The resources on this page were curated with you in mind by the students who work as consultants at the Writing Center. These links and files are their way of saying, “We’ve been there; we know what it takes to succeed at writing; let us help.”
2–Schedule a time to visit our physical space (first floor in the library) by creating an account at WCOnline (here) and signing up for a time to stop by. (We accept walk-ins, too.)
We’d love to talk to you about your writing in our bigger, cozier space. We’re now in the lower level of Scarborough Hall (room 9), across the hall from classrooms and near the water fountain. If you see the door open, stick your head in and say hi!
Introduction to the Writing Center
The Writing Center is a place to talk about writing. We believe that we become better writers when we seek feedback and reflect on our writing at all stages of the writing process.
We’re for everyone. You should come if you think of yourself as a strong or a weak writer, and whether you just got a new assignment or want to discuss a complete draft.
Our peer writing consultants will ask you questions and make suggestions to guide you, but you’ll stay in charge of your writing. Our consultants are readers and responders, not graders or evaluators, and they’re not experts in every genre of writing. Yes, they provide the crucial feedback of a real reader, but they don’t have all the answers. This basic assumption should help everyone involved with the Writing Center:
consultants shouldn’t feel that they have to know all conventions of writing in all genres
writers visiting the Writing Center shouldn’t feel that they are being judged, that their writing will be magically fixed by a consultation, or that they are losing any of their authority over their work
classroom instructors shouldn’t worry that consultants will give their students advice at odds with their values or assumptions about writing
COVID-19 Updates for the Writing Center
Can you still get help on your writing, even with fears of COVID-19? YES! Here’s how:
Written Feedback through Email: As always, you can submit drafts of your writing through this online form. Our peer consultants (undergraduate students like you!) will read and respond to your writing via email. Give us 48 business hours to respond (that is, if you submit writing Thursday at noon, you might not get a response until Monday at noon).
Face-to-face Writing Consultations: As always, you can visit our physical space in the library (on the main floor). While we’ll accept walk-ins, we prefer that you use WCOnline to schedule a time to stop by. Be sure to check our schedule first to make sure we’re here (available in the right bar if you’re on a desktop, or below if you’re on mobile). Just log in, make sure you’re looking at the Writing Center schedule, and click a free slot to make an appointment! You can even upload your writing in advance if you want the consultant to look at it before you stop by.
Virtual Writing Consultations: When we’re open, we can also schedule virtual sessions through WCOnline using the same system you use to reserve a face-to-face consultation.
You can also reach peer consultants through email at writingcenter@rockford.edu, and you can contact Writing Center Director Kyle Stedman at kstedman@rockford.edu.
What to Expect
The big picture: With one of our peer writing consultants, you’ll discuss the writing project (including the assignment itself and any notes from your professor), your goals for the session, and your strengths and weaknesses in approaching this kind of assignment.
The text: If you have a draft of your writing, you’ll then discuss it with the consultant, focusing on the goals you discussed together. (If you don’t have a draft yet, that’s okay; we can help you discover ways to get started.) Many consultants will ask you to read your work aloud with a pen in your hand.
Question and answer: Don’t be surprised if the consultant asks you a lot of questions–that’s what they’ve been trained to do! You might be asked to explain big-picture and sentence-level choices you made in your draft. For example, you might be asked, “Can you help me understand how these two paragraphs relate to each other?” or “How would you rephrase this sentence if you were explaining it to a friend?”
A report: Together with the consultant, you’ll write a report of your visit, including brief notes on what you discussed and what some of your next steps could be. The consultant will then email a copy of the report to you and, with your permission, your instructor.
Optional follow-up: If you’d like another visit to continue your conversation with this consultant later, be sure to set up an appointment. We encourage you to visit often, at various stages of your writing process.
Apply to be a Consultant
Students: are you a stellar communicator, both in writing and out loud? Professors: who are the best communicators in your classes?
We accept informal nominations (including self-nominations) for new Writing Center Consultants throughout the year. Send nominations or questions to Dr. Kyle Stedman at kstedman@rockford.edu.
For more details, including a position description and primary responsibilities, visit our full job description.
To Apply:
If you’re ready to apply, follow these steps:
Select two pieces of writing you completed for college-level classes.
