College Readiness & Learner Supports
Library
(815) 921-4600
Located: Educational Resource Center (ERC) - 1st & 2nd Floor
Website: Estelle M. Black Library
Resources of over 90,000 book volumes, thousands of periodical titles both in print and online, access to the materials of an additional 88 Illinois academic libraries, and services of dedicated information specialists – all strengthen the mission of Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College in service to the information needs of students, faculty, staff and community members of the college district.
The Library facility provides space for individual and group study. Services to students are focused on circulation of materials and instruction in the use of the online catalog and electronic databases as well as support for locating and using all resources within the collection and library, including the librarians.
The Library makes available to the college community platforms that include research discovery, video, and streaming services. Our spaces include the RVC Writing Center, 6 private study rooms, the Children’s Collection, Honorlock examination workspaces to accommodate students taking online exams that require a quiet space, an Assistive Technology Lab and Audiovisual Viewing Room, and two media recording studios. The Library also offers 27 computers in various locations for student and community use, scanning workstations, and printing. In addition, the Library provides course reserves, Interlibrary Loan service and a calculator loan program available for students in need who are actively taking Mathematics courses for the semester.
For more information, contact the Library:
• Reference Desk/Research Help (815) 921-4619
– Email: RVC-LibRef@RockValleyCollege.edu
• Circulation Desk & call-in Renewals (815) 921-4615
– Email: RVC-Library@RockValleyCollege.edu
• Interlibrary Loan (815) 921-4607
Testing Center
815) 921-2380
Located: Stenstrom Student Center - Ground Floor
Website: Testing Center
The Testing Center (Main Campus) is the central location for the professional administration of testing programs and services for students and community residents. Services include placement testing, make-up exams, exams for online/hybrid courses, and testing accommodations for students with disabilities. Specialized test administration includes College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Certified Nursing Assistant State Exam (CNA), Federal Aviation Administration Exam (FAA), and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT).
Community residents enrolled in post-secondary, distance/online programs at other institutions may also complete their course exams in the Testing Center.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Center
(815) 921-2370
Located: Inside the Estelle M. Black Library, 1st Floor
Website: RVC Tutoring Center
Email: RVC-Tutoring@RockValleyCollege.edu
The Tutoring Center supports the academic development of RVC students through free peer-to-peer tutoring.
Appointments are encouraged, but drop-in times are available for some classes. Sessions are 50 minutes and start on the hour. Students should bring their textbooks and class notes to the session.
Writing Center
(815) 921-2370
Located: Inside the Estelle M. Black Library, 1st Floor
Website: RVC Writing Center
Email: RVC-WritingCenter@RockValleyCollege.edu
Writing coaches provide free individual sessions to help RVC students understand and prepare writing assignments. Help is provided in planning, developing and organizing ideas, composing, revising, editing, and citing sources.
Appointments are encouraged, but drop-in times are available. Sessions are 30 minutes. Students should bring their assignment and grading rubric (if provided) to the session.
Math Lab
Located: Jacobs Center for Science & Math (JCSM) – Ground Floor, Room 0210
Website: RVC Math Lab
Email: RVC-Tutoring@RockValleyCollege.edu
The Math Lab is staffed by instructors and tutors to help all RVC students with free drop-in tutoring, in-lab use of graphing calculators, computers to use for online math homework, and other math resources.
Hours change each semester.
Check the current schedule on door and on the Math Lab website.
Science Resource Room
(815) 921-1167
Located: Jacobs Center for Science & Math (JCSM), First Floor, Room 1011
Website: RVC Science Resource Room
Open Hours: Hours change each semester; current schedule is posted on door; also open by appointment.
Manager: Lisa Strong | (815) 921-3454
The Science Resource Room is a place to study biology, chemistry, and other sciences by yourself or in small groups. Textbooks, computers and limited lab materials are available for use by Science students. Science faculty or peer tutors may be available.
Adult Education
(815) 921-2000
Rock Valley College Downtown (RVCD)
99 E. State Street, second floor (in the Iconic building)
Website: RVC Adult Education
Email: RVC-AdultEducation@RockValleyCollege.edu
Whether students want to earn the Illinois High School Diploma, polish basic skills to prepare for a career, or improve English-language skills, Rock Valley College’s Adult Education program is here to help students succeed. Programs are offered at no cost and will position students for success, regardless of academic experience level.
Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABE/ASE)
Assists students in strengthening reading, writing, and math skills while preparing them to successfully achieve the Illinois High School Diploma, prepare for transitioning to college certificate and degree programs, and develop career readiness skills.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Students improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classes range from providing basic language skills for beginners to helping advanced students prepare for higher education, further training, or a career.
Adult Education Bridge Programs
– Bridge to Careers
– Bridge to Manufacturing
– Bridge to Healthcare
– Academic ESL Bridge to College and Careers
Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS)
Students can develop college academic skills, pursue the Illinois High School Diploma, and succeed in RVC certificate programs. ICAPS provides free academic support and guidance while preparing students for employment in high-demand fields such as manufacturing and healthcare.
Adult and Dislocated Workers Program
Services designed to meet the workforce needs of area businesses and get workers back to work as quickly as possible. The Adult and Dislocated Workers Program helps employers through customized training programs and an incentive-based on-the-job training program. Unemployed workers can benefit from: workshops, career planning and counseling, job search training and referrals, and on-the-job training with local employers.
Refugee and Immigrant Services
(815) 921-2270
Located: Rock Valley College Downtown (RVCD)
99 E. State Street, 2nd floor (in the Iconic building)
Website: RVC Refugee and Immigrant Services
We offer wide-ranging services geared towards helping refugees and immigrants in our community achieve meaningful self-sufficiency. This is done through three programs:
Refugee Social Services: provides employment and case management services to some of our newest community members during their first five years in the United States. Also includes a targeted program to meet the unique needs of those 60 years and older including a slow-paced, low English level citizenship preparation class.
New Americans Initiative: assists those who are eligible for U.S. citizenship in the completion of the form N-400 as well as applying for citizenship certificates for the children of naturalized citizens. Also offers DACA application renewal form preparation and 10-week classes to help eligible persons prepare for the citizenship test and interview.
Illinois Welcoming Center: assists any limited English proficient person in navigating and adjusting to our community. Frequent services include job search assistance, immigration needs, targeted case management and more. The staff is well-versed on local resources to connect participants to as well.