experience Guide
“Being a Regent Experience Guide was a good opportunity for me to share my college experiences with new, mostly freshmen students. I particularly liked the responsibility that accompanied the position. I definitely am glad I chose to be a Reggie.” – Alex Boilleau, ’25
Student Government
“Together, we move forward. In collaboration we improve the student body experience. This statement is one that I stand by as the President of the Student Government Association. All voices matter, I and SGA as a whole are here to empower your voice.” – Nor Alamery, ’24
Freshman Orientation Registration
07/02/2018 1:20 pm
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
10/23/2017 4:48 pm
CAB is a student-run organization that aims to promote and provide entertainment that will create long-lasting memories. CABBIES (members of CAB) are often the most energized and enthusiastic students on campus! You will know an event is coming when you see crazy colored shirts all over campus. Past events include: Operation Glow Dance Party, Casino Night, Monthly Trivia and Movie Nights, Ski/Snowboarding Excursion, and Karaoke Nights!
