Due to the continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 virus and the importance of adhering to social distancing, remote delivery of courses via online instruction will continue through the Summer 2020 term.  If you have questions, please contact your instructor.    

Sincerely,

Michael A. Perry, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Altynai Erkimbekova was just a toddler when her love for learning blossomed through her mother’s efforts to teach her how to read. “I was only two years old—I can’t believe it myself,” she stated, recounting her neighbors’ tales of how she would read newspapers for fun in her hometown of Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. This passion would eventually bring her over 10,000 miles away from home—here, to Rockford University.

As a child, Altynai struggled to find a place for herself in spite of her early advancement and precocious nature. She was unable to enroll in kindergarten because the school had run out of space, but instead of lagging behind, she endeavored to learn everything she could. “My sister is two years older than me, so she was going to school already. Every day, my mom would do homework with her, and I would do whatever my mom was saying. I completed those classes with my sister.”

When she was finally able to begin her formal education, she soared despite her sense of displacement. Since she was a practicing Christian, it was challenging for her to grow up in a mostly-Muslim community. Even so, she has always been a leader of her community, whether at school or with friends. She has lead  different teams and managed projects that have changed lives of many people. Anything was possible for her, since she had the biggest support of her family and an inherent belief that she would succeed by being her best self. Her determination to get the most out of every day led to her acceptance into the International University of Central Asia (IUCA), where she was invited to join the foreign exchange program in her first year at the institution. “You need to be the best in English and in grade point average as well,” she explains. “Of course, seniors have a higher chance of being selected—and I was a freshman! I was so lucky.”

This is how Altynai first learned of Rockford University, and she felt immediately that this was an environment where she could finally find her place. She noted that in her first few days here, she could already tell how globally oriented and sensitive to culture the University is. Through various activities and events, she embraced her new campus community and found herself thriving, supported by and connected to her fellow students in a way she had never experienced before.

As someone who has continuously had to forge her own path to success, she knows first-hand that progress cannot happen on its own. After an eventful semester here, she went back to Kyrgyzstan and put even more effort into her goals, including a successful business project that employed several local seamstresses. At the same time, she worked to earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration, determined to come back to Rockford University as a graduate student.

Altynai has returned to the University and is currently studying to complete her MBA (Master of Business Administsration) with a concentration in finance. She is also working alongside the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) to help connect other students like her with the opportunities the University has to offer. Her work has led to some strong friendships, too. “OGA is my home here. I can freely talk to everyone in the office like they’re my own family.”

Following her graduation next spring, Altynai hopes to bring her experiences and knowledge from her time at Rockford University back to Kyrgyzstan. She plans to work within her community to share the empathy and determination that she has refined throughout this first chapter of her life.

When asked what advice she would give to students who, like her, come from a growing society and find themselves wanting to leave in search of a way to make a difference, she says, “You should surely go and find what your heart wants. Sometimes you have to leave your environment to be able to learn and grow, but then you should come back home ready to apply your new skills and experiences to make a difference. Don’t worry if you are not able to go abroad yet. It means you are not ready, and when you are ready, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and dreams!”

Effective for the Spring 2020 semester only, all students will be permitted to convert individual courses to Pass/Fail grading. Students may choose to receive a passing grade (P), rather than a letter grade, in courses where they have earned a D or above. This policy will be noted on the transcript. These courses will still count toward major, minor, academic progress, and graduation requirements. (Grades of “P” are not calculated in the grade point average (GPA); however, grades of “F” are calculated in that average.)

Some important exceptions to this rule:
– In Rhetoric 101 & 102 courses, a passing grade (P) will be considered only for grades C and above.-
– In Education courses, as well as all supporting courses tied to the education major or minor, a passing grade (P) will be considered only for grades C- and above.
– In Nursing courses, a passing grade (P) will be considered only for grades C and above.
– In all Graduate courses, a passing grade (P) will be considered only for grades C and above.
– Finally, prior to choosing a (P) in a course for their major, students are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisor (and faculty in the major if their advisor is from a different department).

