Ashni’s Year in Review
Ashni’s Year in Review07/29/2020 1:21 pm
As I near the end of my service year with AmeriCorps VISTA at Rockford University, I reflect on a year that was full of unpredictability, growth, and creation.
I arrived at Rockford University fresh from my undergrad studies, unfamiliar with the city of Rockford and the inner workings of smaller universities. At this new university in a new city, I began my new role as a VISTA. My job as a Vista entailed creating sustainable programs, attaining monetary and in-kind resources, and navigating between University departments. Ultimately, this role allowed me to expand on the skills gained from being an English and Spanish major at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
As a recent graduate, I was connected to the students by age and understanding. I began monitoring the success of low-income students and understanding RU’s demographics. From that student perspective, I articulated the need for change within the community and the university.
In that process of documenting and assessing need, RU’s forward-thinking team of faculty and staff supported me. Dr. Weaks-Baxter and Dr. Walker worked alongside me to aid students in-need. Through the Men of Color mentorship program (MCM) and the Rock Solid Success Workshop, I gave students the opportunity to seek help and grow through career fairs, workshops, and study sessions. Through the Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE), I built infrastructure for partnerships and volunteerism. The two scopes of my VISTA year coalesced in beginning a partnership with a local elementary school, strengthening the pipeline between K-12 and Higher Education.
MCM and JACCE gave me power to understand a diversity of student experiences, analyze retention efforts, and innovate solutions to common barriers such as hunger and homelessness. By analyzing need for a food pantry on campus, partnering with Men’s Warehouse to give students access to professional ware, and connecting students to the community, I sought ways to give students equal opportunities.
With the many successes of the year came unconventional circumstances. COVID-19 brought a quick transition to the virtual, unveiling the once hidden inequities in technology. But as we moved service opportunities, achievements celebrations, and webinars to zoom, protests over racial injustice erupted across the country. These manifestations, again, unveiled the larger systemic discrimination.
Through each challenge, I navigated ways to problem-solve and think critically. During the move to virtual learning upon the pandemic, I put together a webinar showcasing success-tools; In response to the outcry of racial discrimination and injustice, I assisted the MCM group in drafting a statement and devising an action-plan; With the student’s need to continue service, I worked to create virtual volunteer opportunities. These real-world experiences impacted the way I think, act, and adapt on supporting students.
As I’m at the end of my service year, I reflect on the memories made and their impact on my present and future. I know that Rockford University will always be with me, inspiring me to expand my reach and support those in need. And I hope RU does that for you, too.
Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Statement on Fall Sports
Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Statement on Fall Sports07/28/2020 2:34 pm
First part of the release courtesy of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Office
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Council of Chief Executive Officers (institution presidents) of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) today announced that they made the difficult decision to postpone all conference regular-season competitions and championship events through December 31, 2020. Student-athletes at the member institutions were notified on Friday.
“While we recognize this is disappointing news to student-athletes anxious to get on the field, court, or course in the fall, we look forward to providing a meaningful experience for them in the spring,” said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, NACC president and president of Rockford University. “We thank our athletes and families for their understanding, as well as the shared commitment to meeting the challenges of COVID-19 with the same determined spirit they bring to their respective teams.”
The NACC will share additional details, including proposed spring calendars, in the coming weeks. Even with the movement of competitions, there will still be opportunities for skill development and team building through out-of-season practices and conditioning during the fall semester. Each school will make those decisions, including the possibility of non-conference competitions during the fall if circumstances permit, and share them with their students and families.
About Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference
The NACC consists of 13 colleges and universities from the shared-border states of Illinois and Wisconsin, sponsoring 21 sports at the NCAA Division III level. Member institutions subscribe to shared values and evidence commitments to academic excellence, equal opportunity, sportsmanship, and fair play. Together, conference members seek to create a competitive environment where the intellectual, spiritual and physical development of each student-athlete is prized and where the common good of our institutions is advanced.
Rockford University statement on fall sports
ROCKFORD, Ill. – “Rockford University is committed to having our student-athletes return to campus safely, while also bringing back some sort of normalcy to their collegiate experiences,” RU Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan stated. “We know how important sports, teammates, coaches and routines are to this experience; therefore, we are thoroughly focused on maximizing the athletic experience for each and every one of our student-athletes. We plan to use the additional practice and team contact dates the NCAA has given us in order to provide the best possible athletic experience, while also exploring the possibility of non-conference contests.”
Rockford University Partners with Regional Community Colleges to Offer Degree Completion Opportunities
Rockford University Partners with Regional Community Colleges to Offer Degree Completion Opportunities 07/23/2020 2:14 pm
Rockford, IL (July 23, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced its partnership with three leading regional community colleges – Highland Community College, Kishwaukee College and Rock Valley College – to provide a flexible, seamless option to transfer college credits or an associate’s degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.) toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or Accounting.
The collaboration between the institutions facilitates the easy transfer of credits from the community college to the degree completion program at the PURI School of Business at Rockford University. Community Colleges are often where students start, earning general education credits and exploring interest in a particular major.
“Rockford University has long-standing partnerships with our regional community colleges,” added Dr. Eric Fulcomer, president of Rockford University. “We believe this collaboration is good for our students and the region as it provides another path to a bachelor’s degree.”
“As part of our Strategic Plan, we’ve emphasized strengthening partnerships with other educational institutions in an effort to expand educational pathways for students,” said Chris Kuberski, President of Highland Community College. “Our programs provide a solid foundation, and we’re happy to facilitate the transfer of students’ credits to the next step in their education and career. We appreciate our partnership with Rockford University and how it intersects with our goals as an institution.”
Established partnerships make the transfer of earned college credits easy and pave the way for more students to earn bachelor’s degrees.
“Many of our students start their education at Kishwaukee College and then choose to continue their education after completing their degree with us,” Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President, Kishwaukee College. “The partnership with Rockford University provides an opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, without losing time or credits.”
“We’re removing some of the hurdles and red tape,” shared Ron Geary, VP and Chief Academic Officer, Rock Valley College. “Collaborations with our 4-year partner institutions help us better advise and prepare students for success, and Rockford University’s willingness to accept all associate’s degrees – even those in applied science – opens up opportunities for a large percentage of our student body.”
Prepared in a Pandemic: RU Alumna Dr. Kara Wada ‘06
Prepared in a Pandemic: RU Alumna Dr. Kara Wada ‘0607/22/2020 1:53 pm
Kara Simonson ’06 didn’t know it at the time, but the years she spent at Rockford University prepared her to be a doctor in a pandemic.
She didn’t take any courses on the subject, of course. She wasn’t even learning about medicine at that point.
But Rockford University was the firm foundation of her education that gave her the ability to pivot when she needed to the most.
Known today as Dr. Kara Wada, this Rockford University alum works as an allergist and immunologist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She was just kicking off her busiest season of the year – spring allergies – when the pandemic hit. Her patients still needed help, particularly those whose immune systems were compromised, but clinics everywhere were limiting office visits.
“We went from doing no telemedicine to doing 75 to 80 percent telemedicine,” Dr. Wada said. “I had to get a little more creative in examining my patient. It’s more critical to listen to the patient’s story, and you have to do a good job of establishing a relationship with the human being on the other side of the screen.”
Perhaps surprisingly, making that shift didn’t rely solely on skills she learned in medical school. Rather, she drew from her time at Rockford University, from 2002-2006, when she learned a wide range of subjects in a hands-on and intimate setting.
“It was the breadth of the liberal arts education,” she said. “I wasn’t just preparing for my job as a physician. I was learning all those skills that helped me most during the pandemic.”
In addition to changing the way she connects with patients, Dr. Wada also used her downtime during the pandemic to launch a social media presence. Today, she posts on Instagram as The Crunchy Allergist, where she can connect with a larger community.
“Your Rockford University education is going to prepare you, not only for your first job, but for your third, fourth and fifth jobs out of school,” Dr. Wada said. “It’s given me that skill set, that ability to bob and weave. As I come across new problems, I have the skills to navigate and solve those problems.”
Dr. Wada also has been active in another pressing societal issue for 2020: racism. She recently participated in an event at Ohio State University College of Medicine held by White Coats for Black Lives, a group dedicated to racial justice within the community, in health care settings and within medical education.
“Hundreds of us kneeled together for eight minutes and 46 seconds, then listened to powerful young leaders at the medical school,” she said. “It was so inspirational!”
Academic Work Group Update
07/22/2020 12:22 pm
The start of the semester is only a month away! Faculty have spent the last month looking closely at their fall course offerings and deciding how best to deliver their curriculum safely and effectively.
Over the next week, instructors will be reaching out to students over email with information regarding the planned mode of delivery for courses and some guidance as what to expect for the upcoming semester. There are three main categories of instruction this fall: mixed/hybrid, face-to-face, and online.
