Rockford University

[...] Kappa chapters in Illinois, the most respected honor society among U.S universities.

Some of Rockford Universities famous alumni are Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jane Adams, also known as “the mother of social work” and the first American woman to be awarded with the prestigious recognition; American artist, poet and author of many children’s books Barbara Santucci; former member of the Illinois House of Representatives Sandy Cole; and Mark Pedowitz, current president of The CW Television Network, just to name a few.

For international students, Rockford University is a strategically located university, just 90 miles away from the exiting city of Chicago. When looking to study in America, location is a very important factor; being situated in or close to a big city is always a plus, and this is Rockford’s case.

With a faculty ratio of 11:1, students are guaranteed a personalized education in Rockford University, something that benefits those studying abroad. Since 1847, Rockford graduates have made their mark all around the globe. Way more than preparing students to just do something, Rockford empowers graduates to set their minds to accomplish anything. That empowerment starts right on campus. With a vast list of academic opportunities, practical experiences and global perspectives, Rockford University students flourish in an inclusive community where they can do anything they set their minds to.

International students should know that Rockford takes diversity and inclusion very seriously, with more than 150 international students currently enrolled and around 25 countries represented, including students from China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea, Mexico and others. Studying abroad can be an intimidating experience at the beginning but knowing that you will be sharing the same experience with other international students is reassuring and could give you a little peace of mind.

Also, getting to know the history behind the university you are about to enroll in, especially when studying abroad, is crucial and can give you a sense of belonging.

In 1847, during one of the great college-building eras in American history, Rockford Female Seminary was chartered by the Illinois legislature. The citizens of Rockford (population 2,500) pledged $3,500 to erect a building for the ambitious enterprise.
The first classes were held in the old downtown courthouse but not long after, the seminary moved to its own campus between the Rock River and Seminary Street, a beautiful location. More than 100 years later, around the mid-1960s, the College moved to what it presently is at the eastern edge of the city.

From inception, the University has been an educational innovator. In the 1840s, when Americans still didn’t respect or value women’s education, the university made the “bold” decision to improve the curriculum for the women’s seminary and raise it to the level of the men’s curriculum. Not for nothing, Rockford University was home to a female Nobel Peace Prize, the first American woman to get it, for her efforts in social work. In 1882, the Femal Seminary at Rockford approved its first bachelor’s degrees including that of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Jane Addams. In 1892, the women’s Seminary became Rockford College® and In 2013, Rockford College® became Rockford University.

The University was involved early in the growth of adult education, offering the first courses in the area in 1919. Then in 1952, responding to a communal necessity, the Center for Learning Strategies opened to help young people and adults improve their academic abilities. Men were first admitted to classes during World War II, when Rockford College® offered supportive educational programs along with the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Rockford Universities’ mission is to educate both men and women to lead responsible and productive lives by means of a curriculum based in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experience. Through the academic and co-curricular experience, Rockford endeavors to prepare students for rewarding lives, careers, and participation in a contemporary and changing universal society.

The university has an enrollment of 924 full-time undergraduates; 68 full-time international undergraduate students plus 10 international graduate students and 18 ESL students for a total of 1,260 students as of Fall 2017. The International student population represents around 20 countries and 96 students as of the past Fall. Although it’s a small university in population, it’s campus and degree listings are broad. The majority of universities in America offer big classes in attendance, but Rockford’s approach is more personalized with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

The university has a faculty of 77 full-time members, all prepared to teach both local students and those studying abroad. The international student population can rest assure that all professors and staff are qualified to guide and understand the challenges of studying in the U.S. Studying abroad can get complicated when the students don’t find the right guidance, but in Rockford university leading international students to success is a priority.

Rockford University is a proud member of the Phi Beta Kappa, as one of 11 colleges in Illinois and 286 within U.S universities with a chapter. Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious liberal arts academic honor society and one of the highlights of the university.

The school’s intercultural engagement is another proud aspect of Rockford University with more than 30 intercultural events sponsored annually and held in campus or lead by faculty or students in the community. This allows students from different backgrounds to socialize, network and build a sense of belonging in an inclusive environment.

As of recognitions and rankings, Rockford is also on top of the game in the region. The university has been named “Best in the Midwest” by the prestigious Princeton Review. Also, it has been ranked Best Regional University: Midwest Tier One 2018 by the US News & World Report. It has been named consecutively since 2008 to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and one of 28 colleges and universities nationwide that participates in a program led by The Library of Congress to promote and train primary and secondary education teachers on how to teach using “Primary Sources”.

Rockford also boasts 20 partnership agreements with universities worldwide which allows students to expand their career goals and opportunities.

As of athletics and extracurricular activities, Rockford offers an interesting list of opportunities to participate. Universities in America are really big on this type of activities, promoting the development of other skills besides the academic ones. Half a dozen sports belong to the NCAA Division III athletics including Men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, track & field; and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball.

Moreover, approximately 25 student-run clubs and organizations are available to both local and those studying abroad, offering a variety of activities, hobbies, social involvement happenings, and others. There is an 18-hole Disc Golf course available to students, among other recreational amenities.

Every year, Rockford students obtain more than $10 million in scholarships, grants, and other financial aid assistance. Within that amount, $2 million is provided annually in institutional scholarship aid to students who graduate from local school districts.

More than 80 majors, minors and concentrations are offered in Rockford University, more than enough options for students planning to study in America. Choosing the right path when studying abroad is crucial, and EduBookings will help you find the right fit for your educational goals.

Among the degrees offered are bachelor’s degrees in several disciplines, including arts, sciences, fine arts, management studies and nursing. Also, Master’s degrees in business and in education are offered.

Choosing the right career can define your future and that is why Rockford University in partnership with EduBookings wants you to do it the right way. Applying to the university can be a very hectic process, especially when the barrier language is an impediment. A group of professionals are available at EduBookings to help you find the right program for your studies abroad, and if you are interested in studying in Rockford University, we will help you with the entire admissions process. The university is also prepared to help you during the first steps of your chosen program, all the way to the end of it; and ready to make you feel at home at all times.

Rockford University invites you to come and see for yourself what their 150-acre park-like campus is like in person. For many of their students, it’s their home away from home. Check out their trails, wildlife, and custom disc golf course, and get to know your future campus better.

There’s also plenty to do off-campus with the city of Rockford’s many restaurants, coffeehouses, shopping, recreational facilities, parks, galleries, museums, and much more. Being the third largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, the 171st most populated city in the United States, the largest city in Illinois outside the Chicago metropolitan area, and the city of the 148th most populous metropolitan area in the United States. Rockford is located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois.

The region is often considered as an outdoor destination, a big attraction to domestic and international students. Rock Cut State Park is located to the northeast of the city. Once home to various Scots, Canadians, and New Englanders, as well as a railroad line to Kenosha, the park’s 3,092 acres are now used for hiking, fishing, boating camping and hunting. Also, the Anderson Japanese Gardens, molded after the Portland Japanese Garden and landscaped by the renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu, is 10 acres in size and boasts a teahouse and guesthouse in the sukiya-zukuri style. The commissioner of the gardens, John Anderson, was awarded with a commemorative silver cup by Japan for his efforts in the mutual understanding of cultures in 1992; he then donated the gardens to a nonprofit organization in 1998. Also, open to everyone is the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, with 155 acres in size and famous for its selection of both indigenous and foreign plant species.

Planning to study abroad in the U.S and interested in attending Rockford University? EduBookings can help you with the admission process. Contact us today.