Faculty will grade student work as normal during the semester and submit the letter grade (A-F) to the Registrar’s Office via Self Service at the end of the semester. Students will have 96 hours after the final grade posting deadline to choose a P designation in selected courses wherein they earned the required letter grade needed to pass that particular course (see above exceptions). For traditional classes, the final grade posting deadline is Monday, May 18, at 11:59pm (an extension of the deadline previously published in the academic calendar).

Academic Affairs and IT will collaborate on an electronic form that students will be able to fill out and submit within the 96-hour period, which ends Friday, May 22, at 11.59 pm for traditional courses and Wednesday, June 3, at 11.59pm for adult accelerated courses. If students do not respond by the deadline, the letter grade recorded by the faculty member will be entered on the transcript.

Academic Affairs will keep a record of all submitted letter grades for Spring 2020.

In addition to the above, the three following changes will go into effect:
– The date for withdrawing from a course (earning a W) will be extended until Friday, May 8 for traditional and adult accelerated courses.
– Academic Dismissals will not occur based on spring results; rather, academic probation, when appropriate, will be extended one semester.
– Eligibility for Honors designation upon graduation will not be impacted by choosing a P during Spring 2020.

Over the next week, students will receive guidance regarding the implications of choosing this option from various constituents, including academic departments, registrar, financial aid, athletics, and veteran affairs.

by Elizabeth Mundy-Hemmerich ’05

For many Rockford University alumni, graduation isn’t the final good-bye. We visit our favorite professor, or we show our partners and children and grandchildren where we spent some of the best times of our lives. Maybe our purple alumni travel mug has sprung a leak, so we visit the college bookstore. Perhaps we get tickets to a play at Clark Arts or attend a wedding in Fisher Chapel. 

Four times a year, a group of alumni gather in the Johnson Alumni Center, (some of us knew the building as the Lion’s Den). Those who cannot make the trip to Rockford, attend by phone or video conference where we discuss what’s happening at our alma mater and how we can continue to support the University, future alumni, and each other. 

Currently, the Alumni Association has 21 members from around the country with a handful of members in and around Rockford. We represent a diversity of majors and careers, and we attended the University at different points in time. We are faithfully supported by caring RU staff and participate in events such as the Day of Giving and the Fall Reunion Weekend. 

During our meetings, we strategize ways to engage current students and alumni, we think about our own networks in terms of recruiting prospective students, and we thoughtfully consider how to give back to the University that shaped us. We recently shared some of our favorite memories of our years at Rockford and would like to share some with you. 

Thomas Lifvendahl’s ’70 fondest memories include feeling accepted and developing friendships.

“I was the sole USMC Vietnam Combat veteran on campus, and I deeply valued the fact that I was welcomed enough to be elected VP of the Class of 1970,” Lifvendahl said, “I also met and married the mother of my children, one of whom is an RU graduate.” Alumni Association President Damir Urtzan ’11, has fond memories of his work in the admissions office. Anthony Scandroli ’02, and Matt Szytz ’14, recalled the friendships and opportunities to travel from their days as student-athletes. “I connected with so many amazing people and felt the beautiful feeling of physically contributing to someone else’s dream come true!” Sara Hall ’09 recalled about her Alternative Spring Break trip. Courtney Geiger ’02, remembers camping out on campus during October Weekend. 

For myself, my fondest memory of many is my study abroad at Regent’s College in London. Exploring this city, visiting new countries, and meeting people from all over the world with my dearest college friends by my side made me the person I am today. Learning about new cultures and traveling to new places still remains very close to my heart. 

The Alumni Association is interested in continuing to make memories for alumni through social and networking events, traditions such as Reunion, and by providing support to each other and to Rockford University. The Alumni Association would love to hear from you about your favorite Rockford University memories! Please share your favorite moments by emailing alumni@rockford.edu. 

Question: Do I turn in my mail key?

Answer: If you are not going to be returning to RU in the fall, you must return your mail key. If you will be returning please DO NOT return your key.

Question: I am graduating OR not returning in the fall, how do I turn in my mail key?