Attach these two pieces to an email to Dr. Kyle Stedman (kstedman@rockford.edu). In the body of your email, explain why you chose those two pieces of writing, why you’d like to be a consultant, and what particular qualities you can bring to the position.
Successful students will then be contacted for an interview, at which point they’ll need to have a current Student Employment Work Authorization Card, available from the SAS office on campus.
Here is a PDF showing which of our consultants is working at which time.
Meet our consultants
Jaila Bailey (she/they)
Major: Human Development
Facts: Played soccer since she was 7, loves to knit, favorite kind of writing is creative/narrative
Emmarie Wilson (she/her)
Major: Acting/Directing
Facts: Loves cats, making tea, and playing Minecraft in her free time
Myles Halberstadt (he/they)
Major: English
Facts: Speak conversational Spanish, type-one diabetic, loves art, has a four-year-old, enjoys biology and sociology, and plays Animal Crossing
Justin Doll (he/him)
Major: History
Minor: Secondary Education
Facts: Speaks conversational Spanish, and works as a youth basketball coach in the summers
WAC at UW-Madison: a site full of resources for schools of all sizes
Bad Ideas about Writing: an open-access book filled with short chapters that debunk major myths about writing instruction, written for a general audience
Welcome to RU’s page on Teaching Writing! Maintained by Writing-across-the-Curriculum Director Kyle Stedman, this page is an ever-growing collection of resources to support writing instruction in all disciplines.
This page was inspired by but goes beyond the writing-intensive courses that our faculty voted to allow in May 2019. That is, we expect many to come here simply to find the form and guidelines for writing-intensive courses (over on the left)–but we also hope to build a culture of teaching writing that extends to all courses, not just those officially stamped as WI courses.
Here are our suggestions for how to get involved in that growing culture of writing:
Browse resources: Click around on the nationally recognized sites shared on the left and the Google Docs from past workshops on teaching writing.
Suggest next steps: What’s an area of teaching writing that you’d like more support on? A workshop you’d like to attend? A curated list of research on that area? Contact Kyle Stedman with your suggestions!
Join us! Our Writing across the Curriculum program is supported by an ad-hoc committee that guides our initiatives and brainstorms new areas for growth. Contact Kyle Stedman to add your voice to the group.
How to Get Support Teaching Writing at RU
Contact WAC Director Dr. Kyle Stedman at kstedman@rockford.edu! He can help in a number of ways:
Discuss ways to improve your writing assignments, use writing-to-learn activities, assess writing, and more.
Suggest readings and resources to support writing instruction in your discipline.
Connect you with other writing instructors at Rockford University with similar questions and concerns.
Plan future workshops and online resources with YOU in mind.
Resources from Past Training Sessions
Did you miss a past workshop on teaching writing? Check out these Google Docs for notes from the workshops, plus lots of links and resources.
The Writing Center is a place to talk about writing. We believe that we become better writers when we seek feedback and reflect on our writing at all stages of the writing process.
Our peer writing consultants aid that reflection by asking questions and making suggestions that guide writers toward making effective choices, not just in pieces they discuss in the Writing Center, but also in their future writing.
Consultants are readers and responders, not graders or evaluators, and they’re not experts in every genre of writing. Yes, they provide the crucial feedback of a real reader, but they don’t have all the answers. This basic assumption should help everyone involved with the Writing Center:
consultants shouldn’t feel that they have to know all conventions of writing in all genres
writers visiting the Writing Center shouldn’t feel that they are being judged, that their writing will be magically fixed by a consultation, or that they are losing any of their authority over their work
classroom instructors shouldn’t worry that consultants will give their students advice at odds with their values or assumptions about writing
The Virtual Writing Center is designed as a digital version of our face-to-face Writing Center (in the Howard Colman Library). While we recommend the rich communication of a face-to-face consultation, we realize that some writers find it inconvenient to travel to campus. To learn more about our philosophy and our current hours, visit our Portal page.
Please allow up to 48 hours for us to read and respond to your draft. When we are overwhelmed with face-to-face consultations (especially during midterm and exam times), we may not be able to respond to requests for online draft reviews in a timely fashion.
If you have any problems with this form, send an email with your paper and answers to all of the questions in the form to writingcenter@rockford.edu.
Common problems:
You type the wrong email address and thus never get our response.
You forget to fill out some of the fields below, giving us few ideas about how we can most help.
You expect us to proofread your grammar and mechanics, when that’s not our purpose. See the philosophy statement on our Portal page.
You write to us at the last minute and expect an ultra-quick response.
The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.
Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.
Admission is free for students* but tickets are required for Performing Arts and Sports events. Gallery shows, Performing Arts Senior Seminars, and Recitals do not require tickets. Please contact the Box Office at 815-226-4100 for additional information. To request and reserve tickets, please email BoxOffice@rockford.edu.
*Except mainstage theatre performances for the general public (tickets can be purchased by visiting ticketor.com/rockforduniversity; Rockford University students receive one free ticket to each Performing Arts event upon request with valid ID by visiting the box office or emailing boxoffice@rockford.edu.
The Forum Series presents both Home Grown and Marquee events on the Rockford University campus in multiple locations. Please refer to the campus map for help finding venues if needed. https://www.rockford.edu/about/campusmap/
For further information on some of the events below and additional athletic schedules, please use one of the links below:
For any questions about the Forum Series generally or how to meet the pre-2020 requirement, contact the Forum Series Administrator, Dr. Catherine Forslund at cforslund@rockford.edu or at 815-394-5211.
Q: What is the Forum Series?
A: The Rockford University Forum series presents a variety of events: Home Grown experiences featuring RU students and Marquee events with invited presenters from off-campus. The series is designed to provide a shared experience for students while broadening their education at the University and invite the local community to share in that expanded knowledge. The Forum Committee, comprised of faculty and student representatives, selects the events.
Q: Are all students required to attend all the Forum series events?
A: Students are no longer required to attend Forum events; however, attendance is strongly encouraged to expand everyone’s educational experiences. Students need a passing grade for any semesters of Forum (CLFS 050) before Spring 2020.
Q: Is a ticket required for Forum events?
A: It depends on the event. If required, student tickets are free with a Rockford University ID card; one free ticket per student. Tickets for plays, musicals, dance and choral concerts can be obtained at the University Box Office, located in Clark Arts Center, emailing boxoffice@rockford.edu. If you are not a student, tickets can be purchased by calling 815-226-4100, or visiting ticketor.com/rockforduniversity. Tickets for athletic events are free for students, faculty, and staff; general public tickets are available at each game.
Spring 2024 Lineup
MLK State of Mind Address Saturday January 13, Noon-3pm Clark Arts Center Lobby and Maddox Theatre
The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement and the Forum Series at RU join 67th State Representative Maurice West, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and MENtality Unchained in presenting a community dialogue about mental health and trauma. This event is free and open to the public. From noon to 1pm there is a reception and vendor open-house of local support organizations. Then, starting at 1pm, attendees will participate in an enlightening discourse surrounding mental health and the intricacies of trauma. Community and faith leaders along with mental health professionals will be actively involved in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing trauma.
Performing Arts Music Recital Sunday February 4, 4pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
This event is free and open to the public.
Performing Arts Senior Seminar Feb 9th at 7:30pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
Lucy Parlapiano presents her work for completion of her degree.
Women’s Basketball Senior Day Saturday February 10, game time 1pm, ceremony before the game Seaver Center
Help recognize those senior students playing their last home game(s) by coming out to cheer them on!
Men’s Basketball Senior Day Wednesday February 14, game time 7pm, ceremony will be held following the game Seaver Center
Help recognize those senior students playing their last home game(s) by coming out to cheer them on!
Songs for a New World February 22 – 25, (Thursday-Friday 7:30 pm; Saturday at 4pm and 7:30pm; Sunday 2 pm) Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center Director, Stephen Schellhardt
Writer and composer Jason Robert Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue, to meet a startling array of characters that range from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams… and a soulless marriage. Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” This contemporary song cycle weaves characters and history together, illuminating the timelessness of self-discovery.
Quick Square On Display: January 22nd-February 23rd Closing Reception: February 23rd, 6-8pm
Paul Erschen is Department Chair and Professor of Visual Art at the University of St. Francis, in Joliet, IL and workshop leader at the ACRE art residency program in Steuben, WI. In August 2022, Erschen attended residency at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts ceramics in Newcastle, ME. Paul holds degrees from The Ohio State University (MFA, 2000) and Northern Illinois University, (BFA, 1998).
