RC Mentor Connections

RC Mentor Connections is a student mentor program designed to assist all new students in their transition to college life. Every new student will be assigned to a mentor group during orientation and will receive continued support throughout the first academic year. All new students will have opportunities to interact on a one-to-one basis and in group settings with their student mentors (upper-class students) throughout the year. Student mentors are a valuable resource to answer questions, listen, become a trusted friend, and to:

• Introduce and integrate new students into the Rockford College community
• Provide support and information from a student perspective
• Assist new students in building strong connections with faculty, staff and students so they will develop an investment in their own academic success
• Foster new friendships with new students, returning students, faculty and staff
• Create a sense of belonging and overall (positive) feeling about their college experience
• Increase students' knowledge of academic resources available on campus

During orientation, small mentor groups will meet daily. Your student will have the opportunity to get to know everyone in the group, ask questions and discuss his or her academic pursuit, career options and learn more about making connections within the Rockford College community.  First-year students will meet with their first-year advisor and orientation leaders. Transfer students will meet with a faculty and staff member along with orientation leaders.

The RC Mentor Connections program continues after orientation to provide support in a variety of ways. Thursday Lunch Connections – every Thursday for four weeks from 12:00–1:00 p.m. The mentor groups get together to receive important updates, talk about pertinent topics and discuss questions that have arisen. Lunch is provided.