Answer:  Residential students: if you are still on campus please stop by Mail Services during operational hours (9am-2pm), drop it in the “campus mail” slot at the Mail Desk, give it to someone in Student Life, or mail in a padded envelope it to:

Rockford University Mailroom
5050 E State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Please hand cancel

Commuter students: stop by Mail Services during operational hours (9am-2pm), drop it in the “campus mail” slot at the Mail Desk, or mail it to:

Rockford University Mailroom
5050 E State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
Please hand cancel

Question: What happens if I am not returning in the fall and don’t return my key?

Answer: Mail Services will bill you for $10 to replace the key.

Question: What happens if I have mail or packages that I have not picked up?

Answer: Certain items can be forwarded through the USPS. These items include: 1^st class mail.

Items that CANNOT be forwarded include: non-profit mail, presorted mail, and any packages; does not matter which carrier.

Answer: Mail and packages that cannot be forwarded will be held through May. If you would like your mail or package mailed to you, please coordinate with Mail Services (best reached at AMcPeek@rockford.edu) to figure out shipping costs. You must send a check with the cost of the postage before we will ship your package:

Rockford University Mailroom
5050 E State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

To forward or ship mail, we will require your current address.

March 26, 2020 Campus Update

Online instruction will take place for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester; Changes to Residence Hall Occupancy; May Commencement Ceremony canceled.

Dear Rockford University Community,

We are closely monitoring the effects that the COVID-19 crisis is creating for higher education. Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control, the Winnebago County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Health, and the State of Illinois, we have made several decisions to protect our students and employees. Simultaneously, we also are working diligently to find new ways to deliver instruction so that our students can maintain their studies. As such, the following changes will take effect immediately for the remainder of the spring semester.

Online Learning Extended
Remote learning will be in place for the rest of the semester. I am confident that faculty and students will continue to find new ways to innovate and learn together. Our sense of community remains a hallmark of our institution, and not even a pandemic can alter that bond.

Residence Halls Closing
This decision impacts our remaining residential students. Up until this point, we allowed students who wished to live on campus to continue to do so. We were able to accommodate those needs within the state’s Stay At-home order. Now that we will not return to in-person learning, we are asking all students to return to their permanent residence by April 4. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent this, students will be able to appeal to remain on campus. Appeals will be reviewed on a case-by-case.

We are developing a plan to provide a prorated credit for room and board charges. We will provide the specifics on this as soon as possible, and information will be sent directly to students. Students should be watching their Rockford.edu emails closely.

Commencement
These decisions also directly affect how we will close out the semester and celebrate our graduating class. It is with sadness that we now must cancel our commencement ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 17. We recognize the unique importance this day holds for our graduating seniors and their families and friends, along with our faculty and staff who find such joy in celebrating the accomplishments of our students. We are moving forward with plans for a virtual ceremony to take place in May, and diplomas will be mailed when available. We are also working on plans for an in-person ceremony this fall once we can safely gather together again. More details will be shared regarding this as soon as possible.

Most other events scheduled on campus for the remainder of the spring term are also canceled.

These are unprecedented times, and we are making challenging decisions that are in the best interests of the health and safety of our Rockford University community.  Please continue to be patient with one another and to extend grace whenever you can – knowing that everyone is forced to deal with new realities and to give up things that they never imagined having to do.  We will come through this time as a stronger campus community.

Eric Fulcomer
President

All areas of university operations are continually being assessed, including student support and resources.

The University Emergency Operations Policy Group is meeting every morning, at a minimum, and more frequently if needed. Our priority is to continually assess all areas of university operations and to make responsive and timely decisions

Provost Dr. Mike Perry and Student Life Vice President Dr. Randy Worden are staying in regular contact with our students to offer support and resources. One example is preparing for the critical advising and registration period for next fall that will open on April 1. Current processes are being adapted so advisors, and in particular, first-year advisors can work with students remotely through Zoom and other technologies. Another example is ramping up services for all students to have access to online tutoring and supplemental instruction services through our Center for Learning Strategies and the Writing Center.  Beyond learning, staying actively engaged with our students is also very important. While gatherings and activities may be halted, our Student Life staff are finding innovative ways through social media to interact with students and reinforce that we care deeply about our RU community and will get through this together.  

Please continue to refer to this page for updates. Stay safe, stay well.

COVID-19 Updates: March 20, 2020
Stay At-home Order issued by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker