Campus News

We are prepared to move to online instruction beginning Monday, March 23. The March 18 campus update has specific information for students about moving to online courses. (https://www.rockford.edu/covid-19-updates/)

We also continue to stress the importance of preventative measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, particularly in being diligent with social distancing.

Social distancing measures everyone can take include:

• Staying home as much as possible
• If gatherings are necessary, limiting the number of people to 10
• Calling to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting
• Checking with your health care provider about telehealth options

The following will be in effect during the period of online delivery from March 23 – April 10

Howard Colman Library
Our library resources have shifted from primarily print to a primarily digital format over the last several years, and now, during this challenging time, that shift will be a blessing as our teaching and learning also shifts to an online response. Information has been posted on the Library’s portal page and can be referenced here.

Events and Athletics
Difficult decisions have been made regarding the continuation of events and athletic competitions on virtually every campus. The NCAA and our NACC conference have mandated the cancelation of all spring athletic practices and events, ending all spring sports.
In accordance with the Winnebago County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and strong guidance from the CDC to strictly limit the number of people at gatherings to less than 10 and to practice social distancing. All other events on campus, both internal and external, will be canceled through April 12. This date may be extended as needed. This includes all student clubs and organization events of more than 10 people, performances, Forum Series events and any other special events on campus.

Forum Series
This semester’s Forum requirement has been canceled. All full-time students currently enrolled in the Forum course (CLFS 050) will receive the grade of P (pass) regardless of how many Forum events they attended.
For those who failed previous semesters of Forum, the Forum Committee will not accept any additional make-up essays this semester, due to the fact that the library is closed, making Forum recordings unavailable. Make-up essays submitted after today will be read beginning in Fall 2020. If you’re a graduating senior who owes make-up essays, please watch your email for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact Forum administrator Dr. Kyle Stedman at kstedman@rockford.edu.

Admissions and SAS
In support of the University’s transition to online instruction and out of an abundance of caution for the well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and prospective students; Rockford University has transitioned the student support provided by Student Administrative Services, the Office of Global Affairs, and the Office of Admission to e-mail and phone support. Staff members will be available to assist you from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will return e-mail and voice mail messages as soon as possible.
SAS remains open and is encouraging communications via phone and email. Students are asked to contact the office ahead of time to schedule drop off or pick up of paperwork.

Buildings Protocols and Access
Beginning on March 20, 2020 – Academic Buildings (Scarborough, Starr Science, Clark Arts, Howard Colman Library, Puri) will be locked.  Any faculty or staff member who plans to use one of the buildings must notify Security in advance of arriving to the building.  If one does not have a key, security will unlock the door.  Please bring your Rockford University ID card.
If faculty wish to have their students utilize learning spaces within these buildings, they must be supervised by a faculty or staff member, the number of students must be 5 or less, and social distancing guidelines must be followed. Before leaving, use cleaning materials provided by facilities, if available, to wipe down used areas. If none are available, email facilities to notify them of what space has been used.

Seaver Gymnasium is completely closed to everyone until April 13.     

Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D.
President