Gina Hunt’s practice fuses painting, sculpture, and site-responsive installation. Research interests include histories of abstraction, theories of color and perception, and imaging technologies spanning early photographic processes to spectroscopy. Working with canvas, dye, paint, scrim, and wood, her works are sites of perceptual phenomena while remaining rooted in a material-based physicality.
Gina has presented solo exhibitions at Syracuse University, The Franklin, South Texas College, 65GRAND, Western Pole and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, among others. Two-person and group exhibitions include The Plan, STNDRD, EXPO Chicago, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, Practise, Heaven Gallery, and Circle Contemporary, among others.
Gina has participated in residencies at Chicago Artists Coalition, Badlands National Park, Hinge Arts, and Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar. She is currently a Lecturer in Drawing and Painting at Loyola University Chicago and represented by 65GRAND.
Charter Day Convocation The Addams Thread Monday, February 26, 4pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Ars Center
Celebrate 177 years of education from Rockford Female Seminary to Rockford College to Rockford University when RU President Dr. Patricia Lynott hosts an encore performance of The Addams Thread written and directed by RU’s own Prof. Deborah Mogford.
Jane Addams is indeed the renowned alumna of Rockford University; or rather Rockford Female Seminary as it was known when she graduated in 1881. She went on to do great things in the world—some of which earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Addams recognized her alma mater as a training ground, an educational experience helping her dedicate her life to advancing social change. She christened her college classmates “The Glorious Seventeen.” These young women were her friends and inspiration for championing the social reform for women and all groups without a voice. Prof. Mogford dedicated the play to these women and the legacy they left for the current students of Rockford University.
Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar—Forum Marquee Event “The Secret Lives of Dinosaurs” Dr. Julia Clarke Thursday, February 29, 7pm Fisher Chapel
Dr. Clarke is the John A. Wilson Professor in Vertebrate Paleontology and Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. She will share the latest scientific discoveries about dinosaurs, including how we have started to gain insight into their color and sound. Clarke has found so much new to discover by looking down into the deep history of dinosaurs from the tips of branches on which “perch” living bird species. Her research has long centered on evolutionary innovation; how key traits and behaviors of living organisms are assembled in deep time. While her early research centered on traits related to locomotion, feathers, flight and the co-option of a wing for underwater diving, more recently she has been focused on systems related to visual and vocal communication. She also profiles contemporary paleontological practice from field work around the world to how we use x-ray computed tomography to see new aspects of anatomy. Dr. Clarke will also speak on another topic during the Burpee Museum of Natural History’s 2024 Paleofest March 1-3.
Performing Arts Music Recital Monday March 4, 4pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
This event is free and open to the public.
Rockford Art Museum presents the 83rd Annual Young Artist Show
High School Division On Display: March 1st – March 17th Youth Division On Display: March 23rd – April 14th
Due to the ongoing HVAC renovation project at Rockford Art Museum, the 83rd Young Artist Show will be held at Rockford University Clark Arts Center in 2024.
The first Young Artist Show occurred in the spring of 1941, demonstrating the Rockford Art Association’s (now Rockford Art Museum’s) commitment to young, emerging artists in the greater Rockford area. The exhibition included 57 artworks of various media by 28 artists, including high school upper-classmen and college-age artists. The choice to make the Young Artist Show a part of the museum’s annual exhibition schedule revealed the museum’s understanding of the dynamic role that art experiences and art education play in the lives of young people. Since its inception, the Young Artist Show has evolved and grown to become a Rockford tradition. Today, the popular exhibition bears a reputation of excellence, expanding from its modest local beginnings to become a regional show featuring students from public, private, parochial and home-school settings. It is consistently Rockford Art Museum’s most popular exhibition of the year. The exhibition now includes two distinct exhibits that recognize and celebrate outstanding students and the dedicated teachers who contribute to the quality of artwork submitted. The juried High School Division includes approximately 300 artworks by over 200 high school students. Students entering the High School Division compete for more than $2,000 in scholarship and recognition awards. The Youth Division includes artwork in a variety of media by kindergarten through eighth-grade students from the Rockford area. Art teachers select the work to be included in the exhibition. About 500 students’ pieces are displayed in the Youth Division. Both divisions of the exhibition showcase an amazing array of exceptional student artwork and present the strength and diversity of art programs across the region.
Men’s Volleyball Senior Day Saturday March 23, game time 1pm, ceremony time TBA Seaver Center
Help recognize those senior students playing their last home game(s) by coming out to cheer them on!
Performing Arts Music Recital Monday April 1, 4pm Fisher Chapel
This event is free and open to the public.
The Last Lecture Honoring Fr. Robert J. Verstynen “Reflections on History” Professor Edward Mathieu Monday April 15, 4pm Fisher Chapel
From 1972 until 1986, Father Verstynen was involved in Campus Ministry at Rockford College and Rock Valley College serving also as an Adjunct Professor at both schools. Funds to support The Last Lecture program were given by a generous donor in Fr. Verstynen’s memory and to promote the value of sharing lifelong experiences with students and the local community.
Since his arrival in 2017, Dr. Mathieu has been a vital pillar in the Historical and International Studies Department. Before he retires, share the wisdom of his experiences as he explores his encounters with the discipline of history throughout his career. He will discuss his sense of the evolving nature of the discipline and how that has related to his sense of self and his teaching over the years.
Ken Ludwig’s The Game’s Afoot April 18-21, 2024 (Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm) Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center Director, Prof. Deborah Mogford
It is December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Warning: show contains gunshot noises and a simulated stabbing.
Baseball Senior Day Celebration Saturday April 20, Doubleheader vs. St. Norbert College starting at Noon Ceremony at 11:40am Harry C. Pohlman Field, 2301 Skyline Drive, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511 Help recognize those senior students playing their last home games by coming out to cheer them on!
Softball Senior Day Celebration Sunday April 21, Doubleheader vs. Aurora University starting at Noon, Ceremony at 11:40am Harlem Community Center, 900 Roosevelt Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115
Help recognize those senior students playing their last home games by coming out to cheer them on!
Performing Arts Senior Seminars April 26 at 7:30pm in Maddox Theatre April 29 at 7:00pm, Fisher Chapel
Students Piper Burney, Andrew Ashley, and Yuina Sohma will be presenting their capstone projects as part of the completion of their senior seminar. Piper and Andrew will perform on April 26th, and Yuina will perform on April 29th.
Fundraiser for The Fringe A Celebration of 41 Years of Costume Design Sunday April 28, 2-5:00pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
A costume-style show spotlighting the designs of Jeff Hendry, award winning costume designer and Rockford University professor emeritus. Master of Ceremonies will be Mike Garrigan of Channel 23 News, The Groove Hotel Trio is performing, and featured models include Mayor Tom McNamara, State Senator Steve Stadelman, State Representative Dave Vella, some RU faculty, and many more! Tickets can be purchased here. Can’t attend? Donate here.
Proceeds to benefit Rockford University performing arts students for their performances during the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in August 2024. edfringe.com
Performing Arts Music Recital Monday April 29, 4pm Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center
This event is free and open to the public.
Across the Pond: Songs from the British Isles May 3rd, 2024 (Friday at 7:30pm) Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center Director, Prof. Timm Adams
Join Rockford University’s Regent Singers, Vocal Collective, and other members of the Performing Arts department for a festive journey across the pond to the British Isles. In excited anticipation of our performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this coming August, RU’s choirs present a celebration of music from England, Ireland, Wales, and of course, Scotland. From the bawdy to the sublime, these beloved songs include “Loch Lomond,” “Wearin’ of the Green,” “What Shall We do with a Drunken Sailor?” and more. Throw in some Beatles and other pop music icons, and you’re in store for a bloody good time!
Box Office Clark Arts Center 5050 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108 815-226-4100 fax: 815-394-5167
MLK State of Mind Address
Performing Arts Senior Seminar
Women’s Basketball Senior Day
Men’s Basketball Senior Day
Songs for a New World
Quick Square
Charter Day Convocation
Performing Arts Music Recital
Rockford Art Museum presents
Saturday March 23, game time 1pm, ceremony time TBA
Performing Arts Music Recital Monday April 1, 4pm
The Last Lecture
Baseball Senior Day Celebration
Softball Senior Day Celebration
Performing Arts Senior Seminars
Monday April 29, 4pm
May 3rd, 2024 (Friday at 7:30pm)