- Mixed/Hybrid: The majority of our offerings this fall will include a mixed/hybrid offering. The details of this type, of course, will vary and will include a mix of face-to-face instruction with some online class delivery.
- Face-to-Face Model: for those courses that will meet primarily face-to-face, classroom space will allow for social distancing. No classes will exceed the maximum occupancy under social-distancing guidelines, and all students and faculty will wear masks during class.
- Online: This class may include a mix of synchronous (where students and faculty meet in real-time during scheduled class time via Zoom or some other software) and asynchronous (where work is done at different times and coordinated via Canvas) instruction. Students will not meet in person in these sections.
Each of these decisions has been made with student learning and safety at the forefront. Moreover, the mix of these offerings will allow us to utilize our learning spaces safely and effectively.
Over the next month, we will continue to solidify the fall schedule as we assign classrooms, prepare learning spaces, and continue to communicate with our campus community. As you all know, education across the board is faced with a monumental task this upcoming year. Indeed, we recognize the enormity of the task before us and are committed to working together to offer the best educational experience possible throughout the 2020-2021 academic year.
Students, if you have questions about your academic schedule upon receiving this additional information, please reach out to your academic advisor (If you do not know who your advisor is, please contact Toni Rowe in Academic Affairs: arowe@rockford.edu). In addition, if you have concerns regarding access to Internet or appropriate learning devices (computers, laptops, tablets), please reach out to Toni Rowe in Academic Affairs: arowe@rockford.edu. Please note, computers will be accessible on campus in labs and the library. And Internet is available across campus.
Finally, here are some assurances regarding the classroom experience: students and faculty will be required to observe six-foot social distancing as well as wear masks while in class. In addition, while all learning spaces will be sanitized on a daily basis, out of an abundance of caution, each classroom will be provided with spray bottles and wipes. Faculty will provide guidance as to how best to utilize these materials and keep the learning spaces clean.
Sincerely,
Dr. Perry
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rockford University
Student Life / Residence Life / Facilities Workgroup
07/15/2020 3:38 pm
This work group has been comprised of staff from Residence Life, the Lang Health Center, Operations, Dining Services, and Custodial. Their charge has been to examine the delivery of services across each of these areas in light of the Covid-19 situation. Listed below is an update of the completed actions for the upcoming school year.
Cleaning initiatives:
All residence hall rooms have been given individual deep cleanings. This has included:
-Stripping, waxing, and resealing of the floors
-Cleaning of heating/ac units
-Cleaning of all furniture surfaces
Hand sanitizing stations:
increased our number of stations around campus, placed stations at all entry points to residence halls
Social distancing:
-Lounges: occupancy and seating has been reduced to meet Phase IV of Illinois State standards
-Dining areas: occupancy and seating has been reduced to meet Phase IV of Illinois State standards
Signage:
signage has been designed and is being placed around campus and in residence halls to remind people of:
-social distancing necessities
-self-monitoring of health necessities
-cleaning guidelines for private bathroom spaces
-where to go for help on any issues/concerns related to Covid-19
Health alerts/reminders:
-Social media: frequent updates via RU’s websites, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter feeds
-Lang Wellness Center: continues to serve as the “information hub” for securing the latest updates from Winnebago County Health, the Center for Disease Control, and the State of Illinois
Other projects are on-going as we make our way through our list of summer initiatives. As updates and new information come in, our thoughts, strategies, and efforts will be adjusted accordingly. Please continue to watch this space for further updates from the various Covid-19 workgroups.
FAQ / Human Resources Department Update
07/15/2020 12:12 pm
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Rockford University and Puri Foundation Announce Charles Box Scholarships
Rockford University and Puri Foundation Announce Charles Box Scholarships 07/14/2020 3:45 pm
Scholarships Will Enable 30 Black Students to Pursue Business Degrees
Scholarships Will Enable 30 Black Students to Pursue Business DegreesRockford, IL (July 14, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today unveiled the Charles Box Scholarships, a program that will enable 30 Black students to pursue a business degree at the PURI School of Business over five years.
The Charles Box Scholarships will be awarded to an estimated 12 students per year for five years and are designated for Black students pursuing a degree in business through the degree completion programs at the PURI School of Business at Rockford University.
“There’s no better person for these scholarships to be named after than Charles Box. His influence in our community, his dedication to pursuing justice, and his unrelenting passion for enhancing our world is significant,” said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, President, Rockford University. “We are equally honored by the generous spirit that Sunil Puri continues to share with the community and our University. His inspirational contributions will make a lasting, positive impact on our students that will ripple for generations.”
