Learning Outside of the Classroom

Learning happens in and out of the classroom. Many of our classes have a community-based learning component in which students apply the knowledge they receive in the classroom in real life. Students have spent time at MELD helping young mothers understand how children develop, worked with mentally ill residents at the Jubilee Center, performed research for local non-profits, and completed observation and student teaching semesters in local schools. In our MBA program, students worked with the Rockford Park District on the feasibility of and a grant to build a new bike path.

Our classes are small and our faculty is hands-on. That means instead of just learning about immunology research in a book, students have been able to work in the lab one-on-one with a chemistry professor, faculty connect with their community colleagues to assist in internship placement; and on the student activities side, you can always count on faculty and staff presence. These are just a few examples of the hands-on, community-focused learning that you can expect your student to receive at Rockford College.

The opportunity doesn’t stop there! Students are encouraged to join clubs and organizations to not only share a love of a common interest, but to build leadership skills and the ability to work as a team. The variety of clubs and organizations is endless. There are currently over 25, but each student is afforded the opportunity to start their own club or organization.

Students can also participate in athletics. The College is a Division III school and part of the Northern Athletics Conference. Seven men’s teams and six women’s teams make up our program. There is plenty of opportunity to play and the coaches are dedicated to developing each student as a whole, on and off the court. Our teams often participate in study tables and frequently make the dean’s list because after all, they are student-athletes. Rockford College also offers a broad intramural program for those that do not want to play competitively.

Rockford College’s park-like setting and rolling hills is the perfect setting to focus on studying or play a game of capture the flag with friends. But just outside of campus, more opportunity awaits. The city of Rockford boasts professional theatre, professional sports teams, a variety of amazing restaurants, an event arena, a water park and more. Just 90 minutes away, the attractions grow with Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee easily accessible.

Whether your student is spending spring break building homes for Habitat for Humanity, researching with a faculty member, interning, participating in a club or athletics, acting as a Jane Addams Service Fellow, or organizing a dinner for the homeless, the opportunity to change the world awaits at Rockford College.