In 1989, Box was elected as the first Black mayor in Rockford and was re-elected for two additional terms. At the time, Box won a greater percentage of votes than any Rockford mayor since the 1920s. He’s described as an active listener, a consensus builder, and an advocate for education, regional economic growth, and participation in critical issues.
“I’m humbled by this honor and so appreciative of Sunil and Rockford University for setting a precedent for our community – and perhaps our world – by providing the opportunities for Black students to a pursue higher education,” said Box. “This is not about me, but rather about those who will benefit from all that Rockford University has to offer in order to make their dreams a reality.”
The Charles Box Scholarships will allow students to complete their business degree at Rockford University debt-free and be well-positioned for careers in our world today.
“During this time of tremendous inequity in our country, the Puri Foundation believes it is especially important to provide opportunities for Black students to build generational wealth through a business education. A degree from Rockford University will empower these students to become employers and start their own businesses in our community,” said Puri. “The world-class education I received at Rockford University was about much more than the classes and grades. It prepared me to be flexible and adapt, even through circumstances as unprecedented as a pandemic. That’s the benefit of a liberal arts education.”
About Charles Box
A native of Rockford, Charles Box graduated from Auburn Senior High School in 1969, from Dartmouth College, Magna Cum Laude in 1973; and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1976. Box practiced law in Rockford as a member of the firm of Connolly, Oliver, Goddard, Coplan and Close from 1976 to 1981. He served as Rockford’s Legal Director from 1981 to 1987, and as the City Administrator from 1987 to 1989.
Box made history in April 1989 when he became the first Black to be elected Mayor of Rockford, Illinois’ second largest city. He was re-elected in 1993 and again in 1997. During his terms as Mayor, he served on the Board of Trustees of the U. S. Conference of Mayors and served as the Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League.
During his three terms as Mayor, Box focused on housing, economic development, cultural and environmental issues. In 2006 he was nominated and confirmed as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, an entity that regulates electric, gas and water rates for publicly owned utilities.
Since returning to Rockford in 1976, Box has also served on and contributed to numerous organizations for the betterment of the region, including serving as a member of Board of Trustees for Rockford University.
About Puri Foundation
The Puri Foundation was established in 2014 by Sunil Puri, the founder of First Midwest Group and lifelong philanthropist in the Rockford-region. The organization’s core mission is to fund opportunities that empower underprivileged individuals. The Puri Foundation accomplishes this goal by contributing financial resources to foster educational, athletic, civil society, and other philanthropic initiatives led by high-impact organizations.
The Puri Foundation’s initial gift was a $5,000,000 monetary and building pledge to endow the Puri School of Business at Rockford University in 2014. Since then, the foundation has been active in the region with a $2,250,000 donation of the Puri Family YMCA building in 2015, the establishment of the Puri Residence Hall at Rockford Christian Schools in 2018, and continual support for the Golden Apple Foundation through the Puri Family Outstanding Principal Award, among others. The foundation is also active internationally, providing seed funding for Water for Dignity, a Non-Government Organization providing clean water and women’s empowerment initiatives to India’s most impoverished regions.
About Rockford University
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). 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. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
For more information: Rebecca Epperson, Chartwell Agency, 815.621.8295 or RU@chartwell-agency.com.
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Message from President Fulcomer in Support of International Students
Message from President Fulcomer in Support of International Students07/09/2020 4:35 pm
Dear Campus Community,
Rockford University takes pride in creating and supporting an international campus reflective of our interconnected global community. Our international students learn about our country and culture and, in turn, our American students learn about the world around them through cultural events and conversations about history, philosophy, business, education, and more. The recently announced policy by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) runs counter to our efforts to support our international students. I am supportive of the growing national effort to stop this policy and will continue to advocate for the interests of international students at Rockford University and across the country.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., President
Academic Planning Update
07/09/2020 10:28 am
The Academic Planning team distributed an excel sheet with the fall schedule, including current enrollment to chairs of all departments. Upon consultation with faculty members, chairs will provide information for each section that includes the delivery mode, classroom needs, and technology/safety requests.
The deadline for response is July 15; once we get back the information and assess what we have, we will be able to make decisions regarding class assignments. As we begin to put together the fall schedule, instructors will be able to reach out to their students to let them know the delivery mode.
Moreover, we are developing common language for all syllabi that will clarify safety protocols and expectations under phase 4 guidelines.
